A commercial fridge is an expensive piece of equipment that you have to buy when you’re starting a food business, like a restaurant. Luckily, you got one cost-effective solution to save on cost—buying a second hand commercial fridge for sale.
However, remember that you’ll be buying a unit that has already been used, so you need to make sure that it’s in good condition. The last thing you want is to end up with a faulty or unreliable fridge. But don’t worry, because we will show you how to score the best deal on this important appliance for your business.
5 Key Considerations When Buying a Used Commercial Fridge for Sale
When shopping for a used commercial fridge for sale, there are essential things that you need to consider to ensure you still get a reliable unit at a fraction of the cost.
1. Condition of the Fridge
The most important thing to check when buying a pre-owned pre-owned commercial refrigerator is its condition. This means that you have to carry out a thorough inspection of the unit.
When inspecting a commercial refrigerator, you can start by looking at its overall appearance. Are there any dents, scratches, rust, or other signs of wear and tear? It’s also important to check if the door properly seals when it is closed. Poorly sealed doors can lead to energy wastage and higher utility bills.
You should also open the fridge and then inspect its interior. Check if the components and parts are working properly, and if the shelves and drawers are all intact.
It’s also a good idea to switch the fridge on for a few minutes to see if it runs properly. If you notice the unit producing strange noises or other troubling signs, then it’s best to look for another option.
2. Age of the Fridge
The age of a second-hand industrial refrigerator will give you an idea of its life expectancy. Generally speaking, the older a unit is, the less reliable it will be.
Most commercial refrigerators last for up to 8-10 years before they need to be replaced or undergo major repairs. However, if you can find one that has been well maintained and regularly serviced, then it could potentially serve you longer than this.
Now, how do you know how old a fridge is? You can usually find this information in the serial number or model name of the unit. You can ask for assistance from the supplier to know this information.
3. Brand
Like most products, a commercial freezer for sale that carries a reputable brand name will usually perform better than its generic counterparts. If you’re looking for a reliable pre-owned unit, then it would be best to stick with well-known brands.
Buying a well-known brand also means that you’ll not have any problem looking for service centres in case you need to have your fridge looked at in the future.
4. Selling Price
Whether you’re buying a second-hand restaurant fridge or a walk-in cooler, the selling price should be taken into consideration. So, look around and compare the prices of different units until you find the best deal.
If the seller is willing to negotiate, then do not hesitate to make an offer. A lower price means more savings for your business, so take advantage of this opportunity whenever it arises.
5. Existing Warranty
A good used commercial cooler or refrigerator to buy is one that still has a valid warranty. This is important as it can help you cover the cost of any repairs or replacements that might be required down the line.
Where to Buy a Pre-Owned Commercial Refrigerator
The best place to buy a second hand commercial fridge for sale is a company with a solid reputation for selling quality refrigeration units for businesses. They should have a wide array of choices available and be able to provide you with a guarantee to back up their products.
You should also look for a supplier that’s registered by the government and have a good track record when it comes to customer service. A good example of this company is one that has the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) licence. This means that all their products are compliant with the safety guidelines and regulations set forth in Australia.
Understanding a Used Commercial Fridge’s Energy Efficiency
Commercial refrigerators come with Energy Rating labels that tell you how energy efficient they are. The higher the rating is, the more efficient the appliance is in terms of energy consumption.
For your business, it’s best to find a commercial fridge with an energy rating of at least 3 stars. This will help you save on energy costs in the long run.
Wrapping Up
Starting a food business comes with considerable costs, but you can definitely enjoy some savings by purchasing a second hand commercial fridge for sale. Just remember to check the condition of the unit before making your purchase and look for a reputable seller who can offer you a valid warranty for the product.
For more tips that you can use to make the right decisions for your business, you can check out our blog!
