With budgets always under pressure and cashflow to think about, choosing second-hand equipment for your kitchen can often feel like the sensible option. But when reliability, efficiency and hygiene also matter, brand-new equipment can prove to be the better decision in the long run.
In this guide, we look at why choosing new equipment can help bring safer, more versatile features, stronger energy performance and reduced running costs into your kitchen.
Not to mention access to manufacturer support and rental agreements that spread the cost of ownership and give you extra peace of mind.
Improved energy efficiency
Thanks to advances in technology and materials, the latest catering equipment uses far less energy, making it possible for you to cut utility bills while shrinking your carbon footprint.
The latest generation of commercial ovens, fryers and griddles also cook quality meals in less time, so they don’t have to work as intensively. Our JLA combi oven’s steam function, for example, delivers faster cooking than a conventional oven, for lower energy use every time it’s on.
Better insulation also plays a big role. Fresh seals on ovens, fridges and freezers help retain heat or cold air, easing strain on equipment. JLA’s Active Cool fridges use airtight doors to prevent energy loss, while our combi ovens also feature triple glazing to minimise heat waste.
Improved fans, motors and heating elements also draw less power without sacrificing any performance. And with so many appliances now featuring built-in eco modes and intelligent presets, it’s easier than ever to achieve consistent results without any compromise.
Reliability you can count on
Most second-hand catering equipment is likely to have seen many years of use, which means critical components may be worn, in need of servicing, or even expensive replacement. As it’s not always clear how intensively a piece of kit has been used, it’s also difficult to know whether there are any re-occurring errors or faults to manage.
New machines, on the other hand, will arrive with zero wear, reducing the likelihood of disruptive breakdowns while ensuring worry-free performance from the get-go.
Better, faster access to parts
Manufacturer parts and technical support are readily available for newer and current equipment models. For older equipment, sourcing parts can become difficult and expensive, leading to longer downtimes and more costly servicing.
More intuitive features
Modern commercial kitchen equipment comes with handy digital features that should make life a lot easier for busy catering teams. These might include clearer digital displays, pre-programmable settings and smart sensors, all of which can lead to greater consistency with less effort.
JLA’s latest generation of combi ovens come with MagicPilot (AutoChef) – a simple touch-and-slide control that allows you to ‘cook by category’ or choose from up to 350 pre-set cooking programmes with intuitive swipe gestures that feel as though they’ve come straight from a smartphone.
All-inclusive rental packages
While it’s not always the obvious option, renting brand-new commercial catering equipment is actually one of the most cost-effective ways to upgrade your kitchen without having to take on the financial strain of upfront costs.
Instead of investing large upfront sums in one-off purchases, or settling for second-hand solutions, renting gives you instant access to high-performance commercial kitchen appliances that can keep your organisation competitive – and efficient.
Many modern rental agreements, including JLA’s unique, all-inclusive package, Total Care, include free installation, breakdown support and inclusive service and repairs for a single, predictable monthly payment. JLA also has 450 engineers based all around the UK, which means we’re ready to handle repairs and servicing whenever it’s needed.
To find out more about JLA catering equipment, contact us today.