For businesses looking to provide quality coffee without breaking the bank, investing in a reconditioned coffee machine can be an appealing option. Whether you’re a new business just getting started or have a limited budget, a reconditioned machine offers a more affordable way to get a great coffee machine.
In this blog we’ll share the pros and cons of investing in a reconditioned commercial coffee machine and outline the main things you’ll want to think about when making a decision between reconditioned vs new machines.
What exactly is a reconditioned coffee machine?
A reconditioned coffee machine is a used machine that has been restored to good working condition. The reconditioning process involves thoroughly inspecting, cleaning, and replacing worn or faulty parts to ensure the machine performs reliably.
Buying a reconditioned or refurbished coffee machine is a step up from buying second-hand, as reconditioning typically includes quality checks, restoring worn parts, and may even come with some level of warranty.
The Reconditioning Process
Exactly what is involved with bringing a coffee machine back into great working order depends on why it needed reconditioning in the first place. This can range from a hard to diagnose motherboard issue in an automatic or bean-to-cup machine, to a simple out-of-contract espresso machine that needs a bit of TLC.
Typically, though, a standard reconditioning process goes as follows:
Full Inspection: The machine is disassembled, and each component is inspected for wear and damage.
Part Replacement: Any worn-out parts, such as seals, gaskets, or valves, are replaced.
Deep Cleaning: The machine is thoroughly cleaned to remove any coffee residue, limescale, or other build-ups.
Testing: The machine undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it functions like new.
Final Quality Check and Commissioning: The machine is reassembled and given a final inspection to confirm it’s ready for use.
What’s the Difference Between a Reconditioned and Second-Hand Coffee Machine?
A second-hand coffee machine is typically sold as-is, without any repairs or maintenance being performed. These are typically, although not necessarily, operationally sound machines that were no longer needed or fit for purpose.
However, you do run the risk of buying a machine with an unidentified problem and then facing the costs of repairing it.
In contrast, a reconditioned coffee machine has undergone a professional refurbishment process to restore it to a proper working state.
This difference can have a significant impact on the machine’s lifespan, reliability, and performance.
Our recommendation would be, if you’re not buying or leasing a new machine, to look at a refurbished or reconditioned machine (rather than just a second hand one) as you’ll have the peace of mind that a professional has looked at and repaired any potential problems.
What to Look For in a Reconditioned Commercial Coffee Machine
Not every reconditioned coffee machine is of equally high quality, depending on the reason for reconditioning and who conducted the work.
Here are just a few things to consider when buying a refurbished coffee machine.
Who Has Reconditioned It?
Make sure the machine was reconditioned by a reputable coffee machine engineer or service provider with a proven track record. Avoid machines that have been repaired by unqualified individuals, or when the history of work is unclear, as this can affect the machine’s reliability.
What Work Has Been Done?
Ask for a detailed list of the reconditioning work carried out, including parts that were replaced or repaired. This will give you an idea of the machine’s current condition and whether there are any issues that may crop back up in future.
Is the Machine Damaged in Any Way?
Check for any visible signs of damage. Cosmetic wear and tear may be acceptable and is part of the reason why reconditioned machines are often a great budget friendly option. But ensure there are no signs of mechanical or structural issues that may hinder performance.
What’s its “Service History” Like?
If possible, ask for a detailed record of the machine’s service history. Much like buying a used car, a detailed service history provides you with peace of mind that the machine has been looked after, and clarity around any issues that have sprung up in the past.
How Old is the Machine?
Many types of coffee machines can last a lifetime, and reconditioning is a great way of bringing an old machine back to life. However, you should make sure that the machine is not so old as to make finding replacement parts, and service cover, a difficult task.
Is There a Warranty?
Look for a reconditioned machine that comes with a warranty, even if it’s a short-term one. This indicates the seller has confidence in the quality of their reconditioning work and covers you for any faults that may arise shortly thereafter.
Pros of choosing a reconditioned commercial coffee machine
Buying a reconditioned or refurbished coffee machine that has been properly reconditioned by a qualified professional can be a great idea for many businesses, and the benefits are very similar to if you were buying a used car instead of new.
Cost-Effective
Reconditioned coffee machines are significantly cheaper than new ones, making them an excellent choice for businesses on a tight budget.
Reliable Performance (If Reconditioned Professionally)
When the reconditioning process is done by a professional with care and manufacturer approved parts, a reconditioned machine can be just as reliable as a new one.
Get a Better Brand with More Features
Buying reconditioned allows you to access higher-end brands and models with advanced features that might be out of your budget if bought new.
Lower Initial Investment
Opting for a refurbished or reconditioned machine allows you to invest a smaller amount upfront, leaving more capital for other areas of your business. You can always upgrade to a new machine as your business grows.
Environmentally Friendly
Choosing a reconditioned machine helps reduce waste and supports sustainable business practices by giving used equipment a second life. If the reconditioning work has been done professionally, you likely wouldn’t even notice it wasn’t a brand new machine.
Cons of Choosing a Reconditioned Coffee Machine
With a list of benefits that largely revolve around cost, there are some potential drawbacks that you should definitely consider if thinking about buying a reconditioned or refurbished coffee machine.
Shorter Lifespan Than a New Machine
Even with professional reconditioning, a used machine may not last as long as a brand-new one.
Limited Warranty
Reconditioned machines may come with a shorter or more limited warranty compared to new models (if they come with a warranty at all, which isn’t guaranteed) This could increase long-term maintenance costs.
Potential for Older Technology
Depending on the age of the machine, you might miss out on the latest features or technological advancements found in newer models (especially if buying a reconditioned bean to cup or super automatic machine).
Availability of Replacement Parts
If the machine is an older model, finding replacement parts could be challenging, potentially leading to higher repair costs
It’s possible you’ll also find the replacement parts you need discontinued quicker as manufacturers prioritise newer models.
Uncertain Service History
Even with reconditioning, the full history of the machine may not be transparent, leaving some uncertainty about how well it was maintained before refurbishment.
No, or reduced, sell on value
If you did want to upgrade your machine in the future, your reconditioned or refurbished machine is likely to have a much lower sell-on value (if any value exists at all).
Is a Reconditioned Coffee Machine Right for Your Business?
Deciding whether to invest in a reconditioned coffee machine depends on your budget, business goals, and willingness to take on a bit more risk. For businesses looking to save on initial costs, reconditioned machines offer an attractive alternative, especially when professionally refurbished by a trusted provider.
However, if you’re looking for the latest technology, longest warranty, or a machine with a brand-new lifespan, buying new may be a better choice.
Ask Bridge Coffee Roasters About Refurbished Coffee Machines
At Bridge Coffee Roasters, we guide you through all your options, helping you make an informed decision that’s right for your business. We’ve supplied coffee machines, new and used, to hundreds of businesses all across the UK – and we may have something in the workshop that could suit your needs perfectly.
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