When it comes to keeping your food business operating at full capacity, having top-of-the-line equipment is necessary. However, any business owner will tell you that this is one of the largest investments your restaurant or café will make.
It pays to be conscientious about the equipment you choose. Fortunately, our buyers’ tips for purchasing new food service equipment will help you make the best decision for your business.
Familiarize Yourself With Building Codes
Safety is a primary concern in any business, especially those in the food industry. OSHA standards are in place to protect the staff of restaurants. Building codes help the flow of the space and reduce fire hazards. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations protect the hygiene of the food.
Before browsing food service equipment, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the regulations that apply to your area and your business. Reviewing a floor plan of your kitchen will help ensure you are meeting building codes.
Consider Your Business’s Needs
A small mom-and-pop diner will have vastly different needs than a franchise restaurant in a metropolitan area. Knowing your business’s needs will help you identify the equipment type and size best suited to your purposes.
A few questions to ask yourself as you seek to identify your business’s needs include:
- Types of food processes you’ll need (for example, baking, frying, and sautéing).
- The speed at which orders need to be completed.
- The average volume of customers per night.
- Whether you have to balance catering or curbside pickup orders.
- The amount of ingredient and meal storage you need.
Look for Logos
When you’re purchasing anything for your business, you will be looking at a variety of labels, from brand names to price tags. But a few additional labels to look for when buying equipment are labels that show that the equipment is certified through different companies for different things. For example:
- NSF International certifies that the equipment has met sanitation standards
- Ecologo certifies that equipment is environmentally friendly
- Energy Star certifies that equipment meets energy-friendly standards
- Underwriter Laboratories certifies the overall quality of the product
Check for Warranties
Nothing slows down a kitchen more than broken or damaged equipment. That’s why checking for a warranty is essential when purchasing new food service equipment. Warranties may cover the labor, parts, or even the replacement of the entire machine.
Having top-of-the-line equipment is essential to success in the food world. That’s why Jay-Hill Repair provides reliable restaurant equipment repair in NJ. That way, you can keep your new equipment running for a long time.
