How to Choose the Right Equipment for Your Food Truck

Designed a menu for food trucks. Check. Have you completed your business plan? Completed! Have you looked up local legislation related to food trucks? Indeed… After everything is done, It’s time to choose what kind of mobile commercial kitchen equipment you require and how to choose the right equipment for your food truck.

The final piece of the puzzle for your food truck business is getting the right food truck equipment and utilizing the available space to guarantee your kitchen on wheels runs as efficiently as possible.

Some food truck equipment is common to all food trucks, regardless of menu.  And for some, the precise equipment you need to install will be determined by your selected cuisine type, menu size, and staff size. 

In this guide, we will provide you with what equipment is needed for a food truck and other crucial things around. 

Let’s dig in!

What Do You Need to Start a Food Truck? The Ultimate Equipment List Breakdown!

Considering the comprehensive list of equipment is paramount when launching a food truck, as each piece plays a crucial role in the mobile kitchen’s efficiency and functionality. From versatile cooking appliances to reliable refrigeration units, the selection process should align with the menu, space constraints, and energy efficiency goals. Thoughtful consideration of each equipment type sets the foundation for a successful and well-equipped food truck venture.

If you are wondering how to choose the right equipment for your food truck, then keep on reading to get the comprehensive list. 

Ovens 

Ovens stand as one of the crucial equipment in the whole list of equipment needed for food truck businesses, as they offer a multifaceted approach to food preparation. Its importance lies in the versatility they bring to the kitchen, enabling chefs to employ various cooking methods and expand the menu offerings. 

From baking various goods, including bread, pastries, and desserts, to roasting tasty meats and vegetables, ovens facilitate a diverse range of culinary creations. The efficiency in simultaneously cooking multiple items optimizes time management in the fast-paced food truck environment, ensuring a steady flow of freshly prepared dishes. 

Ovens contribute to the consistency of cooking results, allowing for precise temperature control and the delivery of high-quality, flavorful food to customers – leading to tasty and high-quality dishes. 

Whether it’s making fresh bread, roasting tasty meats, or baking special treats like empanadas, ovens help make sure the food in the truck is always delicious and ready to go for happy customers. The role of ovens in a food truck extends beyond functionality—they enhance the overall dining experience, leaving customers with a memorable and satisfying taste of freshly baked goodness on the move.

Food Prep Surfaces 

Getting your hands on required, highly quality, and suitable food prep surfaces for your food truck business is more crucial than ever. The food prep surfaces highlight the importance of safe and clean surfaces when preparing food. 

Here are some of the crucial food prep surfaces you will need for your food truck business: 

• Leading the Way in Hygiene: Safe cooking requires a high priority on clean surfaces. Designated food prep areas not only improve organization but also reduce the chance of cross-contamination, protecting the quality of your dishes. This increased emphasis on greater hygiene and food quality encourages customers to return to your food truck. 
• Enhanced Efficiency: A sturdy and clean surface serves as the basis for effective food preparation, whether chopping vegetables or making mouthwatering burgers. It contributes to a smooth kitchen operation by streamlining chores and optimizing workflow. This streamlined procedure results in faster dish production and more customer satisfaction. 
• Higher Customer Satisfaction: The caliber of your workspace has an impact on the caliber of your culinary creations. Using premium worktops for food preparation in your food truck setup leads to delicious results. Since satisfied consumers are more likely to make more purchases, this investment is crucial to long-term profitability.

Food Prepping Equipment 

You don’t want to be caught in a hurry without an essential piece of equipment, therefore you should keep your food truck loaded with all the little appliances, utensils, mixing bowls, and micro planes that are required for your manufacturing process. 

