How do I check a food truck’s cooking equipment age and repairs?

Begin with an inventory. Write down each fryer, grill, oven, refrigerator and generator, with make, model, age and whether it is owned or leased. Ask for receipts, warranty papers and invoices for repairs. A pattern of repeat fixes on one appliance usually matters more than a single large invoice.

Then see it work. Ask to watch a full lunch service, or run the equipment at full use for an extended time. Listen for strain, notice uneven heat, and look for grease buildup, rust and temporary repairs. Cramped trucks run hot, so ask how the ventilation is cleaned and who does it. Walk through the fuel and electrical setup with a licensed technician, who can tell you what is safe and what is not.

Finally, plan the next few years. Ask the seller which items they would replace first, and get a quote. Your equipment lender or accountant may want to see an assessment. Remember that what looks cheap to repair may stop the truck from operating for days, which costs sales too. A tidy truck with clear paperwork is usually a sign of an owner who looks after details. Keep notes on every appliance you inspect so you can compare them later.

Key takeaways

• Build an inventory of each appliance with its age, ownership and repair history.
• Watch a full service and have a qualified technician check the safety systems.
• Ask what will need replacing first and get a quote for it.