How to use the Herits Equipment Scorecard and buy with confidence

Why a scorecard helps you make better decisions

Buying commercial equipment is a high-stakes decision. The wrong choice costs money, slows service, and creates risk for your team. A scorecard keeps the process honest. It turns opinion into structured judgement. It reveals trade-offs early. It gives you a simple number you can compare across options.

Jump to the Equipment Scorecard

You score ten factors from 0 to 10. The tool averages the results and converts them into a 100-point total. The scorecard view updates in real time as you move each slider. The aim is not perfection. It is a fair and repeatable judgement based on objective evidence.

A scorecard works because it forces you to look at the whole picture. Condition matters, but so do parts availability and the delivery route. You keep emotion out of the conversation, and you focus on what the unit will be like to own in the real world.

What the numbers mean

The scale is simple.

• 0 to 3 shows a serious concern that needs action or a different option
• 4 to 6 is workable but needs a plan
• 7 to 8 is a solid result with limited risk
• 9 to 10 is excellent with evidence to back it up

Your total score maps to a clear action.

• 0 to 49 needs work. Ask questions, set conditions, or walk away.
• 50 to 74 usable with caveats. Negotiate, plan remediation, and set a review date.
• 75 to 100 strong buy. Confirm logistics and proceed.

Keep your notes. Save photos, readings, and service records. Your evidence will help you defend the decision and plan maintenance.

How to score consistently

Consistency beats precision. Use the same method each time and your results will be reliable.

1. Inspect the equipment in person where possible.
2. Test it in a relevant cycle. Heat, cool, wash, mix, or pull down to temperature.
3. Confirm measurements for the delivery route, power, gas, water, and extraction.
4. Ask for service records and evidence of key part replacements.
5. Check UK parts availability and typical lead times.
6. Record each finding in your notes, then set a score.

If one factor is a genuine showstopper, stop there. A unit that cannot pass the installation route survey or meet the electrical supply is not a viable purchase without major changes.

The ten factors and how to score them

Condition and wear

What to look for: external wear, corrosion, dents, damaged seals, missing fixings, leaks, or heat stress. Open panels where it is safe to do so. Look for pitting, burnt connectors, or signs of previous overheating. Check doors, gaskets, and hinges for alignment.

How to test: power the unit. Run a relevant cycle and watch it reach and hold target performance. Use a thermometer or data logger rather than guessing. Listen for grinding, squealing, or irregular fan noise. Look for alarms or fault codes.

How to score:

• 0 to 3 if damage affects performance or safety
• 4 to 6 if cosmetic wear is present but fixable
• 7 to 8 if there are only minor marks
• 9 to 10 if the unit is clean, tight, and performing as designed

Tip: a clean condenser, fresh gaskets, and smooth door action are good signs. Evidence of recent deep cleaning without shortcuts suggests care.

Age and usage hours

What to look for: year of manufacture, total running hours if available, and duty in the previous site. Some units work hard all day. Others cover light service.

How to test: photograph the rating plate. Ask for invoices that show age and any major part replacements. For refrigeration, ask about compressor changes. For dishwashers, check for pump replacements. For combis, check descaling history.

How to score:

• 0 to 3 for very old units with heavy use and no significant replacements
• 4 to 6 for mid-life units with typical wear
• 7 to 8 for younger units or older units with key components replaced
• 9 to 10 for recent manufacture with low hours and evidence to match

Tip: an older unit with a new compressor and good records can score higher than a newer unit with no history.

Brand reputation

What to look for: reliability in the field, build quality, availability of technical support, and known failure modes. Consider the local network of engineers who work on the brand.

How to test: combine your own experience with feedback from technicians. Ask about parts lead times and common fixes. Look at the resale market to gauge how the brand holds value.

How to score:

• 0 to 3 if the brand fails often and support is thin
• 4 to 6 if results are mixed or support is patchy in your area
• 7 to 8 if there is a strong record and ready support
• 9 to 10 if the brand is proven in your sector and holds value well

Tip: a high-end brand without local cover can become a low score. Access matters.

Energy efficiency

What to look for: rated consumption, insulation quality, door seals, heat loss, idle draw, and recovery times. Efficiency affects running cost and heat load for extraction and air conditioning.

How to test: compare nameplate data, run a timed output test, and if possible, use a plug-in meter for electric loads. For refrigeration, check door seal integrity and ensure the condenser is clean. For cooking equipment, measure warm-up time and heat stability.

How to score:

• 0 to 3 if the unit is known to be inefficient or in poor thermal condition
• 4 to 6 if performance is typical for its class
• 7 to 8 if it is clearly efficient at idle and in service
• 9 to 10 if it is best in class with evidence to support the claim

Tip: small reductions in idle draw add up. Kitchens run for long hours and the base load matters.

Capacity is fit for purpose

What to look for: throughput per hour, internal volume, rack count, tray size, or basket capacity. Consider recovery time and whether the unit will keep up during peaks.

How to test: map the unit against menu flow, covers, and service patterns. If you run hard peaks, model the peak. Do not plan for the average.

How to score:

• 0 to 3 if the unit will bottleneck service or is clearly oversized
• 4 to 6 if it will work with compromises
• 7 to 8 if it fits the brief with headroom
• 9 to 10 if it matches your pattern now and allows for growth

Tip: underspec costs more than overspec in a live service. The best score is a right-sized unit with predictable recovery.

Size and footprint fit

What to look for: external dimensions, earthing and clearance requirements, door swing, service access panels, and utilities reach. Plan the delivery path from kerb to position.

How to test: complete a route survey. Measure the narrowest point, door heights, turning circles, lift capacity, steps, and floor loading. Check ventilation and power supply compliance.

