Built and tested by the manufacturer, real OEM parts are safe, reliable, efficient and warranty protected. Generics could put you on the espresso train to disaster.
OEM parts are configured with the right materials to fit factory specifications for an equipment model. Adjustments can be made by the manufacturer to make sure parts keep equipment working at optimal levels. An OCM part may not get that kind of care and attention. An OCM or aftermarket part is not factory fit and could be incompatible with equipment and even do harm.
“OEM parts are extremely important. We work with very specific tolerances when manufacturing our components and the only way to replicate our finished product would be to follow our meticulous design process and use our cutting-edge machinery. Most component manufacturers do not have these resources which can lead to issues when using non-OEM parts on our products."Kyle Forman, President, Krowne
Manufacturers test their parts based on the way equipment works in real life. Adjustments are made to meet the high standards required to keep equipment running safely, reliably and efficiently for longer. The thorough testing of OEM parts guarantees their quality. Generic parts just aren’t tested the same way. Generic parts are known to fail quicker, causing a lot of wear and tear on equipment. That means you’re buying new equipment sooner.
"The genuine OEM filter pump used in a Frymaster fryer has been thoroughly life tested and validated. We have seen aftermarket filter pumps with seals that don't hold up half as long as the genuine OEM pump. The real risk for end-users using an aftermarket pump with less robust seals is that their next filter pump replacement will be a lot sooner than it should be. Customers are setting themselves up for more frequent failures and more service calls because they chose an inferior part." Wendell Hays, Director – Product Management and Customer Service, Welbilt
Equipment is purchased because it’s easy to use and provides the best quality food or beverages that taste great. Choosing a generic part could put your staff at risk for injury or even worse a customer could get sick. It’s important to always make sure OEM parts are used to maintain the integrity of equipment and your business.
“We have 20 active kitchens, 100+ reach-in refrigeration units, two dozen walk-ins, 40 ice makers and millions of BTU’s worth of liquid propane and steam fired cooking equipment. I wouldn’t trust the safety of our players patronizing our venues, nor my technical staff, under any condition with generic parts. We purchase only OEM parts.” Scott Ralston, Casino Facilities Manager
When the dinner rush is on, equipment needs to perform at its best. A “maybe” or “most of the time” won’t do. You can count on OEM parts to make sure equipment runs as it should, through thick and thin, for the long haul.
“Manufacturers invest in selecting and validating parts for their equipment that meet performance, reliability and safety standards. If a manufacturer wants to consider an alternative to one of its existing components it requires a formal engineer change, testing and validation. This is done to be absolutely certain that the “new” component performs exactly the same or better than the part it is replacing, and that all performance, reliability and especially safety standards are not going to be compromised. Why do manufacturers do that? Manufacturers do that because an equivalent rated component in no way ensures the performance, reliability and most importantly that safety standards will be met. Do not let someone put your investment at risk by servicing it with non-OEM parts.” Michael S. Jones, President, Quality and Technical Service, Alto-Shaam, Inc.
Did you know generic parts could force equipment to work harder and use too much energy? That’s just money down the drain. Great care is taken with real OEM parts to make sure equipment operates as it should and resources are used correctly, which actually saves you money!
"Equipment is tested and qualified to safety, environmental and energy standards based on a particular construction. When completing that testing, OEMs document their component choices and acceptable alternatives with those agencies. By utilizing generic components, you are going outside of the design intent of the unit and opening yourself up for potential safety, energy or environmental problems.” Mark Waldrop, Sr. Director of Engineering, Refrigerated Solutions Group
If equipment is under warranty and a knockoff part is used, game over. Equipment is no longer covered. Play it safe and choose that OEM part. One OEM part may not change the whole world, but it can certainly change yours.
“OEM parts are guaranteed to work to our exact specs, which translates to safety, reliability and efficiency for our customers. OEM parts are required to meet the UL and NSF standards for our products, and they also help ensure warranty protection for our customers.” David Main, Director Post Sale Service, The Vollrath Co., LLC