Used Refrigeration Equipment - To Buy Or Not To Buy?

Buying and installing the right refrigeration equipment isand if you happen to fall in need of such a
of paramount importance to any restaurant or culinaryreplacement, you can have a very hard time finding it.
organization. There are many different kinds ofWith new refrigeration equipment, this is never a
refrigeration equipment available these days and oneproblem. Most parts are readily available.
needs to select the right one, based on anWhat’s more, your new equipment will also be
understanding of the specific needs and requirements.covered under a replacement warranty. So, you
And of course, one also needs to keep an eye on thedon’t need to pay anything to the technician if
budget too.your cooler suddenly starts to malfunction while within
It is a common practice to seek old and usedthe warranty period. Remember, new commercial
refrigeration equipment in order to save costs. Whilerefrigerators and freezers come with warranties on all
buying used kitchen equipment sometimes makestheir components and extended warranties for all
sense, especially if you are buying cooking equipment,compressors. With old refrigeration equipment, the
refrigeration equipment are a different ballgame. Theyonus of carrying out all repairs lies solely upon you.
are more complex in nature, with compressors,The compressor, which is at the heart of all
condensers, evaporators and many wires. It is veryrefrigeration equipment, is a very tricky customer when
difficult to assess the amount of life left in them whenit comes to assessing its health. Let me explain.
you’re buying them.There’s virtually no easy way of determining
A piece of refrigeration equipment may look perfecthow long a compressor will last after it has run for
from the outside and may even give the appearancesome years. You should thank your lucky stars if you
of having been sparingly used. However, it may afind that the compressor on a piece of old refrigeration
completely different story inside. Who knows, yourequipment that you’ve purchased lasts for
newly purchased second-hand cooler may fall in needanother 10 years before finally giving up on you.
of major repairs just weeks after you bring it into yourIn most cases, it’s the opposite that happens.
kitchen. There’s little economy in that. So, whySecond hand refrigeration equipment are usually found
bother?to have very short life and fall in need of repairs soon
Old refrigeration equipment also pose another problem.enough. So why ask for all those hassles? Insist on
It’s the unavailability of spare parts when abuying new machinery and enjoy uninterrupted service
repair or replacement becomes necessary. Somefor a long time.
parts belonging to old models may get discontinued