6 Unexpected Refurbished Devices You Didn’t Know Existed

When people think of refurbished electronics, the first products that come to mind are phones and laptops. But there is a whole world of refurbished tech beyond these standard gadgets. An entire world of unexpected gadgets would live to see another day through professional refurbishment — and a lot of it might make an ideal addition to your home or office.

It’s no longer just all about saving money, buying refurbished. “It’s become an intelligent way to participate in premium technology and be environmentally responsible.” Every refurbished device translates to one less gadget sullenly decomposing in a landfill and one less brand-new device that needs to be made.

In the piece below, we will delve into six refurbished devices you might not expect. From industrial kitchen appliances to specialized medical equipment, these examples tell us that practically any gadget has the potential to be reborn on the refurb market.

Why Choose Refurbished? The Smart Buyer’s Secret

But before we get into our wild collection, let’s discuss why refurbished devices aren’t as crazy as they may sound. Certified refurbishing offers clean and good testing, and final inspection by professional refurbish process. Most refurbished products carry warranties, and many function as well as new versions.

Over the last few years, the refurbishment market has been growing at more than 15 percent per annum. Yet this growth isn’t only about penny pinchers, but about savvy shoppers who understand what they are getting. When you purchase refurbished, you often enjoy premium features at midrange prices.

Professional Coffee Machines: Brew Like The Pros

The Secret Life of Refurbished Espresso Machines

The sector for used coffee machines can be very surprising, especially those for commercial use. We’re not talking about your average home coffee makers – these are professional grade espresso machines that would typically run you thousands of dollars new.

Restaurants, coffee shops and hotels frequently update their coffee gear, and produce a consistent stream of decent equipment for refurbishment. Professional technicians refurbish equipment by completely taking it apart, installing new parts when needed, testing and then completely cleaning.

What Makes These Machines Special

There are several benefits of buying second hand commercial coffee machines:

• Commercial steam wands that deliver perfect milk froth
• Double boilers for brewing and steaming at the same time
• Programmable shot timing for optimal flavor extraction in all your espressos
• Industrial strength designed to handle hundreds of cups daily
• Commercial warranties which are typically 6-12 months

Common brands of used espresso machines are La Marzocco, Nuova Simonelli, and Rancilio. While new machines are ranging from $3,000-$15,000, used, you can always find a good one at 40-60% less.

Who Should Consider These Machines

Commercial coffee machines are good for:

• Serious home coffee enthusiasts
• Small office spaces
• Bed and breakfast establishments
• Food trucks and mobile vendors
• Those in search of cafe-quality drinks they can make at home

Medical and Laboratory Equipment: Precision for Less

The Regulated World of Refurbished Med Tech

There are stringent regulations governing medical equipment refurbishment and quality control is paramount. Refurbished medical equipment must adhere to the same safety standards as new equipment, according to FDA regulations. This opens up doors for smaller doctors offices, research testing labs, even home health care providers.

The process of refurbishing medical equipment is very comprehensive. Technicians disassemble a device entirely, replace parts, update software and perform extensive testing. All approved work will be logged and signed off by certified BMETs.

Common Refurbished Medical Devices

Beyond Traditional Medical Equipment

Among the medical refurbishment market are some surprising items:

• Mobility devices, such as powered wheelchairs and scooters
• Blood pressure and glucose home monitors
• TENS machines and compression devices
• Dental office furniture and equipment including chairs and X-ray machines
• Equipment for testing vision and specialized optical devices

These devices have brought advanced health care technology to small practices and personal users who had little hope of buying new equipment.

Industrial Kitchen Appliances: Restaurant Quality, Just For You

Beyond the Coffee Machine – Full Kitchen Solutions

You can find another wealth of options in used professional kitchen equipment. Because restaurants are always upgrading their kitchens, and because commercial appliances are built to last, they are perfect candidates for refurbishment.

