Purchasing Second-hand Kitchen Equipment Or Bidding At Auctions? Everything You Need To Know

Are you looking to set up or upgrade your kitchen, but you’re hesitant due to the cost of brand-new equipment? You’re not alone.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of purchasing second-hand equipment, provide a comprehensive checklist to help you make an informed purchase, and share a list of companies and auction houses where you can find great deals.

• Kitchen equipment list & costs 
• Brand new, second-hand or auction? 
• Buyers’ checklist for second-hand equipment 
• Where to purchase cost-saving kitchen equipment & tools

Kitchen equipment list & costs

Before we dive into where and how to buy second-hand kitchen equipment, let’s take a look at a few examples of equipment and tools used in most kitchens and their range of retail prices

• Range/oven – between $2,000 and $12,000 
• Fryer – between $500 and $4,000 
• Grill – between $1,000 and $8,000 
• Refrigerator – between $500 and $6,000 
• Freezer – between $500 and $6,000 
• Walk-in cooler – between $6,000 and $15,000 
• Slicer – between $300 and $2,000 
• Mixer – between $400 and $3,000 
• Dishwasher – between $3,000 and $10,000 
• Shelving – between $100 and $500 

Brand-new, second-hand or auction?

Cost, clearly, is the biggest motivator and deterrent when deciding to purchase restaurant equipment. There are, however, other areas of consideration that are often looked past when deciding between brand-new or second-hand equipment.

Brand-new equipment

Purchasing brand-new kitchen equipment guarantees pristine condition, is less likely to break down and, in the event that it does, usually comes with warranties and after-sales support. But that often comes with a hefty price tag – a challenging investment for new or small businesses. This is the primary reason why we turn to second-hand equipment and bidding at auctions.

Second-hand equipment

The primary concern with second-hand equipment is the risk of frequent maintenance with limited to no warranty. This is countered with a lower price, at times a much lower price point, than new equipment. However, there are other benefits to purchasing second-hand equipment as well.

• Immediate availability: Used equipment is often readily available, cutting down on ordering under-stocked models and scheduled delivery time.
• More options: With second-hand equipment, you can purchase older models that have been discontinued by the manufacturer but have features that are perfectly suited to your requirements 
• Proven durability: Used equipment, that has been well-maintained, has a proven track record of durability. This can be a smart investment, as it may continue to perform well for years to come.
• Negotiation power: In a second-hand market, there is often more room for negotiation than in the purchase of new equipment.
• Sustainability: By purchasing used equipment, you are contributing to the effort of reducing waste by giving new life to equipment that might otherwise end up in a landfill

Auctioned equipment

Auction houses sell both brand-new and second-hand restaurant kitchen equipment. The equipment sold in auctions can come from a variety of sources, including surplus stock, discontinued models, restaurant closures, or liquidations. 

The downside?

In addition to limited products, auction prices can be unpredictable so it’s always recommended to set a budget beforehand to avoid overspending. It’s also difficult to assess the quality and condition of the equipment, so it’s important to exercise caution and do due diligence before making any purchases.

Which takes us to the next section – what should you check or ask yourself before purchasing auctioned and second-hand equipment? 

Buyers’ checklist for auctioned & second-hand equipment

Before making a purchase, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure you’re getting a good deal. Here is a checklist of key questions to ask before buying all types of second-hand kitchen equipment.

History

• How old is the equipment?
• How many previous owners has it had?
• Has it undergone any repairs or maintenance?
• Was it properly cleaned and maintained by the previous owner?

Condition

• Is the equipment in good working condition?
• Does it have any visible signs of wear and tear?
• Are there any leaks, cracks, or dents in the equipment?
• Are all the parts and accessories included?

Capacity

• Does the equipment have the capacity to meet the restaurant’s needs?
• How many servings can it produce per hour?
• What is the maximum quantity it can handle?
• Is the size of the equipment suitable for the restaurant’s kitchen space?

Energy efficiency

• What is the equipment’s energy consumption rate?
• Does it have an Energy Star rating?
• Will it increase the restaurant’s energy bills significantly?

