Buying New vs. Used Food Grade Stainless Steel Tanks For Expanding Businesses

October 5, 2017 -

• Food Processing
• Stainless Steel Tanks

So, you’ve just landed a private label or contract manufacturing account for a new client who wants to ramp up quickly. Or, maybe you’re a local craft beer or specialty food company who produces its own products. Either way, when business starts booming, you need to be able to answer the call or risk opportunity passing you by for the company down the street. That means you’re going to need food grade stainless steel tanks and other processing equipment so you can meet demand. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of purchasing used stainless steel tanks versus new stainless steel tanks (food grade, of course) versus new stainless steel tanks direct from a manufacturer.

Option 1: New Stainless Steel Tanks

At Zwirner Equipment, quality reconditioned stainless steel tanks and other food processing equipment is what we do. However, we’re not here to tell you that buying your equipment from us is your only option. In fact, if money and turnaround time are not obstacles for you, purchasing new stainless steel tanks and other equipment direct from the manufacturers of your choice is a perfectly fine option. Still, there are things to think about if you’re going with purchasing new equipment.

Pros of Buying New Processing Equipment

• Original manufacturer’s warranty
• Equipment meets factory specifications
• Customized solutions for your plant/facility

Cons of Buying New Processing Equipment

• Turnaround time can be lengthy
• Significantly more expensive than buying reconditioned

Option 2: Used Stainless Steel Tanks

When you need food-grade stainless steel tanks and other equipment, you don’t want to cut corners because the integrity of your product and your brand hangs in the balance. You also want to know that your equipment is up to the task and is unlikely to fail on you unexpectedly. Because of these important considerations, many food and beverage processors think buying new food grade tanks or stainless steel equipment is the only way to go. But, that is not necessarily true. There’s a big difference between used food processing equipment and reconditioned food processing equipment. Reconditioned stainless steel tanks and pumps are overhauled and renovated using new replacement parts so that the equipment is restored to original factory specifications. When it’s done right, you’d be hard-pressed to tell a reconditioned, , food-grade tank from a new one. And, the beauty isn’t just skin-deep. Once installed in your production facility, you can expect the same reliable performance—day in, day out.

Pros of Buying Used Processing Equipment

• Highly guaranteed finished product
• Equipment meets factory specifications
• Customized solutions for your plant/facility
• Significantly less expensive
• Fast turnaround time
• Same food-grade quality you expect from new equipment

Cons of Buying Used Processing Equipment

• Certain tank sizes, types or other equipment may be subject to availability
• Not all brands available all the time

Find Out If Used Stainless Steel Tanks Are Right For You

When you have time and money on your side, go with new. When you don’t, do some research into used, food grade sanitary grade stainless steel tanks and other food processing equipment near you. As long as you know what you’re getting for your money, reconditioned equipment can help you ramp up production faster so you can accept that new private-label account with the utmost confidence. The team at Zwirner Equipment have decades of experience serving a variety of industries, including the food processing, dairy processing, and beer brewing industries. For more information on how we can help your operation, fill out the contact form below or give us a call today. Call Today