• Knives: Knives are an essential element of cooking and prep, and a competent chef and their knife move as one. So, make sure to invest in a set of knives and discover how to maintain them sharp for kitchen security and effectiveness. 
• Cutting Boards: The prep experience is greatly improved by high-quality cutting boards; restaurant favorites are those with handles for convenient holding or with lips or grooves around the edge. To properly handle everything, make sure you have more than one as a backup.
• Pans and Pots: Your choice of pots and pans will probably depend on your needs and preferences, but don’t forget to invest in high-quality items that will add value to your food truck. 
• Mixing Bowls: Mixing bowls can be made of plastic, stainless steel, ceramic, or glass, all of which have advantages and disadvantages. Choose the setup that works best for the equipment list on your food truck.
• Food Processors: A terrific purchase that will provide a consistent chop or mince throughout preparation, food processors are also great for making soups and sauces.
• Blenders: High-quality blenders are a necessary piece of equipment for a number of establishments, including juice bars and smoothie shops. Commercial blenders are dependable even though they can be pricey.
• Mixers: A food truck or commissary kitchen may require stand mixers or hand mixers, which are essential time-saving tools for bakeries and certain other business models.
• Shelves and Storage Containers: For both organization and safety, storage is always necessary, but the expense may mount up rapidly. Remember to set aside money and space for storage.
• Others: The remainder is arguably the most significant category. Everything you’ll need to outfit your food truck, including stirring spoons, whisks, rolling pins, spatulas, piping bags, silicone pads, and everything else you’ll need. It is important to budget and plan for the small things because they pile up over time. 

Ranges, Grills & Ventilation System 

In the dynamic and compact world of food trucks, efficient and versatile equipment is paramount to success. Ranges, grills, and ventilation systems stand as indispensable elements in the design and operation of a food truck kitchen.

• Ranges: Ranges serve as the heartbeat of a food truck kitchen, providing a versatile cooking platform equipped with burners suitable for pots and pans. They are essential for preparing a diverse range of dishes with precision and efficiency. The utility of ranges extends across various culinary applications and their adaptability makes them a foundational piece for chefs crafting diverse menus within the confined space of a food truck.
• Grills: Grills are the workhorses of the food truck, adding a touch of smoky flavor and versatility to the menu. These cooking devices are designed to handle a variety of ingredients, from meats to vegetables and even sandwiches. Grills excel in crafting popular and flavorful dishes and their ability to impart a distinct grilled taste to food items contributes to the appeal of these mobile kitchens.
• Ventilation Systems: Ventilation systems help ensure a safe and comfortable environment at the food truck. It includes exhaust hoods, fans, and ductwork to remove smoke, grease, and odors generated during cooking. It contributes to the well-being of the kitchen staff and also ensures health and safety regulations. It also mitigates fire hazards, manages temperatures, and enhances overall air quality inside the food truck.

The seamless integration of ranges, grills, and ventilation systems optimizes operational efficiency, facilitates culinary creativity, and even ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for both the kitchen team and customers. 

Freezer & Refrigerator 

Reliable equipment is essential for food truck operations. The freezer and refrigerator are the two essential parts of this arsenal. These two essential pieces of equipment defend the quality of your food products by acting as safety and freshness sentinels.

• Maintaining Freshness: Together, the freezer and refrigerator make sure that your food is always as fresh as possible. The freezer’s embrace is ideal for preserving frozen meats, fruits, veggies, and delightful ice creams, but the refrigerator is ideal for preserving perishables such as dairy, produce, and meats by keeping them at a safe temperature.
• Culinary Excellence: Your food truck takes center stage while serving up culinary excellence if you have the proper equipment for maintaining nutritional value and freshness. Your customers can relish your high-quality dishes with confidence, knowing that each bite represents your dedication to quality and uncompromising flavor.  
• Adapting to Demands: These necessary tools provide your food truck the ability to smoothly adjust to changing demands, whether it’s a busy day or a quiet one. The way the freezer and refrigerator work together dynamically enables you to deliver flavorful, fresh food to every customer, no matter how quickly the order comes in.

Sinks 

A sink gives you a location to prepare food, wash your hands, and clean your cooking equipment, which makes it an essential investment for any food truck. The sink is a key component that keeps your desk hygienic and tidy. In accordance with California Retail Food Code, Section 114311, they are also a legal necessity for food trucks that serve non-prepackaged food. 

Make sure you have the proper balance while installing and situating your sink(s). The sink or sinks you choose must be both easily accessible and big enough to meet the demands of your food truck operation. You should also think about the water supply and where you might put your water tanks. 

Choosing the correct sink makes it possible to set up a food truck effectively and satisfy the demands of a busy kitchen.

