Buying Cheap Catering Equipment on a Budget

Don’t cut corners

Second Hand Products & Warranties

As tempting as it may be to buy second hand, it isn't always advisable. There are certainly those occasions where second hand items are perfectly acceptable, but for a commercial kitchen you'll want products that you can trust are up to the task.

With second-hand goods you run the risk of purchasing equipment on the decline that could fail you in the middle of a busy service. The equipment may not come with a warranty and if you’ve invested thousands, you’ll want to be covered against all potential eventualities.

Buying brand new means you’re covered by warranty if something does go wrong, and also that you’re purchasing quality equipment (with 0 miles on the clock) that’s been robustly tested and can be relied upon.

Installation Costs

You may find larger equipment elsewhere that may be cheap, but often the price does not include installation – which is crucial for big machines. We offer free installation for many products and make it clear if there is a fee. This means you won’t ever be caught out by a price hike at the checkout! Installation is especially important for gas products, some insurers will refuse to pay out if you try it yourself and something goes wrong down the line.

Having our specialists install your product will ensure the machine works correctly and is covered by insurance, which cannot be guaranteed if you buy cheaply elsewhere!

Domestic Products

Purchasing domestic items might seem cost-effective also, but you must remember that a family microwave designed for use once per day is not going to be suitable for multiple daily uses in a busy kitchen. The warranty will also be void if used in a commercial environment.

Buy appropriately, even if it’s more expensive; you’ll benefit in the long run because the equipment is far more durable. Domestic products, such as microwaves, have been proven to decrease in power over time. Buy suitable equipment for the job it will be relied upon to do!

Clearance

Our Special Offers and Clearance section is a great place to pick up a bargain.

At Clearance you’ll find great deals on end-of-range products (with full warranty) which have been moved on to make way for new additions, but which crucially still live up to our high quality promise! This allows you to pick up top quality products at a fraction of the cost. Clearance is incredibly diverse and fast-moving, so you’re never sure what you might find.

You can also get special offers on all of our categories, offering bulk deals or big percentage reductions. Large savings on such a wide range of products allows you to run your business effectively whilst protecting your bottom line, great for those on a budget!

Catering Appliances and Refrigeration Special Offers

Be wary of overly attractive offers on machines. While you may find seemingly great deals on auction sites, these aren’t a reliable investment without the protection warranties give. Plus, there’s no way to gauge the wear and tear of the product and how far into its lifespan it may be.

Machines – whether catering appliances or refrigeration – are a huge investment which need to be reliable, so make sure you buy quality products you can trust!

Fortunately, Nisbets regularly has fantastic special offers for your catering machines.

Furniture Special Offers

When looking for special offers on furniture, going down the reclaimed route is a good place to start. Reclaimed furniture can be a great way to pick up mix-and-match bargains that offer an artisan look to your front of house.

Because it’s aged and weathered, it looks unique and is 40 points harder on the Janka hardness scale than virgin wood. Reclaimed wood adds character, with potential sources as wide ranging as ships, buildings and old barns.

There is also the benefit to the environment as you’ll save the wood from going to landfill. By decreasing demand for new timber you’ll also help combat deforestation. It’s great if you’re promoting your business as eco-friendly, you can use your reclaimed furniture as a selling point. There are some things to consider though, such as legitimacy, toxins, price and pests.

You will never truly know the source of the product as dealers may make false claims. Remarkably, it can also be more expensive due to the process it undergoes to make it safe for consumer use. Which is quite counterproductive!

When sourcing your own timber you’ll need to test the lumber for toxins present from past treatments with chemicals and paint, which can contain harmful adhesives, preservatives, insecticides or lead. It may also be infected with pests, so you should inspect the wood before you buy.

You have to ensure your furniture is weather-resistant if it’ll be placed outdoors or near doorways. And you have to consider storage, so you may need furniture that is easily foldable. Reclaimed furniture is not always helpful in this regard.

Fortunately, our Furniture Special Offers section takes the hassle out of buying cheaper furniture to suit your budget. Our products can be relied upon to complete the job, with full warranties applying!

Tableware Special Offers

If you’re looking for excellent value for your crockery then Athena is the brand you need.

With its edge chip warranty coming as standard, Athena is perfect for businesses with a high turnover of covers where crockery is used again and again. From plates and bowls to mugs and shakers, you’ll find robust and heavy duty products at unbeatable prices – all year round!

