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Food Trucks with Full Kitchen for Sale: Start Your Culinary Business Right GuideMechanic.Com The food truck business continues to grow across the United States, offering aspiring entrepreneurs a flexible, lower-cost way to enter the culinary world.
While many startups begin with smaller setups or limited cooking capabilities, the demand for food trucks with full kitchens has increased—especially for those looking to serve more complex menus or scale faster.
If you’re searching for food trucks with full kitchen for sale, this guide will help you understand what qualifies as a full kitchen, what to look for, and how much you can expect to invest.
See Also: Food Trucks with Grill and Fryer for Sale
Food Trucks with Full Kitchen for Sale
What Is Considered a Full Kitchen in a Food Truck?
A full kitchen in a food truck means it’s equipped with nearly everything a stationary restaurant kitchen would have—just compacted into a mobile space. It includes appliances, prep areas, sanitation features, and storage. A full kitchen is ideal for diverse or high-volume menus.
Typical Equipment in a Full Kitchen Food Truck:
- Commercial Range or Stove: With multiple burners for sautéing, boiling, or pan frying
- Flat Top Griddle: For burgers, breakfast items, tacos, and sandwiches
- Deep Fryers: Single or double basket for fries, chicken, and fried snacks
- Oven or Convection Oven: For baking or roasting
- Vent Hood with Fire Suppression System: Essential for safety and compliance
- 3-Compartment Sink + Hand Wash Sink: Health department requirement
- Refrigerated Prep Table: For cold storage and food prep
- Reach-In Refrigerator and Freezer: For long-term ingredient storage
- Onboard Fresh and Gray Water Tanks: Typically 30–50 gallons each
- Generator or Electrical Hookup System: To power appliances
- Stainless Steel Countertops and Storage Cabinets: For safe prep and storage
- Service Window with Awning: For customer service and pickup
Benefits of Buying a Food Truck with a Full Kitchen
- 1. Serve a Full Menu
You’re not limited to simple items—grilled meats, baked goods, fried dishes, and multi-step meals are all possible.
- 2. Higher Earning Potential
With more equipment, you can offer more variety, which attracts more customers and increases ticket size.
- 3. Operate Like a Mini-Restaurant
You can cater events, handle lunch rushes, or even support delivery and takeout services.
- 4. Professional Workflow
Pre-built kitchen layouts often follow industry standards for speed and food safety, allowing smoother operations.
Price Table: Food Trucks with Full Kitchen for Sale
Prices for fully equipped food trucks vary depending on size, condition, build quality, and equipment. Here’s a breakdown:
| Truck Size & Type | Equipment Included | Condition | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-ft Step Van | Griddle, fryer, fridge, sink, vent hood | Used | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| 16-ft Food Truck | Griddle, fryer, stove, triple sink, fridge, suppression system | Refurbished | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| 18-ft Diesel Truck | Oven, burners, fridge, freezer, fire system, generator | Fully Equipped | $70,000 – $95,000 |
| 20-ft Professional Build | Range, oven, fryers, prep area, AC, cold & dry storage | Like New | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| 22-ft Custom Build | Full restaurant-grade kitchen, all new appliances, stainless interior | New | $120,000 – $150,000+ |
Note: Prices vary based on brand, mileage, build materials, and location.
Food Trucks with Full Kitchen for Sale
What to Look for in a Fully Equipped Food Truck
- Quality of Equipment
Ensure all appliances are commercial-grade, NSF-certified, and functioning properly. Avoid worn-out residential units.
- Clean and Efficient Layout
The kitchen should allow smooth workflow—from cooking to packaging to serving—without crowding.
- Fire and Health Compliance
A full kitchen must meet local and state fire code regulations, including proper hoods, fire suppression, and clean water systems.
- Sufficient Power Source
Confirm that the electrical system or generator can handle all installed appliances at once.
- Maintenance Records
Ask for service history of both the vehicle and kitchen equipment. This helps avoid unexpected repair costs.
Who Should Consider a Food Truck with a Full Kitchen?
- Experienced Chefs or Restaurateurs: Looking to expand operations or reduce overhead
- Event Caterers: Needing full food prep capabilities for large gatherings
- Multi-Item Menus: Vendors offering a wide variety of hot and cold items
- Meal Prep Businesses: Those preparing food on-site for delivery or pop-up distribution
- Franchise Startups: Who require a consistent layout and professional setup
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Serve complex, high-quality food | Higher upfront cost |
| Faster customer service during rush hours | May require CDL if truck exceeds certain size |
| Complies with most city codes | Maintenance is more involved |
| Ready for catering or private events | Limited parking options for larger trucks |
Financing Options
Given that a full kitchen food truck can cost $70,000 and up, many buyers seek financing options:
- Small Business Loans
- Equipment Financing Programs
- Leases with Option to Own
- Vendor Payment Plans
- Grants for Culinary Entrepreneurs
Always check terms, interest rates, and hidden fees when reviewing offers.
Food Trucks with Full Kitchen for Sale
New vs Used Full Kitchen Trucks
| Feature | New Truck | Used Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Customization | High—can match your menu exactly | May need retrofitting |
| Price | Higher upfront | More budget-friendly |
| Build Time | 8–12 weeks or more | Often ready immediately |
| Equipment Warranty | Usually included | Often sold as-is |
| Wear & Tear | None | May need repair or appliance swap |
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a food truck with a full kitchen is an ideal choice for serious food entrepreneurs. It offers flexibility, professionalism, and the ability to run a mini-restaurant on wheels.
Though it requires a higher investment upfront, the potential for higher revenue and streamlined operations can make it well worth the cost.
Whether you’re launching a gourmet taco truck, a BBQ trailer, or a mobile bakery, a full kitchen setup provides the tools and space you need to bring your culinary vision to life on the road.
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