When a key piece of kitchen equipment starts acting up, the big question hits fast — do you repair it, or replace it altogether? It’s not always a straightforward call, especially in a busy commercial kitchen where every minute counts.
At Commercial Kitchens Armiya, we’ve helped restaurants, cafés, and hospitality venues across Melbourne make smarter, faster decisions that save time, money and stress. If you’re staring down a stubborn appliance or a costly repair quote, this quick guide is for you.
How Old Is the Equipment?
Most commercial kitchen gear has a lifespan. Ovens, fridges and dishwashers typically last 8 to 15 years depending on the brand and how well they’re maintained. If your equipment is near the tail end and repairs are becoming regular, it might be time to look at replacement. But if it's still under 5 years old, a professional repair is often more cost effective.
Is It a One-Off Issue or a Pattern?
One sudden breakdown doesn’t always mean the unit is done. Parts wear out — that's normal. But if you’re calling your technician every couple of months, you could be throwing good money after bad. Frequent failures are often a sign the system is under strain or outdated.
What Will Repairs Actually Cost You?
Here’s where the real cost comes in. Don’t just look at the service invoice — think about:
- Downtime during peak hours
- Spoiled stock if cooling or heating is affected
- Staff delays or longer prep times
- Customer impact if service slows down
Sometimes, the short-term saving of a repair doesn’t stack up against the long-term loss.
Can You Source Replacement Parts Easily?
For some older or obscure brands, parts are hard to come by — and even if you can get them, they may take weeks. If your equipment is out of warranty and parts are scarce or costly, a brand new installation replacement may actually be the faster, more reliable move.
Is Your Equipment Still Compliant?
Health and safety rules change — especially around gas and electrical standards. We often see venues using older units that no longer meet current codes. If your equipment risks non-compliance, a breakdown could turn into a fine or forced closure. In these cases, replacement is often the smarter investment.
Is New Equipment Going to Save You More in the Long Run?
Modern equipment is faster, safer and far more energy efficient. If you're still running older ovens, fryers or refrigeration units, you might be spending more on power than you need to. A new unit could pay for itself in energy savings within a couple of years.
Still Unsure? Get a Straight Answer From Our Team
Still unsure? At CKA, we give honest advice backed by years of hands-on experience in commercial kitchen servicing and installations. If you’re facing a repair-or-replace decision, we’ll assess your equipment on-site and guide you through the best option for your business.
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