Service Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Equipment
Choosing new restaurant equipment requires more than simply matching a unit to your menu and space. While comparing capacity, output, footprint, and durability is important, you should also review support and service factors, including parts availability, warranty coverage, certifications, and service options.
"Operators should consider how equipment is built, how it will be serviced, and whether parts will be available before making a purchase." — Vitangelo Recchia, Owner, Bella Napoli Pizzeria & Restaurant; Marra Forni Ambassador
This is especially important in high-volume establishments, where equipment experiences heavy use and extended downtime can cause significant bottlenecks or losses. Understanding the available service features will help you choose an option that fits your needs and lowers long-term operating costs.
1. Replacement Parts Availability
When casters, gaskets, burners, or racks fail or go missing, operators need to find quick replacements. Before purchasing a unit, review the parts list and determine the best way to acquire a replacement. It may be helpful to purchase common backup parts before issues arise to help maintain uptime.
Shop Parts & Accessories
Looking for replacement parts and accessories? KaTom carries many common parts from leading manufacturers, including racks, feet, casters, equipment stands, and conversion kits. Browse our equipment parts or speak with a Foodservice Equipment Specialist to find the part you need.
2. Warranty Coverage & Return Policies
Warranties provide safeguards and peace of mind for operators purchasing new equipment. While most large units come with standard warranties of at least one year, some manufacturers offer extended warranty promotions. In general, high-end units tend to have longer warranties than entry-level options, though warranty length does not guarantee a longer equipment lifespan. Reviewing warranty coverage across products can help operators choose an option best suited to their kitchen.
When evaluating equipment warranties, ask the following questions:
- What is the warranty length? Most warranties are one to two years, but some might offer 10 years or a limited lifetime
- What coverage is provided? Determine what events the warranty covers and if it covers labor and parts for the entire unit or specific components
- Are there warranty exclusions? Equipment warranties may become void with unauthorized modifications, improper use or installation, or failure to meet the registration requirements; coverage may also be confined to certain market locations
- How do I submit a warranty claim? Manufacturers often require prompt and detailed explanations of the issue and may need to investigate to confirm the claim
Equipment manufacturers have different return policies, and some units are nonreturnable. Always review the unit return policy before making a purchase. If you need to return a product purchased from KaTom, you may start the process through KaTom's order history page. Unused, regularly stocked items may be returned within 30 days of the invoice date and must be in their original packaging. If an item is broken, missing parts, defective, or has the wrong parts, you'll need to contact KaTom's customer care team because the issue likely falls under a warranty claim.
Get Warranty Assistance
Need help with a product warranty? Learn how KaTom's Warranty Team can help you process your claim faster. Learn more about specific manufacturer policies in our warranty guides.
3. Certifications & Listings
Independent certification bodies test products against applicable safety, sanitation, and energy standards. Their strict standards and consistent testing procedures help build trust. Equipment sourcing and factory certifications also contribute to quality and manufacturing standards.
"Before buying equipment, operators should confirm it meets the necessary certifications and that service support will be accessible when problems arise." — Vitangelo Recchia, Owner, Bella Napoli Pizzeria & Restaurant; Marra Forni Ambassador
UL
UL Solutions offers widely accepted services that certify factories, processes, products, and systems to specific standards. UL-listed items are tested for electrical, mechanical, technological, and sanitation safety and function, depending on the specific standard.
ETL
ETL is a certification administered by Intertek, a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. The mark is accepted across the foodservice industry as an indicator of compliance with safety, sanitation, and performance standards, depending on the product and certification.
CSA
The Canadian Standards Association is an international standard development and testing body that certifies products in North America to more than 400 U.S. standards, testing packaging, performance, and other features.
NSF
NSF is a global organization that promotes public health and safety. The NSF certification mark indicates equipment meets applicable standards for factors such as ease of cleaning, food-safe materials, performance, and sanitation.
Learn more about NSF certification in KaTom's NSF restaurant equipment guide.
AHRI
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute administers a voluntary program that uses standardized testing conditions on HVACR equipment to ensure units maintain performance according to the manufacturer's published claims.
ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR-certified commercial appliances meet energy-efficient requirements established for various equipment categories. ENERGY STAR-certified units can lower operating costs, and in certain jurisdictions, operators can qualify for rebates when purchasing ENERGY STAR equipment.
Learn more about how ENERGY STAR equipment can reduce your operating costs.
Made in America
American-made equipment often offers reliability and high-quality standards. According to the Federal Trade Commission, products marketed as made in America must be all or virtually all made in the U.S., meaning the final assembly or processing occurs in the United States and the product contains no or negligible foreign content.1
Purchasing American-made equipment may also help reduce delays or confusion in service and parts access.
"Operators should be cautious with imported equipment if support, parts, certification, or communication with the manufacturer are not clearly established," Recchia told KaTom.
ADA
ADA-compliant equipment and fixtures are built to be accessible for people with disabilities and may feature altered heights, control features, or functionality. Use equipment meeting ADA specifications to help kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, and other spaces comply with regulations and accommodate all staff and guests.
4. Service & Support
"When an oven fails, operators need to know who to call," Recchia said. "Clear manufacturer and service support can make a major difference after the sale."
Many equipment manufacturers offer comprehensive pre- and post-sale support for the lifespan of the unit. This can include technical support, parts support, and access to service agent networks. Some manufacturers offer in-person or virtual training sessions, as well as access to test kitchens that enable customers to try their recipes before purchasing a unit. Models with smart controllers and IoT connectivity can send diagnostic data to the manufacturer support team to streamline service.
Self-Service vs. Hiring Professional Help
Product documentation typically includes maintenance guides, parts catalogs, training manuals, and instructional videos, enabling many operators to perform basic maintenance tasks without calling a service agent. Some operations, however, may choose to schedule regular preventive maintenance with approved agents.
"Once an issue involves electrical components, internal repairs, or failed valves, operators should call a qualified service technician." — Mark Tilson, Regional Sales Manager, FETCO
Frequently Asked Questions About Purchasing Restaurant Equipment
What should I consider before purchasing commercial equipment?
Consider replacement parts and service costs, service-network coverage, warranty, certifications, local regulations, and manufacturer reputation and support. You'll also need to consider operational details, including capacity, footprint, energy use, and cleaning schedule.
Learn more about key buying steps in KaTom's restaurant equipment purchasing guide.
How can I tell if equipment will fit my space?
Confirm the unit's width, depth, and height on its product pages or spec sheet. Be sure to account for door swing or drawer extension. Compare these measurements with your available space, workflow, and walkway measurements. For more help with designing a commercial kitchen, contact KaTom's Design + Build team.
How can I tell if my unit is within warranty?
Review the warranty documentation and installation date. If you aren't sure how long your warranty is, contact the manufacturer or KaTom's Warranty Team for assistance. Be sure to have your order number and any other relevant documents on hand.
How can I find replacement parts for commercial equipment?
Visit the manufacturer's website to view their parts list. Match your unit's model number with the appropriate part to ensure compatibility. You can typically purchase OEM replacement parts from the manufacturer or a third-party parts dealer. KaTom offers standard parts from many manufacturers.
What safety certifications should I look for in commercial equipment?
Many organizations test overlapping standards, but each certification typically focuses on a specific aspect of safety or performance. Before purchasing a piece of equipment, check with your local governing body to confirm whether you're required to purchase equipment with a certain certification.
Resources
- Complying with the Made in USA Standard. Federal Trade Commission. Accessed October 2026.
