Herits vs Nisbets: Why Kitchens Choose Service Over Scale

We respect what Nisbets has achieved. They have built one of the biggest catering equipment businesses in the UK; thirty thousand products, physical stores, next-day delivery, and majority ownership by Bunzl. Their range is vast. But kitchens do not run on range. They run on reliability, service, and trust.

At Herits, we are not trying to be the biggest. We are focused on being the most dependable. We work differently because we know what downtime costs, and because we have seen what happens when equipment is not built or supported to last.

We focus on what matters, not on everything

Nisbets is a supermarket for catering gear. You will find everything from aprons to ovens, napkins to fridges. It is convenient, but choice is not the same as care.

We specialise in commercial-grade equipment: ovens, fridges, dishwashers, mixers, and glasswashers. Every item is tested, serviced, and ready for work. Each listing on our site shows the condition, dimensions, and warranty clearly. We do not hide the details behind vague “B grades” or endless fine print.

Our approach is simple. If it is on our site, it has been checked, cleaned, and proven to perform. That is the difference between selling stock and selling reliability.

We test everything we sell

We do not move boxes. We move working equipment. Every product we sell, whether new or refurbished, goes through inspection, cleaning, and testing before it leaves our South Devon warehouse.

Our engineers check electrics, seals, fans, thermostats, and control systems. When we say, “ready for service”, we mean it. We list exact warranty terms per item and stand by them with a satisfaction guarantee.

Nisbets offers standard manufacturer warranties, but those are generic. You do not know who will handle the issue when something fails. We are smaller, and that is our strength. We handle every query ourselves. If you call, you will speak to someone who has actually seen your machine, not a switchboard.

We believe in real support, not just policies

Nisbets promotes thirty-day returns and a one-year parts-and-labour warranty. It is a strong offer if you are buying brand new, unboxed stock that has never been plugged in. But catering equipment is not a pair of shoes. You cannot just send it back when something breaks.

Our support is hands-on. We help you install, deinstall, and recycle. We buy old equipment outright or take it in part exchange. That saves you time, reduces hassle, and means you always know who to call when your kitchen changes.

We also operate longer support hours than most of the industry. Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM, and Saturdays 9 to 1. We do not stop when your order ships. That is when our job really starts.

We offer real value, not just discounts

Nisbets runs constant promotions, voucher codes, and flash sales. It is smart marketing, but it can make value look like a race to the bottom. At Herits, we take a different route.

We do not discount quality. We price equipment fairly based on condition and service level. Refurbished kit costs less than new because you are not paying for unnecessary packaging or offshore logistics; you are paying for functionality.

Every refurbished piece we sell has already proven itself in a commercial kitchen. When we rebuild and resell it, it performs better than cheaper imports because it was designed to last longer from the start.

That is why chefs, hoteliers, and independent operators trust us. We help them build kitchens that work; not catalogues that look full.

We run a transparent, people-first business

You can reach us directly. You will find our names, hours, and contact details on our site. You can even visit our warehouse by appointment to inspect equipment before you buy.

We publish our warranty terms and privacy policies openly. There is no small print trap, only clear expectations and reliable service.

Nisbets has stores and a national showroom, and that is impressive. But personal does not always mean physical. We bring that same confidence and demonstration online through testing videos, buying tools, and one-to-one advice.

Our Equipment Scorecard is a perfect example. It helps you assess value, efficiency, and condition in a structured way before you buy. It is open to everyone, even if you do not purchase from us. Because we believe that better-informed buyers build stronger businesses.

We keep sustainability practical

We do not talk about sustainability as a buzzword. We live it. When you sell us your used equipment, we either refurbish it for resale or recycle it responsibly. It is a circular approach that saves working kit from landfill and reduces the cost of new builds.

Nisbets moves huge volumes, but big is not always green. If you want to equip your kitchen sustainably, it is not about loyalty points. It is about buying smarter.

Why more food businesses are switching to Herits

We have built Herits for professionals who want less friction and more trust.
Here is what you get when you work with us:

• Tested and cleaned equipment, not unchecked imports.
• Clear warranties on every listing.
• Straightforward delivery with inspection on site.
• Real aftersales care handled by our team, not a third party.
• Part exchange and buy-back options that save you time.
• Satisfaction guarantee because trust is earned, not assumed.

We are proud to stand behind everything we sell. No loyalty scheme can replace that.

Service outlasts scale

At Herits, we test every item, honour every warranty, and stay available long after delivery. We do not promise the earth; we deliver what we say we will.

If you want catering equipment that is reliable, sustainable, and supported by real people, we would love to help.

Talk to us

Call 01803 501066
Email sales@herits.co.uk