Help & FAQs

Nationwide Catering Equipment help, guidance, advice and frequently asked questions

Buying Catering Equipment

What’s the difference between commercial and domestic catering equipment?

Commercial catering equipment is built to handle long hours of use in a professional kitchen. Restaurants, cafés and takeaways often run equipment all day, so commercial machines are designed to cope with that workload.

Domestic appliances may look similar, but they’re not built for continuous use and can struggle in busy kitchens. Another big advantage of commercial equipment is that it’s designed to be serviced and repaired, with spare parts usually available if something goes wrong.

What’s the difference between single phase and three phase power for catering equipment?

Single phase power is the standard electricity supply found in most UK buildings. Many smaller commercial appliances such as countertop equipment or undercounter fridges run on single phase.

Three phase power is used for larger or more powerful equipment like combi ovens, large ranges and heavy-duty dishwashers. These machines need a stronger and more stable electrical supply.

If you’re unsure what power supply your kitchen has, it’s worth checking before ordering equipment.

Will this equipment run on a standard 13A plug socket?

Some commercial appliances will run on a standard 13A plug, particularly smaller items like countertop fryers, small refrigeration units or food preparation equipment.

Larger machines often require hard wiring or a higher power supply, especially if they produce a lot of heat or have powerful motors.

Always check the electrical specification on the product before buying. If you're unsure, we’re happy to help you check whether the equipment will work in your kitchen.

Kitchen Regulations

How many sinks do I legally need in a commercial kitchen?

In most commercial kitchens in the UK, environmental health guidelines expect three separate sinks.

Typically this means one sink for washing food, one for washing equipment or utensils, and a separate sink for hand washing. The hand wash sink must be dedicated to staff hygiene.

Requirements can vary slightly depending on the size and type of kitchen, but this three-sink setup is what most environmental health officers expect to see.

Do I need a catering engineer to install catering equipment?

In many cases, yes.

Some smaller appliances simply plug into a standard socket, but larger equipment often needs to be hard-wired or connected to a dedicated electrical supply.

A qualified catering engineer can make sure the installation is safe and that the power supply is suitable for the equipment. This is particularly important for larger appliances such as ovens, fryers and dishwashers. Warranty expects this.

Used Catering Equipment

Is used catering equipment reliable?

Used catering equipment can be very reliable when it has been properly checked and prepared before sale.

Commercial machines are built to last for years, and in many cases they still have plenty of life left in them when a restaurant upgrades or closes.

Buying used equipment can be a good way to reduce the cost of setting up or upgrading a kitchen while still getting professional-grade machines.

Has used equipment been checked or tested before sale?

Yes, we check used equipment before selling it.

When equipment comes into our warehouse, we make sure it is working properly before offering it for sale. If something needs attention, we deal with it first with our in-house engineers. Any small known faults or missing features will be described in the items listing.

We want customers to feel confident when buying used catering equipment, especially when it’s an important piece of the kitchen setup.

Can I view used equipment before buying?

Yes, you’re welcome to visit our warehouse to view equipment before buying.

Many customers prefer to see used items in person, particularly larger pieces such as ovens or refrigeration units. It gives you a chance to check the condition and ask any questions before making a decision.

If you'd like to visit, our opening times are 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Do you buy used catering equipment?

Yes, we check used equipment before selling it.

When equipment comes into our warehouse, we make sure it is working properly before offering it for sale. If something needs attention, we deal with it first with our in-house engineers. Any small known faults or missing features will be described in the items listing.

We want customers to feel confident when buying used catering equipment, especially when it’s an important piece of the kitchen setup.

Delivery

Do you deliver commercial catering equipment across the UK, including Scotland and remote areas?

Yes, we deliver catering equipment across the UK, including Scotland and other remote areas.

Delivery times and costs can vary depending on the size of the equipment and the delivery location. Larger items such as refrigeration units or cooking ranges may require specialist transport, whereas smaller items can often be delivered on a pallet.

If you're unsure about delivery to your postcode, feel free to contact us and we can confirm the details before you place an order or check the checkout page on our website.

Is delivery kerbside or into the kitchen?

Deliveries are kerbside delivery as standard.

This means the equipment is delivered to the nearest accessible point outside the building. Moving heavy equipment into the kitchen can require additional lifting equipment or more than one person.

If you need help getting equipment inside the building, let us know before ordering and we can advise on the best option.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery times depend on the item and the delivery location.

Pallet orders placed before 11am are typically dispatched the same day and delivery scheduled for the next working day.

Many items can be delivered within a few working days, while larger or specialist equipment may take longer. Remote locations can also add a little extra time.

If you need equipment urgently, it’s always worth contacting us first so we can check availability and delivery options.

Can I collect equipment from the warehouse?

Yes, collection is possible for most items.

Some customers prefer to collect equipment themselves, particularly smaller items or if they need something quickly.

It’s best to contact us before coming to make sure the equipment is ready and we can arrange a suitable collection time.

You can purchase with click and collect through our website. Once purchased, we’re happy to hold it for up to 14 days.

Warranty and Servicing

What’s the difference between parts-only and parts and labour warranty?

A parts-only warranty covers the cost of replacement parts if a fault occurs during the warranty period.

A parts and labour warranty covers both the replacement parts and the labour needed to carry out the repair, depending on the manufacturer’s terms.

It’s always worth checking the warranty details for each product so you know exactly what is included.

How often should catering equipment be serviced?

Most commercial catering equipment should be serviced at least once a year.

Regular servicing helps keep equipment running efficiently and can identify worn parts before they cause a breakdown.

In very busy kitchens where machines are used constantly, more frequent checks may be recommended.

Are spare parts easy to source for commercial catering equipment?

For most commercial catering equipment, spare parts are widely available.

One of the advantages of commercial machines compared with domestic appliances is that they are designed to be serviced and repaired. Engineers can usually source replacement parts and keep the equipment running.

This helps reduce downtime if a machine develops a fault during service.

Payment

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept card payments, bank transfers and cash (in the warehouse only).

We also accept IwocaPay for eligible trade customers. This gives UK Limited Businesses and LLPs more flexibility when paying for orders from £150.00 to £30,000.

You can use IwocaPay at checkout on the website, through a payment link on your invoice, or by scanning a QR code in the showroom.

Do you offer finance options?

Yes, we offer flexible payment options through IwocaPay for eligible trade customers.

IwocaPay is available to UK Limited Businesses and LLPs on orders from £150 to £30,000. At checkout, you can choose Pay Now or Pay Later. Pay Later allows you to split the cost into1, 3 or 12 equal monthly payments.

You can set up a spending limit with IwocaPay in advance, and it only takes a few minutes.

Still looking for answers?

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