18 Essential Food Truck Equipment

Because of its limited space, you must have the right setup if you want to succeed in the mobile food business. Getting the right food truck equipment at the start can save you money, time, and plenty of stress down the road. In fact, according to Chad Reynolds, Co-Founder of tracking system YXE Street Food, a food truck might be your best move because “they provide one of the most important experiences in modern business: FUN!”

“Food trucks and carts are working with limited space and limited preparation options. This means they are putting all of their creative energy into a few great items they know they can knock out of the park and people will love it,” he added.

Having the right tools is important for turning that creative energy into a food truck experience people will remember. Let’s dive straight into the essentials, breaking down the must-have equipment for your food truck and what each one is used for.

1. Ovens

If your food truck menu includes baked goods, roasted dishes, or pizzas, investing in the right oven is essential. Kitchen equipment makes up a huge chunk of food truck costs.

You can opt for convection ovens, which use a fan to circulate hot air for even cooking and faster bake times. They’re ideal for baking pastries, roasting vegetables, and cooking meats.

Another choice is combi ovens, which combine convection and steam cooking. These let you do different cooking methods and help maintain food moisture.

If you’re aiming for artisanal pizzas or rustic bread, a wood-fired oven can provide unique flavors and high-temperature cooking. However, they require more space and proper ventilation. Plus, local regulations may restrict their use.

The cost of ovens varies based on type and features. The average price of a commercial oven for a food truck ranges between $1,000 and $3,500.

2. Grill or griddle

Whether you plan to rent a food truck or buy one, a grill or griddle is one of the most important equipment to have. It’s useful for preparing burgers, breakfast items, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more.

Grills are designed with open grates, allowing fat to drip away and imparting a distinct charred flavor to foods like steaks and burgers. They’re ideal for menu items that benefit from direct flame cooking.

Griddles, on the other hand, have flat, solid surfaces that provide even heat distribution. This makes them versatile for cooking pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sandwiches. Their flat surface is also easier to clean, which is beneficial in the limited space of a food truck kitchen.

When selecting a grill or griddle, consider the fuel source. Propane models are popular for food trucks due to their portability and quick heating capabilities. Electric models are also available and may be suitable if your food truck has a reliable power source.

The cost of grills and griddles can vary based on size, brand, and features. For instance, tortilla presses and grills can cost just around $100 to $700, while a griddle can cost between $500 and $2,000.

Regular cleaning is crucial to maintain the efficiency and safety of your grill or griddle. Look for models with built-in grease traps to simplify the cleaning process and reduce the risk of grease fires. Check that the equipment is easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning.

Given the limited space in a food truck, it’s important to choose equipment that fits your kitchen layout. Consider the size of the grill or griddle and how it will integrate with other equipment like prep tables and refrigeration units.

Check out different food truck floor plans for inspiration on how to maximize space.

3. Range and burners

Range burners are used for tasks like sautéing, boiling, and simmering. They provide the flexibility to prepare sauces, soups, and a variety of dishes that require direct heat.

Nonetheless, not every food truck needs a full-range setup. If your menu focuses on items like sandwiches or pre-cooked meals, you might opt for more compact cooking equipment.

Gas burners are useful for their quick heat-up times and precise temperature control. However, they require proper ventilation to manage emissions and guarantee safety.

Electric burners are easier to install and maintain, making them suitable for food trucks with limited ventilation options. They offer consistent heat but may take longer to reach desired temperatures compared to gas burners.

Known for energy efficiency and safety, induction cooktops heat cookware directly, reducing ambient heat in the kitchen. They do require compatible cookware and a reliable power source.

The cost of range burners varies based on type and size, with average costs ranging between $200 and $1,200.

In the confined space of a food truck, compact and portable cooking equipment is advantageous. Countertop models, such as 12″ two-burner stoves, are designed to maximize space without sacrificing functionality.

Safety features like automatic shut-off and overheat protection are crucial in a mobile kitchen environment. Induction cooktops, in particular, offer enhanced safety by only heating when compatible cookware is detected.

Additionally, induction cooking is more energy-efficient, transferring about 85% of energy to the cookware, compared to 32% for gas stoves.

