Why a Restaurant Equipment Warranty is a Good Investment

When your restaurant equipment breaks down, you deal with the trouble of fixing or replacing it as well as the associated expenses. To be better prepared for equipment problems, one thing you can do is understand the warranty on your machines. You can feel less anxiety and more protected by understanding the coverages associated with restaurant equipment.

What is a Warranty?

A warranty is a guarantee from a seller or manufacturer that if their product fails to meet certain requirements, a solution is available. A warranty is something that the buyer can rely on for protection. Its objective is to safeguard you, from acquiring a product with a manufacturing defect.

Coverage for repairs or replacements of your restaurant equipment can save you from significant repair costs or the need to purchase new equipment altogether.

Each manufacturer determines the terms of their own warranties. They decide what is covered and how long the coverage is provided. While some warranties are valid for five or seven years, others can come with only 30-day coverage.

It’s crucial to read and comprehend warranty information before and after purchases of commercial equipment. These help you be aware of the particulars and restrictions related to your purchase.

Types of Warranties

Not every warranty is created equal. Different brands and manufacturers provide differing warranties. When purchasing commercial restaurant equipment its important to know the different types of warranties.

• Parts and Labor Warranty – Parts and labor usually covers the help of a technician as well as the cost for replacement parts. Repairs typically require an authorized technician designated by the manufacturer. 
• Replacement Warranty – Similar to parts and labor warranties, a replacement warranty is created to help you perform repairs on your equipment or simply replace the unit altogether. The primary difference is that a replacement warranty allows the manufacturer to send a replacement item rather than pay for repairs.
• Specific Parts Warranty – These warranties specifically cover a single, important part within a unit. For example, compressor warranties are common for refrigeration equipment.
• Extended Warranty – Manufacturer coverage periods are normally around the 1-year to 3-year mark. An extended warranty is additional coverage you can purchase along with your equipment, which can be valuable because it covers outside of the manufacturer’s included warranty.

Burkett is an Authorized Consumer Priority Service (CPS) Dealer, providing you with an option to extend the life of your warranty to protect you and your product longer. While our extended warranty is an additional cost, it includes 100% parts and labor coverage, zero deductibles or service fees, and up to 5 years of total coverage on new items. The peace of mind you’ll receive from knowing your kitchen equipment is taken care of is worth the couple hundred dollar warranty cost.

Reasons for purchasing a warranty

Let’s briefly touch on some of the major benefits for purchasing restaurant equipment coverages.

• Cost savings – Restaurant equipment can be expensive, and repairs or replacements can incur significant costs. Having a warranty in place helps protect your investment and saves you money in the long run. Instead of paying for repairs or replacements out of pocket, the warranty covers these expenses.
• Peace of mind – A warranty provides peace of mind. Knowing that if any issues arise with your restaurant equipment, you are protected. It alleviates the stress of unexpected breakdowns or errors, allowing you to focus on running your restaurant smoothly.
• Minimize downtime – When equipment breaks down, it can disrupt your operations and lead to downtime. With a warranty, you can access prompt repairs or replacements, reducing the time your restaurant is out of operation. This helps maintain productivity and prevents potential revenue loss.
• Expert assistance – Most warranties come with access to trained technicians or customer support teams who specialize in repairing or servicing the specific equipment. These professionals have the knowledge and expertise to address any issues efficiently, ensuring your equipment gets back up and running quickly.
• Preserve equipment value – Well-maintained equipment retains its value better over time. Warranties often include regular maintenance or servicing, ensuring that your equipment is properly cared for. This helps extend its lifespan and enhances its resale value if you decide to upgrade or sell it in the future.
• Faster resolution – Dealing with repairs or replacements without a warranty can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. Warranties typically offer streamlined procedures for reporting and resolving issues, ensuring faster resolutions.

Making a claim

Be sure you keep all documents that come with your new restaurant equipment. When filling out a claim the warranty information will be important. These documents will tell you what is covered, when to file a claim, and how to file a claim. Contact information can be found within warranties documents.

Different manufacturers may have different policies when it comes to claims. Sometimes proof of purchase will be required when filling out a claim. So, it is important to keep receipts and associated documents organized.  

When making a claim, proof of defects will be needed. Be sure to provide manufacturers with all relevant photos and information. Your warranty claim will be accepted and plans for a replacement or repairs will be made if it is found that a defect does in fact exist.

For additional information, check out this blog for warranty service contacts.

Voiding your warranty

Certain circumstances will render your warranty invalid. Your warranty is no longer valid and offers no protection if it has been voided. Each warranty is unique to the product that it covers.

• Improper installation can lead to voided warranties. Some restaurant equipment requires specific installation. For example, installing a steamer without a hood system can lead to voided coverage.
• Using a non-authorized technician to do repairs. Many manufacturers require preferred technicians chosen by them for labor.
• Using commercial equipment for residential use. Most commercial equipment warranties can be voided if used in the wrong setting.
• For a few manufacturers, they require you to register equipment after purchase. Without registering, warranties can be voided.

Warranties can really protect your business from unnecessary or extra expenses. Customers feel safer when purchasing commercial restaurant equipment with coverage assurances.

Making a warranty claim may not always be convenient, but if your equipment is damaged, the results will be very beneficial to you.