How much does it cost to start a food truck? The actual cost of purchasing a food truck can vary based on whether you want one new or used. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50,000 to $175,000. At the lower end of this price range, you will likely find a used, as-is food truck with the existing kitchen equipment. You can get a new truck with a customized kitchen layout and new kitchen equipment at the higher end. This price range does not include any additional costs that may be necessary to get your business off the ground.
Customizing a kitchen for your new food truck business is exciting. You can design the ideal space for that menu you have been perfecting. Picking out the right kitchen equipment for a food truck is the first step to making your dream a reality. You can purchase new or used equipment for your truck. One advantage of buying new kitchen equipment is that it often comes with a warranty from the manufacturer, which can be a huge relief for a new business owner.
We break down the prices for food trucks and all the kitchen equipment your business needs to share your passion for food with others.
Food Truck Costs
Your food truck cost can vary based on whether you want to buy your truck new or used and the type of kitchen equipment you need.
Used, As-Is Food Truck
You can find a used food truck for around $50,000, though you may be able to find them for cheaper. This is an affordable way to get a food truck, and it may save you some time and headaches if it comes with existing permits. It can be risky because of the likelihood of mechanical problems.
Additionally, you are stuck with the kitchen layout of the truck you purchased, which may not be ideal for your business’s needs. It is likely the warranties on the kitchen equipment have expired. Used Food Truck with New, Customized Kitchen In addition to the cost of a used truck, around $50,000, you can expect to spend $25,000 to $50,000 for new kitchen equipment, tools, and supplies. It is a more affordable way to get a mobile kitchen customized for your business. Plus, the manufacturer guarantees the equipment for at least the first year. Mechanical breakdowns and the resulting lost revenue are still a concern with this type of food truck.
New, Customized Food Truck
For $100,000 to $175,000, you can customize a brand-new food truck to serve your business’s needs. New food trucks come with warranties, which can save you money on repairs. If the truck ever needs repairs, you can get it repaired right away without worrying about securing the funds first. A bank loan for a new, customized food truck will likely have a lower interest rate than a used one, and it will hold more of its value if you must resell it.
The downside of a new truck is that it is a significant investment for a new business.
Rental or Lease-to-Own Food Trucks
Another option for a new food truck is renting or leasing a food truck. Costs can vary by location, but you can expect to pay $2,000 to $3,000 a month for food truck rentals.
New, custom-built food trucks can run between $3,500 to $4,500 a month through lease-to-own programs.
Kitchen Equipment for Food Trucks
Food trucks have come a long way. Once limited to ice-cream trucks and your local fair, food trucks are more popular than ever, and you can find high-performance, compact equipment designed for mobile kitchens with limited space.
Food Truck Refrigeration
• Undercounter Ice Makers: $650 to $5,000
• Sandwich & Salad Prep Tables: $1,400 to $3,200
• Ice Cream Dipping Cabinets. $2,000 to $3,000
• Undercounter Refrigerators: $300 to $11,000
• Worktop Refrigerators: $1,300 to $15,500
• Undercounter Freezers: $450 to $7,000
• Worktop Freezers: $1,400 to $7,000 Countertop Cooking Equipment
• Countertop Charbroilers: $550 to $17,500
• Countertop Griddles: $150 to $200
• Countertop Fryers: $100 to $7,000
• Hot Plates: $100 to $5,600
• Panini & Sandwich Grills: $230 to $9,000
• Steamers: $7300 to $42,000
• Gyro Machines: $1500 to $2700 Food Prep Supplies
• Squeeze Bottles and Accessories: $1 to $350*
• Kitchen Tongs: $1 to $730*
• Cutlery and Accessories: $1 to $640
• Measuring Spoons: $1 to $390*
• Thermometers: $2 to $530
• Oven Mitts: $2 to $900*
• Graters & Slicers: $2 to $300 *Price range includes bulk quantities
Warming & Holding Equipment
• Countertop Holding Bins: $270 to $11,500
• Microwaves: $215 to $4,500
• Heat Lamps: $80 to $1800
• Warming Drawers: $890 to $3900
• Soup Kettles & Warmers: $85 to $920
• French Fry Warmers: $230 to $9,100
• Cookers, Warmers, & Servers: $105 to $2,100
A food truck is a significant investment. Be sure to take your time, and research the best option for your food truck business. To write a business plan that sets your young business up for success, you need to be well-informed about the industry.
