Advantages of Buying Used or Second-Hand Equipment

When it comes to outfitting a candy production facility, choosing between new and used equipment can be a tough decision. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks and understanding them is essential to making an informed choice. Let’s explore the factors you should consider to determine whether second-hand or brand-new candymaking equipment is right for your business.

Cost Savings – One of the most significant advantages of purchasing used equipment is cost. Second-hand machinery is often available at a fraction of the price of new equipment, making it an attractive option for startups or businesses operating on tight budgets.

Quicker Availability – Pre-owned equipment is usually available immediately, as opposed to new machines, which may require lead times for manufacturing and shipping. This can be beneficial if you’re looking to scale up production quickly.

Tested Performance – Many used machines have a proven track record, and their performance capabilities are well-documented. This can give buyers confidence in their purchase, especially if the equipment comes from a reputable source.

Lower Depreciation – Like vehicles, new equipment can lose value quickly after purchase. With used equipment, much of the depreciation has already occurred, so you’re likely to retain more of your investment if you decide to resell.

Drawbacks of Buying Used Equipment

Buying From an Existing Candymaker vs. a Liquidator or Reseller – There’s a significant difference between buying used equipment from an existing candymaker and purchasing from a liquidator or machinery reseller. Resellers are often focused on quick sales and may not test the equipment thoroughly, as they typically have limited knowledge of its function or condition. While some reputable resellers perform testing and offer higher-quality products, their prices often approach the cost of new equipment. On the other hand, a candymaker may have better insight into the machine’s history and maintenance, but it’s important to consider why they are selling. In some cases, costly repairs or poor performance may be the reason the equipment is being offloaded.

Limited Warranty and Support – Used machinery often comes without a warranty, leaving buyers to bear the cost of any repairs or replacements. Additionally, manufacturer support for older models may be limited.

Hidden Costs – While the upfront cost may be lower, used equipment might require refurbishing, retrofitting, or repairs to meet modern production standards. These costs can add up quickly, particularly if production is reduced or halted as these problems are uncovered.

Obsolete Technology – Older machines may lack the advanced features and efficiencies of newer models, potentially impacting productivity and energy consumption.

Uncertainty in Condition – Without thorough inspection, it’s hard to gauge the true condition of used equipment. Wear and tear may not always be visible but can lead to operational issues down the line.

Advantages of Investing in New Equipment

Cutting-Edge Technology – New machines often come equipped with the latest technology, offering improved efficiency, energy savings, and better integration with other equipment in your production line.

Warranty and Manufacturer Support – New equipment typically includes a manufacturer’s warranty and access to customer support. This ensures peace of mind and minimizes downtime in case of any issues.

Custom Options – When purchasing new, you have the opportunity to customize equipment to meet your specific production needs, which can enhance efficiency and scalability.

Regulatory Compliance – New machines are designed to meet current safety and hygiene standards, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Drawbacks of Investing in New Equipment

Higher Initial Cost – The upfront investment for new equipment is significantly higher than that for used equipment, which can strain cash flow for smaller businesses. However, the long-term benefits, such as reduced maintenance and improved efficiency, often justify the cost.

Longer Lead Times – Depending on the manufacturer and the type of machine, new equipment may take weeks or months to be delivered and installed.

Major Considerations Before Making a Decision

Knowledge and Experience with the Equipment – If you have used this equipment before and are very familiar with its parts and functionality, purchasing used equipment may be a less risky decision. However, for first-time buyers of expensive equipment, investing in a new machine would be more advantageous. Manufacturers typically provide valuable startup support, including equipment training, one-on-one consultations, and other resources, at no additional cost.

Condition and Maintenance – If buying used, thoroughly inspect the equipment’s condition and request maintenance records. Consider hiring a professional for an evaluation.

Supplier Reputation – Whether buying new or used, choose a reputable supplier to ensure quality and reliability.

Why Invest in New Savage Bros Equipment:

Savage Bros equipment is highly regarded in the candymaking industry because of its specialized design and durable construction tailored specifically for confectionery production. Here are several reasons why purchasing new Savage Bros equipment is often seen as a worthy investment:

Built to Last for Generations – Savage Bros equipment is built to last for decades, often becoming heirlooms passed down through generations. This durability and reliability have made Savage Bros a trusted choice and a well-kept secret of successful confectionery businesses for over a century.