Popular Refurbished Kitchen Equipment

Commercial Ovens and Ranges

• Convection ovens that can regulate temperature specifically
• Multi-burner high-BTU gas ranges
• Combination steam-convection ovens
• Specialty baking equipment and pizza ovens

Refrigeration Systems

• Walk-in cooler components
• Under-counter refrigeration units
• Display cases and merchandising refrigerators
• Ice machines and frozen beverage dispensers

Food Preparation Equipment

• Commercial mixers and dough equipment
• Food processors and slicing machines
• Vacuum packaging systems
• Cooking appliances, such as fryers and griddles

The Home Chef Advantage

There are many reasons why home cooks should consider using refurbished commercial kitchen equipment:

• High build quality for professional use – durability and longevity
• Accurate temperature control for perfect results every time
• More capacity for entertaining and cooking
• Energy consumption that’s often better than many consumer appliances
• Commercial features such as steam injectors and convection fans

Some of the many refurbished commercial appliances can be converted for domestic use with both power and exhaust modifications.

TV and Audio/Visual Equipment: Premium Media on the Cheap

The Hidden AV Equipment Market

On a daily basis, television broadcasters, radio stations and events companies change their equipment and you have a chance of picking that up from the second hand AV market. Professional, broadcast-quality gear is built to very high tolerances and typically has much life left once it gets an upgrade.

Types of Refurbished AV Equipment

Broadcasting Equipment

• Professional cameras and lenses
• Audio mixing boards and recording equipment
• Video editing workstations
• Transmission and satellite equipment

Live Event Equipment

• Professional lighting systems
• Sound reinforcement equipment
• Projection systems and large displays
• Live streaming and recording setups

Studio Equipment

• Acoustic treatment and isolation booths
• Monitor speakers and amplification
• Microphones and audio interfaces
• Video production and switching equipment

Who Refurbished AV Benefits

This equipment serves various users:

• Content creators building professional studios
• Churches in need of high end A/V systems
• Event planners requiring reliable equipment
• Small businesses creating marketing content
• Video & audio hobbyists with serious projects

The savings can be significant — $20,000+ professional cameras may be available refurbished for less than $10,000, and still have a lifetime more of professional use in them.

• Recommended for you: How to Test a Refurbished Laptop Before You Buy

Scientific/Laboratory Instruments: Precision for Research Applications

The Academic Research Equipment Pipeline

Refurbished scientific instruments and used laboratory equipment are a thriving market. These are generally long-life products, which wear only a little bit in their first use and should last for decades.

Categories of Refurbished Scientific Equipment

Analytical Instruments

• Spectrometers and chromatography systems
• Microscopy equipment and imaging systems
• Measurement and calibration devices
• Environmental monitoring equipment

Laboratory Support Equipment

• Fume hoods and safety systems
• Centrifuges and sample preparation tools
• Incubators and environmental chambers
• Automated liquid handling systems

The Educational Market

In education, there is a surprisingly robust market for refurbished scientific equipment:

• High schools building advanced science programs
• Community colleges expanding laboratory capabilities
• Schools trying to compete with better resourced institutions
• Homeschool co-ops to spread out the costs of expensive equipment
• Makerspaces with available professional tools

The educational market especially benefits since most educational labs have less usage than commercial labs, so the equipment lasts longer.

Telecommunications and Networking Equipment: Enterprise Networks

The Corporate IT Equipment Cycle

Networking gear has tended to have a long life cycle, and large companies and telcos turn over their networking equipment on a regular basis. That’s a constant parade of high-end routers, switches, communication systems and the like coming into the refurb market.

Types of Refurbished Networking Equipment

Core Infrastructure

• Enterprise-grade routers and switches
• Wireless access points and controllers
• Firewall and security appliances
• Telecommunications and VoIP systems

Data Center Equipment

• Server hardware and storage systems
• Load balancers and application delivery controllers
• Network monitoring and management tools
• Backup and disaster recovery systems

The Small Business Advantage

Refurbished networking equipment gives small businesses access to enterprise-level features:

Home Network Enthusiasts

Refurbished enterprise networking gear can be useful for home users too. Home labs, multi-generational homes, and remote work setups often are in need of networking stronger than consumer equipment offers.

