Why Buying Commercial is Essential

When equipping a professional kitchen that caters for the public, purchasing commercial equipment should be a no-brainer – right? According to some businesses this isn’t the case. Heavy use, maximum efficiency and consistent quality results are what commercial products are designed and manufactured to deliver, so why would a business serious about success choose anything different?

This is exactly what distributors are deliberating as they still constantly discover domestic pieces in the commercial kitchens that they are asked to service. Although the practice isn’t illegal, domestic appliances just don’t belong in a commercial kitchen and aren’t designed for the demands of a professional environment. It’s pretty much like using a chocolate teapot to serve beverages or cutting a prime steak with plastic cutlery – able to perform for a short time although not able to withstand the intensity for a long period. You wouldn’t use a standard lawnmower to cut the grass at Wembley and the same principles apply here.

Particularly popular in smaller kitchens, domestic equipment isn’t able to withstand daily heavy use and also poses very real safety issues. The possibility of accidents suffered by users is increased and food safety is severely hindered. Technical engineers have warned that many domestic items simply don’t have enough power to heat dishes to a safe temperature within an acceptable time or chill foods through the food danger zone in a recommended period. The results are insufficient care when preparing food for public consumption; an area that can be devastating for businesses.

So why would people choose domestic equipment in the first place? When setting up a business the majority of people put time and effort into the concept, the décor and the layout yet some still neglect the main engine that drives success – the kitchen equipment. OK, so domestic equipment is generally smaller and so in restricted areas this may seem like the only viable option however commercial manufacturer’s now supply appliances to suit all kitchen areas and layouts, so this can’t be used as an excuse.

Some people believe that all appliances, domestic or commercial all carry out the same job and so don’t see any problem in their choice. Yes, a refrigerator keeps items chilled and an oven cooks food whichever setting the pieces are used in however when looking at the performance levels there is a vast difference. Commercial equipment can perform the tasks they were designed to do in a shorter time and with higher quality results. It is this ignorance to differences in performance that can result in unsafe food being served and an increase in overall utility costs.

The purchase price will also be a major factor for choosing domestic over commercial. Setting up a business is an expensive game and some people choose to save a few pounds where they can. This is understandable, however shouldn’t be done on integral equipment detrimental to the service given and the health of customers. Although appliances typically found in household kitchens may have a substantial reduction in purchase cost when compared to commercial alternatives, it is the higher price tag that reflects the inbuilt superior features, enhanced efficiency, superb build quality and unrivalled safety received – areas which should be important for all catering businesses.

The majority of offenders possibly don’t realise that the standard warranty received with domestic appliances is null and void when used in a commercial setting leading to people feeling angry and disgruntled when they experience inevitable breakdowns that no-one will rectify. Insurance companies can also nullify any potential business claims on the basis that the equipment used isn’t fit for purpose. Why risk heavy financial outlay in the future to save a few pounds on the initial set-up?

For ultimate quality, enhanced food safety, increased product longevity and higher efficiency, commercial equipment should be your only choice!