Can used restaurant equipment be financed?

Yes — most lenders finance used restaurant equipment up to 8–10 years old at the same rate as new, provided it comes with a 12-month warranty from a certified refurbisher. Direct private-party purchases (Craigslist, auctions) may require 20–25% down. Used equipment from major refurbishers (TundraFMP, KaTom, WebstaurantStore certified) finances normally.

What credit score do you need for restaurant kitchen equipment financing?

600+ FICO qualifies most established restaurants for equipment financing. 680+ gets best rates. New restaurant owners (under 6 months operating) typically need 680+ FICO plus 20% down. Existing restaurants opening a second location can leverage the first location's revenue history to qualify at lower personal FICO.

Should I finance kitchen equipment or include it in a SBA loan?

Depends on deal size. Equipment-only financing closes in 24–48 hours but costs more (8–15% APR). SBA 7(a) for $250K+ kitchen buildouts costs less (~10% APR) and runs 10-year term, but takes 30–60 days. Rule of thumb: if total equipment is over $250K and you can wait 30+ days, SBA. If you need to open the restaurant in 30 days, equipment financing.

Is restaurant equipment financing different for franchises?

Slightly — franchise restaurants often get better rates because lenders view franchise systems as lower risk (proven concept, training, ongoing support). Many franchisors have preferred lender programs with pre-negotiated rates for their franchisees. Always ask the franchisor first; you may get rates 1–2% better than open-market shopping.

Restaurant Kitchen Equipment Financing: Hoods, Prep, POS (2026)

Q: How much does restaurant kitchen equipment cost?

Restaurant kitchen equipment ranges from $10K for a single piece (commercial range, prep table) to $500K+ for a full kitchen buildout . Ventilation hoods $5K–$30K, walk-in coolers $5K–$25K, ranges $3K–$15K, ovens $5K–$25K, dishwashers $5K–$20K, POS systems $2K–$15K per station. A full new-restaurant kitchen typically runs $150K–$350K.

Quick answer

Restaurant kitchen equipment financing covers the full kitchen — ventilation hoods ($5K–$30K), walk-in coolers ($5K–$25K), ranges and ovens ($3K–$25K each), prep stations, dishwashers ($5K–$20K), POS systems ($2K–$15K per station). A full new-restaurant kitchen typically runs $150K–$350K. Equipment loans run 8–15% APR with 36–84 month terms and 0–20% down at 600+ FICO, approved in 24–48 hours. For buildouts over $250K, SBA 7(a) at ~10% rate over 10 years is cheaper. Franchisees often access franchisor preferred lender programs with rates 1–2% below open-market.

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A new restaurant's kitchen is one of the highest-ROI uses of equipment financing because the equipment generates revenue immediately upon opening. Paying cash on a $250K buildout when the same capital could fund six months of payroll is operationally fragile — most successful operators finance the kitchen and keep cash for working capital. This guide covers what financing looks like by kitchen component, how independent vs franchise restaurants finance differently, and when SBA programs beat conventional equipment loans. For the broader hub see equipment financing and restaurant business financing.

Kitchen Equipment Cost Ranges

Equipment	New	Used (3–5 yr)
Ventilation hood & fire suppression	$5K–$30K	$2K–$15K
Walk-in cooler/freezer	$5K–$25K	$2.5K–$12K
Commercial range (6-burner)	$3K–$8K	$1.5K–$4K
Convection oven	$5K–$15K	$2K–$7K
Combi oven	$10K–$25K	$4K–$12K
Pizza oven (deck or conveyor)	$5K–$25K	$2K–$12K
Commercial dishwasher	$5K–$20K	$2K–$10K
Prep tables / stainless work surface	$300–$1.5K each	$150–$700
POS system (per station)	$2K–$15K	$500–$5K

A full quick-service restaurant kitchen runs $100K–$200K. Full-service kitchen $200K–$400K. High-end concept with combi ovens, hood-mounted fire suppression, and walk-in expansion: $400K–$700K+.

Equipment Loan vs SBA for Restaurant Kitchens

Equipment loan (most common under $250K)

Rate: 8–15% APR
Term: 36–84 months
Down: 0–20%
Close: 24–48 hours after approval
Best for: Refresh or smaller buildouts where speed matters

SBA 7(a) for restaurant kitchen + working capital

Rate: Prime + 2.5–3% (~10%)
Term: 10 years on equipment
Down: 10–15%
Close: 30–60 days
Best for: $250K+ buildouts; combined with working capital for opening expenses; restaurant acquisitions

SBA 504 if owning the building

Use 504 for owner-occupied real estate, 7(a) for equipment + working capital. Common stack for restaurant acquisitions where the owner buys the building too.

Franchise vs Independent Restaurants

Franchise restaurants typically have it easier:

Franchisor preferred lender programs — pre-negotiated rates 1–2% below open market. Most major QSR franchises (Subway, Dunkin', Jersey Mike's, Wingstop, etc.) have at least one preferred lender.
Brand recognition reduces lender risk perception — even on a new location, lender treats the deal as a known concept.
Standardized equipment lists — franchisor specs the equipment; lenders price predictably.

Independent restaurants face more scrutiny: business plan with revenue projections, market analysis, operator experience, and concept differentiation. Independents with 3+ years operating history qualify on revenue history alone. First-restaurant operators typically need 20% down plus strong personal financials.

Next Step

Get matched with restaurant-equipment specialty lenders and SBA Preferred Lender Banks. See also SBA loans to buy a restaurant and restaurant business financing.