Top 12 Kitchen Equipment for Food Truck in 2025

The food truck revolution is about more than just great food; it's about smart, efficient, and reliable operations. For chefs and restaurateurs venturing into the mobile dining scene, selecting the right kitchen equipment for food truck success is the most critical decision you will make. A well-equipped truck can handle high-volume service, maintain impeccable food safety standards, and adapt to any menu, while poor choices lead to operational bottlenecks and costly downtime.

This comprehensive guide is designed to cut through the noise and help restaurant owners and chefs discover the latest news and exclusive deals on restaurant equipment and supplies. We will delve into the essential categories of equipment, from compact cooking stations to robust refrigeration, and highlight how to stay informed about industry trends. Throughout this resource list, you will find direct links and practical insights to help you compare top suppliers.

By understanding the unique demands of a mobile kitchen-space constraints, power limitations, and durability-you can make informed decisions that fuel your business's growth and profitability. Let's explore the critical components and where to source them, turning your food truck into a lean, mean, culinary machine.

1. Encore Restaurant Equipment

For food truck entrepreneurs seeking a one-stop-shop that masterfully balances cost, quality, and expert guidance, Encore Restaurant Equipment stands out as an exceptional resource. Serving the Pacific Northwest and beyond since 1990, Encore has built a formidable reputation for its vast inventory of both new and used commercial-grade appliances. This hybrid model is a significant advantage for food truck operators who must maximize every dollar without compromising on performance or reliability.

The platform excels by providing tangible, practical solutions tailored specifically for the unique constraints of mobile kitchens. Instead of just listing products, their knowledgeable team offers personalized consultations, helping you select compact, multi-functional, and energy-efficient units crucial for a food truck environment. This hands-on approach demystifies the process of outfitting a compact space, ensuring every piece of kitchen equipment for your food truck serves its purpose effectively.

Key Strengths & Practical Benefits

Encore's strategic advantage lies in its ability to provide premium brand-name equipment at competitive used prices. This allows new ventures to acquire dependable machinery like Avantco refrigeration or a Vulcan griddle without the prohibitive upfront cost of buying new. The in-person experience at their Seattle showroom is a major plus, allowing you to inspect equipment firsthand, a critical step when assessing used items.

Real-World Application: Imagine you're launching a taco truck and need a compact griddle, a refrigerated prep table, and a two-basket fryer. At Encore, you can physically compare new and used models, discuss power requirements with staff to ensure they align with your generator's capacity, and potentially bundle everything for a better price, complete with a flexible financing plan.

Navigating the Platform

To get the most out of their offerings, start by exploring their online catalog but plan a visit to their Sodo showroom if possible. For those outside the immediate area, their team is responsive via phone and email.

• Tip: Be sure to check their "Used Equipment" section frequently, as inventory changes daily. Acting quickly on a good deal is key.
• Financing: Leverage their partnership with The Restaurant Warehouse for accessible financing options that can ease the initial financial burden of startup costs.
• Resources: For a comprehensive overview of what you'll need, review their detailed guide to building a robust setup. You can get a head start by checking out their commercial kitchen equipment checklist on encoreseattle.com.

Website: https://encoreseattle.com/

2. KaTom Restaurant Supply

KaTom Restaurant Supply stands out for its dedicated "Food Truck Equipment" category, making it a go-to resource for mobile kitchen operators. This isn't just a general supply store; it’s curated to address the specific challenges of a food truck, focusing on compact, efficient, and durable equipment. Their detailed product pages provide extensive specifications, which is crucial when every inch of space and every watt of power counts.

This specialization is a significant advantage when sourcing essential kitchen equipment for a food truck. You can easily find low-profile griddles, undercounter refrigerators, and multi-compartment sinks designed for tight installations.

Key Features and User Tips

• Specialized Filtering: Use their robust filtering options to sort equipment by dimensions, energy source (gas vs. electric), and NSF certification. This saves time and ensures you buy compliant and appropriately sized gear.
• Competitive Pricing: While shipping costs for large items can be a factor, KaTom’s base prices are often very competitive, especially on their own in-house brands.
• Fast Shipping: They stock a massive inventory, so many items are available for fast shipping, helping you get your truck operational sooner.

The main drawback is the limited number of physical showrooms, making it difficult to see items in person before buying. However, their customer service team and detailed online listings help bridge this gap.

Website: https://www.katom.com/cat/food-truck-equipment.html

3. Chef's Deal

Chef's Deal presents a comprehensive online storefront with a dedicated section for food truck supplies, making it a strong contender for entrepreneurs outfitting their mobile business. What sets it apart is the combination of a vast inventory with accessible business support, including financing options and expert consultation. This approach helps new and established operators acquire necessary equipment without massive upfront capital.

