Top 10 Essential Equipment Items for Your Food Truck
Starting a food truck business is an exciting and rewarding venture. To ensure success, it's essential to have the right equipment on board. Here's our list of the top 10 must-have items for any food truck entrepreneur:
Commercial Cooking Equipment: Depending on your menu, you'll need various cooking appliances such as griddles, deep fryers, ovens, and grills. Choose reliable, energy-efficient, and space-saving models to keep your food truck running smoothly. If your menu requires a lot of heat (griddle, stove top, etc.) you’re most likely going to want to use gas (propane), due to the energy demands of heating equipment, that ultimately is limited by your generator.
Refrigeration and Freezing Units: A quality commercial refrigerator and freezer are crucial for maintaining food safety and freshness. Opt for units with ample storage and easy access to ingredients during service.
Food Preparation Surfaces: Invest in durable, easy-to-clean stainless steel countertops that provide ample space for food prep and plating. Another note, most of the shelves under the tables can be flipped over, so there is a lip all the way around it, keeping everything from falling during transport.
Exhaust Hood and Ventilation System: Proper ventilation is vital to maintain a comfortable working environment and comply with health regulations. Install a high-quality exhaust hood and fan system to remove smoke, grease, and odors. If using propane, I would strongly suggest having vents installed on the roof that can be opened manually, to allow the heat to escape (hood alone isn’t enough in the summer).
Hand and Dishwashing Stations: Health codes require separate sinks for handwashing and dishwashing. Ensure your food truck has sufficient space and plumbing for these essential facilities.
Point of Sale (POS) System: A user-friendly POS system streamlines transactions, tracks sales, and manages inventory. Choose a system compatible with mobile devices for added convenience. We started with Swipe Simple (wasn’t enough for a food truck, switched to Clover)
Electrical and Lighting: Install adequate lighting for nighttime service, as well as sufficient electrical outlets to power all equipment. MAKE SURE you get lights on the outside of your truck; you will be serving at night and you will absolutely need light.
Fire Safety Equipment: Protect your investment and ensure safety by equipping your truck with fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems. Regularly inspect and maintain these devices to ensure optimal performance.
Storage Solutions: Maximize space and organization in your food truck with shelving, racks, and storage containers. Opt for adjustable, heavy-duty solutions that can withstand daily use and accommodate a variety of supplies and ingredients.
Generator: When planning your truck, think through ALL the powered equipment you will need. Then make a list of all your appliances (include AC, water heater, etc.) and the wattage they require (either it’s listed on the appliance or you can multiply voltage by amps - ex: 120volt x 3 amps = 360 watts). After the list is compiled add them all up for the minimum wattage requirement. Bigger is better, just make sure it’s quiet! It may be tempting to go with a propane one, but from our experience, no one locally knows how to work on them, so take that into consideration. The Harbor Freight one has been wonderful.
Equipping your food truck with these essential items will not only help you maintain a smooth operation but also contribute to your business's overall success. Research and invest in high-quality, durable equipment to ensure the longevity of your food truck venture. Online marketplaces and auctions seem to have plenty of good available options. Good luck and feel free to reach out with any questions!