The Refurbishing Process: Quality You Can Trust

Professional Standards and Certification

Refurbishing of these specialized products follows a strict process:

1. Initial Evaluation – Functional testing, all cosmetics reviewed
2. Disassembly and Cleaning – Clean all parts professionally
3. Parts Replacement – Replacement of worn or outdated components
4. Software Updates – Newest firmware and software are installed
5. Quality Assurance – We thoroughly test all functions
6. Cosmetic Restoration – Expert work in cleaning, painting, etc.
7. Final Certification – Documentation and warranty

Warranty and Support Considerations

Most professional refurbishers offer:

• 30-90 day warranties on functionality
• Return policies for unsatisfied customers
• Technical support for installations and setups
• Parts availability for future maintenance
• Certification documentation for regulated industries

Choosing Wisely: What to Consider

Evaluating Refurbished Equipment

When it comes to specialized refurbished devices, look into these:

Refurbisher Reputation

• Industry certifications and credentials
• Customer reviews and testimonials
• Years in business and specialization
• Return and warranty policies

Equipment Condition

• Age and usage history
• Replaced components and upgrades
• Cosmetic condition and completeness
• Available documentation and manuals

Ongoing Support

• Parts availability for future repairs
• Technical support and training
• Software updates and compatibility
• Service network and authorized repair centers

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Determine total cost of ownership:

• Purchase price versus new equipment
• Shipping and installation costs
• Ongoing maintenance and support
• Expected useful life remaining
• Resale value considerations

Frequently Asked Questions

Are refurbished specialty devices as reliable as new ones?

The quality of professional refurbished equipment is often as good as new. Companies refurbish models by swapping worn parts and updating software, which can make the device work better than it did when first sold. Most good refurbishers will offer 30-day to one-year warranties.

Is there financing available to purchase refurbished equipment that’s priced on the high side?

Financing is available at many refurbishment companies, particularly for medical and business equipment. It’s also common for third-party funding via leasing businesses. Some sellers collaborate with finance companies to provide competitive rates on a purchase of a refurbished unit.

What if refurbished medical equipment breaks?

Refurbished medical equipment usually includes warranties and service. Some refurbishers focus on specific brands and stock spare parts. Regulated medical devices have to be serviced or repaired only by professional biomedical technicians in order to comply with stringent laws in the medical industry.

Can I write off refurbished equipment on my business taxes?

Most used business equipment can be depreciated, and also can be deducted under Section 179. Talk to a tax professional to get the details on the benefits you qualify for and the type of equipment you’re considering.

How can I be sure that specialized refurbished equipment can be used in my area?

You should take into account the electricity and ventilation needs and local codes where you are buying. Most vendors include specifications and installation instructions. If it’s a device used for medical purposes or commercial purposes, you may need to obtain permits or inspections before it can be used.

Is it possible to upgrade or modify my refurbished equipment at a later date?

This will depend on the equipment and manufacturer. Some are more easily upgraded than others, which may appeal to those who want to update in the future when new software comes down the pike. Talk to the seller about upgrade possibilities before you buy.

What is the average life of a refurbished piece of specialized equipment?

Quality professional instruments in good condition can last 5-15 years, and in many cases more, depending on how much they are used and how carefully they have been handled and maintained. Most commercial and medical equipment is designed for long service lives and a refurbished unit can offer significant value by the number of useful years it has remaining.

The Unexpected Future of Refurbished Devices

The refurbishment market is growing as technology grows more complex and more expensive. Emerging areas include:

• EV chargers from earlier generations
• Advanced IoT and smart building systems
• Renewable energy equipment from modernized systems
• Industrial equipment with intelligence in an age of Industry 4.0
• Commercial deployments of virtual and augmented reality systems

Both environmental awareness and a difficult economy will probably continue to cause growth in these surprising refurbished categories.

Conclusion: Finding Value in The Refurbished Market

The refurbished-device universe includes much more than just smartphones and laptops. From the commercial-grade coffee machine that turns your kitchen into a coffee shop to a medical device that improves access to health care, these unexpected categories can be surprisingly valuable to the right buyer.

Whether you’re a small-business owner who’s on the hunt for professional-grade equipment, the devoted hobbyist who just wants access to premium tools, or anyone who loves getting the most bang for their buck when they buy belongings, exploring the refurbished categories you weren’t expecting to find might just take you to your next truly great deal. The important thing is to partner with trusted refurbishers that know the exact needs of specialized equipment and can support your investment over time.

Keep in mind, purchasing refurbished is not just a way to save money, but a way to make smarter choices for your needs, your budget, and the environment. These surprising refurbished devices are evidence that with some knowledge and an open mind, a professional grade device that otherwise would be out of reach can be yours to enjoy.