This platform is an excellent resource for sourcing the foundational kitchen equipment for a food truck, from compact cooking appliances to space-saving refrigeration. Their focus on financing and consultation directly addresses the primary hurdles many food truck owners face, offering a more supportive purchasing journey.

Key Features and User Tips

• Explore Financing: Before adding items to your cart, investigate their financing options. Getting pre-approved can help you budget effectively and secure higher-quality equipment sooner.
• Utilize Expert Help: Take advantage of their expert consultation services. Discuss your truck’s layout, power constraints, and menu to get personalized recommendations, preventing costly purchasing mistakes.
• Check Lead Times: When planning your build-out, be sure to confirm the availability and lead times for specific items, as some specialized equipment may not be in stock for immediate shipment.

The primary drawback is that some items may have longer lead times, and like many online suppliers, their physical store presence is limited. However, the knowledgeable customer support and flexible payment plans offer significant value, particularly for businesses just starting.

Website: https://www.chefsdeal.com/business-type/food-truck-supplies.html

4. Central Restaurant Products

Central Restaurant Products offers a strong balance of product selection and educational support, making it an excellent resource for new and experienced food truck entrepreneurs. Their dedicated food truck section features a well-curated array of compact, durable, and multifunctional appliances tailored for mobile kitchens. This focus ensures that operators can find equipment designed to maximize limited space without sacrificing performance.

The platform goes beyond just selling items by providing valuable buying guides. This is a key advantage for anyone trying to select the best kitchen equipment for a food truck, as the guides help you navigate complex decisions about power sources, ventilation, and space constraints. Their responsive customer service team is also a significant asset for troubleshooting and product selection.

Key Features and User Tips

• Educational Resources: Before purchasing, consult their buying guides. They offer practical insights into industry trends and can help you make more informed decisions, preventing costly mistakes.
• Price Match Guarantee: Don't hesitate to use their price match guarantee. If you find an identical item for less elsewhere, Central Restaurant Products will often match the price, ensuring you get a competitive deal.
• Check for Promotions: The site frequently runs promotions and offers discounts. Signing up for their newsletter can keep you informed about the latest deals on essential supplies.

A potential downside is that some popular items can be back-ordered, so it's wise to plan your purchases ahead of time. Their international shipping options are also limited, making them a better choice for U.S.-based operators.

Website: https://www.centralrestaurant.com/shop-by-business/food-truck

5. WebstaurantStore

WebstaurantStore is a dominant force in the online restaurant supply industry, offering a seemingly endless catalog that serves nearly every need of a mobile kitchen. Its sheer scale allows for highly competitive pricing, making it a budget-conscious choice for both new and established food truck owners. The platform excels at providing comprehensive product details, customer reviews, and Q&A sections, empowering you to make informed decisions without seeing the equipment firsthand.

While not exclusively for mobile kitchens, its vast selection means you can source almost any piece of kitchen equipment for a food truck, from specialized cooking appliances to the smallest food prep tools. For more information on outfitting your prep stations, you can learn more about essential food prep equipment.

Key Features and User Tips

• Customer Reviews: Pay close attention to the user reviews. Fellow operators often share candid feedback on how equipment performs in real-world, high-stress environments, which is invaluable.
• Bulk Purchasing: If you need multiples of certain items like pans, containers, or utensils, the site offers discounts on case packs and bulk orders, helping you save on operational supplies.
• "Companion Items" Feature: When viewing a product, check the companion items section. This often suggests necessary accessories like gas hoses, installation kits, or cleaning supplies that you might otherwise forget.

A potential downside is the strict return policy, which often includes restocking fees. Additionally, some larger items may require commercial delivery addresses, so always verify shipping requirements before finalizing your purchase.

Website: https://www.webstaurantstore.com/

6. FoodServiceDirect.com

FoodServiceDirect.com distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive one-stop shop that goes beyond heavy appliances to include disposables, janitorial supplies, and specialty food items. This makes it an invaluable resource for operators looking to consolidate their purchasing from a single vendor. Their approach is geared toward operational convenience, bundling everything from cooking gear to the napkins you serve with your final product.

This holistic inventory is a major benefit when sourcing kitchen equipment for a food truck alongside daily operational necessities. You can order a compact countertop fryer and simultaneously stock up on eco-friendly takeout containers and cleaning chemicals, simplifying your procurement process significantly. The site's user-friendly interface makes finding these disparate items straightforward.

