Buy a New RHEON, a Used RHEON, or a Taiwanese-Made Encrusting Machine?

Three Paths, No Standard Answer

Customers looking to buy an encrusting machine often hesitate among three options: a new machine from Japan's RHEON, a used RHEON on the market, or a machine made by a Taiwanese manufacturer. Each suits different situations; the key is to get clear on your own needs first.

New Machines from the Manufacturer

Advantages

• Complete lineup, latest technology: RHEON's encrusting machines range from the ultra-compact CN001 to the 20-row Multi Confectioner, plus a large number of options, making for a very complete product line; see The KASEIJIN Series and Options and Peripherals.
• Factory technical service: The technical services listed on the website include pre-installation technical consultation, operating guidance during installation, support through to mass production, and test production and operator training in the Solution Center's test kitchen.
• Factory maintenance service: Breakdown repairs and maintenance guidance, plus paid periodic inspections, overhauls, and maintenance training (mechanical and electrical courses).
• Test runs first: RHEON's FAQ explains that you can bring your own ingredients to test in the test kitchens at its headquarters or regional sales offices.

Things to consider

• Upfront investment is usually higher.
• The manufacturer's location in Taiwan is a service office; machine quotes are handled by the RHEON ASIA contact; see RHEON Service Locations in Taiwan.

Used RHEON Machines

Advantages

• Lower upfront investment.
• A fair number are in circulation on the market, commonly from the CN and KN series.
• The basic principles of RHEON machines are mature, and well-maintained older machines still have room for use.

Things to consider

• You have to vet the condition yourself: Specifications in used listings are often inaccurate and can only be taken as a reference; some overseas used dealers even advise buyers to inspect machines on site.
• Whether all parts are present: Check whether the shutter, nozzles, and options are all there; missing parts may need to be sourced separately.
• Electrical controls and parts supply: The older the model, the more likely parts have been discontinued; see Common Older RHEON Models.
• Power specifications: Machines circulated overseas may not match Taiwan's voltage and frequency, so confirm before buying.
• Who will repair it after purchase: Find a repair provider that can handle that model in advance.

Used machine checklist

1. Nameplate model, serial number, and year of manufacture.
2. A test run on the actual machine with your own ingredients, checking weight and sealing.
3. Whether the shutter opens and closes smoothly and whether there are unusual noises.
4. Wear on the feed screws, vane pump, and seals.
5. Whether the electrical control panel and memory functions work properly.
6. Whether accessories, nozzles, and manuals are complete.

Taiwanese-Made Encrusting Machines

Advantages

• Close by and easy to communicate with: You can discuss things directly in Chinese, and travel time for on-site service is shorter.
• Easy to discuss local products: For products common in Taiwan, such as steamed buns, mantou, dumplings, sweet potato balls, taro balls, and mooncake fillings, you can bring your ingredients directly to a local factory to discuss and test.
• Customization can be discussed: Adjusting machines to product needs is a common service at local factories.

Things to consider

• Manufacturers vary widely in their model ranges, technology, and service, so compare them one by one.
• Confirm that the model truly suits your product, ideally with a test run on an actual machine.

How to Decide Which Is Right for You

1. What is your product: Traditional Taiwanese flour-based foods or filling portioning, or special products that need triple encrusting or multi-row mass production?
2. How much do you make per day: Hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands of pieces?
3. How many varieties: Changeover frequency determines how important cleaning and adjustment are.
4. Budget and payback period: Considering the machine cost and labor savings, how long until it pays for itself?
5. After-sales needs: How much does one day of downtime cost you? How soon can a technician arrive?
6. Expansion plans: Will you want to add options or rows in the future?

Differences in After-Sales Service

The biggest difference among the three choices often lies in after-sales service: the manufacturer has systematic technical and maintenance services; with a used machine, you have to arrange after-sales service yourself; and Taiwanese manufacturers each differ. Whichever you choose, ask clearly before signing: who handles installation and training, how to get in touch when something breaks, where parts come from, and how maintenance is done.

What Dong-Yih Can Offer

Dong-Yih Machinery manufactures its own models, including the DY-201 Automatic Steamed Bun and Mantou Machine and the DY-528MS/DY-528M dividing machines. To discuss whether a Taiwanese-made machine suits your product, call us at 06-257-4644.

FAQ

Q: What are the pros and cons of a new RHEON, a used RHEON, and a Taiwanese machine?
A: A new machine offers a complete lineup and factory technical and maintenance services, with higher upfront investment; a used machine costs less, but you must vet its condition and parts yourself; a Taiwanese machine is close by and easy to communicate with, but manufacturers vary widely, so compare them one by one.

Q: How do I decide which is right for me?
A: Evaluate product type, daily output, number of varieties, budget, and after-sales needs together, and do a test run on an actual machine with your own ingredients.

Q: What should I watch out for when buying a used RHEON?
A: Confirm the nameplate information, do a test run on the actual machine, check wear on the shutter and feeding system, make sure the electrical controls work, check that accessories are complete, and confirm power specifications and who will service it later.

Q: Whom can I ask about parts or repairs for RHEON machines?
A: You can contact RHEON's official service locations, or call 06-257-4644 to ask; please describe the model and its condition first.