Commercial Kitchen Financing: Equipment Loans, Leases & SBA Programs
Gas ranges, charbroilers, convection ovens, and combi ovens cost $5,000–$200,000+ depending on size and configuration. Spread the cost with equipment financing. Decisions in 24–48 hours. Restaurants and food service nationwide.
- Equipment financing decisions in 24–48 hours
- Loans and leases for ranges, ovens, charbroilers, griddles
- Typical terms 36–60 months; SBA to 10+ years
- Credit 600+; 0–20% down payment
Commercial Kitchen Financing at a Glance
Why Commercial Kitchen Financing Makes Sense for Restaurants
Commercial kitchen equipment includes gas ranges, charbroilers, convection ovens, combi ovens, flat-top griddles, fryers, and cooktops. Equipment supports full-service restaurants, quick-serve, catering, and food service. But with full kitchen packages reaching $200,000+, paying cash ties up capital needed for inventory, payroll, and growth.
Restaurant revenue is often seasonal or variable. Paying large sums upfront for ranges and ovens can strain reserves. Equipment financing spreads the cost over the equipment's useful life. Lenders finance kitchen equipment readily—Vulcan, Garland, Blodgett, Rational, and True are common. Apply now for restaurant equipment financing. See restaurants business financing for industry context.
What Is Commercial Kitchen Equipment?
Commercial kitchen equipment includes gas ranges, charbroilers, convection ovens, combi ovens (steam/convection), flat-top griddles, fryers, and cooktops. Ranges and ovens are core cooking equipment. Charbroilers and griddles handle high-heat cooking. Combi ovens offer flexibility for roasting, steaming, and baking. Brands like Vulcan, Garland, Blodgett, Rational, and True are common. Kitchen equipment is essential for restaurants and food service operations.
Why Commercial Kitchen Financing Is Different
Ranges, ovens, griddles, and fryers form the backbone of restaurant kitchens. Lenders finance commercial kitchen equipment readily—essential for operations. Vendor programs (Wells, Follett) often offer promotional terms. Full kitchen buildouts can bundle equipment; new locations and remodels are common use cases. Approval typically 1–5 days for qualified applications.
Commercial Kitchen Financing Options
Several financing structures work for kitchen equipment. Choose based on cash flow, tax situation, and ownership goals.
Equipment Loans
Borrow a set amount, make fixed monthly payments, and own the equipment when the loan is paid off. 0–20% down, terms 36–60 months. Rates 6–15%. Ideal if you plan to use the equipment long-term.
Equipment Leasing
Lower monthly payments than loans. At lease end, return, purchase at fair market value, or upgrade. Operating leases treat payments as operating expenses. Loan vs lease.
SBA Loans
SBA 7(a) and 504 loans offer longer terms (7–10+ years) and lower down payments. Approval typically 30–60+ days. Best for full kitchen buildouts or new locations. View SBA loans.
Bundling with refrigeration or ventilation may improve terms. Use working capital for operating expenses; use equipment financing for the kitchen itself. Compare equipment loan vs lease.
How Much Does Commercial Kitchen Equipment Cost?
Gas ranges run $5,000–$30,000+. Charbroilers and griddles cost $3,000–$15,000+. Convection ovens run $2,000–$15,000+. Combi ovens cost $15,000–$50,000+. Full kitchen packages can exceed $200,000. Used equipment typically costs 20–35% less. Obtain a written vendor quote. Many lenders finance used equipment.
Commercial Kitchen Financing Rates and Monthly Payments
Interest rates typically range from 6–15% for equipment loans and leases. See typical equipment financing rates. Terms commonly run 36–60 months; SBA loans extend to 7–10+ years. Use our financing calculator to model scenarios. Down payment typically 0–20%.
Requirements to Finance Commercial Kitchen Equipment
Lenders evaluate credit, down payment, time in business, revenue, and equipment quote. Meeting these improves approval odds.
What to Have Ready Before You Apply
Have these ready: 3–6 months of business bank statements, last year's tax returns (business and personal if required), recent profit and loss, equipment quote or proposal, business formation documents, and basic business info (EIN, formation date, ownership). What do lenders look at.
When to Apply for Commercial Kitchen Financing
Apply when you have a clear equipment need, a written quote, and financials that show your business can support the payment. Apply before you need the equipment—approval often takes 1–5 days. Axiant Partners matches restaurants with lenders—submit once, receive offers typically within 24–48 hours.
Tips to Get Approved for Commercial Kitchen Financing
- Improve your credit score. Pay down balances, correct errors, avoid new credit before applying.
- Provide strong revenue documentation. Clean bank statements and consistent deposits speed approval.
- Consider used equipment. Quality used ranges and ovens may cost less and improve approval odds.
- Make a larger down payment. Reduces lender risk and can improve approval or lower your rate.
- Bundle equipment. Combining kitchen, refrigeration, and ventilation may improve terms.
- Work with a broker. Axiant Partners connects you with multiple lenders—increasing approval odds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Financing Commercial Kitchen
- Skipping the equipment quote. Lenders need it to structure the loan.
- Applying with incomplete financials. Causes delays. Gather everything upfront.
- Focusing on rate alone. Terms, fees, prepayment penalties matter.
- Waiting until the last minute. Rush approvals may limit your options.
- Ignoring used equipment. Quality used kitchen equipment can cost 20–35% less.
Why Restaurants Finance Kitchen Equipment Rather Than Pay Cash
Paying cash ties up working capital needed for inventory, payroll, or growth. Financing spreads the cost over the equipment's useful life and preserves liquidity. Equipment loans and leases offer tax benefits—Section 179 and bonus depreciation for purchases, lease payments as operating expenses. Many restaurants prefer to finance to keep reserves for emergencies or opportunities.
How the Commercial Kitchen Financing Process Works
Standard equipment financing approval takes 1–5 business days from application to funding.
Get a Quote & Apply
Obtain vendor quote. Complete one application.
We Match You With Lenders
Programs fit your kitchen equipment purchase.
Review & Approve
Decisions in 24–48 hours for many applications.
Funding & Closing
Sign documents. Funds go directly to the seller.
Related Restaurant Equipment
Browse financing for similar restaurant equipment. One application, we match you with lenders.
Commercial Kitchen Financing FAQ
Can you finance used commercial kitchen equipment?
Yes. Many lenders finance used ranges, ovens, and cooking equipment in good condition. Used equipment may require larger down payment and shorter terms.
What credit score is required?
Most lenders look for 600 or higher. 680+ typically qualifies for best rates.
Can you bundle kitchen equipment in one loan?
Yes. Bundling ranges, ovens, refrigeration, and other equipment may improve terms and simplify one application.
How long does approval take?
1–5 business days for equipment loans and leases. SBA adds 30–60+ days.
Is leasing better than buying?
Leasing offers lower monthly payments. Buying builds equity. Compare both based on your cash flow. Equipment loan vs lease.
What documents are needed?
Typical: 3–6 months bank statements, tax returns, P&L, equipment quote, business formation documents.
More Equipment Financing Resources
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