Warranties Explained

Warranties Explained : A Guide for Your Business.

Before you invest in commercial kitchen equipment, it’s crucial to understand the warranties that come with it. But with terms like “parts only,” “parts and labour,” and “back to base,” it can get confusing. Let’s break down the common types you’ll encounter.

Why Warranties Matter

A warranty is essentially a manufacturer’s or supplier’s promise to repair or replace defective equipment within a specified period. It provides peace of mind and protects your investment against unexpected breakdowns. In the demanding environment of a commercial kitchen, where equipment is used heavily and consistently, a solid warranty is invaluable.

Common Types Explained

Here’s a breakdown of the most common warranty types:

1 Year Parts Only :

What it means: This warranty covers the cost of replacement parts for one year from the date of purchase. If a part fails due to a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer will provide the replacement part free of charge.

What it doesn’t cover: Labour costs for installing the replacement parts are not included. You’ll be responsible for the cost of hiring a qualified technician to perform the repairs.

1 Year Parts and Labour :

What it means: This is a more comprehensive option that covers both the cost of replacement parts and the labour costs associated with repairs for one year. If your equipment breaks down due to a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer will provide the parts and pay for the technician’s time to fix it.

What it doesn’t cover: This warranty typically doesn’t cover issues caused by misuse, neglect, or improper installation. It also might exclude certain consumable parts.

1 Year Back to Base :

What it means: Under this option, if your equipment experiences a problem, you are responsible for returning it to the manufacturer or a designated service centre for repair. The manufacturer will cover the cost of parts and labour, but you’ll bear the shipping or transportation costs to and from the service centre.

What it doesn’t cover: As mentioned, transportation costs are not covered. Also, on site repair is not covered.

Important Limitations and Considerations:

Location Restrictions: Some warranties may be limited to specific geographic regions. Always confirm the coverage area with your supplier.

Used/Refurbished Equipment: We offer a 30-day warranty on all refurbished or used equipment. Graded equipment carries a 1-year parts-only warranty unless otherwise specified.

Shipping Damage: Thoroughly inspect all deliveries for signs of damage. Do not remove original packaging until you have confirmed the equipment is undamaged. If you suspect damage, do not accept the delivery and contact us immediately. Failure to do so may void your warranty.

Unauthorised Repairs: Do not attempt to repair the equipment yourself or hire an unauthorized catering engineer. Any repairs conducted by personnel not authorised by us will immediately void the warranty. If you experience a problem, please fill out the warranty claim form on our website or contact us directly.

Voiding Factors:

Improper installation, including failure to adhere to manufacturer guidelines.

Misuse, abuse, or neglect of the equipment.

Failure to perform regular maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer.

Use of non-approved parts or accessories.

Damage caused by power surges, floods, fires, or other natural disasters.

Failure to keep the equipment clean.

Any modification of the equipment.

Key Considerations:

Terms and Conditions: Carefully read the warranty’s terms and conditions to understand what is and isn’t covered.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep your equipment in good working order and avoid voiding the guarantee.

Qualified Technicians: Only use authorised technicians for repairs to ensure the warranty remains valid.

Extended Warranties: Consider purchasing an extended warranty for added protection, especially for high-value or critical equipment.

Choosing the Right Warranty

When selecting commercial kitchen equipment, consider the type of warranty offered and how it aligns with your business needs. For maximum peace of mind and complete coverage, we strongly advise choosing a parts and labour warranty whenever it’s available. A longer period or a more comprehensive warranty might justify a slightly higher initial cost.