Ask a Tech: OEM Parts vs. Aftermarket

Our technicians get asked all the time: is there really a difference between OEM and aftermarket parts? And the answer, all the time, is yes.

Parts that are OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer, are made by the same people who made your piece of commercial kitchen equipment. Chances are, they know a thing or two about what makes that machine run well. In fact, many manufacturers don’t even release their technical specifications to aftermarket parts manufacturers. What fits the best and produces the best results without putting stress on the rest of the machine is often the OEM part.

Aftermarket parts are often reverse-engineered and may only seem to work as well as OEM. That’s not always the case and CPS will be honest about what parts your equipment will benefit the most from. Here’s a spoiler: it’s pretty much always the OEM part. At CPS, we carry a huge selection of millions of parts. And we’re the Authorized Service Agent (ASA) for more than 150 manufacturers. So not only do we have their preferred parts, we also know exactly how to install them.

This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for equipment manufacturers that also produce parts. Can you imagine T-day dinner with a smorgasbord of food from all over the world, instead of the usual All-American line-up? Shepherd’s pie, curry, sushi, and tamales? Sounds like fun, but it wouldn’t be the perfect meal you’ve been craving since last November. That mix of foods simply don’t work as well together as turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie, and mashed potatoes.

See? Your mouth is already watering for that special meal.

Get OEM parts for your commercial kitchen equipment; it’s what they’re craving.