Mobile Catering Equipment Guide
An overview of the main equipment used in food vans, trailers, and stalls — helping new mobile caterers understand what each item does, when it's needed, and what to consider before buying.
You don't need everything at once. This guide helps you understand what's essential, what's optional, and what can come later.
How to use this page
This page is designed to help new mobile caterers understand the types of equipment commonly used in mobile food businesses. Each section explains what the equipment is for and shows example products so you can recognise what's available — not everything here is required for every setup.
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🎁 Starter Kit Packages
Pre-built equipment packages for different business types. Customise each package to match your needs.
Fish & Chips Van Essentials
Fish & Chips
Everything you need to start a traditional fish & chips mobile operation
Estimated Budget
£2,100 - £6,700
Customise Your Package:
Why This Package:
- ✓Double fryer setup for high volume
- ✓Keep chips and sides warm
- ✓Power for lighting and card reader
- ✓Perfect for seaside and evening pitches
Breakfast Catering Starter
Breakfast & Burgers
Ideal for construction sites, industrial estates, and morning markets
Estimated Budget
£1,000 - £3,800
Customise Your Package:
Why This Package:
- ✓Cook 15 items simultaneously
- ✓Keep pre-cooked bacon and sausages hot
- ✓Heat beans, soups, and sauces
- ✓High-margin breakfast operation
Coffee & Light Bites
Coffee & Café
Premium coffee setup with light food options for events and festivals
Estimated Budget
£5,500 - £12,800
Customise Your Package:
Why This Package:
- ✓Professional barista-quality coffee
- ✓Paninis, toasties, and grilled sandwiches
- ✓High-value drinks with 70%+ margins
- ✓Stand out at premium events
Full Menu Kitchen
Full Service
Complete mobile kitchen for diverse menu offerings
Estimated Budget
£3,400 - £10,700
Customise Your Package:
Why This Package:
- ✓Maximum menu flexibility
- ✓Handle any catering opportunity
- ✓Scale up to events and festivals
- ✓Professional kitchen capabilities
Premium Burger Operation
Gourmet Burgers
Chargrill setup for high-quality burger business
Estimated Budget
£1,600 - £5,200
Customise Your Package:
Why This Package:
- ✓Authentic flame-grilled taste
- ✓Premium burger and steak operation
- ✓Toast buns and cook sides
- ✓Command higher prices
Street Food Festival Starter
Festival & Markets
Lowest-cost entry point for festivals, markets, and weekend trading
Estimated Budget
£700 - £2,600
Customise Your Package:
Why This Package:
- ✓Ultra-portable gazebo setup
- ✓Test your business idea affordably
- ✓Perfect for street food festivals
- ✓Ideal for first-time traders
Popular Equipment (Common Starting Points)
Equipment frequently used by new mobile caterers
Table Top/Standing Fryer
Professional LPG fryers for fish & chips, chicken, and more
Griddles
Flat plate cooking for burgers, bacon, eggs, and breakfast items
LPG Coffee Machines
Professional dual fuel espresso machines for mobile catering
Chargrill/Lava Grills
High-temperature grilling for steaks, burgers, and vegetables
Gas Generators
Reliable power supply for all your mobile catering equipment
Dual Fuel Generators
Versatile generators running on both petrol and LPG
Inverter Generators
Ultra-quiet, fuel-efficient generators with clean power output
All Equipment Types (Mobile Catering Use)
Browse by category to understand what each type of equipment does
Table Top/Standing Fryer
Professional LPG fryers for fish & chips, chicken, and more
Griddles
Flat plate cooking for burgers, bacon, eggs, and breakfast items
Bain Marie
Keep food warm and fresh for extended service periods
LPG Coffee Machines
Professional dual fuel espresso machines for mobile catering
Hobs
Portable gas hobs for versatile cooking applications
Crepe Machine
Specialised equipment for crepes, pancakes, and flatbreads
Chargrill/Lava Grills
High-temperature grilling for steaks, burgers, and vegetables
Cookers
Complete cooking solutions for full meal preparation
Kebab Machines
Specialised equipment for döner kebab and shawarma
Gas Generators
Reliable power supply for all your mobile catering equipment
Diesel Generators
Heavy-duty diesel generators for high-power requirements
Dual Fuel Generators
Versatile generators running on both petrol and LPG
Inverter Generators
Ultra-quiet, fuel-efficient generators with clean power output
Petrol Generators
Traditional petrol generators for reliable power delivery
Portable Power Stations
Battery-powered silent solutions for eco-friendly mobile catering
Next Steps: Planning Your Equipment Setup
Once you understand the types of equipment used in mobile catering, you can explore suitable options for your menu, vehicle, and power setup — or get advice before making any decisions.
Equipment shown is for guidance only. Installation and certification must be carried out by qualified professionals where required.