Key Features and User Tips

• Subscription Services: For consumables like gloves, containers, and cleaners, use their "Subscribe & Save" feature. This automates reordering and can provide a discount, ensuring you never run out of critical supplies mid-service.
• No Minimum Orders: Take advantage of the no-minimum-order policy. This is perfect for testing a new disposable product or replacing a small tool without being forced into a large, costly purchase.
• Eco-Friendly Filtering: Look for their "Eco-Friendly" product category to easily find compostable or recyclable disposables, which can be a strong selling point for your brand.

A potential drawback is that shipping times for some specialized equipment can be longer than at equipment-focused retailers. However, the free shipping available on many items and the convenience of a single order often balance this out.

Website: https://www.foodservicedirect.com/food-truck-supplies

7. Chef's Toys

Chef's Toys offers a valuable hybrid experience for food truck entrepreneurs, blending a robust online store with the benefit of physical showrooms. Their "Food Trucks" page is a curated starting point, providing not just products but also expert advice and resources tailored to the mobile food industry. This approach helps bridge the gap between browsing online and understanding how a piece of equipment will actually fit and function in a confined space.

This hands-on access is a major advantage when selecting critical kitchen equipment for a food truck. Being able to see and touch a commercial griddle or undercounter freezer before purchasing allows for better planning and reduces the risk of buying gear that doesn't meet your specific operational needs.

Key Features and User Tips

• Expert Consultation: Take advantage of their knowledgeable staff. Whether online or in-store, they can offer practical advice on equipment selection, layout, and compliance for mobile kitchens.
• In-Store Pickup: If you are near one of their California locations, you can save significantly on freight costs for heavy items by opting for in-store pickup.
• Financing Options: Chef's Toys provides flexible financing solutions, which can be a huge help for startups needing to manage cash flow while outfitting their entire truck.

The primary limitation is that their physical stores are confined to California, making the in-person benefits inaccessible to operators in other states. However, their comprehensive website and customer support team still make them a strong contender.

Website: https://chefstoys.com/pages/food-trucks

8. US Food Truck Manufacturing

US Food Truck Manufacturing is not a general equipment supplier; it's a specialist in the nuts and bolts of mobile kitchens. The site focuses on the essential parts, accessories, and structural components needed to build or maintain a truck, such as service windows, water systems, and ventilation hoods. This specialization makes it an invaluable resource for both new builds and necessary upgrades.

While you won't find large appliances here, this is the place to source the durable, compliant components that make your kitchen equipment for a food truck functional and safe. Their expert support can guide you through selecting the right parts, a critical step often overlooked in a truck's initial design. For those planning a build from scratch, understanding how these components fit is key, and you can learn more about how these parts influence a commercial kitchen design layout.

Key Features and User Tips

• Component-Specific Categories: Use the site to source hard-to-find items like propane cages, plumbing kits, and custom-sized stainless steel counters that are vital for a mobile setup.
• Focus on Compliance: The products are designed with food truck regulations in mind, helping you meet health and safety codes from the start.
• Expert Guidance: Take advantage of their product support for advice on installation and compatibility, ensuring the parts you buy will work with your specific truck and equipment.

The main limitation is the narrow focus on parts and accessories rather than full cooking appliances. However, for the specific items they carry, their expertise and comprehensive catalog are top-notch.

Website: https://usfoodtruckmfg.com/shop/

9. Jean's Restaurant Supply

Jean's Restaurant Supply excels by offering more than just products; they provide expert guidance through their design consultation services. This focus on planning and layout is invaluable for food truck operators, where optimizing every square inch for workflow and efficiency is paramount. Their dedicated food truck section is well-organized, featuring equipment selected for its compact footprint and robust performance.

Their expertise makes them a strong partner when sourcing essential kitchen equipment for a food truck. You can leverage their knowledge to find the right undercounter freezers, countertop fryers, and ventilation systems that meet both your menu's needs and local health codes.

Key Features and User Tips

• Design Consultation: Take advantage of their design services. Use the online chat to discuss your truck’s layout and get recommendations on equipment that fits your specific dimensions and power constraints.
• Competitive Pricing: While they are a smaller supplier, their prices are competitive. Always check their listings for deals on both new and used equipment.
• Personalized Service: Their customer support is a key differentiator. They can help navigate the complexities of food truck builds, from plumbing to electrical requirements.

The main drawback is that some specialized items may have longer lead times, so it’s wise to plan your purchases well in advance. Their limited number of physical showrooms is offset by their strong online support and consultation.

