Buying a used Rational:
the complete guide
A used Rational iCombi or iVario cooks identically to a new unit and costs considerably less, provided it has been fully inspected and tested by a skilled technician. This guide shows you what to check for: year of manufacture, operating hours, the condition of the steam generator and sensors, and who carried out the refurbishment.
By JMGT Großküchentechnik · Authorised Rational dealer · Last updated 23 June 2026
In short
A good used Rational offers new-unit quality for a lower investment. The value lies in the refurbishment: a unit that has been inspected, tested and where necessary repaired by an authorised dealer is more reliable than its age suggests. Look at operating hours and maintenance history, not just the year of manufacture.
Why a used Rational?
Rational builds its combi steamers (iCombi) and multifunctional pans (iVario) for years of intensive use in professional kitchens. As a result, a unit that has already had a first life often still has plenty of technical service life left. A used unit gives you the same cooking quality and operation at a lower investment, which shortens the payback time.
For starters, a second production line or a short-term replacement, that is attractive. JMGT usually has a broad range of used units in stock, which you can come and view.
What should you check?
Assess a used Rational on the following points. A reliable seller can demonstrate all of them.
| Point of attention | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Year and model | Determines availability of parts and software updates. iCombi (from 2020) or the earlier SelfCookingCenter — both good, but newer = longer support. |
| Operating hours | Tells you more about wear than age. Ask for the read-out number of operating hours. |
| Steam generator | The heart of the combi steamer. Limescale build-up and wear here are costly; have the condition confirmed. |
| Sensors and core temperature probe | Determine cooking accuracy. Must be tested and accurate. |
| Cleaning system | A working automatic cleaning system saves time and keeps the unit hygienic. |
| Door seal and housing | Leakage or a damaged seal costs energy and cooking quality. |
| Who did the refurbishment | A refurbishment by an authorised dealer with its own workshop offers the most certainty. |
For more detail on each point, see what to check on a used Rational.
New or used — when do you choose what?
| Choose new if… | Choose a used unit if… |
|---|---|
| You want the latest features and maximum factory warranty | You want the same cooking quality at a lower investment |
| The unit will be the heart of a busy kitchen for years | You quickly need a reliable replacement or second unit |
| You want a brand-new unit with the longest possible service life ahead | The payback time needs to be shorter (lower purchase price) |
Not sure? We give you honest advice based on your volume, budget and how long the unit needs to last. Sometimes new is wiser, sometimes a used unit — we sell both.
How JMGT inspects and tests used units
Every used Rational we sell is inspected, tested and where necessary repaired in our own workshop by our own technicians. We are an authorised Rational dealer with 35 years of experience in commercial kitchen equipment; we carry out service and maintenance on Rational ourselves. We record what has been checked and what the condition is for each unit, and explain it to you.
That is the difference compared to an anonymous online purchase: you are not just buying a unit, but also the point of contact for delivery, installation and service afterwards.
Next step
See which used Rational units are currently in stock, or request advice on which unit suits your kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Is a used Rational reliable?
Yes, provided it has been fully inspected and tested by a skilled technician. A Rational iCombi or iVario is robustly built and, with good maintenance, typically lasts ten years or longer. What matters is not so much the age, but the condition: operating hours, the condition of the steam generator and sensors, and who carried out the refurbishment. JMGT inspects every used unit in its own workshop before it is sold.
How much cheaper is a used Rational than new?
A used unit is considerably below the new price, depending on year, model, size and condition. Because the purchase is bespoke and the price differs per unit, we do not quote fixed online prices for used Rational equipment; you receive a concrete price in the quote based on the available unit.
How long does a Rational last?
In a professional kitchen, with regular maintenance, a Rational typically lasts ten years or longer. Operating hours and maintenance history say more than the year of manufacture alone. A well-maintained older unit can be more reliable than a neglected younger one.
What has been inspected on a JMGT used unit?
We check and test, among other things, the steam generator, sensors, door seal, cleaning system and software, and replace parts where needed. Every used unit is functionally tested before delivery. We record the exact condition and what was carried out for each unit.
Can I come and view a used unit?
Yes. You can view available used units by appointment in Hengelo (Gld). We show you the unit, explain its condition and advise whether it suits your kitchen and volume.
Does JMGT service a used Rational itself?
Yes. JMGT is an authorised Rational dealer and carries out service and maintenance on Rational equipment with its own technicians. One point of contact, short lines.