Three Crucial Points to Remember:

• Functional Core: The sink is essential to keeping a hygienic atmosphere in addition to being a tool for cleaning.
• Space Efficiency: Choosing a sink that blends in perfectly with the area you have available improves arrangement and efficiency.
• Utility Integration: Choosing a sink that complements your plumbing and water supply will make operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Essential Safety Supplies 

Ensuring food safety is a top priority for all restaurants, including food trucks, and having the right supplies for safety is essential. Restaurant supply services play a crucial role in providing these necessities regularly. Key among these is a comprehensive safety equipment checklist, which includes items such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits. These essentials prepare food truck operators for unforeseen emergencies, ensuring the safety of both the staff and customers. 

Beyond just meeting regulatory requirements, prioritizing safety demonstrates a serious commitment that can build trust and confidence among customers. It increased focus and commitment to security and hygiene leads to repeat business and positive feedback from the customers, ultimately enhancing the food truck’s reputation. It’s crucial to view the investment in safety equipment not as an expense but as a strategic investment in the long-term success of the food truck. 

Here’s a list of safety equipment that every food truck should have:

• Fire Extinguishers
• Comprehensive first aid kits with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other essential medical supplies.
• Emergency Exit Signs
• Emergency Lighting
• Safety Cones and Signage
• Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, aprons, and other PPE to ensure the safety of the food preparation staff.
• Non-slip mats to prevent slips and falls.
• Sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizers, and other supplies for maintaining cleanliness.
• Safe and Hygienic Food Storage Containers
• Temperature Monitoring Tools
• Security Cameras

By investing in and consistently maintaining these safety measures, a food truck not only meets regulatory standards but also showcases a commitment to the well-being of everyone involved. This dedication, in turn, contributes to the trust of customers and the long-term success of the food truck enterprise.

Food Truck POS System

Operating a successful food truck business requires efficient management of transactions, orders, and customer interactions. This is where a feature-rich Point of Sale (POS) system becomes crucial. 

A food truck POS system helps you streamline operations, enhances customer service, and contributes to overall business success. The ability to process orders quickly, manage inventory effectively, and analyze sales data can significantly impact the efficiency and profitability of a food truck.

Why are POS systems increasingly important for businesses? 

• Order Processing: POS systems allow food truck owners to efficiently process customer orders, minimizing wait times and enhancing the overall customer experience. It accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, mobile payments, and cash.
• Inventory Management: You can keep track of inventory levels in real-time, preventing stockouts and enabling timely restocking. With it, you can easily monitor ingredient usage and manage supplies to avoid shortages.
• Menu Customization: With the right food truck POS system, you can easily update and customize the menu to reflect changes in offerings or pricing. Accommodate variations in menu items, such as different sizes or add-ons, without much hassle.
• Sales Analytics: Access detailed analytics on sales trends, peak hours, and popular items, aiding in strategic decision-making. It even allows you to generate reports to assess the overall performance of the food truck business.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Maintain customer profiles to track preferences and offer personalized experiences. With the right data, you can even implement loyalty programs and discounts to encourage repeat business.
• Integration with Other Systems: Integrate with accounting, marketing, and other business systems for streamlined operations. You can ensure compatibility with third-party applications to enhance functionality.

Quick Tip: For added convenience and space efficiency in the limited space, consider utilizing handheld food truck POS systems. It allows for flexibility in taking orders and processing payments, providing a more agile and customer-friendly experience. 

To Sum Up

To sum up, running a successful food truck involves more than just having a tasty menu. Equipping your mobile kitchen with the necessary appliances and technology is equally important. From a dependable POS system and refrigerator to an oven and grill that operate well, every component helps ensure a smooth, secure, and customer-focused business. 

Additionally, your company will stand out in the crowded food truck market thanks to your equipment choices, which demonstrate your dedication to quality, safety, and providing an outstanding client experience.  

Finally, we believe that our blog contains all of the necessary insights and suggestions to inform, inspire, and assist you in navigating the fascinating and hard world of food service with confidence. 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. How Much Does a Food Truck Make? 

