Encore Seattle Restaurant Equipment and Supplies

New vs. Used Restaurant Equipment in Seattle: The Complete Buying Guide

Thousands of Seattle restaurant owners search for used restaurant equipment every year, and many of them found the original Encore Seattle that way. Encore sold used restaurant equipment in Seattle for years before it closed. Today Encore Seattle is run by The Restaurant Warehouse and sells only new Atosa commercial refrigeration, ice machines, freezers, prep tables and cooking equipment, with free freight on orders of $500 and up.

We did not make that change lightly. After years of watching restaurant owners buy used units, haul them across town and then pay for repairs, we believe new equipment costs less for most Seattle kitchens. This guide explains why, category by category, and gives you an honest checklist if you still decide to buy used.

Find Your Equipment

Every unit below is new Atosa equipment, covered by the manufacturer warranty and eligible for free freight on orders of $500 and up.

Why Restaurant Owners Look for Used Equipment

Opening a restaurant in Seattle is expensive. Rent, build-out, permits, opening inventory and staff all compete for the same budget, and the kitchen equipment package is one of the biggest line items. Used equipment promises three things: a lower price, availability today, and the sense that commercial equipment is built to last, so a few years of use should not matter.

Those are fair reasons, and some used equipment is fine. Stainless steel work tables, shelving and sinks have few moving parts and can be a reasonable used buy. Refrigeration, ice machines and gas cooking equipment are different. They have compressors, fans, valves, thermostats and seals that wear out with every hour of use. When you buy them used, you are buying the remaining life of those parts, and you usually cannot see how much is left.

New vs. Used at a Glance

Used vs. New Commercial Refrigerators

A commercial refrigerator runs around the clock, every day of the year. In a restaurant it lives next to fryers, ranges and dish machines, opens hundreds of times a day and rarely gets its condenser coils cleaned on schedule. That is the life a used refrigerator has already lived before you buy it.

What wears out on a used refrigerator

• Compressor: the most expensive part in the unit. A dusty condenser and a hot kitchen make it run longer and hotter every day. You cannot tell from the outside how many hours it has.
• Door gaskets: torn or flattened gaskets leak cold air, so the compressor runs even more and the cabinet struggles to hold temperature.
• Evaporator and condenser fan motors: worn fan motors are a common failure on older units and can cause the cabinet to warm up during service.
• Controls and thermostats: older controls can drift, so the display says one thing while the product sits at another temperature.
• Hinges, door closers and casters: worn parts that keep doors from sealing and make the unit hard to move for cleaning.

Why new makes more sense

Cold food needs to hold at 41°F or below. When a used reach-in fails, it usually fails on a busy night with a full load of product inside, and you lose both the food and the service. An older unit that drifts warm during a busy Friday night puts your inventory and your health inspection at risk. A new Atosa commercial refrigerator starts with a new compressor, fresh gaskets, clean coils and digital temperature control, and is covered by a 3-year parts and labor warranty and a 5-year compressor warranty.

Used vs. New Commercial Freezers

Freezers work harder than refrigerators. The compressor has to pull the cabinet far below zero and hold it there while doors open during prep and service. On a used freezer, a tired compressor or a bad door seal shows up as frost building on the evaporator, a unit that runs constantly and product that softens during the dinner rush.

The cost of a freezer failure is also higher. A full freezer can hold hundreds or thousands of dollars of proteins, fries, ice cream and prepped food. When a used freezer goes down overnight, that inventory is often a total loss. A new Atosa commercial freezer carries the same 3-year parts and labor and 5-year compressor warranty as Atosa refrigeration, so a failure becomes a warranty call instead of a loss.

Used vs. New Ice Machines

Ice is food, and a used ice machine is one of the riskiest pieces of used equipment you can buy. The problems are mostly inside, where you cannot see them on a quick look:

• Scale: minerals from the water build up on the evaporator, slow harvest and cut production.
• Slime and mold: can grow on the evaporator, water curtain, water lines and bin, especially on machines that were not cleaned and sanitized on schedule.
• Worn pumps and valves: reduce water flow, so a machine rated for one amount of ice may produce far less.
• Bin damage: cracked liners and worn door seals let warm air in and melt ice faster.

