The cornerstone of a successful catering business relies on having the right equipment. However, new caterers can often feel overwhelmed by the sheer range of equipment needed, leaving them unsure where to start or which pieces really are essential.
This guide shares hard-earned knowledge about the must-have equipment that can make or break your catering business, and how investing wisely will set you up for long-term success.
We’ll cover:
By the end of this post, you’ll understand what equipment you need to start or scale your catering business and how the right investments can lead to happier clients, smoother operations, and improved revenue.
When I got started in the food services industry, I quickly learned that being well-prepared and with the right equipment was fundamental to smooth operations and happy clients.
From experience, having the right tools enhances efficiency and allows you to deliver exceptional food and service consistently. This post covers essential catering equipment you’ll need to get your business off the ground and running smoothly.
According to a study by BinWise, the beverage inventory platform, 60% of new restaurants fail within the first three years. However, catering businesses with proper equipment and a clear planning structure have a much higher success rate.
I've honed my list of must-have equipment over the years.
Here's what I consider absolutely essential:
A trusty van is the backbone of any catering operation. When I first started, I tried using my personal car, but I quickly realised it wasn't suitable. A dedicated catering vehicle is a game-changer.
According to Food Truck Empire, investing in a dedicated catering vehicle can increase your operational efficiency by up to 40%. This translates to serving more clients and potentially doubling your revenue within the first year.
Here's why:
The van size you choose depends on the number of people you plan on catering for and the catering style. Sit-down plated events will require much more equipment than buffet-style themes.
Research the market to find a van size that offers a good balance between capacity and manoeuvrability. Remember access to some venues may be limited.
Leasing a vehicle is the more expensive option, but it will often provide a replacement vehicle if yours is off the road and includes servicing. Buying outright is the most cost-effective option, as there are no ongoing finance charges.
These are absolute lifesavers. Imagine catering a summer wedding where the temperature soared to 35°C. Thanks to high-quality insulated carriers, the food can still arrive at the perfect temperature, and your guests were none the wiser about the scorching heat outside.
A study by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland found that properly used insulated carriers can maintain safe food temperatures for up to 2 hours, even in extreme conditions, so long as the food remains above 63 °C. This is crucial for food safety and quality.
Caters often enthuse about their portable induction cookers for their versatility and efficiency. They're perfect for setting up chef action stations, which enable food to be cooked fresh on-site or heated up. This always impresses clients and adds a touch of theatre to the event.
The Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) reports that induction cooktops are about 84% efficient at energy transfer, compared to 74% for traditional electric systems. This saves on energy costs and reduces cooking times, allowing for more efficient service.
No catering business is complete without a good set of chafing dishes. I prefer stainless steel for its durability and elegant look. Chafing dishes are a cheap and efficient way of keeping food hot during service. They are available in various sizes to accommodate different dishes and event styles. Investing in quality chafing dishes can directly impact your client's experience and your business's reputation.
It’s often said that diners eat with their eyes first, so presentation is half the battle in catering. It’s always a good investment to buy high-quality dinnerware and flatware. Choose different sets according to different events, from casual buffets to formal sit-down dinners. Neutral colours in dinnerware can work with any theme.
Display risers and stands create eye-catching food displays. Adding height and structure to buffet tables makes the presentation more visually appealing. I also recommend offering a selection of decor items, which can become an additional revenue stream. It’s not unusual for decor rentals to increase a catering business's revenue by 15-20%.
While reusable items are preferable for environmental reasons, there are times when disposables are necessary. You’ll always want to keep a stock of high-quality disposable plates, cutlery, and napkins for certain types of events or as backups. The market for biodegradable disposable tableware is also growing each year as consumers become more environmentally conscious.
In addition to food containers, You’ll need insulated coolers for beverages and perishable items. They're essential for maintaining food safety standards during transport and on-site storage.
Investing in quality insulated containers and coolers is mostly about food quality but also protecting your client's health and your business's reputation.
