What we need from you first
To handle a spares request properly, we need a few clear details from the unit on site. This helps us match the part to the equipment you have, rather than sending something that only looks close. If you are in Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, Springs, Kempton Park or Germiston, you can bring the part to our East Rand base for checking. We also assist clients further afield and courier where practical.
Please send the following with your request:
- Equipment type, for example prep table, gas range, bain-marie, display unit or servery counter
- Approximate size in mm or metres
- Clear photos of the part, the full unit and the area where it fits
- Any plate, serial number or mark on the machine or frame
- What the part must do, for example support, seal, heat, drain or guide movement
If the original part is missing, a good photo and a few measurements are usually enough to start. A ruler in the photo helps a lot.
How to send a spares request
Email your request to sales@caterkraftsa.co.za with the subject line Spares Request. Add your contact number, delivery town and whether the unit is used in a kitchen, takeaway or front-of-house area. That tells us whether the part must handle heat, steam, grease or heavier daily wear.
For quicker handling, use this simple order of details:
- Your name and business name
- Town and area, such as Benoni showroom, Boksburg clients or Springs clients
- Equipment make-up and size
- Description of the issue, like broken hinge, worn seal, missing shelf bracket or damaged tray rail
- Photos of the part and any surrounding fittings
If a part has failed during service hours, tell us when it started. A part that lifts under load or rattles when the unit heats up often points to a different fault than a part that has simply worn through over time.
What we can usually help with
We assist with replacement parts, fittings and compatible components for supported units, especially where the item is part of a stainless steel prep setup or light commercial kitchen fit-out. In some cases we can supply the exact replacement. In others we can make or source a fitting that matches the function and dimensions needed. That is often the better option for older units still in daily use.
Common spares requests include:
- Levelling feet and brackets
- Door handles, hinges and latches
- Shelf supports and racking clips
- Drain fittings and sink accessories
- Heat shields, pan supports and trays
- Wheels, castors and trolley hardware
- Replacement trims, covers and mounting pieces
Where possible, we keep compatibility in mind. A part that looks right but cannot take the same load, heat or cleaning routine will cost you more in the long run.
If the part is no longer standard
Older catering equipment often runs well for years, but one small fitting can hold up the whole unit. When the original component is no longer standard, we look at the dimensions, fixings and working surface to work out a practical replacement. That can include a modified bracket, a new stainless piece, or a changed mounting point where the unit allows it.
This matters in South African kitchens where equipment has to cope with load-shedding, long trading hours and coastal humidity in some areas. A part that warps, rusts or loosens after a few months is not useful. We aim for something that lasts in real use, not just on paper. If you are not sure whether the unit can be repaired, send photos and we will advise on the best path forward.
When to replace and when to repair
Not every damaged part needs a full replacement. Some items can be straightened, re-fixed or re-made to suit the existing frame. That saves cost and reduces downtime, especially for takeaways that cannot afford a long break in service. We will tell you plainly if a repair makes sense or if a replacement is the safer choice.
As a rule, consider replacement when you see any of the following:
- Corrosion that has gone through the metal
- Cracks around fixing points or welds
- Repeated loosening after tightening
- Heat damage, bending or warping
- Parts missing from a safety-critical area
If a unit is under heavy daily use, it may be worth replacing a few related fittings at the same time. That avoids calling a technician out again next month for the next worn part.
Collection, delivery and support after supply
Clients in Benoni and nearby East Rand areas can collect from our base, while national delivery can be arranged for suitable items. For larger or awkward pieces, we will advise on packing and how to measure for transport. If a part is going to a site with limited access, such as a tight kitchen or a mall tenant space, mention that up front so the replacement is prepared correctly.
After supply, keep the old part until the new one is checked in place. If something does not line up, the photos and measurements from the first request make it easier to sort out quickly. We also keep records of repeat requests, so if a client later needs the same fitting for another branch, we can move faster than the first time.
For dependable handling, send the details once and send them clearly. It saves time for you and for us, and it means the kitchen gets back to work sooner.
