This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a burger joint.
Our business plan for a burger joint will help you build a profitable project
Starting a burger joint is exciting, but figuring out what equipment you need can feel overwhelming.
The tricky part is knowing exactly what to buy without going broke or missing something crucial for food safety and efficiency.
Every burger joint has different needs, and equipment costs can quickly spiral out of control if you're not careful about planning.
Complete Burger Joint Equipment List
Opening a successful burger joint requires careful planning and the right equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your burger joint up and running.
Cooking Equipment
- Commercial flat-top grill - Essential for cooking burgers, onions, and other ingredients
- Char-broiler - Creates authentic grilled flavor and grill marks on patties
- Deep fryer - Cooks french fries, onion rings, and other fried sides
- Salamander broiler - Melts cheese and toasts buns quickly
- Convection oven - Bakes buns, keeps food warm, and handles overflow cooking
- Commercial toaster - Toasts buns consistently and efficiently
- Warming lamps - Keeps cooked food at safe serving temperatures
- Hot holding cabinet - Maintains temperature for pre-cooked items
- Microwave - Quick heating for certain ingredients and sides
- Rice cooker - If serving rice bowls or Asian-fusion burgers
Refrigeration
- Walk-in cooler - Stores large quantities of meat, vegetables, and dairy
- Reach-in refrigerator - Easy access to frequently used ingredients
- Prep refrigerator - Cold storage directly at preparation stations
- Freezer - Preserves meat patties, frozen fries, and ice cream
- Sandwich prep table - Refrigerated unit with ingredient bins on top
- Beverage cooler - Keeps sodas, beers, and other drinks cold
- Ice machine - Produces ice for drinks and food presentation
Preparation Tools
- Work tables - Stainless steel surfaces for food preparation
- Cutting boards - Separate surfaces for meat, vegetables, and other ingredients
- Knives (various) - Essential tools for slicing vegetables and meat
- Meat slicer - Cuts deli meats and cheese to consistent thickness
- Food processor - Chops vegetables, makes sauces, and prepares ingredients
- Mandoline slicer - Creates uniform vegetable cuts for consistency
- Spatulas - Flips burgers and moves food safely on the grill
- Tongs - Handles hot food items during cooking process
- Portion scale - Ensures consistent burger patty weights
- Measuring cups/spoons - Accurate measurements for sauces and seasonings
- Mixing bowls - Various sizes for sauce preparation and ingredients
- Thermometer - Monitors internal temperatures for food safety
- Timer - Tracks cooking times for consistent results
Service & Display
- Point-of-sale system - Processes orders and manages transactions
- Order display system - Shows kitchen staff what to prepare
- Menu boards - Displays offerings and prices clearly
- Food warmers - Keeps prepared items at serving temperature
- Serving trays - Presents food attractively to customers
- Baskets/plates - Holds burgers and fries for dine-in service
- To-go containers - Packages food for takeout orders
- Paper bags - Carries multiple items for customer convenience
- Napkin dispensers - Provides easy access for customers
- Condiment stations - Organizes ketchup, mustard, and other toppings
Beverage Equipment
- Soft drink dispenser - Serves sodas and fountain drinks
- Coffee maker - Brews fresh coffee for customers
- Milkshake machine - Creates thick shakes and frozen drinks
- Blender - Makes smoothies and blended beverages
- Beer tap system - Serves draft beer if alcohol license obtained
- Juice dispenser - Offers fresh juice options
- Water filtration system - Provides clean water for drinks and cooking
Cleaning & Safety
- Three-compartment sink - Washing, rinsing, and sanitizing dishes properly
- Hand sink - Separate area for staff hand washing
- Dishwasher - Efficiently cleans plates, utensils, and equipment
- Sanitizer dispenser - Maintains proper hygiene standards
- Grease trap - Captures cooking grease before it enters plumbing
- Exhaust hood - Removes smoke, grease, and cooking odors
- Fire suppression system - Automatic fire protection for cooking areas
- Fire extinguisher - Manual fire safety equipment
- First aid kit - Handles minor workplace injuries
- Floor mats - Prevents slips on potentially greasy surfaces
- Cleaning supplies - Maintains sanitary conditions throughout
Storage
- Dry storage shelving - Organizes non-perishable ingredients
- Storage containers - Keeps ingredients fresh and organized
- Ingredient bins - Stores bulk items like flour and seasonings
- Freezer storage - Organized system for frozen inventory
Utilities & Infrastructure
- Ventilation system - Removes cooking odors and maintains air quality
- Electrical supply - Powers all commercial kitchen equipment
- Plumbing connections - Supports sinks, dishwasher, and equipment
- Gas lines - Supplies fuel for grills and other cooking equipment
- Grease disposal system - Handles waste cooking oil properly
Software & Technology
- Inventory management software - Tracks ingredients and supplies
- Recipe management system - Standardizes preparation and costs
- Accounting software - Manages finances and payroll
- Online ordering platform - Accepts delivery and pickup orders
- Kitchen display system - Organizes and tracks order preparation
Additional Items
- Uniforms/aprons - Professional appearance and safety compliance
- Hair nets/hats - Required by health departments
- Non-slip shoes - Safety footwear for kitchen environments
- Gloves (disposable) - Food handling safety requirements
- Towels (disposable) - Maintains cleanliness during preparation
- Signage - Displays hours, specials, and important information
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What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most burger joint owners spend between $50,000 and $250,000 on equipment, depending on their size and concept. You really can't go below $35,000 for even the smallest setup because you need commercial grills, fryers, and refrigeration just to operate legally and efficiently.