4. Deep fryer

A deep fryer is an essential equipment for operators serving fried favorites like fries, chicken, or donuts. Deep fryers come in countertop and floor models.

Countertop units save space and cost between $400 and $1,500, suitable for light frying. Floor models, with higher capacity, range from $1,500 to $5,000.

When choosing a fryer, consider the type of food you’ll be frying and your menu’s volume. Propane fryers offer mobility and quick heating, while electric models provide consistent temperature control.

Look for features like built-in filtration systems to extend oil life and ease maintenance. Temperature recovery speed is important in a busy food truck environment. Consider models with multiple baskets to simultaneously fry different items, maximizing efficiency and reducing wait times for customers.

Remember that safety is paramount. The NFPA requires fryers to have lids secured during transit to prevent oil spills, so you should stay compliant to get your food truck license and permits.

5. Ventilation system

Ventilation systems help control heat, smoke, and grease, which are key concerns in a small kitchen space. Without proper airflow, grease vapors can build up, increasing fire risk and making it harder for your cooking equipment to function efficiently.

A well-designed hood and exhaust fan setup helps remove these hazards and keeps your food truck kitchen cooler and cleaner.

Costs for a food truck ventilation system typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on size, features, and ducting complexity.

For example, a 4-foot stainless steel hood with an exhaust fan can start around $1,800, while larger or premium models can exceed $3,500. Some budget-friendly options are available for under $1,100, but these may lack advanced grease filtration or fire suppression features.

Health and fire codes often require commercial-grade ventilation systems for mobile kitchens. For instance, Ohio’s fire code mandates that trucks with fryers or gas appliances have a commercial hood system installed and maintained per NFPA 96 standards.

Regular inspections are also common, so keeping your system clean and functional is essential to avoid fines or shutdowns. After all, you don’t want your unique and fun food truck idea to go down the drain.

6. Refrigeration units

Refrigeration units are essential for any food truck to maintain the freshness and safety of ingredients, sauces, and beverages. Given the limited space in a truck, selecting the right refrigeration equipment is crucial.

Undercounter refrigerators are ideal for saving space, fitting beneath work surfaces for easy access to ingredients.

You can also get upright reach-in refrigerators if your truck has more vertical space. This offers ample storage for bulk items.

Then, there are prep station fridges, which are designed for quick access to toppings and ingredients, perfect for sandwich or salad-focused menus.

Food truck refrigerators cost around $1,000 to as much as $4,000, depending on capacity and brand. Investing in energy-efficient models can lead to long-term savings on power consumption.

Maintain proper refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F (4°C). This ensures food safety by preventing bacterial growth.

7. Freezers

Aside from refrigerators, you also want to invest in freezers, whether you’re serving desserts or preserving prepped meals and bulk ingredients. They make sure your food stays safe and ready to serve, especially during long shifts or hot days.

Undercounter freezers fit neatly beneath work tables, saving valuable space, while chest freezers offer more storage capacity and are ideal for bulk items. Some models combine refrigeration and freezing, providing flexibility for diverse menus.

You can expect to spend between $400 and $1,300, depending on the number of freezers you need and installation costs.

Just like refrigerators, you need to maintain consistent temperatures at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. Modern freezers come with digital thermostats and alarms to alert you of temperature fluctuations, which are useful during hot summers or long events.

Don’t forget to check if the freezer is compatible with your food truck’s power supply. Some models operate on standard 110V outlets, while others may require 220V.

8. Prep stations and work tables

Regardless of your restaurant kitchen type, you must have prep stations and work tables for sturdy and sanitary surfaces to chop, assemble, and plate dishes. Most are made of stainless steel due to its durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to corrosion.

When selecting a work table, consider the size and layout of your truck. Foldable tables are great for saving space when not in use, while built-in tables offer stability and can be customized to fit your specific needs.

The cost of these tables typically ranges from $200 to $800, depending on size and features.

It’s important to choose a table with the appropriate gauge of stainless steel. A lower gauge number indicates thicker steel, which is more durable.