Operating a food truck can indeed be a lucrative venture, combining the appeal of a mobile business with the potential for substantial income. To determine how much does food truck makes is influenced by various factors, though! On average, food trucks can generate annual revenues ranging from $250,000 to $500,000, translating to a monthly income of $20,000 to $42,000 or a daily income of $667 to $1,400. 

According to a survey by Food Truck Empire, approximately 50% of food trucks reported annual revenues of $150,000 or more, while 45% fell within the range of $50,000 to $149,999. Only slightly over 3% reported earnings below $50,000 per year. 

However, these are approximate figures and the actual figures are based on characteristics such as 

• Location: A prime location with high foot traffic significantly impacts revenue. Food trucks stationed in busy urban areas or near popular attractions tend to attract more customers than a food trucks in a quick or less populated area. 
• Menu Pricing: The cost and pricing of menu items play a crucial role. While a higher-priced menu may yield more revenue per transaction, it could potentially reduce customer volume. Striking the right balance is key.
• Competition: The level of competition in a given area affects a food truck’s earning potential. Operating in a market with few competitors may allow for a larger share of the customer base and a higher number of competitors means lesser margins for sales and revenues. 
• Operational Costs: The cost of running the business, including permits, licenses, food supplies, and fuel, impacts overall profitability. Efficient cost management is essential for maximizing income.
• Truck Size and Capacity: Larger trucks with greater output capacity have the potential to serve more customers. However, they also come with higher operational costs. Smaller trucks may have lower expenses but serve a smaller customer base. 
• Marketing and Branding: In this digital era, effective marketing strategies and a strong brand presence can attract a loyal customer base, contributing to sustained income over time and vice versa.

While the industry can be financially rewarding, success hinges on strategic decision-making, adaptability to market conditions, and a keen understanding of the local landscape. 

2. What Are Other Technology Systems Needed in Food Trucks Apart From POS Systems?

Beyond the POS (Point of Sale) system, there are various technology systems that you might need in your food truck which can enhance the efficiency, productivity, and overall customer experience in a food truck business. By leveraging the right mix of technology solutions, a food truck can enhance its operational efficiency, improve customer interactions, and stay competitive in the dynamic mobile culinary landscape.

Here are some of the popular ones you might need in your food truck business: 

• Mobile Ordering Apps: Mobile ordering apps have revolutionized the way customers interact with food trucks. This technology offers a solution to higher wait times and the inconvenience of waiting in long lines, allowing customers to pre-order. It also leads to improved order accuracy and operational efficiency while also meeting the evolving expectations of tech-savvy customers and enhancing their service capabilities. A win-win for everyone. 
• Online Ordering Platforms: Online ordering platforms play a pivotal role in expanding a food truck’s customer reach and optimizing the ordering process. These systems, accessible through websites or mobile apps, offer customers the convenience of placing orders from the comfort of their homes or on-the-go. The advantages of this are a broader customer base and higher convenience. 
• Digital Menu Boards: Digital menu boards have transformed how food trucks present their offerings, providing a dynamic and visually engaging way to showcase menu items, prices, and promotions. Offering flexibility for real-time updates, these electronic screens allow for quick adjustments to menus, promotion of featured items, and the creation of an aesthetically pleasing display. Digital menu boards contribute to a more efficient ordering process and enable food trucks to adapt quickly. 
• Kitchen Display Systems (KDS): KDS serves as a technological bridge between the front and back of the house in a food truck operation. By displaying orders directly in the kitchen, KDS streamlined communication and coordination, leading to improved order accuracy and expediting the food preparation process. This technology enhances kitchen efficiency and reduces the risk of errors while contributing to overall customer satisfaction and operational effectiveness. 

3. How to Design a Suitable Layout for My Food Truck Business? 

There are no two food trucks alike. To make sure your truck is appropriate for its intended use, there are a few important factors you should take into account while designing the interior layout.

Regardless of the size of your food truck, it will probably have a “galley kitchen” arrangement, with space in the middle for people to move between the various sections and equipment arranged on either side. 