- Small Counter-Service Burger Joint
A small counter-service burger joint with basic menu needs around $35,000-$75,000, and most of that budget goes toward a quality grill, fryer, and refrigeration.
- Medium-Sized Burger Restaurant
A medium-sized burger restaurant with full menu typically runs $75,000-$150,000, with more specialized equipment like char-broilers and extensive prep areas.
- Large Burger Joint
A large burger joint or gourmet concept can easily hit $150,000-$250,000, especially when you add custom grills, advanced beverage systems, and premium equipment.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Counter-Service Burger Joint ($35,000 - $75,000)
Small burger joints focus on essential equipment that can handle daily burger production and basic sides. The goal is getting quality basics without overspending on features you won't use right away.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Equipment | 36-inch commercial flat-top grill, single-tank fryer, salamander broiler, commercial toaster for buns | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Refrigeration | 6x8 walk-in cooler, single door reach-in freezer, 2-door prep refrigerator with cutting board top | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Prep Equipment | 2 stainless steel work tables, basic knife set, cutting boards, portion scale, mixing bowls | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Service Equipment | Basic POS system, warming lamps, to-go containers, serving baskets, napkin dispensers | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Beverage System | 2-flavor soda fountain, basic coffee maker, ice machine, beverage cooler | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Cleaning & Safety | 3-compartment sink, hand sink, basic exhaust hood, fire extinguisher, cleaning supplies | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Installation & Setup | Equipment delivery, basic installation, gas/electrical connections, initial setup | $3,000 - $6,000 |
Medium-Sized Burger Restaurant ($75,000 - $150,000)
Medium burger restaurants need more capacity and specialized equipment to handle diverse menu items and higher volume. You're investing in efficiency and the ability to offer more variety to customers.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Equipment | 48-inch char-broiler, double-tank fryer, flat-top grill, convection oven, multiple salamanders | $25,000 - $40,000 |
| Refrigeration | 10x12 walk-in cooler, multiple reach-in units, sandwich prep tables, separate freezer section | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Prep Stations | Multiple stainless prep tables, food processor, meat slicer, mandoline, extensive knife set | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Service & Display | Advanced POS system with kitchen display, multiple warming stations, extensive serving equipment | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Beverage Systems | Multi-flavor soda fountain, milkshake machine, commercial coffee system, beer tap setup | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Cleaning & Ventilation | Commercial dishwasher, comprehensive exhaust system, fire suppression, grease trap | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Installation & Training | Professional installation, equipment training, permits and inspections, utility connections | $6,000 - $12,000 |
Large Burger Joint ($150,000 - $250,000)
Large burger joints operate with high-volume equipment and specialized systems. The focus shifts to maximizing efficiency, consistency, and the ability to handle peak rush periods or multiple locations.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Cooking Equipment | Multiple char-broilers, high-capacity fryers, custom flat-top grills, specialty ovens for signature items | $40,000 - $70,000 |
| Advanced Refrigeration | Large walk-in complex with multiple zones, blast chiller, extensive prep refrigeration, automated monitoring | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| High-Volume Prep | Industrial food processors, automatic slicers, multiple prep stations, specialized portioning equipment | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Service Systems | Integrated POS with inventory management, automated kitchen display systems, extensive warming equipment | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Beverage Operations | Premium soda systems, multiple milkshake machines, espresso setup, full bar equipment if applicable | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Cleaning & Safety Systems | Commercial dishwasher with pre-rinse, comprehensive ventilation, fire suppression, water treatment | $18,000 - $30,000 |
| Specialty Equipment | Custom grills for signature burgers, automated fry stations, advanced warming systems, premium smallwares | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Installation & Systems | Complete professional installation, comprehensive training, all permits, custom ventilation design | $10,000 - $18,000 |