Website: https://jeansrs.com/specialty-stores/food-trucks.html

10. Restaurant Equippers

Restaurant Equippers is a powerful ally for budget-conscious food truck entrepreneurs, offering a straightforward approach to sourcing affordable equipment. They cater directly to those needing reliable gear without the premium price tag, with both a robust online store and multiple physical retail locations where you can see products firsthand. This blend of accessibility makes them a practical choice for operators who prefer to inspect items before buying.

Their dedicated food truck section simplifies the search for essential kitchen equipment for a food truck, focusing on value and functionality. You’ll find a solid selection of countertop fryers, compact prep tables, and refrigeration units that fit the demanding spatial and financial constraints of a new mobile kitchen build-out.

Key Features and User Tips

• Budget-Friendly Focus: This is the place to look for core equipment if your budget is tight. Their pricing is highly competitive, especially during their frequent sales and promotional events.
• In-Store Shopping: If you live near one of their warehouse stores in Ohio, Michigan, or New Jersey, you can avoid shipping fees on large items and get a hands-on feel for the equipment.
• Clearance and Deals: Regularly check their "Deals" and "Clearance" sections online. You can often find scratch-and-dent or overstock items at a significant discount.

The primary drawback is a more limited selection of high-end, premium brands. However, for getting a new truck off the ground affordably, Restaurant Equippers provides exceptional value and practical solutions.

Website: https://www.equippers.com/business-type/food-truck

11. Sysco

While widely known as a food distribution giant, Sysco also offers a comprehensive selection of restaurant and kitchen supplies, making it a powerful, all-in-one partner for food truck entrepreneurs. Their strength lies in a vast distribution network and deep industry expertise, allowing operators to source both ingredients and equipment from a single, reliable supplier. This consolidation can significantly streamline purchasing and logistics.

Sysco’s equipment catalog includes everything from heavy-duty cooking appliances to smallwares, providing a solid foundation for any kitchen equipment for a food truck build-out. Their consultative approach and custom kitchen services can be invaluable for new operators needing guidance on designing an efficient mobile workspace.

Key Features and User Tips

• Consolidated Purchasing: Leverage Sysco to order both your food products and kitchen supplies together. This simplifies invoicing and delivery, saving you administrative time and effort.
• Consult an Expert: Engage with a Sysco representative to get personalized recommendations. Their industry knowledge can help you select durable, high-performance equipment that fits your specific menu and operational needs.
• Explore Exclusive Brands: Inquire about Sysco’s exclusive equipment brands, which often provide a strong balance of quality and value compared to national brand names.

The primary drawback is that Sysco traditionally serves larger establishments, so you may encounter minimum order requirements or a sales process geared more toward brick-and-mortar restaurants. However, their expanding services make them an increasingly viable option for serious food truck businesses.

Website: https://www.sysco.com/

12. Burkett Restaurant Equipment

Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies distinguishes itself with a combination of online convenience and personalized, in-store expertise. While they serve the entire food service industry, their wide selection includes many compact and durable items perfectly suited for mobile kitchens. Their knowledgeable staff is a key asset, available to help operators select equipment that fits specific power, size, and ventilation constraints.

This blend of digital access and expert guidance is invaluable when sourcing the right kitchen equipment for a food truck. The availability of financing options also makes Burkett an accessible choice for new entrepreneurs looking to manage their startup capital effectively while acquiring high-quality gear.

Key Features and User Tips

• Financing Options: Explore their flexible payment plans if you need to spread out the cost of major equipment purchases. This can be a game-changer for budget-conscious startups.
• Consult the Experts: Don't hesitate to contact their support team. Their experience can help you avoid common purchasing mistakes, like choosing a fryer that's too powerful for your generator.
• Check Lead Times: Some specialized or less common items may have longer lead times. Plan your purchases ahead of time to align with your food truck build-out schedule.

The primary drawback is the limited number of physical showrooms, which restricts in-person viewing for most customers. However, their competitive pricing and supportive sales team provide confidence in making purchases online.

