Refurbished vs. New: Make the Right Choice for your Commercial Kitchen

The Big Decision for Modern Kitchens and Caterers

Upgrading your kitchen is one of the most important investments a food business can make. The equipment you buy affects everything from energy costs to staff efficiency and food quality. But here’s the big question many business owners ask: should you buy brand new equipment or choose refurbished?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your priorities, your workflow, and your long-term goals. The smartest kitchens today often use a mix of both. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each option, you can make informed choices that balance performance, cost, and sustainability.

Why New Equipment Appeals

Buying new equipment has obvious advantages. You get the latest technology, manufacturer warranties, and that fresh-from-the-factory reliability. For high-volume operations that depend on precision, a brand-new oven, blast chiller or combi unit can deliver consistent results with less risk of downtime.

New models also tend to be more energy efficient, meeting modern environmental standards and often qualifying for tax or energy incentives. For expanding or newly built facilities, new equipment can integrate seamlessly into design and compliance plans.

However, the trade-off is cost. New equipment can require large upfront investment, and some businesses find that rapid product evolution can make expensive assets feel outdated within a few years. In addition, depreciation hits hardest during the first two years, a consideration for operators with tight margins.

Why Refurbished Equipment Makes Sense

Refurbished equipment is not the same as used equipment. At Herits, refurbished means rigorously inspected, reconditioned, tested and certified for professional use. Every machine is stripped down, repaired, replaced where necessary, and performance-tested to meet or exceed original manufacturer standards. The result is equipment that performs like new but costs significantly less.

For many independent operators, refurbished catering equipment offers the best balance between performance and affordability. It allows access to high-end, commercial-grade machinery that might otherwise be out of reach. Refurbishment also supports sustainability; extending the life of durable machines and keeping valuable materials in use rather than landfill.

The value doesn’t stop at price. Refurbished equipment can often be delivered faster than new, avoiding manufacturer lead times. And with trusted suppliers like Herits, buyers still receive transparent service histories, warranties, and ongoing support.

The Financial Picture: Total Cost of Ownership

The smartest purchasing decisions look beyond the purchase price to total cost of ownership (TCO). This includes energy use, maintenance, lifespan and resale value. A slightly more expensive item with lower running costs can be a better long-term investment.

Refurbished equipment usually wins on capital savings, but new machinery can excel on efficiency and warranty coverage. The key is to calculate monthly ownership cost rather than just upfront spend. Herits provides an online TCO calculator to help business owners make that comparison in minutes.

When factoring in potential downtime, training costs and repair access, refurbished machinery from reputable suppliers often delivers stronger value over a 3-to-5-year cycle.

Sustainability and Responsibility

Sustainability isn’t just about compliance, it’s about leadership. Refurbished equipment is an active step toward a circular economy. Each machine that is refurbished rather than scrapped reduces manufacturing emissions and resource waste.

Herits partners with industry and community organisations to ensure quality food machinery continues to serve where it’s needed most. In some cases, refurbished fridges, freezers and ovens have been donated to food banks and community kitchens where safe, reliable equipment supports vital local services.

For operators committed to ESG goals, choosing refurbished machinery supports measurable sustainability outcomes without compromising quality.

When to Buy New

There are times when new equipment is the right decision. If your operation relies on highly specialised technology, integrates with automation or needs to meet specific new compliance standards, investing in new machinery ensures compatibility and long-term stability.

High-output or 24-hour operations also benefit from new warranties and service contracts that provide peace of mind. For flagship kitchens, where equipment also plays a role in brand presentation or investor confidence, new purchases may offer the best overall value.

When to Choose Refurbished

Refurbished equipment suits established operations that know their needs and prefer dependable, proven models. It is ideal for adding capacity, replacing single units or equipping new production lines without major capital expenditure. Many chefs and engineers prefer certain legacy machines for their reliability and build quality, features often lost in newer, more lightweight designs.

For small to medium-sized businesses, choosing refurbished machinery means gaining access to premium brands and higher specifications within realistic budgets. It also provides the flexibility to expand faster, adapt production and upgrade later with confidence.

How to Make the Smart Choice

When deciding between new and refurbished, assess your priorities under three categories:

1. Performance and reliability: How critical is uptime, precision or brand-new technology to your daily output?
2. Budget and cash flow: How quickly do you expect return on investment? Would spreading funds across multiple refurbished items improve efficiency across the site?
3. Sustainability and image: How important are your environmental credentials or social responsibility goals?

Herits experts use these same criteria when advising clients. The result is a solution that fits your kitchen today and scales for tomorrow.

The Herits Advantage

Herits bridges the gap between new and refurbished equipment with trusted service, professional refurbishment standards, and transparent advice. Every recommendation comes from experience. Real kitchens, real operators, real outcomes. Whether you choose new, refurbished or a blend of both, you gain a long-term partner who values your success.

For your next upgrade, think beyond buying. Think partnership. Think Herits.

Explore our latest refurbished and new commercial kitchen equipment at herits.co.uk