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How to choose the right part: differences between original, OEM, compatible, and replacement parts.
When replacing parts in fueling equipment or food service machines, understanding the terms original, genuine, OEM, and compatible aftermarket maybe confusing. For example, service engineers in restaurant and hospitality industry used to search “commercial kitchen genuine oem parts” in kitchen supply stores and do not know that there is a certain distinction between them.
Let’s start with the difference between original, factory, genuine, authentic parts
- Original Part: Original or factory parts are made by the original product manufacturer (e.g. gas pumps producer Gilbarco or coffee machine Thermoplan), and branded as such. These are the parts installed during the initial assembly. Anything that is replaced during repairing, including Thermoplan mastrena I coffee maker removable steam wand or grinder disc, is no longer an original part.
- Genuine Part: An authentic component supplied by the manufacturer when the product was first made. These parts are specifically designed to match the exact specifications of your equipment, guaranteeing optimal performance and safety.
Generally, a "genuine authentic part" is synonymous with "original factory " in the context of machinery spare parts. If such part fails within the warranty period, buyer can have it replaced or repaired without any additional cost.
What’s the difference between OEM and OES Parts?
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Part: It is a part made by manufactures or made for them to their specification but an external company. Produced by the same company that manufactures for the original brand, but can be sold under this external manufacturer’s own name. Same quality, may possess slight differences in packaging.
- OES (Original Equipment Supplier) Part: Identical in quality to OEM parts, made by suppliers to OEMs, but can be sold directly to the market. May differ in branding or packaging.
OEM and OES parts not original parts, but are intricate and perfectly fit the equipment, guaranteeing optimal performance while minimizing the risk of malfunction or damage.
Now let’s look at the difference between aftermarket, MEPS equivalent, generic and alternative parts?
- Aftermarket Part: These parts are specifically designed by other than manufacturer or OEM company to match the exact specifications of the hardware, guaranteeing optimal performance and safety, but vary in used materials, packaging, branding.
- Alternative Part: "Manufacturer equivalent parts" are non-OEM parts engineered to serve the same function as the original or OEM component. However, they may introduce improvements in design, materials, or cost efficiency. For example, a redesigned membrane keypad might have better connectors than the original. Alternative parts aim to add value—not just replicate the original.
- Compatible generic Part: A compatible part is any non-OEM item that fits and functions like the original component. The focus here is on ensuring fit, form, and function without necessarily introducing improvements. These parts are often used when availability or pricing of OEM parts becomes a concern. They’re commonly referred to as generic replacement parts and are usually produced to match OEM specs.
Alternative compatible generic types fall under the broader category of aftermarket parts. They offer flexibility and cost-saving opportunities but must be sourced from trusted suppliers to ensure proper quality and safety. A compatible steam wand for a Thermoplan coffee machine or a rod belt for a Nieco broiler may not carry the brand name, but can perform just as well if sourced from a reputable manufacturer.
And to finish with this theme let`s look what’s the difference between a spare part and a replacing part?
When maintaining industrial or food service equipment, it’s helpful to understand the distinction between spare parts and replacing parts. These terms are often used interchangeably but carry slightly different meanings in technical service language:
- Spare Part: A spare part is a component purchased directly from the original equipment’s manufacturer and kept in stock for future use in repairs or maintenance. It may be original, OEM, or compatible, and is typically unused until needed. For instance, service technicians on fuel station often keep spare gaskets, filters, or solenoid valves on hand to reduce downtime during equipment, fuel pump failure.
- Replacing Part: A replacement part refers to a component sourced from a third-party manufacturer, not affiliated with the original equipment brand. These parts are designed to be fully compatible with the equipment, but they may differ in branding, design, or packaging. A compatible gasket for a Vitamix blender or a non-branded speed control for a Nieco grill —sourced from an aftermarket supplier, like us—would be classified as replacement parts.
Understanding these distinctions ensures proper planning, reduces maintenance delays, and helps in making better purchasing decisions, whether for a fast-food chain, gas station, or any commercial operation.
Difference between original, OEM, aftermarket, generic, spare, and replacement parts.
| Term | Meaning | Key points |
| Original Part | A part made by the original manufacturer of the product (e.g. fueling equipment brand) | Branded as the product brand (e.g. "Gilbarco fuel pump") |
| Genuine Part | A genuine parts is authentic component supplied by the equipment manufacturer when product was first manufactured | It means almost the same as original part |
| OEM Part | "Original Equipment Manufacturer" part – same part made by the original manufacturer of the product or by the manufacturer who supplies to the brand | Same quality as original, can be branded by the original or manufacturer company |
| OES Part | Original Equipment Supplier or OES spare parts, are identical to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) spare parts in terms of reliability and performance. | OES parts are of the same quality as OEM parts, but can be branded and sold differently. |
| Aftermarket parts | Aftermarket parts are parts produced by any other company, not original manufacturer or OEM supplier. | Made by the other manufacturer, branded differently, to the same specifications but may use other materials. |
| Alternative parts | Alternative parts come from manufacturers other than the original equipment maker. Designed to fit and function in various equipment models | It´s an alternative to OEM parts o original parts with better price. |
| Generic parts | Generic parts manfuactured by other companies to industry tolerances fully garranteed to be fit-for-use as replacement parts. | Suitable components, made by a variety of companies, which are trying to undercut the price of OEM parts |
| Spare parts | A spare part, spare or repair part is an interchangeable part that is kept in an inventory and used for the repair or refurbishment of defective units. | A spare part would be purchased from the equipment's manufacturer |
| Replacement parts | Replacement parts are components used to substitute for damaged, worn-out, or broken parts of a product, machine, or system. | Replacement part would be purchased from a different company |
In the following table, we've summarized and explained the main terms related to original, OEM, aftermarket, generic, spare, and replacement parts. This classification is especially useful for technicians, maintenance managers, and buyers in the restaurant, hospitality, or service station industries who are looking to better understand the options available when repairing or maintaining their equipment.
Each term includes a clear description and a key point highlighting its function, origin, or main advantage over other categories.
You can download the full table in Excel format here.
In another article, we explore the differences between remanufactured or rebuilt parts and used or second-hand parts. You can read it here.
Conclusion
Choosing original or OEM parts may seem like the only safe option, but it's not always the most cost-effective—especially for equipment that is out of warranty or for discontinued models. In such cases, high-quality alternative or generic parts can offer the ideal balance between performance, availability, and cost.
Non-OEM parts (aftermarket, alternative or equivalent) represent a valuable option when the supplier provides the proper guarantees. When an alternative provider certifies that their component strictly meets the original technical specifications, passes the required quality controls, and explicitly guarantees its performance, these parts can be a cost-effective alternative without compromising quality.
How can you tell if a replacement part is high quality?
We invite you to test the superior quality of our non-original parts for fuel stations and commercial kitchens. Run comparative tests with OEM components and discover that our products match their performance, deliver exceptional quality, and are available at a more affordable price.
We are confident that your technical testing will confirm you made the right choice by selecting us as your trusted supplier.