Precision Heating and Temperature Control – Candymaking demands exact temperature control, especially for products like caramel, fudge, and hard candy, where even slight variations can impact texture and consistency. New Savage Bros equipment is engineered to deliver unmatched precision and efficiency, ensuring consistent results. In contrast, used equipment may not perform as reliably, depending on the condition of critical components such as heating elements, sensors, and control systems. Investing in new equipment helps safeguard product quality, protect your reputation, and ensure smooth business operations.

Optimized Automation and Expert Support – New Savage Bros equipment includes advanced automation features such as stirring, mixing, and precise timing, ensuring every batch meets the highest standards. Additionally, purchasing new equipment gives you access to Savage Bros Technical Experts, who provide invaluable insights and assistance. They can help calibrate your equipment to perfectly align with your unique candymaking operations, maximizing efficiency and product consistency. In contrast, purchasing a used model often requires you to conduct your own research and troubleshooting, which can be time-consuming and may lead to inconsistent results.

Financing Options – Savage Bros works directly with several leasing and financing companies to help make your equipment purchase more accessible. Our financing partners are highly knowledgeable about our equipment, allowing them to better understand your needs and provide tailored solutions.

Common Challenges When Buying Used Savage Bros Equipment

Obsolete or Discontinued Components – Older machines often come with a higher risk of relying on obsolete or discontinued parts. The most critical and expensive components, such as gearmotors and PLC touchscreens, are particularly vulnerable. Replacing these parts can cost thousands of dollars, and in cases where the hardware is discontinued, retrofit solutions may not even be available.

Hidden Structural Damage – There is a risk of purchasing equipment with structural damage that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Issues such as failed or poorly repaired welds, corrosion within tank jackets, or cracks in product contact surfaces can be easily overlooked—or intentionally concealed—by sellers.

Unauthorized Modifications – Unapproved modifications to mechanical or electrical components can lead to significant costs to restore the equipment to its original, safe, and functional condition.

In many cases, the cost of repairing or retrofitting used equipment can quickly offset any initial savings, especially given the historically high resale value of Savage Bros machines. When factoring in potential expenses for replacing obsolete components, addressing hidden structural damage, or undoing unauthorized modifications, buyers may find that purchasing new equipment is the more cost-effective and reliable choice. Additionally, newer models come with the latest technology, enhanced features, and the added security of a manufacturer’s warranty—offering peace of mind that used equipment simply cannot match.

Key Takeaways

Deciding between used and new candymaking equipment depends on your business’s unique needs and circumstances. Used equipment can be a cost-effective option for businesses on a budget, but it requires careful evaluation to avoid hidden costs. New equipment, while more expensive upfront, offers modern features, warranties, and compliance with industry standards.

By choosing new candymaking equipment from Savage Bros, you not only invest in cutting-edge technology but also ensure your business is equipped to handle current and future demands with ease. Whether you’re scaling up or upgrading, Savage Bros. delivers the quality, reliability, and support you need for long-term success.

If you’re uncertain about whether to purchase new or used Savage Bros equipment, our Technical Experts are available to provide guidance—reach out to us for assistance.

Starting your own business is a whirlwind of excitement and stressful situations. All of us at Savage Bros. Co., a bakery equipment manufacturer, want you to be prepared for your opening day with the proper industrial baking equipment. Using consumer sized mixing bowls is a thing of the past because nothing is small about your operation. The following is a list of the three main pieces of commercial baking equipment you should have at your bakery:
• Lifting and Pouring Bowls & Containers
• Icing and Fondant Melters
• Industrial Mixers

If you do not have commercial bakery equipment, your bakery will not be able to keep up with large orders. Your time will be used inefficiently as you are constantly making little batches to fill several orders of 100 or more cookies. By using industrial baking equipment you will not sacrifice quality, but if you don’t use large capacity equipment you will sacrifice quantity.

Candy, chocolate and confections galore will line the conference rooms of the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, June 12 – 13, 2012. Savage Bros. Co. will be exhibiting at the 92nd Annual RCI (Retail Confectioners International) Convention & Industry Expo at Booth #60/61/62. Last year, more than 500 professionals joined in on the candy-coated fun, and this year is expected to be even bigger! Join them at the “Chocolate Gold Rush.”