Website: https://www.burkett.com/

Kitchen Equipment Supplier Comparison Matrix

Supplier	Core Features	User Experience & Quality ★	Value Proposition 💰	Target Audience 👥	Unique Selling Points ✨	Price Points 💰
Encore Restaurant Equipment	New & used premium equipment	★★★★ Expert staff, flexible delivery	🏆 Used prices + financing, free freight WA	Chefs, restaurateurs, food trucks	Extensive showroom, tailored financing	★★★★ Competitive
KaTom Restaurant Supply	Food truck-specific, compact designs	★★★ Detailed specs, fast shipping	💰 Competitive pricing	Food trucks, mobile kitchens	Specialized food truck categories	★★★★ Competitive
Chef's Deal	Wide variety, financing, expert help	★★★★ Supportive consultation	💰 Flexible payment plans	Food trucks	Financing options, expert consultation	★★★★ Moderate
Central Restaurant Products	Compact appliances, guides	★★★★ User-friendly, responsive	💰 Price match guarantee	Food trucks	Educational resources, frequent promos	★★★ Good
WebstaurantStore	Huge catalog, bulk options	★★★★ Reviews & fast shipping	💰 Competitive pricing	Food service businesses	Bulk buying, customer reviews	★★★★ Competitive
FoodServiceDirect.com	Food truck essentials, subscriptions	★★★ User-friendly, free shipping	💰 No minimum order, eco options	Food trucks, caterers	Subscription services, eco-friendly items	★★★ Moderate
Chef's Toys	Commercial gear, physical stores CA	★★★★ Expert advice, in-store pickup	💰 Flexible financing	Food trucks, restaurateurs	Physical stores, flexible financing	★★★ Moderate
US Food Truck Manufacturing	Parts & accessories specialization	★★★★ Fast nationwide shipping	💰 Durable, compliance-focused	Food trucks (parts only)	Expert support, fast shipping	★★★ Moderate
Jean's Restaurant Supply	Equipment + design consultation	★★★ Personalized service	💰 Competitive pricing	Food trucks	Design consultation, online chat	★★★ Moderate
Restaurant Equippers	Budget-friendly equipment	★★★ Multiple store locations	💰 Frequent sales	Budget-conscious food trucks	Affordable, physical & online stores	★★★★ Budget
Sysco	Broad product & custom build services	★★★★ Reliable delivery	💰 Large-scale service	Large establishments, food trucks	Custom kitchen builds, extensive network	★★★ Moderate
Burkett Restaurant Equipment	Wide selection, financing	★★★★ Knowledgeable staff	💰 Flexible payment plans	Food trucks, restaurateurs	In-store & online, tailored solutions	★★★ Moderate

Driving Your Business Forward with the Right Equipment Partner

Outfitting your mobile kitchen is undeniably one of the most critical and capital-intensive stages of launching your food truck. The decisions you make now will directly influence your daily workflow, menu capacity, service speed, and ultimately, your profitability. The central challenge lies in striking the perfect balance between your startup budget and the non-negotiable need for durable, efficient, and health-code-compliant equipment.

The journey to find the right kitchen equipment for a food truck doesn't have to be a solo venture. As we've explored, suppliers from WebstaurantStore to Sysco offer vast inventories, while specialists like US Food Truck Manufacturing provide integrated solutions. Your choice of partner is as strategic as your choice of a griddle or fryer.

Key Takeaways for Smart Outfitting

As you move from planning to purchasing, keep these core principles at the forefront. They are the synthesis of our deep dive into suppliers and strategy:

• Prioritize Multi-Functionality: Space is your most precious commodity. Equipment that can perform multiple tasks, like a combi oven or a versatile countertop griddle, saves both space and money.
• Balance New vs. Used: Don't dismiss high-quality, refurbished equipment. Reputable dealers rigorously test and certify used pieces, offering significant cost savings that can be redirected to other areas of your business.
• Verify Compliance and Sizing: Always double-check that your equipment is NSF-certified and meets local health department regulations. Meticulously measure your truck's interior and equipment dimensions before you buy to avoid costly installation headaches.

Your Actionable Next Steps

With this guide, you're now equipped to make informed decisions. Your immediate next step is to translate your menu into a concrete equipment list. For each menu item, what specific piece of equipment is essential for its preparation, cooking, and holding?

Once you have this list, begin the vetting process. Request quotes from at least three to five different suppliers mentioned in this article. Compare not just the sticker price but also shipping costs, warranty terms, and customer support reviews. This diligence is an investment in your business's future stability and success. By carefully selecting your partners and focusing on smart, strategic purchases, you are building a resilient foundation for a thriving food truck that can adapt, grow, and delight customers for years to come.

---

Ready to partner with a supplier that understands the unique demands of the Pacific Northwest food truck scene? For a curated selection of new and quality used kitchen equipment for food truck ventures, expert layout advice, and flexible financing, explore how Encore Seattle Restaurant Equipment can help build your dream mobile kitchen. Visit their website to see how their decades of industry experience can give your business a competitive edge.