A new Atosa ice machine starts clean, produces its rated capacity from day one and is covered by a 2-year parts and labor warranty and a 5-year compressor warranty. Pair it with a 3M water filtration system, regular descaling and sanitizing, and it stays that way.

Modular machines need a bin. Pair 23" heads with the BYR0300, and 31" heads with the BYR0400.

Used vs. New Prep Tables

Sandwich and pizza prep tables take more abuse than almost any other refrigerated unit. Lids open and close all day, pans go in and out, cutting boards get scrubbed and the unit usually sits right next to hot equipment. On a used prep table, look for cracked or warped lids, broken hinges, worn gaskets, a cracked cutting board and a pan rail that no longer keeps toppings cold. A rail that runs warm is a common reason for failed temperature checks during inspections.

New Atosa sandwich prep tables and pizza prep tables are covered as Atosa refrigeration, with a 3-year parts and labor warranty and a 5-year compressor warranty.

Used vs. New Cooking Equipment

Used charbroilers, griddles and fryers can look fine on the outside and still hide worn burners, sticking valves, failing thermostats and pilots that will not stay lit. Gas equipment needs to work correctly every time. A fryer that will not hold temperature makes greasy food, and a griddle with hot and cold spots slows down your line.

New Atosa cooking equipment arrives ready for your gas connection, in natural gas or propane, and includes a manufacturer warranty. Popular choices for Seattle kitchens include the ATRC-36-NG radiant charbroiler, the ATMG-36-NG griddle and the ATFS-40-NG 40 lb fryer.

The True Cost of Used Restaurant Equipment

The price tag is only part of what used equipment costs. Before you compare prices, add up the full picture:

One major repair, such as a compressor, can close most of the price gap between used and new. With used, you still have no warranty after that repair, and the next failure is yours too.

If You Still Buy Used: An Inspection Checklist

If used is the right call for your budget, protect yourself. Before you pay:

• Ask to see the unit running and holding temperature, not just turned on.
• Look at the model and serial plate and ask how old the unit is.
• Check the condenser coils. Heavy dust or grease means the compressor has been working hard.
• Run your hand around every door gasket and look for tears, gaps and flattened sections.
• Listen to the compressor and fans for grinding, rattling or constant cycling.
• On ice machines, look inside the evaporator, water curtain and bin for scale, slime or mold.
• On prep tables, check the lid hinges, the cutting board and how cold the pan rail gets.
• On gas equipment, light every burner and pilot and check that controls respond.
• Ask what happens if it fails in the first week, and get the answer in writing.
• Plan how you will move it: truck, helpers, dolly and the route into your kitchen.

If that list sounds like a lot of work, that is the point. New equipment from Encore Seattle skips every step.

Free Freight to Seattle Restaurants: We Handle the Hard Work

Buying a commercial refrigerator or ice machine should not mean renting a truck and finding helpers. When you order from Encore Seattle, we handle the freight:

• Free freight on orders of $500 and up to business addresses.
• Liftgate service included. The truck lowers the unit to your curb or parking lot, so you do not need a loading dock or forklift.
• Fast shipping. Most Atosa refrigerators, freezers and gas equipment ship in one business day and typically arrive in 1-2 business days.
• Tracking sent to you. We email the PRO tracking number and the freight company's contact information.
• Delivery call or appointment. Tell us when you order, and we pass it to the carrier.
• Delivery Damage Promise. Write "BOX DAMAGED" on the delivery receipt if the box is damaged, inspect the unit and contact us within 48 hours. We deal with the freight company for you, and if the damage affects the unit, we arrange a free replacement.

Free Freight Across Every Seattle Neighborhood

Free freight with liftgate service on orders of $500 and up reaches restaurants in every part of Seattle, including:

North Seattle

North Seattle, North Beach - Blue Ridge, Broadview, Bitter Lake, Northgate, Crown Hill, Haller Lake, Greenwood, North College Park, Pinehurst, Maple Leaf, Lake City, Cedar Park, Meadowbrook, Matthews Beach, Olympic Hills, Wedgwood, Victory Heights, View Ridge, Sand Point, Ravenna, Roosevelt, Bryant, Windermere, Laurelhurst, Hawthorne Hills, University District, University Village, Wallingford, Northlake, Green Lake, Fremont, Ballard, Phinney Ridge, West Woodland, Whittier Heights, Adams, Loyal Heights, Sunset Hill.