Special demos are on the schedule at the Savage Bros. Co. booth. We will be introducing the NEW re-engineered WC Smith Enrober and Cooling Tunnel. Stop by our booth to check out our candy and chocolate making equipment to see which piece works best for your recipes. Savage Bros. Co. has been in business since 1855, and has made quality chocolate making equipment in the Chicago area every day since.

RCI is a not-for-profit trade association founded in Chicago in 1917. Prominent manufacturing retailers of quality boxed chocolate and other confectionary products make up their international membership. Savage Bros. Co. is proud to participate at the convention and exposition that will showcase candy making equipment, products and packaging. Participants can go to educational forums with the opportunity to network with other candy makers.

Get Your Free Tickets Here!

When you do business with Savage Bros., you’re working with an industry veteran who has continuously manufactured confectionary machinery for over 150 years. Our chocolate manufacturing machinery is state-of-the-art, appealing to world-class chocolatiers and restaurant chefs alike!

Since the 1860s, Savage has produced chocolate processing equipment that goes above and beyond the industry’s highest grade. Whether you’re looking for small batch (retail) confectionary equipment or large batch (wholesale) machinery, Savage can help you fill your demand. We have hundreds of models designed for each unique step in the chocolate-making process and we pride ourselves on our twenty-first century approach to the deeply traditional art of chocolate.

Visit our website or call us toll-free to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable Customer Support Rep. We’re excited to help with all of your confectionary needs!

As we are nearing the beginning of wedding season, bakeries are preparing for the flood of wedding cake orders they will receive.  Creating one of these masterpieces is no easy task.  They bake hundreds of cakes and utilize their icing and fondant melters to build a crucial piece of the wedding ceremony.

There are a variety of styles wedding cakes are made in from tradition white cakes to extravagant, multi-tiered cakes to decorations specific to the couple’s interests.  Fondant is revolutionary for this industry and allows bakers to easily design these elaborate wedding cakes.  The fondant offers a clean, manicured look for the cake.  It is flexible and easy to shape into beautiful flowers and other accents on the cake.

A bride and groom’s wedding cake is designed to signify one of the most important events of their life.  It is a symbol of the couple’s love, trust and commitment to one another, and becomes especially important for the cake cutting ceremony.  This ceremony in which the couple feeds each other the cake is the first thing the couple does together to celebrate their union.  Whether your wedding cake is elaborately designed or sweet and simple, ensure that it is the symbol of your union you’ve always imagined.

What is your favorite confectionery treat?  From truffles to fudge, several different types of candy probably come to mind when that question is asked.  There are a few new trends this year being seen in the confectionery industry, which includes chocolate and candy and gum.  For over 150 Savage Bros. has been creating the machinery that creates all of your favorite treats, including many of these new flavors and trends.

One of the largest trends that has been seen this past year in candy is that consumers can’t get enough of spicy flavors in their candy.  Flavors including chipotle, Tabasco sauce and jalapeño are becoming more and more popular.

Another popular trend that has not only been seen this past year but over the past couple of years is that of bite-sized pieces.  Perfect for a small cheat during your diet or when you just can’t do without your favorite candy, a large variety of candy’s arrived on the market this year.

Consumers are also eating up old favorites that are being reintroduced with a new twist.  Creativity is abounding in the confectionery industry this year.  Interesting flavors continually hit the market including pear and cinnamon, pickle popcorn and even organic candy. So at Savage Bros, we are sure to stay up with trends and satisfy all your candy making equipment needs.

If you don’t want to wait until the next IBIE in 2016 to learn more about our state-of-the-art baking equipment, call us today!

This October, your top manufacturers of confectionery machinery at Savage Bros. attended the 2013 International Baking Industry Exposition. From October 6-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, our candy making experts participated in this essential non-profit event designed for suppliers in the grain-based foods industry. The IBIE is a necessary event for any manufacturer that wants to stay up-to-date and informed in the industry, and at Savage Bros., competitive, innovative products are our specialty!

All profits from the IBIE are invested back into the grain-based foods industry, with the aim of supporting consumer marketing campaigns and legislative advocacy for grain-based products.  The 2013 IBIE boasted over 500,000 square feet of exhibit space and 20,000 baking professionals, including your candy manufacturing experts at Savage Bros!

This year, we highlighted our new bowl and kettle lifters in addition to our regular chocolate and candy processing equipment. Our premium assortment of baking equipment includes electric and gas stoves, chocolate melters and temperers, icing depositors, and so much more! Even if you didn’t attend the IBIE, you’re not missing out on our wide array of products!

