If you want to be effective at both minimizing upfront costs and making the right decisions for the long run cost efficiency of your restaurant, you need to know which equipment to buy new and which to buy used.
The bottom line is this: Some types of restaurant equipment are okay to buy used, but not all types. For certain types of commercial kitchen equipment, you must purchase new.
Drawing from the experiences of restaurant owners we have worked with, we will break down the pros and cons of buying used restaurant equipment, and help you identify which items are safer to buy second-hand, and which must be bought new.
Best Types of Kitchen Equipment to Buy Used
Not all equipment carries the same risk when bought used. If you are going to buy used restaurant equipment, go for equipment like prep tables, shelves, and storage racks, as these have no motors, compressors, or heating elements.
Stainless steel kitchen equipment is also safer if you buy it used. It does not rust quickly and can withstand heavy use. Go for steel worktables, industrial pots and pans, and metal dish tables.
Here are a few things that are generally safe to buy used:
| Equipment | Why It’s Safe to Buy Used |
| Stainless steel prep tables | No moving parts; easy to clean and inspect |
| Commercial sinks and dish tables | Very durable; unlikely to fail |
| Shelving units (metal or wire) | Simple structure; easy to sanitize |
| Mixers and slicers (Hobart, Globe, etc.) | Reliable if maintained; look for service records |
| Pots, pans, utensils, and racks | As long as they're clean and not damaged |
Kitchen Equipment to Avoid Buying Used
For restaurant equipment that has motors, compressors, and/or heating elements, it is not advisable to buy them used. This includes all kitchen equipment like commercial refrigerators or deep fryers that come in contact with food and water regularly, and/or contain digital controls or electronics.
Restaurant Kitchen Equipment to Avoid Buying Used
| Equipment | Why You Should Avoid Buying Used |
| Refrigerators and freezers | Compressor issues can be expensive and hard to spot |
| Ice machines | Prone to mold, scaling, and costly breakdowns |
| Dishwashers | Often heavily used; repairs can be costly |
| Small countertop appliances | Often, cheap enough new ones are near the end of their lives |
Avoid buying these used unless you’re getting a professional inspection and a solid return policy.
How to Shop Smart for Used Restaurant Equipment
If you decide to go the used route, here’s how to do it wisely:
- Look for NSF and UL Certification. These markings show the item is safe for commercial kitchen use.
- If the seller can provide records showing regular cleanings, oil changes (for fryers or mixers), or part replacements, that’s a great sign.
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Inspect in person or hire a technician. Bring a technician or someone familiar with commercial equipment.
Test before you buy. Ask the seller to plug in or power on the equipment. Don’t just assume it works.
How to Shop For Affordable New Kitchen Equipment
When it comes to items like commercial refrigerators, commercial freezers, commercial convection ovens, and many others, it is always advisable to buy new rather than used.
Moreover, it is possible to find affordable commercial kitchen equipment and acquire it for a price that does not break the bank.
Follow these tips:
- Choose an affordable brand. Some brands pride themselves on being affordable and providing support for business owners just starting out.
- Buy in bulk. Save up, plan diligently, and make all your purchases at once. That way, you can benefit from combos that bring down the price when you buy a variety of items.
- Wait for a Sale. Some commercial kitchen brands offer generous sales programs at different times of year, sometimes up to 30% off.
Wilpreps Commercial Refrigerators On Sale Now!
Wilprep is offering a variety of high-quality brand brand-new kitchen refrigeration equipment that you can get without breaking the bank.
Here are some commercial refrigeration equipment items on sale from Wilprep right now:
Commercial Reach-in Refrigerators and Freezers (up to 25% off)
Wilpreps reach-in commercial refrigerators and freezers come in different sizes, with formidable Embraco compressors and copper evaporators to maintain a stable and effective temperature of 32-50℉. They are large, spacious, and come with safety and quality certification from ETL, ETL Sanitation, and DOE.
The Commercial Freezers come with Cubigel compressors and copper evaporators to ensure fast and stable freezing between -11 to 14°F. You also get adjustable shelves and LED lights for visibility.
Wilprep display refrigerators( Up to 28% off)
With models ranging from 22 -74 cubic feet, Wilprep Commercial Display Refrigerators provide ample space, adjustable shelves for attractive display, and customizable lightboxes to give your products a little pop.
Each of these display refrigerators has been tested by Intertek and meets the applicable requirements of Energy Star and CEC. They also come with certification from ETL, ETL Sanitation, and DOE.
More Refrigerators on Sale
You can also find the following refrigeration equipment on sale up to 15%
- Open-air Merchandisers
- Prep Tables
- Commercial Chef Bases, etch
The Risks of Buying Used Equipment
The first major risk of buying used kitchen equipment is that there is no warranty for the products. If something breaks two weeks after you install it, you’re responsible for the repair or replacement cost.
Restaurant owners we work with have reported having ended up spending more on repairs than it would have cost to get a new item. When your commercial refrigerator starts breaking down, it almost always goes downhill from there.
If you can find one of these dealers that offer short-term warranties (30 to 90 days), that's much better, but you still have to think carefully about this risk.
1. Unseen Wear and Tear
The second, and equally prominent, risk of buying used kitchen equipment is the risk of unseen wear and tear. There are many potential problems with used kitchen equipment that you might not be able to spot even upon close inspection.
- Worn-out compressors (in fridges/freezers)
- Faulty heating elements (in ovens or fryers)
- Cracked gaskets or seals
- Rust or scale buildup in water-fed appliances
Without inspecting it closely—or having a technician do it—you could end up buying something that fails under pressure.
3. Outdated or Non-Compliant Models
It is highly advised to stay away from any model of kitchen equipment that is more than 10-15 years old. Very often, such older equipment does not meet modern fire, electrical, or health codes.
First of all, these will put you in trouble with your local health inspector or fire marshal, and also, they are more expensive to upgrade than to buy new units.
4. Shorter Remaining Lifespan
For any kitchen equipment that uses a motor, compressor, or electronics, it is better to buy new than buy used.
These are less likely to still be running well after years in service, and they will certainly have fewer years left by the time you get them.
That means more frequent replacements or maintenance, and eventually, breaking down.
Other Commercial Kitchen Equipment ( Up to 38% off)
Wilpreps' sale is also covering all the following types of kitchen equipment:
- Restaurant equipment: commercial ovens, gas ranges, deep fryers, commercial griddles, etc.
- Preparation equipment: meat grinders, food mixers, food warmers, commercial blenders, etc.
- Cooler Machines: ice makers, ice cream machines, and slushy machines)
Click here to get a deal!
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Used?
Buying used restaurant equipment is a smart move when done correctly. You can save thousands of dollars and still get reliable, heavy-duty gear that meets your kitchen’s demands.
- But it's not without risk. Be selective, ask the right questions, and don’t cut corners on inspections.
- If you’re just starting, consider mixing new and used equipment: Buy new for critical items like refrigeration, and used for prep tables and ovens.
For your commercial refrigerators and freezers, you can always trust Wilprep Kitchen. You might be interested in this essential fast-food restaurant equipment list.