For example, a 16-gauge table is thicker and more robust than an 18-gauge table, making it suitable for heavy-duty use. Additionally, tables with undershelves provide extra storage space for utensils, ingredients, or other kitchen essentials.

9. Food prep equipment and utensils

Equipping your food truck with the right prep tools and utensils is essential for efficient operations. A well-stocked kitchen ensures smooth service and consistent food quality.

Essential items include chef’s knives, color-coded cutting boards for food safety, mixing bowls, ladles, tongs, peelers, and whisks. Investing in high-quality, durable tools can enhance efficiency and reduce replacement costs over time.

Expect to spend between $500 and $1,500 on these essentials, depending on the brands and quantities you choose.

Given the compact space of a food truck, consider multi-functional tools and compact storage solutions. For instance, nesting mixing bowls and stackable containers can save valuable space.

Additionally, having backups for easily misplaced items like whisks and tongs makes sure service isn’t disrupted during busy periods.

10. Sinks and water supply

Every food truck needs a reliable sink and water system to meet health codes and keep operations running smoothly.

At a minimum, you’ll need a three-compartment sink for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing utensils, plus a separate handwashing sink. These are required in most states, including Nebraska, and must be large enough to fit your largest piece of equipment.

Expect to spend around $500 to more than $2,000, depending on whether you install a compact portable unit or a full built-in system with hot water heaters and plumbing. Stainless steel is the go-to material for durability and sanitation.

For water storage, you’ll need two tanks: one for fresh water and one for gray water (wastewater). The gray water tank must be at least 15% larger than the fresh water tank to prevent overflow. Both tanks should be made from food-grade materials and securely installed.

Hot water is also a must. Your system should deliver at least 100°F at the hand sink and 110°F at the three-compartment sink as stated in the San Diego county’s guide. This usually requires an on-demand water heater, which can be electric or propane-powered.

Wastewater disposal must follow local regulations. Gray water should be emptied at approved facilities, never into storm drains or onto the ground. Some food truck parks and commissaries offer designated dump stations.

Before opening, check with your local health department to ensure your sink setup meets all sanitation laws. Requirements can vary by state and county, so it’s best to confirm early in the process.

11. Blenders, mixers, and food processors

Blenders, mixers, and food processors are also useful for preparing smoothies, sauces, batters, and more. For smoothie trucks, a commercial-grade blender can handle frozen fruits and ice with ease.

Bakery trucks benefit from stand mixers, which can mix large batches of dough or batter efficiently. Taco or fusion trucks, offering a variety of dishes, can use food processors for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients quickly, improving taco truck profitability.

When choosing this type of equipment, prioritize commercial-grade models designed for heavy use. They offer durability and performance that consumer models can’t match, costing around $200 to $800.

12. Holding and warming equipment

If you’re serving soups, fries, or full entrees, having proper holding and warming equipment can help keep food at safe temperatures, ensuring quality and safety during busy service times.

Common equipment includes soup kettles, fry dump stations, and countertop food warmers. Soup kettles can hold between 4 and 22 quarts, ideal for keeping soups and sauces hot.

Fry dump stations keep fried items like fries and chicken tenders warm and crispy. Countertop food warmers are versatile, accommodating various pan sizes to keep a range of foods at serving temperature.

Soup kettles and countertop warmers typically range from $300 to $1,200.

13. Point-of-Sale (POS) system

You need a reliable POS system to handle orders, payments, and tips efficiently. It also helps you monitor and maintain food truck profitability.

Now, there are even mobile POS systems that use smartphones and tablets to process transactions. These cloud-based systems offer flexibility for food truck operations, allowing you to track sales, manage inventory, and process payments from anywhere.

POS software providers like Toast, Clover, and Revel vary in costs, depending largely on how many terminals you need. For instance, Revel costs $99 per month per terminal, while Toast costs $69 and Clover costs $44.95 per month.

One key feature to consider is mobility and offline capability. You want your POS system to be able to operate without internet access and let you process transactions anywhere.

It should also have a simple and intuitive interface to reduce training time and minimize errors during busy service periods. Lastly, look for systems that integrate with restaurant payroll software and other tools. This way, you can make your backend operations smoother.