If you don’t want to wait until the next IBIE in 2016 to learn more about our state-of-the-art baking equipment, call us today!

The winter months may be cold and dark, but there’s a bright side to the gloom – it’s the season of chocolate! While you love eating chocolate throughout the year, from December to February it’s even harder to resist. You’ve probably received more candy than you know what to do with from holiday parties, get-togethers, and gifts from friends and family.

The holidays simply wouldn’t be the same without truffles, candy bars, and chocolate chip cookies. With Valentine’s Day coming up next month, you have an even wider selection of candy to choose from. Have you ever wondered how companies are able to produce so much perfect chocolate so quickly?

Perhaps they use the best chocolate making equipment! Savage Bros. has been in business since 1855 and has helped lead the candy and baking industries into the future. We sell the most premium, state-of-the-art equipment that guarantees flawless chocolate production. Some of our popular products include:

Carousel One-Person Packer: This small one-person packer streamlines the chocolate boxing process, while allowing for the storage of 36 bulk boxes at the same time!

Chocolate Melters & Conditioners: Our wide array of melters and conditioners will help ensure the highest-quality production of chocolate, icing, and fondants.

Cooling & Heating Tables: Cool or heat your product consistently on one of our easy-to-use tables. You can cut your candy or baked goods on the table with no problems!

Don’t let the season of chocolate pass you by. Savage Bros. has the advanced chocolate making equipment that will help you produce your best batches yet. Contact us today for more information!

The candle market has taken off.  What was once used for emergencies or lighting is now used for many reasons.

Now is a great time to get into the candle industry. People are buying them for all times of the year and for any occasion. Candle equipment retailer, Savage Bros, have noticed this increase.  There are several reasons for the jump in popularity.

Relaxation- Candles are a great way for people to relax. More and more people are using candles to help wind down at the end of the day.

Set the Mood- People are using candles for special occasions to set the mood and to create a certain ambiance. They are great for romantic and whimsical evenings or even a chic soiree.

Scent- Many people are using candles to make their room smell a certain way.  They often buy candles according to the season.  For instance, warm vanillas are great for the fall and winter while flowery scents are perfect for spring and summer.

Gifts- Candles have become a great gift item for friends and family members.  They are particularly nice for a house warming present.  Many people enjoy drowning the residual paint odor with a nice candle.

Candles are being used for many reasons today.  As their popularity grows, so will sales.  Savage Bros has the equipment you need to kick start your candle business. We have a wide variety of tools that you will need to keep up with the demand.  Call or visit our website for more information!

Candles are being used for many reasons today.  As their popularity grows, so will sales.  Savage Bros has the equipment you need to kick start your candle business. We have a wide variety of tools that you will need to keep up with the demand.  Call or visit our website for more information!

Whether you love to nibble on fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies, add some milk chocolate to a s’more or enjoy decadent dark chocolate candies, it’s hard to pick a favorite chocolate treat. With so many options, types and tastes, there’s definitely something for everyone!

No matter what flavor is your favorite, all types of chocolate start with chocolate liquor (which actually does not contain any alcohol, despite its name), which is formed by grinding cacao beans into a smooth, liquid paste.

Once the chocolate liquor has been allowed to cool and harden, you have “unsweetened chocolate”, also known as baking, pure or bitter chocolate. If you like things a little sweeter, adding cocoa butter and sugar in varying amounts to the chocolate liquor creates semisweet chocolate (the perfect addition to cookies), or traditional sweet chocolate, depending on the amounts of sugar and cocoa butter added.

Milk chocolate, as you might have guessed, combines 10% chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, sugar and milk, of course. And while white chocolate is not technically categorized as a type of chocolate because it doesn’t contain any chocolate liquor, it is also made of at least 20% cocoa butter and 14% milk and varying amounts of sugar.

So, with just a few simple ingredients, you can make virtually any type of chocolate you want, but having the right equipment to get the job done is just as important. The experts at Savage Bros have been perfecting the art of chocolate making with high-quality, innovative chocolate-making equipment and confectionary supplies since 1855.

We’ve been helping restaurants, hotels and large businesses get the very best mixers, melters and industrial equipment needed to make large-scale chocolate and candy making a breeze!

Call one of our knowledgeable experts today for more details about our extensive list of products we offer. We’ll help provide you with the tools to make your job easier, so you can focus on what’s most important—chocolate!