Restaurant Equipment Financing
Commercial kitchen equipment works harder than almost any other business equipment: long hours, high heat, constant use. When it fails, service stops. Restaurant equipment financing helps operators replace, upgrade, or outfit kitchens without draining the cash that covers food and labor. It also makes it practical to choose the right equipment rather than the cheapest option available that day.
Kitchen equipment commonly financed
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Cooking | Ranges, convection and combi ovens, deck and conveyor pizza ovens, fryers, griddles, charbroilers, salamanders |
| Refrigeration | Walk-in coolers and freezers, reach-ins, undercounter units, prep tables, blast chillers |
| Ice and beverage | Ice machines, beverage dispensers, espresso machines |
| Food prep | Mixers, slicers, food processors, vacuum sealers |
| Warewashing | Dish machines, booster heaters |
| Holding and serving | Hot holding cabinets, steam tables |
Standard vs. custom equipment
- Standard equipment from established manufacturers has an active resale market, which supports valuation.
- Custom fabrication such as built-in counters or custom hoods is harder to value on its own.
- Mixed packages are typical for build-outs. Itemize each piece on the quote.
New vs. used kitchen equipment
- New: warranty, efficiency, and predictable performance, which matter for equipment that runs all day.
- Used from a dealer: lower cost. Condition varies widely. Refrigeration compressors and oven controls are common failure points.
- Energy efficiency: newer refrigeration and cooking equipment can reduce utility costs, which helps offset the payment.
Buying tips
- Confirm utility requirements (gas type, voltage, water, and drain) before ordering.
- Measure doorways and install locations.
- Check local code and ventilation requirements for cooking equipment.
- For used refrigeration, ask about compressor age and service history.
- Get installation itemized separately on the quote.
Financing considerations
- Speed matters: when equipment fails, having recent bank statements ready shortens the time to replacement.
- Lease term alignment: your location lease should extend beyond the financing term.
- Estimate first: model the payment with a payment calculator and weigh it against lost sales from downtime and energy savings.
Estimates are not offers. Any payment figure shown by a calculator or example is an illustration for planning only. It is not an offer, an approval, or a commitment to provide financing. Actual rates, terms, and payments are set by the financing source after its credit review and may differ.
Hypothetical illustration
Hypothetical and simplified, for illustration only. Not a client story, typical result, or offer.
A café's aging reach-in refrigerators require frequent service calls and lose product. The owner gets a quote from a restaurant equipment dealer for three new energy-efficient reach-ins and an ice machine. The application includes the quote and several months of bank statements. The owner notes recent repair bills and product losses.
Related pages
- Restaurants and food service
- New and used equipment financing
- Equipment financing for startups
- Commercial equipment financing
Frequently asked questions
Can I finance used restaurant equipment?
Used equipment from a dealer may be financeable. Standard items from major brands are easier to value.
Can I finance a whole kitchen for a new restaurant?
A full package can be requested. New restaurants should expect the review to consider experience and business plans. Options depend on the full application.
Can installation be financed?
It depends on the deal. Ask the dealer to itemize installation on the quote so it can be reviewed.
Can I finance a walk-in cooler?
It depends on how the unit is built and installed. Include the walk-in's specifications and installation on the quote.
Financing disclaimer: This page is general and educational. Ashford Capital Group is not a lender in connection with this information. Nothing here is an offer, a commitment to provide financing, or a guarantee of approval. Financing is provided by third-party financing sources and is subject to their credit review and approval; availability, rates, terms, and down payment vary and depend on your business, the equipment, and the full application. Commercial (business-purpose) financing only, for California businesses.
Internal links on this page
- "Restaurants and food service" → /equipment-financing/restaurants-food-service
- "New and used equipment financing" → /new-and-used-equipment-financing
- "Equipment financing for startups" → /resources/equipment-financing-for-startups
- "Commercial equipment financing" → /commercial-equipment-financing
Image alt text suggestions
- Commercial combi oven installed on a stainless steel equipment stand
- Stainless reach-in refrigerators lined up in a restaurant kitchen
- High-temperature dish machine in a busy commercial kitchen
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