Leasing Restaurant Equipment: A Cost-Effective Solution for Your Business
Last Updated: June 08, 2023
Fact Checked By: Ashley Smith
On This Page
CostOwl.com note: Need equipment leasing at an affordable price? Fill out the 30 second questionnaire below and our equipment leasing partners will send you free price quotes.
Leasing is becoming a popular alternative to purchasing kitchen equipment, particularly for new restaurants. It requires little or no money down, and also allows you to spread the cost of equipment over monthly payments spanning several years.
Once the lease term is up then you can either purchase the equipment or trade it in for newer models.
Lease financing is also growing in popularity because it's easier to obtain than bank financing. Banks are hesitant to lend to new restaurants without an established credit history or even established restaurants with less than perfect credit.
However, leasing companies are usually willing to take on the risk.
Restaurant Equipment Leasing Average Costs #
Starting a restaurant from scratch can run **$200,000 to $400,000.** The cost for kitchen equipment alone makes up a significant chunk of that, usually anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000.
Leasing a full set of kitchen equipment usually runs anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 per month, depending on the type and size of equipment you choose. However, many restaurants choose to buy certain items and lease others.
If you can afford it, you're better off buying major appliances like freezers and ovens. These generally have a long, useful life, which makes buying more cost effective in the long run. You can also write off the depreciation on these big ticket items.
Equipment that doesn't last as long such as ice machines, dishwashers, and coffee makers should almost always be leased. You can usually lease each item for anywhere from $200 to $500 per month.
Sometimes companies will allow you to lease items like dishwashers and coffee machines for free if you agree to buy their products.
Leasing is also available for other types of restaurant supplies and equipment.
You can lease linens such as napkins, towels, uniforms and floor mats for a small monthly fee. Pickup and delivery laundry service is usually included in that price.
You can also lease computer equipment such as restaurant point-of-sale system.
Real Life Restaurant Equipment Leasing Cost Examples #
"I leased a new commercial grade refrigerator for my small cafe. The lease is for 5 years at $125 per month. At the end, I own the fridge outright." - Sarah, Café Owner
"For my expanding pizzeria, I leased a large ** pizza oven, dough mixer, prep tables and sinks**. The 60 month lease on the $35,000 equipment package comes to $725 per month including tax." - Chris, Pizzeria Manager
"When opening my farm-to-table restaurant, I leased a new ventless induction cooktop, charbroiler, and chef base cabinets. The total 3 year lease was $1,100 per month for the $50,000 in equipment." - Jennifer, Restaurant Owner
"We upgraded the kitchen equipment at our family diner with a leased 4 burner range, griddle, fryer and stainless shelves. The 48 month total lease cost for the $22,000 equipment was $580 per month after the down payment." - Steven, Diner Manager
"When renovating our pizzeria, we leased a new double-stack convection oven, dough roller, preparation tables, and a walk-in freezer. The 60 month lease on the $65,000 equipment came to $1,250 monthly." - Maria, Pizzeria Owner
"For my high volume bakery, I leased a large professional mixer, dough rounder, high temp oven, and proofer on a 5 year lease at $950 per month. The equipment total was $42,000." - Sophia, Bakery Chef
As you can see, leased commercial restaurant equipment can cost small businesses $100 - $1,100+ per month depending on the equipment package value and lease terms.
Top Restaurant Equipment Leasing Companies #
Balboa Capital: Balboa Capital offers flexible leasing options for restaurant equipment, including commercial ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, and more. They provide quick financing decisions and competitive rates.
Crest Capital: Crest Capital specializes in equipment leasing and financing, including restaurant equipment. They offer a simple online application process, fast approvals, and flexible terms tailored to the specific needs of businesses.
LeaseQ: LeaseQ is an online marketplace that connects businesses with leasing companies. They provide a platform to compare leasing quotes from multiple lenders, making it easier to find competitive rates for restaurant equipment leasing.
National Funding: National Funding offers equipment leasing and financing solutions for restaurants. They provide customized lease options, fast approvals, and competitive rates to help businesses acquire the necessary equipment.
Direct Capital: Direct Capital provides leasing and financing solutions for a wide range of industries, including restaurants. They offer flexible lease terms, fast approvals, and personalized customer service.
Advantage Leasing Corporation: Advantage Leasing specializes in equipment leasing for various industries, including the restaurant sector. They offer competitive rates, flexible terms, and personalized service to meet the specific needs of businesses.
About Kitchen Equipment Leasing #
Some leasing companies offer no-money-down deals. Others ask for a down payment, security deposit, and the first and last month's lease payments. Be sure to ask for a total of all the upfront expenses involved before signing a lease.
In addition to the equipment itself, a monthly lease can include the costs of tax, delivery, installation and training. This will further reduce your upfront expenses.
Keep in mind that leasing restaurant equipment can be more expensive in than long run than purchasing it outright. However, leasing might be your only option if you're a new restaurant or an established restaurant with less than perfect credit.
Leasing equipment is almost always a better option when you're opening a new restaurant because of the high failure rate of restaurants. If the restaurant fails after two years then you won't be stuck with long-term payments on expensive equipment!