Certifications and safety features

• Does it have and require certification? 
• Does it have the necessary safety features, such as automatic shut-off or fire suppression systems?

Maintenance and repair 

• Is there a service record for the equipment?
• What is the cost of maintenance and repair for the equipment?
• Is there a warranty or guarantee for the equipment?
• Are the equipment’s spare parts readily available? 

Total cost of ownership

• What is the purchase price of the equipment?
• What is the cost for installation, delivery and setup?
• What are the ongoing costs of maintenance and repair?
• Will it be more cost-effective to buy new equipment instead of second-hand?

Kitchen workflow

• Will the equipment complement and fit seamlessly into the existing kitchen workflow?
• Will it require additional training for the kitchen staff?
• Will it improve the kitchen’s efficiency and productivity?

Resale value

• What is the estimated resale value of the equipment after a certain period?
• Will the equipment retain its value over time?
• Will it be easy to resell the equipment when it is no longer needed?

Buying second-hand kitchen equipment can be a great way to save money while still ensuring that their kitchens are equipped with high-quality equipment. However, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that the equipment is in good working condition, energy-efficient, and has the necessary certifications and safety features. By answering the questions on this checklist, you can be more confident in your purchasing decision.

Where to purchase cost-saving kitchen equipment & tools

Below are some places to find second-hand equipment, equipment of sale or options to lease or rent brand-new equipment.

Silverchef

Silverchef is one of the biggest commercial kitchen equipment suppliers. They cater to a host of hospitality businesses, from bakeries to breweries, and have a range of financial options such as renting, leasing or buying used equipment, that is fully refurbished and comes with a warranty. 

Gray Australia

Grays is an online auction site where you can find second-hand kitchen equipment. They have a wide range of equipment and users have the option to filter by location and/or condition of the equipment. 

Federal Hospitality Equipment (F.E.D.)

F.E.D. is a large importer of commercial food equipment, including catering. They have showrooms and warehouses across Australia and New Zealand. Their website often features clearance sales for specific cities where you can land deals with up to 50% off.   

Matty’s Catering Equipment

Matty’s Equipment specialises in commercial fridges, freezers, ovens, cake display fridges & pass-through dishwashers. They also sell used equipment that can be filtered by category, price range and brand. 

AGC Catering Equipment

AGC is a large Sydney-based showroom housing new and pre-owned equipment and kitchenware. They regularly update their clearance sales, showcasing unboxed equipment. Bonus, they also have technicians and licensed sub-contractors to provide support with repairs and installation if needed. 

Prestige Products

Prestige Products is an online supplier. While they don’t sell pre-owned equipment, you can still find commercial kitchen equipment, products and services at a discounted wholesale price.

National Kitchen Equipment

National Kitchen Equipment sells both new and used commercial kitchen equipment, including ex-showroom stock, where you can get new equipment for nearly half the price. They also feature their best sellers and seasonal deals and sales. 

Restaurant Equipment Online

Restaurant Equipment Online is an online store with a wide range of equipment and even furniture. They regularly update their clearance and used equipment page, featuring a variety of equipment with great filtering capabilities. Users can filter the equipment by brand, size, price and duration of the warranty. 

Auction Houses

While auctions are less dependable and rely on fortuitous timing, if you do spot the right deal, it could lead to a lot of cost savings.

• BND Auctions is an auction house that is dedicated strictly to restaurant equipment, while Lloyds offers a variety of products including a category for Catering & Hospitality.
• Auction Finder is another great resource that functions like a search tool. It pools search results for the product/category that you’ve searched for from various auction houses with the respective links.

Online Marketplaces

Finally, let’s not forget our classics like eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree.

These popular online marketplaces are another avenue to explore second-hand equipment. It’s not always guaranteed but at times you can find a range of equipment. You can browse through different categories (such as ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers) and also filter your results by location, price and condition.

Buying second-hand equipment or bidding for equipment at auctions can be a great way to save money. However, it is important to do your research to ensure that you are getting a good deal. 

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