Why You Should Purchase Used Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Nov 20, 2025by Chef Al

As a restaurant owner, the idea of funding and setting up a commercial kitchen can be a challenge, especially if you are new to the restaurant business and don’t know where to turn for your kitchen equipment.

You need equipment that can get the job done and keep your diners happy while being reliable to last for a long time.

Restaurant owners may be wondering how they can get reliable equipment but at a low cost so that they can fund the entire kitchen with everything they need. Used commercial kitchen equipment may be just the thing.

GatorChef has a lot of used commercial kitchen equipment available for you, especially if you are looking to get started with building your kitchen. Check out these reasons why used equipment can be beneficial for you.

 

Save Money on Essential Equipment

You Save Money One of the main reasons anybody buys a used product is because it is less expensive than buying new. The same goes for restaurant and kitchen equipment. Buying used is great for a restaurant owner on a budget or someone looking for less expensive equipment for a new feature to their business, like a bar. Buying used allows you to still have access to the best brands in the business while also getting a great deal and value.

Get “Like-New” Equipment for Less

You Get Used Equipment Like New If you are just starting out, you certainly know there are risks to taking the leap and joining the restaurant business. That shouldn’t keep you from entering the business if you have the right ideas, recipes, and vibe to draw in customers and make them happy. But the fact of the matter is that 30 percent of food service businesses fail in the first year and 60 percent fail in the first three years. What this means for you, as a new restaurant owner, is that a lot of used commercial kitchen equipment on the market is probably less than three years old and still works like new, especially if it was maintained well. Many times, this equipment can come at a better cost.

Lower Depreciation for Higher Value

Less Depreciation This essentially goes hand in hand with the last point. The reason used equipment comes at a much cheaper price is because the value drops drastically as soon as the equipment is put to use. Used equipment doesn’t see the value depreciate the way new equipment does, so you can feel like you are not losing any value with a used product no matter how long it lasts at top condition.

An Eco-Friendly Option for Restaurants

You Help the Environment There are many ways the restaurant industry helps the environment, but if you are an owner who wants to show you care about being green, going with used equipment is a good way to show it. Buying used equipment is essentially a form of recycling and most restaurant equipment is reusable. So why not take the green approach and buy used instead of opting for brand new equipment?

Smart Tips for Buying Used Commercial Kitchen Equipment

If you do choose to purchase used commercial kitchen equipment, there are some smart practices to follow to make sure you are getting a reliable product. First, you want to make sure you are working with a reputable dealer, as we are at GatorChef. We want you to count on our honesty and trust us in helping you make smart kitchen purchases.

Larger items are always a good place to start when it comes to used purchases. Looking into items like gas ranges or ovens, since many of them have parts that can be easily replaced, as a starting point. You should also feel confident in purchasing tableware from used kitchen equipment outlets.

Most importantly, use the opportunity to save money so you can put it towards other aspects of your restaurant like hiring employees, marketing, or keep the savings in reserve for if something should happen.

Shop High-Quality Used Equipment at GatorChef

So, check out the wide selection of used products and commercial restaurant equipment at GatorChef. With everything from ovens and fryers to griddles and grills to smokers and more, we have what you need to get your kitchen fully stocked with the best equipment without breaking the bank, helping you to save money. Our showroom is open to the public in the Greater Chicago area and we are always available online with great customer service, ready to help you make the right purchase to help you save and succeed. All of the used equipment also comes with a 90-day limited parts and labor warranty.

Build Your Dream Commercial Kitchen with GatorChef

Start shopping with GatorChef today and build the restaurant kitchen of your dreams, equipped with all of the finest brands and quality equipment to serve your customers. Whatever cooking equipment you may need, GatorChef has it for you. Our goal is to be a supplier of the best restaurant supplies and equipment from the best brands and manufacturers at the lowest prices. So let GatorChef become your kitchen equipment supplier today!

Happy Cooking,
Chef Al

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