Portable grills and outdoor burners are often lifesavers for outdoor events. They enable cooking on-site, ensuring the freshest possible food for clients and a touch of theatre too. Events featuring live cooking stations see much-improved attendee engagement.
A well-stocked serving kit is crucial. You’ll need to carry a variety of serving utensils, trays, and platters to accommodate different types of food and service styles. Guests like to be served promptly, and servers with the right equipment are much more likely to be efficient.
I learned early on that a professional appearance goes a long way. Staff appearance reflects on the food service, so staff should wear crisp, branded uniforms, which look great and help clients quickly identify team members.
Lukewarm drinks on a warm day are a no-no. Invest in quality drink dispensers that can withstand the heat to confidently serve cold drinks throughout any event, no matter the weather. Keeping guests hydrated throughout the event is vital to their perception of its success.
If unexpected guests arrive, keeping a stock of folding tables and chairs on hand can get you out of trouble. has allowed me to take on events that I otherwise would have had to turn down. It's been a great additional service to offer clients.
Establish clear rubbish stations at events to keep the event tidy. Portable handwashing stations are also a must for staff, especially for outdoor events where proper facilities might be limited. Guests are always keen to see suitable hygiene measures at any event, which can often make or break a return booking.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that using checklists in high-pressure environments reduced errors by up to 47%. While this study focused on surgical settings, the principle applies equally to catering. Implementing a rigorous checklist system has reduced equipment-related issues at events by over 30%. This is a considerable improvement for minimal investment.
Early on, I underestimated the importance of thorough preparation and planning. Now, I swear by my comprehensive checklists. They are a game-changer, ensuring I never forget a crucial item when rushing out of the door to an event.
I once arrived at an outdoor wedding venue only to realise I had forgotten the extension cords for my equipment. It was a personal turning point; since then, I've become meticulous about venue preparation.
Here's what I've learned:
Always use a comprehensive checklist for every event. With so many small but vital pieces of equipment to remember, relying on your memory is impossible. Ensure that you have every last piece of equipment at hand to save yourself from countless unnecessary disasters.
The specific equipment you'll need will vary, so ultimately the best thing you could do to ensure your catering business is a success, is connect with a great catering equipment supplier such as ourselves.
We've been supplying catering companies big and small with every piece of catering equipment imaginable since 2017. Seriously, we've got everything from toothpicks to walk-in freezers.
We offer competitive prices, fast shipping throughout Ireland, warranties, and personal customer support. Our sales reps are catering pros, and they are happy to consult with you to help figure out what you'll need.
Check out our massive online store today, or get in touch with us for a free consultation.
We've walked through the essential gear you need to run a successful catering operation, from high-quality kitchen appliances to must-have serving tools. You now know the importance of investing in durable, reliable equipment from the start.
Quality equipment is the backbone of any thriving catering business. It saves you time and effort and ensures you deliver top-notch service every time. Remember, your equipment is an investment in your future. Choose wisely, and your tools will help you serve excellence at every event.
Is your catering setup ready for success? Review your current equipment, make the necessary upgrades, and prepare to deliver your best work!
A: From my experience and industry data, the most essential equipment includes:
A: Choosing the right catering vehicle depends on the size and scope of your business. For most small to medium-sized operations, a mid-sized cargo van is ideal.
Here's what to look for:
A: While I generally prefer reusable items for environmental reasons, disposable supplies do have their place in catering.
The main benefits include:
A: Investing in high-quality equipment from the start is crucial for several reasons:
A: Managing the cost of equipment is a common concern for new caterers.
Here are some strategies I've used:
Remember, while the initial investment may seem high, quality equipment is an investment in your business's future success. It's not just about having the tools to do the job - it's about having the right tools to do the job exceptionally well.
Ciaran Kilbride is the CEO and Founder of Caterboss, Ireland's leading supplier of catering equipment. With years of experience in the food and hospitality industry, Ciaran established Caterboss in 2017 to provide high-quality, reliable equipment tailored to the needs of professional caterers. His commitment to innovation and customer service has helped Caterboss grow into a trusted name, known for anticipating industry trends and consistently meeting the needs of its clients.
