What Food Truck Equipment Should I Buy First?
- Kami Jones, AU, AINS
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
Starting a food truck business is exciting—but knowing what equipment to buy first can make or break your launch. From cooking appliances to safety gear, choosing the right essentials helps you serve customers efficiently and stay compliant with health and safety regulations.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping food truck owners protect their investment with tailored food truck insurance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-have equipment to get your mobile kitchen rolling.
1. Cooking Appliances
Your cooking equipment depends on your menu. Common essentials include:
Griddles – Ideal for burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items.
Deep fryers – Great for fries, wings, and other crispy favorites.
Ovens or pizza ovens – For baked goods or specialty items.
Steam tables – Keep food warm and ready to serve.
🔗 Check out this guide to commercial cooking equipment
2. Refrigeration Units
Proper refrigeration is critical for food safety. Consider:
Undercounter refrigerators
Reach-in freezers
Prep table refrigerators
Make sure your units are NSF-certified and fit your truck’s layout.
3. Sinks and Plumbing
Most health departments require:
Three-compartment sink – For washing, rinsing, and sanitizing.
Handwashing sink – For staff hygiene.
Fresh and wastewater tanks – For plumbing compliance.
4. Prep Tables and Storage
You’ll need stainless steel prep tables for food assembly and durable shelving for dry goods, utensils, and disposables. Space optimization is key—choose foldable or multi-use surfaces when possible.
5. Generator and Electrical Setup
A reliable generator powers your appliances, lights, and POS system. Look for:
Quiet operation
Fuel efficiency
Enough wattage for all equipment
6. POS System and Payment Tools
Modern food trucks need mobile-friendly point-of-sale systems to accept credit cards, track inventory, and manage orders. Popular options include:
Square
Toast
Clover
7. Safety Equipment
Don’t overlook safety gear:
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Ventilation hood
Non-slip mats
Protective gloves and aprons
These items help you meet local regulations and protect your team.
Protect Your Equipment with Insurance
Your food truck equipment is a major investment. At Wexford Insurance, we help food truck owners find the right coverage, including:
General Liability Insurance – Covers customer injuries and property damage.
Commercial Auto Insurance – Protects your truck while driving or parked.
Commercial Property Insurance – Covers your kitchen equipment and inventory.
Workers Compensation Insurance – Required if you have employees.
Equipment Insurance – Protects appliances, generators, and POS systems from damage or theft.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right food truck equipment sets the foundation for a successful business. Start with the essentials, optimize your space, and protect your investment with specialized insurance.
Ready to launch your food truck?
Contact Wexford Insurance to get the coverage you need to operate confidently.
