Short answer: an AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) covers scheduled preventive maintenance and priority support; spare parts are charged separately. A CMC (Comprehensive Maintenance Contract) includes everything in the AMC plus key spare parts within the contract price. Choose an AMC to keep yearly cost low; choose a CMC for a predictable, all-in yearly cost.
AMC vs CMC at a glance
| AMC | CMC | |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive maintenance visits | Yes | Yes |
| Priority support and call-outs | Yes | Yes |
| Key spare parts | Charged when needed | Included in the contract price |
| Yearly cost | Lower contract fee, variable spares cost | Higher fee, predictable total |
| Maintenance schedule | Agreed schedule | Built around your operations |
| Signed service reports | Yes | Yes |
When an AMC is the better choice
- Equipment is new or recently overhauled, so few spares are expected
- You want the lowest fixed yearly cost
- Your team can approve spare parts case by case
When a CMC is the better choice
- Equipment is older or used heavily every shift
- Your finance team wants one fixed, budgeted cost
- You want fewer approvals and faster replacement of parts
What both contracts can cover
Kitchen equipment, gas lines, exhaust and duct cleaning, calibration and retrofitting, with an engineer call-out facility and a signed report after every visit. See our AMC / CMC service and exhaust cleaning.
Checklist before signing
- Equipment list with makes, models and age
- Number of preventive visits per year
- Response time for breakdown calls
- Which spares are included (for a CMC)
- Whether exhaust cleaning and calibration are in scope
- Format of service reports
Frequently asked questions
Is a CMC more expensive than an AMC?
A CMC usually costs more per year because key spare parts are included, but it makes your yearly maintenance cost predictable. An AMC costs less up front, and spare parts are charged when needed.
Can we switch from AMC to CMC later?
Yes. Many kitchens start with an AMC and move to a CMC once they see which spares are used regularly.
Does an AMC cover exhaust cleaning?
It can. Annual exhaust maintenance can be included in either contract; agree it in the scope.