Magnolia and Queen Anne

Central Seattle, Magnolia, Lawton Park, Briarcliff, Southeast Magnolia, Interbay, Queen Anne, North Queen Anne, East Queen Anne, Lower Queen Anne, West Queen Anne.

Capitol Hill and Lake Union

Capitol Hill, Portage Bay - Roanoke, Broadway, Pike-Pine Corridor, Montlake, Stevens, Interlaken, Madison Valley, Renton Hill, Broadmoor, Madison Park, Lake Union, South Lake Union, Cascade, Westlake, Eastlake.

Downtown Seattle

Downtown, Denny Triangle, Belltown, Pike Place Market, Central Business District, First Hill, Pioneer Square, International District, Yesler Terrace, Central Waterfront, West Edge.

Central District

Central Area, Mann, Cherry Hill, Minor, Atlantic, Judkins Park, Madrona, Madrona Valley, Harrison - Denny-Blaine, Washington Park, Leschi.

Rainier Valley and South End

South End, Rainier Valley, Mount Baker, Columbia City, Hillman City, Brighton, Dunlap - Othello, Rainier Beach, Rainier View - Lakeridge, Seward Park, Lakewood.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill, North Beacon Hill, Mid Beacon Hill - Maplewood, Holly Park - NewHolly, South Beacon Hill.

SoDo, Georgetown and Industrial District

Industrial District, SoDo, Harbor Island, Georgetown, South Park.

West Seattle and Delridge

West Seattle, Alki Point, North Admiral - Admiral District, West Seattle Junction, Seaview, Fairmount Park, Genesee, Gatewood, Fauntleroy, Arbor Heights, Delridge, North Delridge, Pigeon Point, Riverview, Highland Park, South Delridge, Roxhill, High Point.

Financing New Equipment

If cash is the reason you are looking at used equipment, restaurant equipment financing can spread the cost of new equipment into monthly payments, so you keep cash for opening inventory, staff and marketing.

How Ordering Works

Pricing and checkout are handled by The Restaurant Warehouse, our main store. Every product page on Encore Seattle links straight to the matching listing. Questions about a model, sizing or delivery? Call or text +1 (206) 419-5801 or email therestaurantwarehouse@gmail.com.

Common Questions About Used and New Restaurant Equipment

Does Encore Seattle still sell used restaurant equipment?

No. The original Encore Seattle sold used restaurant equipment before it closed. Encore Seattle now sells only new Atosa equipment.

Is used restaurant equipment worth it?

For simple stainless steel items like work tables, shelving and sinks, used can be fine. For refrigeration, ice machines and gas cooking equipment, the lack of warranty, unknown history and hauling costs usually make new the better value.

What warranty comes with new Atosa equipment?

Atosa refrigeration, including refrigerators, freezers and prep tables, includes a 3-year parts and labor warranty and a 5-year compressor warranty. Atosa ice machines include a 2-year parts and labor warranty and a 5-year compressor warranty.

Do you deliver to my Seattle neighborhood?

Yes. Free freight with liftgate service is included on orders of $500 and up to business addresses across Seattle. See the full neighborhood list.

How fast will my equipment arrive?

Most Atosa refrigerators, freezers and gas equipment ship in one business day and typically arrive in 1-2 business days.

Will the driver bring the unit inside?

Freight is delivered curbside with a liftgate, usually between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Moving the unit inside is up to you.

Do I need to pick anything up?

No. Orders over $500 ship free to your restaurant in Seattle and the lower 48, usually in 1-3 business days, so there is no truck to rent and no warehouse trip.

Who handles pricing and checkout?

Pricing and checkout are handled by The Restaurant Warehouse, our main store. Every product on Encore Seattle links straight to the matching listing.