What equipment do I need for a food truck?

Essential equipment includes cooking equipment (grill, fryer, or oven depending on cuisine), refrigeration, prep tables, serving equipment, fire suppression, and a POS system. Total equipment costs range from $15,000 to $75,000.

How much does food truck equipment cost?

Food truck equipment costs range from $15,000 for a minimal setup to $75,000+ for a fully equipped commercial kitchen on wheels. A standard setup for most cuisine types runs $25,000–$45,000. Equipment is typically the second-largest startup cost after the truck itself ($30,000–$100,000 used, $75,000–$200,000 new). Buying used equipment can cut these costs by 30–50%.

What equipment do I need for a food truck?

Core food truck equipment includes: commercial cooking equipment (griddle, fryer, or range: $2,000–$8,000), refrigeration units ($1,500–$4,000), ventilation hood and suppression system ($3,000–$8,000), steam table or hot holding unit ($500–$2,000), prep surfaces and sinks ($1,000–$3,000), generator ($2,000–$8,000), POS system ($500–$2,000), and smallwares/utensils ($500–$1,500). Cuisine type heavily determines which items are essential — a coffee truck skips fryers but needs an espresso machine ($3,000–$12,000).

What is the most expensive piece of food truck equipment?

The ventilation hood and fire suppression system is often the most expensive single equipment item, running $3,000–$8,000 installed and required by most health departments for any open-flame cooking. Commercial refrigeration (walk-in-style units or multiple reach-ins) is a close second at $2,000–$6,000. Espresso machines for coffee trucks can reach $8,000–$15,000. For BBQ trucks, a commercial smoker adds $3,000–$10,000 on top of standard cooking equipment.

Can I buy used food truck equipment?

Yes — buying used food truck equipment is one of the best ways to reduce startup costs. Commercial kitchen equipment holds up well and used items typically cost 40–60% less than new. Sources include restaurant liquidators, CRES (Commercial Restaurant Equipment Suppliers), eBay commercial section, and local restaurant auctions. Prioritize new for refrigeration units (compressors wear out), fire suppression systems (must be certified), and POS/tech. Buy used for stainless prep tables, holding units, smallwares, and some cooking equipment.

How much does it cost to equip a food truck kitchen?

Equipping a food truck kitchen costs $15,000–$75,000 depending on cuisine complexity. Breakdown for a typical American/street food setup: cooking equipment $4,000–$12,000, refrigeration $2,000–$5,000, hood and suppression $3,000–$8,000, generator $2,500–$7,000, prep equipment and sinks $1,500–$3,500, POS and tech $500–$2,000, smallwares and supplies $1,000–$2,000. Pizza and BBQ trucks run toward the high end; coffee, dessert, and sandwich trucks can stay near the low end.

Food Truck Equipment Costs: $15K–$75K (2026)

Build your custom equipment budget. Select your cuisine type, then check the items you need. Your total updates automatically.

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New vs Used: Where to Actually Spend Your Money

85% of first-time food truck operators buy used equipment. The math makes it obvious. A new commercial flat-top griddle runs $1,200-$3,500. A used one in good condition costs $300-$800. For a full kitchen buildout, buying used cuts your equipment bill by 50-70%. That gap is your first three months of commissary rent. It's your working capital. It's the difference between surviving a slow week and not.

The exception is refrigeration. Buy new or near-new refrigerators and freezers. A used unit that fails during a lunch rush costs you inventory, a health inspection citation, and customers. Compressors on commercial units typically last 10-15 years, so a 2-year-old unit is fine. Anything older than 8 years, skip it.

Where to Buy Used Commercial Equipment

Restaurant auctions are the best source. When restaurants close (and they close constantly), their equipment gets auctioned off at 10-20 cents on the dollar. Sites like BidSpotter, AuctionZip, and local auction houses run restaurant liquidations weekly in most cities. You can walk away with a $4,000 Vulcan range for $400.

Restaurant equipment dealers are another option. They take trade-ins, refurbish them, and sell with a 90-day warranty. You'll pay more than auction prices, but less than new. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace work for smaller items. For anything with a motor or compressor, see it running in person before you buy.

Fire Suppression: Don't Skip It

Fire suppression systems run $2,000-$5,000 installed. Every city with a health department permit will require one if you're cooking with open flame or high heat. It's not optional. The inspection won't pass without it. And your insurance won't cover a fire claim if it's missing.

The Ansul system is the standard. Get it installed by a certified technician who provides the documentation your health inspector needs. Budget for annual inspection and service too: typically $150-$300/year. That's the cost of doing this legally.

POS System: Square vs Toast vs Everything Else

Square is the default for new food trucks. No monthly fee, 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction, free hardware with signup. It handles the basics: orders, receipts, sales reports, basic inventory. Toast costs more ($110-$300/month) but handles high-volume service better and has better kitchen display integration. Unless you're doing 200+ transactions per day, Square is fine. You can switch later. Don't spend $1,500 on a POS system on day one.

Food Truck Startup Costs 2026

Free startup cost calculator — $85K–$120K average, 50 cities covered.

Average Startup Cost Breakdown

How equipment fits into the full $85K–$120K picture

Permit Fees by City

$280–$17,000 depending on your city

Monthly Operating Costs

$5K–$20K/month once you're rolling

Profit Calculator

Break-even and 3-year profitability estimate

How Much Does a Food Truck Make?

Revenue, margins, and income by city

Updated March 2026. Equipment costs are estimates and vary by brand, condition (new vs used), and supplier.

Data: Municipal Permit Fee Schedules, SBA Small Business Startup Research, FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Requirements, Commercial Insurance Premium Data

Last updated: March 2026

How we calculate this · Verify current permit requirements with your city before applying. Requirements change without notice.

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