How to score:

• 0 to 3 if the unit will not pass or risks the floor
• 4 to 6 if it fits but needs costly adjustments
• 7 to 8 if it fits with standard clearances
• 9 to 10 if it drops in with room to spare

Tip: measure twice. A blocked route wastes days and money. It also creates risk to property and people.

Service history and records

What to look for: routine maintenance, engineer notes, replaced components, warranty work, and water treatment where relevant. Good records reduce uncertainty.

How to test: ask for service sheets and invoices. Confirm the contractor and the interval. Look for patterns. Repeated faults in the same area are a warning.

How to score:

• 0 to 3 if records are missing or show recurring failures
• 4 to 6 if records are partial
• 7 to 8 if preventative maintenance is evident
• 9 to 10 if records are complete and show proactive care

Tip: a clear log of descaling or filtration changes is a strong sign for combi ovens and warewashing.

Parts availability

What to look for: stock of common parts in the UK, lead times, pricing, and whether generic equivalents exist for high-use items. Downtime is costly.

How to test: call a reputable parts supplier with the model and serial number. Ask about the typical lead time for pumps, elements, thermostats, fans, compressors, door gaskets, and control boards. Ask if any items are now obsolete.

How to score:

• 0 to 3 if parts are special order, obsolete, or priced at a premium with long delays
• 4 to 6 if key parts exist but typically carry long lead times
• 7 to 8 if common parts are widely stocked with sensible pricing
• 9 to 10 if parts are easy to source with next-day options

Tip: treat parts as insurance. Easy access reduces risk and supports uptime.

Warranty and support

What to look for: the real terms behind the headline. Understand labour, call-out, travel, response times, and what counts as fair wear and tear.

How to test: ask who attends and how quickly. Ask about first-fix rates. If the unit is critical, ask about loan equipment. Read the exclusions with care.

How to score:

• 0 to 3 if cover is minimal or unclear
• 4 to 6 if cover is basic with slow response
• 7 to 8 if cover is solid with clear service levels
• 9 to 10 if cover is premium with a responsive local partner

Tip: a shorter warranty with a proven local engineer can beat a long warranty with poor response.

Price versus value

What to look for: total cost to own, not just the sticker price. Include delivery, installation, commissioning, training, and expected maintenance. Subtract any operational saving from efficiency or speed.

How to test: build a three-year model. Add planned servicing and likely consumables. Consider downtime and the cost of disruption during a busy period.

How to score:

• 0 to 3 if the price is high for the performance and risk
• 4 to 6 if the value is fair but not compelling
• 7 to 8 if the purchase delivers strong value
• 9 to 10 if it is a standout deal with clear savings

Tip: a slightly higher price that reduces energy or downtime can pay for itself within a year. Model it.

How to use the scorecard in a buying conversation

The number is useful, but the value sits in the conversation it enables. Share your total score with the seller along with the three lowest factors. Explain why those areas matter to your operation and what would change the score. Keep the tone professional and specific.

Examples:

• Service history is weak. Ask for a full service with a written report before collection and a short parts warranty on pumps and elements.
• Parts availability is unclear. Ask for a confirmation from a UK parts supplier or for a small discount to offset risk.
• Footprint is tight. Ask for a site survey and a delivery plan that includes protection and lift management.
• Efficiency is poor. Ask for a price movement or for a similar model with better idle consumption.

Use the scorecard to compare options side by side. If two units are within five points, use the lowest factor as the tiebreaker. Choose the unit with stronger fundamentals in the area that matters most to your kitchen. If uptime is critical, prioritise parts and support. If cost control is the priority, prioritise efficiency and value.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Rushing the assessment

A quick check misses the details that cause pain later. Work through the factors in order.

Scoring without evidence

Test the unit, take readings, and photograph the rating plate. Your notes will protect you.

Forgetting running cost

Energy and heat load affect every hour of service.

Ignoring training

New equipment performs best when staff know how to use it. Factor basic training into the plan.

Assuming warranties are all equal

Always read the terms. Look for travel limits, response times, and exclusions.

A simple three-year value model

A quick value model helps you justify the score. Build it in a simple sheet.

1. Acquisition: price, delivery, installation, commissioning.
2. Operation: energy, water, and consumables per hour multiplied by hours per year.
3. Maintenance: planned service, filters, descaling, and likely wear items.
4. Downtime: estimated hours lost per year multiplied by the cost of disruption.
5. Residual: estimated resale value or cost to replace at year three.

Subtract operational savings from a higher-performing unit. The result is a true picture of value. Use this alongside the scorecard. If a unit with a slightly lower score delivers a much stronger value model, you have context for the final decision.

Three-Year Value Model Calculator

How to brief your team to use the Herits Equipment Scorecard

Share this short process to keep scoring consistent:

1. Complete a visual inspection and note obvious issues.
2. Run a functional test. Record times, temperatures, and outputs.
3. Confirm route survey and utilities.
4. Check records and parts availability.
5. Enter scores for all ten factors.
6. Review the total and the three lowest factors.

Store each scorecard with photos and documents. Over time you will build a library of real-world results. That business knowledge will speed up future decisions.

When to call Herits

Use the Send to Herits button in the Equipment Scorecard. Include your notes about site constraints, service pattern, and utilities. We can help validate your lowest factors, suggest remediation, and price any replacement kit.

Final checklist before you buy

• You tested the unit in a relevant cycle and recorded the result
• You surveyed the route from kerb to site with measurements to prove clear access
• You confirmed power, gas, water, waste, and extraction
• You reviewed service records and spoke to an engineer where possible
• You checked UK parts availability and typical lead times
• You built a three-year value model that includes downtime
• You documented everything and saved it with the scorecard entry

A disciplined process beats guesswork. The Herits Equipment Scorecard gives you a fair and repeatable way to choose well. Use it every time and you will save money, reduce risk, and protect service.

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