Starting a food truck business is a great way to get into the culinary industry without a large investment. But before you can start serving up your delicious dishes, you need to make sure you have the essential equipment.
In this post, we’ll go over some of the must-have food truck equipment to get you started. We’ll also discuss food truck equipment costs and where you can find financing assistance for some or all of the big ticket items.
Essential Food Truck Equipment To Get Started
Running a food truck is a lot of hard work, but it can also be a lot of fun. If you’re thinking about starting your own food truck venture, there are some essential pieces of equipment that you’ll need to get started. Here are seven things that every food truck should have.
1. Commercial Kitchen Appliances
One of the most important pieces of equipment for any food truck is a commercial kitchen appliance package. This will typically include restaurant equipment such as a refrigerator, freezer, oven, stovetop, and sink. Other common appliances found in food trucks include microwaves, dishwashers, and mixers.
2. Food Storage Containers
Another key piece of equipment that you’ll need for your food truck are food storage containers. These can be used to store ingredients, prep items, and leftovers. You’ll want to make sure you have a variety of sizes on hand to accommodate different needs.
3. Prep Tables
Prep tables are another essential piece of equipment for food trucks. These provide a flat surface for prep work, such as chopping vegetables or portioning out food. Prep tables can be either freestanding or built-in, depending on your needs and preferences.
4. Service Counters
Service counters are a necessary piece of equipment if you plan on serving customers from your food truck. These provide a place for customers to place their orders and pick up their food. Service counters can be either indoor or outdoor, depending on your food truck’s layout.
5. Cash Registers
Another essential piece of equipment for food trucks is a cash register. This will be used to process customer payments and keep track of sales. Cash registers come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you’ll want to choose one that fits your needs.
6. Cooking Equipment
In order to cook food, you’ll need some type of cooking equipment. This can include a griddle, fryer, or oven. Depending on the type of food you plan on serving, you may need additional cooking equipment as well.
7. Commercial Kitchen Sink
A commercial kitchen sink is a must-have for any food truck. This will allow you to clean dishes and prep items in one place. It’s also a great place to rinse off dirty hands and utensils.
How Much Does Food Truck Equipment Cost?
The cost of food truck equipment can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of equipment you need and where you purchase it from. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 on food truck equipment. Here are the price ranges so you know what you should prepare for:
- Refrigerator with freezer: $1,000 to $10,000
- Stovetop: $500 to $5,000
- Oven: $1,000 to $10,000
- Griddle: $500 to $5,000
- Fryer: $1,000 to $5,000
- Mixer: $200 to $2,000
- Dishwasher: $1,000 to $5,000
- Sink: $500 to $3,000
- Range hood: $200 to $1,000
- Prep table: $500 to $5,000
- Service counter: $500 to $5,000
- Cash register: $500 to $2,000
- Signage: $200 to $1,000
- Cost of customizing a regular truck into a food truck: $5,000 to $100,000
As you can see, the cost of food truck equipment can add up quickly. However, you don’t necessarily need to purchase all new equipment. You may be able to find some of these items used, which can help save you money.
Where To Find Financing for Food Truck Equipment
If you’re thinking about starting a food truck business, chances are you don’t have all the money upfront to pay for all the necessary equipment. That’s where financing comes in.
There are a few different ways you can finance your food truck equipment. One option is to take out a loan from a bank or credit union. Another is to lease the equipment you need. Or, you could finance your equipment through a company that specializes in food truck financing.
No matter which option you choose, it’s important to do your research and compare different offers before making a decision.
Charter Capital is one of the leading providers of food truck equipment financing in the United States. We offer a variety of financing options to meet your needs and can even help you with the purchase of new or used equipment. We have over 20 trusted lending partners in our network, so finding the perfect lender to support the growth of your food truck business will be quick and seamless. Contact us today to learn more about our food truck financing options.