Essential Food Truck Equipment
Our curated list of must-have equipment for every successful food truck operation.
Core Cooking Equipment
Commercial Griddle
The backbone of most food truck operations
#1 Essential
Why It's Essential
- • Versatile cooking surface for multiple menu items
- • Consistent heat distribution
- • High volume cooking capability
- • Easy to clean and maintain
- • Space-efficient design
Recommended Models
- • Blackstone 36" Commercial Griddle
- • Vulcan MSA36 Griddle
- • Imperial ITG-36 Griddle
- • Southbend HDG-36 Heavy Duty
Price Range: $800 - $2,500
Commercial Refrigerator
Food safety and ingredient storage
#2 Essential
Critical Features
- • Maintains consistent 38°F temperature
- • Stainless steel construction
- • Energy efficient operation
- • Adequate storage capacity
- • Easy-clean interior
Top Choices
- • True T-49 Two Section Reach-In
- • Beverage-Air MT49-1-S
- • Turbo Air M3R47-2-N
- • Delfield SAH2-S
Price Range: $2,000 - $4,500
Three-Compartment Sink
Health code requirement
Required
Compliance Benefits
- • Meets health department requirements
- • Proper wash, rinse, sanitize process
- • Hot water access
- • Adequate drainage
- • Durable stainless steel
Recommended Units
- • Advance Tabco 9-83-60
- • John Boos E3S8-1824-12
- • Regency 72" Three Compartment
- • Eagle Group 3-18-18
Price Range: $1,200 - $2,800
Support Equipment
Generator System
- • Minimum 8kW capacity
- • Diesel or propane fuel options
- • Auto-start capability
- • Sound dampening enclosure
- • Transfer switch included
Recommended: Onan QD 8000, Kohler 8RES
Ventilation Hood
- • Type I hood with fire suppression
- • Adequate CFM rating
- • Grease filters included
- • Makeup air consideration
- • Professional installation required
Recommended: CaptiveAire, Gaylord
Hand Wash Sink
- • Hands-free operation preferred
- • Hot water capability
- • Soap and paper towel dispensers
- • Splash guards
- • ADA compliant height
Recommended: Advance Tabco 7-PS-23
Water System
- • 40+ gallon fresh water tank
- • Water pump and pressure tank
- • Hot water heater
- • Gray water holding tank
- • Water filtration system
Recommended: Shurflo pump, Atwood heater
Equipment Budget Planning
Essential Equipment Investment
| Equipment | Priority | Budget Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Griddle | Critical | $800 - $2,500 | Size based on menu needs |
| Refrigerator | Critical | $2,000 - $4,500 | Energy efficient models |
| Three-Compartment Sink | Required | $1,200 - $2,800 | Health code compliance |
| Generator | Critical | $3,000 - $8,000 | Size for total power needs |
| Ventilation Hood | Required | $2,500 - $6,000 | Include fire suppression |
Total Essential Equipment Budget: $9,500 - $23,800
This covers the absolute minimum equipment needed to operate legally and safely. Additional equipment will depend on your specific menu and business model.
Equipment Procurement Timeline
1.
Plan & Design (2-4 weeks)
Finalize menu, measure truck, create equipment layout
2.
Source & Order (3-6 weeks)
Get quotes, negotiate terms, place orders
3.
Install & Test (2-3 weeks)
Professional installation, safety inspections, training
4.
Permits & Launch (1-2 weeks)
Final inspections, permits approved, soft opening