Understanding Commercial Kitchen Equipment Warranties

Warranty questions can arise when commercial foodservice equipment needs a repair, replacement part, or service. Dealers may be asked to explain whether a particular issue could fall under a commercial kitchen equipment warranty coverage.

Maintained by Celco.

The answer depends on the specific manufacturer, product, model, component, warranty period, and applicable terms. Dealers should verify the written warranty before communicating coverage to a customer.

For equipment offered by Celco, refer to the applicable manufacturer warranty documentation when discussing potential warranty coverage.

What Does a Typical Equipment Warranty Cover?

A commercial kitchen equipment warranty sets out the manufacturer’s terms for specified defects, parts, components, or other covered issues during a defined period. There is no standard warranty that applies to all commercial foodservice equipment.

Depending on the manufacturer and product, warranty documentation may address the following:

Parts:- A warranty may provide coverage for specified parts or component failures for a stated period. The coverage can differ between components.
Manufacturing Defects:- Some warranties address defects in materials or workmanship when the stated conditions are met.
Specific Components:- Certain equipment may have different warranty terms for different components. A refrigeration product, for example, may have separate provisions for particular refrigeration components.
Labour:- Labour coverage varies. Some warranties may include labour under specific conditions, while others may provide parts coverage without labour.
Coverage Periods:- Coverage periods vary by manufacturer, product, and component. The written warranty should be used to determine the applicable period and conditions.

An extended warranty or service agreement is separate from the standard manufacturer’s warranty. Its coverage depends on the terms of that particular agreement.

What May Not Be Covered?

Warranty documents may exclude certain conditions or types of damage. Depending on the applicable warranty, examples may include:

Improper installation
Misuse or abuse
Failure to follow operating or maintenance requirements
Unauthorized modifications
Normal wear and tear
Consumable components
Damage associated with external conditions

These examples do not apply universally. The actual warranty determines which exclusions apply to a particular product.

Installation is the exclusion dealers can most often prevent before it becomes a claim. The Pre-Install Checklist covers what to confirm before equipment ships.

Avoid saying that an action “voids the warranty” unless the applicable manufacturer’s documentation specifically supports that statement.

Common Warranty Misunderstandings Dealers Should Avoid

The equipment is under warranty, so everything is covered:- Being within a warranty period does not necessarily mean every repair, part, or service is covered. The written warranty defines the applicable coverage.
The warranty covers parts, so labour is covered too:- Parts and labour can have different terms. Both should be verified separately.
The equipment is relatively new, so this should be covered:- Equipment age alone does not establish coverage. The applicable warranty and circumstances of the issue should be reviewed.
Normal wear should be covered:- Normal wear and a covered defect are not necessarily treated the same way. Check the manufacturer’s written terms.
Any technician can perform the warranty work:- Service requirements can vary. Review the applicable warranty and manufacturer requirements before making this statement.
We were told it was covered:- A verbal statement should not replace the applicable written warranty. If coverage is uncertain, confirm it before responding (see below).

What Dealers Should Verify Before Promising Warranty Coverage

Before communicating potential coverage to a customer, confirm the details that may affect the commercial foodservice equipment warranty.

Identify the Equipment

Record the manufacturer, product, model, and serial number. Warranty terms can vary between models and product lines.

Confirm the Warranty Period

Check the applicable documentation for the stated coverage period and any conditions associated with the warranty start date.

Separate Parts and Labour

Determine whether the warranty addresses parts, labour, or both. Do not assume that one type of coverage includes the other.

Review Installation Requirements

Check whether the warranty includes specific installation requirements or conditions.

Check Registration Requirements

If the warranty documentation refers to product registration, determine whether registration is required and what the manufacturer states about it.

Confirm Service Requirements

Review whether the manufacturer specifies requirements for warranty-related service, including any approval or service-provider requirements.

Identify Required Documentation

Check whether the warranty process calls for information such as proof of purchase, model and serial numbers, service records, photographs, or other documentation.

Review the Applicable Exclusions

Use the warranty for the specific product rather than relying on a general list of exclusions.

Information to Collect for a Warranty Question or Claim

If a customer believes an issue may be covered, gather the information requested by the applicable manufacturer or warranty process.

This may include:

The required information will depend on the manufacturer and product.

How Dealers Should Handle Commercial Kitchen Equipment Warranty Questions

Dealers don’t need to memorize every warranty associated with the equipment they offer. They need to know where to find the applicable documentation and to verify the details before communicating coverage.

When the answer is unclear, avoid a definitive coverage statement. Explain what has been confirmed and what still needs to be checked.

You can tell the customer:

“Here’s what we’ve confirmed so far: the model, the purchase date, and the problem. Whether this repair is covered depends on the written warranty for this part, and we’re checking that now. We’ll come back to you once it’s confirmed.”

Getting Warranty Help From Celco

For equipment supplied through Celco, our service team routes warranty questions to the person who can answer them. We also coordinate service, including warranty repairs.

Have the model, serial number, and purchase date ready, then talk to a Celco specialist or submit an inquiry.