Using the right POS system and restaurant payroll software also helps you stay compliant with state regulations, whether you’re operating your food truck in California, New Jersey, or Texas.

14. Kitchen Display System (KDS)

A Kitchen Display System (KDS) is a digital screen that replaces paper tickets, showing orders in real-time to your kitchen staff. For food trucks, where space is tight and speed is crucial, a KDS can be a game-changer in reducing errors and providing quick service to customers.

Depending on the provider, you may need to pay for KDS software one-time upfront, costing hundreds of dollars, or as a subscription, which can start as low as $10 to $15 per month. The hardware also affects how much you’ll need to invest.

When selecting a KDS for your food truck, consider factors like screen size, durability, ease of use, and integration capabilities with your existing POS system. Some popular options include Square for Restaurants, TouchBistro, and Toast POS, each offering unique features tailored to different operational needs.

15. Storage containers and shelving to save more space

Every inch counts in a food truck. Smart storage solutions are key to keeping your kitchen organized, efficient, and compliant.

Wall-mounted and overhead shelves are excellent for maximizing vertical space. Just like prep stations, stainless steel options are durable, easy to clean, and meet health code standards.

Meanwhile, folding shelves offer flexibility, allowing you to create additional workspace when needed and fold them away when not in use.

You also need airtight storage containers to keep ingredients fresh and prevent contamination. Opt for clear containers for easy identification of contents, saving time during busy service hours.

Stackable designs help optimize limited space, and labeling containers with dates ensures compliance with food safety standards.

Under-counter storage and pan racks can be used to store pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials, keeping them within reach but out of the way. Utilizing these spaces effectively can free up valuable countertop areas for food preparation.

16. Servingware and disposable items

Servingware and disposables include trays, clamshells, napkins, utensils, condiment bottles, and cups. Initial food truck inventory costs of around $1000 to $2,000 are typical, with ongoing expenses depending on usage and customer volume.

Purchasing supplies in bulk can lead to significant cost savings and ensure a consistent supply of necessary items. It’s also important to stock extra trash bins and liners to manage waste effectively, especially during busy periods.

17. Truck safety equipment

Safety equipment is a must-have for every food truck. It protects your team, keeps your business compliant, and helps prevent costly accidents. Expect to invest $150 to $500, depending on your setup.

Start with the basics: a Class K fire extinguisher (for grease fires), a Class ABC extinguisher (for electrical or paper fires), a first aid kit, non-slip mats, and clear signage for exits and emergency shut-offs. These items are often required by local fire codes and health departments.

If your truck uses propane or has fryers, a UL 300-rated fire suppression system is essential. It automatically shuts off fuel and sprays chemicals to stop fires fast.

Fire extinguishers should be checked annually, and suppression systems need semi-annual servicing. Also, ensure your ventilation system is clean and working properly to prevent grease buildup, which is a major fire risk.

Training your staff is just as important. Everyone should know how to use extinguishers, shut off power or gas, and evacuate safely. Having an emergency plan can make all the difference during a crisis.

18. Cleaning and janitorial equipment

Even if you make food in ghost kitchens, it’s still necessary to have proper cleaning protocols in your truck. A clean truck makes sure food is safe to eat and that your operations run smoothly.

Expect to spend around $150 to $600 on cleaning and janitorial equipment, depending on your setup and needs.

Brooms, mops, squeegees, buckets, sanitizers, and towels help you tackle daily messes and keep surfaces clean. Anti-fatigue mats are also a great addition since they reduce strain on your staff during long shifts and help prevent slips in wet areas.

Don’t forget about pest control supplies. Keeping pests out is crucial for food safety and compliance with health regulations. Regularly inspect your truck for signs of pests and take preventive measures as needed.

Take one step closer to success with the right food truck equipment

Starting a food truck is exciting, but it’s also a big investment, especially when it comes to the equipment you’ll need. Getting the right tools from the start makes sure your business can run efficiently, meet health codes, and deliver a great experience to your customers.

Running a food truck means wearing a lot of hats. Our restaurant scheduling software helps you take a few off by automating admin tasks, like shift assignments, tip pooling, and team communication. This way, you can focus more on cooking amazing food and less on paperwork.