[DuckFat]

I'm looking for a new meat slicer. I'm not having much luck locally as the prices are hundreds of dollars more than the on line prices. Does any one have a suggestion for an on line vendor that they have used for commercial equipment?

[PeteMcCracken]

Take a look at restaurant supply - Google Search

[DuckFat]

I think at this juncture I'm sure we all know how to use Google, thanks. Unfortunately that doesn't tell me any thing about the vendors. My question is for those who have bought equipment from an on line vendor. Which one did you use and how did it work out?
Berkel does have some re-sellers listed on their web site but the reviews I have found so far are mixed.

[Just Jim]

I've always had good service and pricing from Central Restaurant.

Central Restaurant Products - Restaurant Equipment, Restaurant Supply

[DuckFat]

Thanks Jim I will look at them or give them a call.
On edit, Thanks again! I had no idea I could get a small Globe for that price!

[PeteMcCracken]

My apologies for the google link.

I've had good luck with BigTray and REX, otherwise I use local restaurant suppliers and my contacts with the health inspectors, they always know where the "good deals" are popping up.

[foodpump]

Maybe in the States the on-line vendors are better.

I don't mind using on-line vendors for simple stuff like molds, forms and non-mechanical/non-electric equipment, but a decent 12" meat slicer is a bit more complicated.

Do the vendors offer warranty work or repair work? If so, who gets dinged for the transportation, and do they offer a replacement service when a meat slicer neeeds more than a day in the shop?

Just some things to think about....

[DuckFat]

Originally Posted by PeteMcCracken

My apologies for the google link.

No need for apologies. If any thing my post probably wasn't clear. I never thought about the health inspector, good idea.
Food pump your thinking the same way I am. I was hoping maybe some one here had a positive experience on line that might sway me to take the risk. Service and warranty would likely be non-existant. What I am seeing on line in the $700 range is well over $1,000 locally so my thoughts were if I need service I've already saved enough for a repair. Since slicers are pretty solid I thought it might be worth the risk. I may have to watch for a few auctions.

[left4bread]

A little late, but allow me to chime in:

I <3 Bigtray.

In the last year, probably $30-$40 grand I've spent through their company. Good people, good prices, better than good customer service.
Their staff is educated; even the random people who answer their phones know more about refrigeration than I do. Had a problem with a new ware-washer that was giving me problems, wasn't their problem to deal with, but called them and they were willing to go to bat for us with Jackson.

I don't work for them, and they will never know who I am by me posting this. < disclaimer

I haven't had any problems with Centralrestaurantsupply dot com, but the other just seems more personal and a lot closer (freight from them is cheaper vs. $$$ midwest?).

I've bought minor kitchen items from "e-this" and "e-that" sites, but I don't trust them.
Got screwed on an ice cream machine. /shakes fist

I almost always forget to check, guess we're all guilty :P
Check Out a Business or Charity - U.S. BBB

[left4bread]

...and sorry, but shouldn't this be in the equipment forum?

Well, if it gets moved there, I'd like to note that the Globe model that I purchased 2 years ago for $3200(?) still works like a charm. The dial was junk from the get go; have you worked with one that was accurate?
Spent extra $ for a teflon blade. Probably didn't need to. Work load is about 150-200lbs a week. The guard plate isn't as tight as it was when it was purchased. Makes some noise unless you position it just right.
Nothing major. Good machine. Would buy again.

[DuckFat]

Originally Posted by left4bread

...and sorry, but shouldn't this be in the equipment forum?

I've no idea but one one of the new thread headers was for vendors and I was only interested in feedback from other chefs who have purchased commercial equipment on line. If it needs to be moved I assume TPTB will take care of that.
I looked up Big Tray. They look good but unfortunately I'm on the other side of the country. That may not be an issue if they ship direct from Global which is only about four hours from me.

[boar_d_laze]

I've bought some small stuff through Restaurant Equipment World, Restaurant Equipment World - LARGEST restaurant equipment / food service supplies site, and their satellite sites like "Blender World."



BDL

[chefstat]

one thing i would recommend considering before you order the slicer is who is going to service it if something does go wrong.

[DuckFat]

I looks like I have decided on a Globe G10 for several reasons. One it's made in the good ole US of A, or at least it's a US company. Two I can get parts if need be and finally Globe is easy to get serviced. Warranty is only for a year. The chances of any problems in the first year are pretty slim with the amount of use this one will see unless it's right out of the box.
Locally I have had two sales people not call back, a few that were through the roof in price and a third that was supposed to be a factory authorized dealer send me some place else that doesn't even carry slicers.

[greyeaglem]

I always ask my vendors if they know of anyone who is selling whatever it is I want before I buy new. Also check Grafeauctions.com. They handle auctions all over the U.S. They have listings of upcoming auctions on their website. I don't know where you are located, but a quick check on their site showed two grocery store auctions coming up, one in NV and one in NC. Both have meat cutting equipment. I have seen Hobart and Berkel automatic deli slicers go for as little as $250 at these auctions. Not much ever goes wrong with a slicer other than the blade needing sharpening or a motor needing brushes.