There are a few important considerations you should make while arranging the equipment on your food truck:

• To simplify your workflow, keep your appliances and kitchen equipment close together.
• In order for your ventilation system to be functional, incorporate it into your design.
• Make it simple for consumers to order and pay for their meals by setting up your serving counter in an accessible manner.
• Make sure your storage spaces are conveniently located near the equipment they are connected to and easily accessible. 
• Creating an ideal layout for your food truck involves a strategic approach, beginning with the development of a thoughtful floor plan. Sketching out the arrangement before introducing equipment allows you to envision how different areas will interact, ensuring optimal use of the limited space available to guarantee efficiency and a seamless workflow. 

By following these easy guidelines, you may design a functional and effective layout for your food truck, which will aid in the optimization of your operations.

4. What Are Some of the Crucial Considerations to Consider Before Buying Food Truck Equipment?

A careful selection of suitable and high-quality equipment for your food truck business is quite important. So, it is crucial to consider all the factors and then make the right decision to get the most value for your buck. 

Here are some of the crucial things to keep in mind: 

1. Quality: Your kitchen equipment is one of your most important expenditures; keep in mind that it is critical to the operation and profitability of your food truck. Choose sturdy and high-quality equipment. To be sure of your purchase and get the most bang for your buck, evaluate both new and used equipment with the same stringent scrutiny.
2. Space: Consider the space that you have available in your food truck when determining what equipment to acquire, its size, and how to efficiently arrange it in your food truck. You won’t be able to create a full commercial kitchen in your food truck. Select only the equipment required to prepare the items on your menu and choose equipment accordingly.
3. Plan Your Kitchen Properly: It’s time-consuming, irritating, and can lower service quality and profit to work in a kitchen that wasn’t intended for the type of cooking you do there. Therefore, designing a kitchen for food truck equipment is complicated. If you have employees working for you at your food truck, ask them for ideas on how to set up your kitchen. To ensure everything runs properly, you can also engage a kitchen planning professional, who can assist you in designing the area in accordance with your menu and preferred method of service. 
4. Maintenance of Equipment: Equipment is only useful and long-lasting if it is simple to use and maintain. Think about the ease of use, performance, and cleaning capabilities of the piece of equipment. For optimal use, teach employees how to maintain and clean the equipment on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Before taking any action, compliance with food safety certification standards is required, as indicated by the NSF emblem on food equipment.
5. New vs. Used Equipment: While purchasing brand-new equipment may always seem like the best option, there are pricey (and necessary) items of equipment that are better off purchased used. You’ll save money both now and later on in your endeavor if you look for an oven or deep freezer that has been well-maintained over the years and create a plan to keep it that way. 

5. Which Are Some Popular Cuisines We Usually Find in Food Trucks? 

Food trucks offer a wide variety of cuisines to cater to diverse tastes. Remember to consider the local preferences and demographics of the area where you plan to operate your food truck. Offering a mix of popular and unique dishes can help attract a diverse customer base. Additionally, adapting your menu to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, such as gluten-free or vegetarian options, can broaden your appeal.

Here are some popular cuisines that you can consider for a food truck:

• American Cuisine: It includes Macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, fries, chicken wings, and chicken tenders.
• Barbecue: Baked beans, green beans, cornbread, ribs, brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, and burned ends
• Seafood: Common seafood we usually find in food trucks are rice, po’boys, lobster rolls, crab cakes, fish sandwiches, and crab legs vegetables. 
• Mexican Cuisine: Mexican cuisine includes burritos, nachos, fajitas, enchiladas, street corn, chips, queso, salsa, and guacamole 
• Italian: Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Salad, Pizza, Cannoli, Risotto, Lasagna, Ravioli, Alfredo, Charcuterie, Parmigiana, and Tiramisu are all common Italian dishes we usually find in food trucks.
• Middle Eastern: Shawarma, Dolma, Baklava, Falafels, Hummus, Grilled Halloumi, Tabouleh, Ful Meddamas, Moutabal/Baba Ghanoush, and Fattoush
• Breakfast Foods: It includes waffles, English muffins, biscuits, oats, toast, butter, jelly, sausage, bacon, eggs, and potatoes.
• Asian: Tempura, stir-fried tofu, spring rolls, sushi, dumplings, General Tao’s chicken, sweet and sour sauce, egg drop soup, and low mein/chow mein. 

Beverages: Some of the crucial beverages in food trucks are Sodas, Coffee and tea, Alcohol, Water Bottles, and Energy Drinks.