Choosing the Right Catering Equipment Hire Company for Your Event
Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event or private party, having reliable and quality catering equipment hire services is essential for ensuring you have a calm and controlled preparation and service experience, and that guests receive top quality food. When it comes to hosting an event, there are many things you need to consider, and one important choice is what catering equipment hire company you will opt for. Which provider can meet your needs, offer a competitive price, and offer reasonable hire terms and conditions?
At The Equipment Co, we understand that selecting the right caterer can be overwhelming. So, we’ve put together this guide to help you choose wisely when hiring catering equipment for your next event.
What Type of Catering Equipment Do You Need?
The first step in finding a suitable catering equipment supplier is determining what type of food service items are required for your event. Depending on whether it’s a formal or casual dining event, there may be different types of equipment you will need for preparation of food and beverages, and for their presentation. The number of patrons or guests at the event will also determine what size of equipment you may need to cook with, or to store food in.
If you plan on hosting outdoor events like barbecues, hot plate hire might also need to be considered along with other cooking appliances, such as ovens and grills. You might also need a large capacity cold storage solution, in the way of a portable coolroom. Once you have established the volume of produce you need to store and the amount of food you need to prepare and display at the event, you’ll have a better idea of what equipment you need.
And the next step after that is finding a supplier with the right catering equipment for hire.
Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Catering Equipment Supplier
Choosing the right catering equipment hire company for your event needn’t be daunting. Here are some essential tips for selecting the perfect supplier.
Quality
Make sure they offer high-quality equipment that is energy efficient, safe, and well-maintained. You also need to understand the features each piece of equipment offers, and whether or not you need some, or all of those features. This will help you to narrow down your search for the equipment that best suits your needs.
Customer Assistance
If a piece of catering equipment you’ve hired breaks down before or during your event, you need assistance ASAP. Look for equipment suppliers that offer 24/7 assistance, so that you can be confident that you’ll receive the right advice and support when the chips are down.
Reputation
When making decisions, do your research. Check reviews online or ask around about different catering equipment hire companies before committing. People who have had good experiences can provide insight into what you can expect from a company, while those with negative experiences may be able to warn you away from potential pitfalls. Additionally, don’t be swayed by attractive prices alone; if the quality of equipment is not up to par then it could cost more in the long run. (See The Equipment Co’s testimonials here.)
Location and Availability
When planning an event, logically you will need to consider the location and the availability of equipment suppliers near to the event. You also need to confirm that equipment will be available when you need it, which usually means booking ahead of time (as early as possible if you want to be guaranteed the equipment you need).
Price
When it comes to price, quality should always come first. It’s important to take the time and do your research in order to get the best deal while still maintaining standards. Shopping around and comparing quotes between various suppliers can help you find a great deal that won’t leave you regretting your choice down the line. Also ensure you read the terms and conditions of hire, as there may be potential charges you hadn’t considered (e.g. late return fees) listed in the terms.
Ask About Insurance Coverage
It’s important to consider insurance coverage when hiring equipment. Do you have business insurance that covers the equipment you’ve hired whilst it’s in your care? Ensure you check the supplier’s hire terms and conditions for information about insurance, or contact them to gain clarification.
In conclusion…
Finding the right catering equipment supplier shouldn’t be too difficult. It’s worth doing your homework ahead of time so that you’re clear on what your needs are in terms of the volume of produce you need to store or prepare, how you need to present goods to customers and so on. With a good understanding of what you actually need, you should be well equipped to tackle the challenge of finding an ideal catering equipment hire partner for your event.