For tableware, Olympia is the perfect brand for great deals on cutlery and table service products, such as glassware and chafing sets. With such a diverse collection of products, all designed for long-lasting use, a little investment can really go a long way.

Back of House Special Offers: Clothing, Knives, Cookware

You can also get great offers on clothing and kitchenware. Kitchen staff need robust clothing that is also comfortable and helps them stay cool in a hot kitchen. Cheap, unsuitable clothing will be apparent very quickly when your chef is too hot to work or cannot cover stains with double-breasted jackets. Our ranges are designed with workers in mind, so you can be sure they're up to the job and won't need to be returned!

Whether it's a quick replacement pair of tongs or a stainless steel table, our Kitchenware special offers section features a diverse selection of products that will fit seamlessly in your kitchen. You never know what you might find on offer so it's a great idea to check back regularly for new deals! Everything in this section is built to last and ensures reliability in the kitchen during a busy shift.

The Clearance and Special Offers section has all this and much more, guaranteeing you a great discount without shirking on quality!

TIP: Register your email with Nisbets (find it towards the bottom of the homepage) to receive exclusive notifications about new offers and discounts available – straight to your inbox!

Multi-functional equipment

The benefits of multi-functional equipment are twofold.

Firstly, you save money by only having to spend cash on one product that does a number of things, rather than purchasing separate equipment for each function. Secondly, you’ll also save vital space!

We know how important space and flow is in your commercial kitchen design, so equipment that can perform multiple tasks will help keep your kitchen free of clutter, optimising flow.

Great multi-functional products include:

• Buffalo Combi Ovens. Combi ovens are a no-brainer as they enable convection, steam and combination cooking. Lincat’s outstanding capacity means it can house 20 2/1 Gastonorm size pans, delivering up to 600 portions a day.
• Blue Seal Evolution Target Top with Refrigerated Base. Combining refrigeration and multi-zone cooking power, you can store steaks, scallops and other ingredients within the same unit, ready to cook in an instant. Features a 900mm-wide, heavy-duty solid top alongside two full size GN-compatible refrigerated drawers, offering excellent versatility.
• Bratt Pans are an incredibly flexible appliance in your kitchen. They can braise, boil, steam, poach, stew, roast or fry – with almost unlimited options. They also typically have huge capacities, making mass catering much easier. From soups, steaks, chicken in sauce or Bolognese, they can do it all. A great example of an investment in equipment actually saving you money due to versatility.
• Winterhalter’s Undercounter Warewasher will make your day easier by allowing you to wash both glasses and plates in the same cabinet, removing the need for an additional glasswasher. Supported by self-cleaning capabilities and full water filtration, this unit extends its value both through the improved quality of its washes and its long-term sustainability.
• Buffalo food dehydrators are simple but effective – enabling you to make a whole host of different foods. From beef jerky to dried fruit and vegetables, dehydrators reduce waste and save you cash.

These are just some of the manu great multi-functional pieces of catering equipment we offer. Don't hestitate to get in touch if there's anything in particular you're looking for!

Extended Warranties

Buying refrigeration and appliances always requires major consideration. These machines need to be reliable and stand up to the rigours of a fast-paced kitchen, with a broken machine potentially impacting your whole operation. This is why some of our top brands such as Polar and Buffalo offer a 2-year warranty on their products.

These brands are a no brainer when you take into consideration cost, quality and warranty!

The extended warranty gives you peace of mind and protection for your investment. From tableware, chef knives and cleaning products to machines and clothing, you can effectively supply your whole business with products we guarantee are built to last.

We stand behind our products and are confident in their quality. This can be worth its weight in gold and make your budget go further in the long run!

Leasing

Leasing your catering equipment is a great option for making your budget go further. Spreading the cost of equipment over a period of time allows you to get more today, without feeling the sting in your pocket tomorrow.

Nisbets offers you the chance to spread the cost over a 1-3 year period, allowing you more capital in the short term to spend on getting your business in order, whilst ensuring you get the right product for you even if you can’t quite afford it today.

You can apply easily online or by phone, where an expert will guide you through the process.

Price Match Promise

Remember, Nisbets offers a Price Match Promise. If you find a lower published price for a like-for-like product, we will always try and match it.

Simply complete our "Price Match Promise" form listed near the bottom of this page and a member of the Nisbets team will get back to you as quickly as they can.

Buying catering equipment doesn’t have to break the bank. We hope this guide helps you in getting what you need more affordably!

Article: See our in-depth Accounting Guide To Managing a Budget for more financial tips.