This article was written by our expert who is surveying the restaurant industry and constantly updating the business plan for a burger joint.
Opening a burger joint in October 2025 requires a focused investment in heavy-duty kitchen equipment, reliable refrigeration, compliant ventilation, and customer-facing fixtures.
The goal is simple: buy only what you need to produce burgers and fries at launch, keep the back-of-house compliant, and control cash burn by knowing realistic price ranges, installation costs, and ongoing expenses.
If you want to dig deeper and learn more, you can download our business plan for a burger joint. Also, before launching, get all the profit, revenue, and cost breakdowns you need for complete clarity with our burger joint financial forecast.
This guide gives you precise, 2025-ready numbers for the equipment you actually need to open a burger joint and stay compliant from day one. It also shows typical installation, maintenance, and digital system costs so you can build a complete opening budget with contingencies.
Use the table below to benchmark your budget quickly; then read the FAQ for line-by-line details and practical ranges you can use in supplier negotiations.
| Budget Category | What It Covers (Burger Joint Context) | Typical 2025 Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Cooking Line | Flat-top griddle or charbroiler, deep fryer(s), salamander/cheese melter, bun toaster | $3,400–$9,000 |
| Cold Line & Storage | Reach-in fridge & freezer, sandwich prep table with pans, undercounter refrigeration | $4,500–$12,000 |
| Ventilation & Suppression | Type I hood, ducting, fan, UL-300 fire suppression, install & first inspection | $5,500–$13,500 |
| Smallwares & Prep Tools | Spatulas, presses, slicer, processor, scales, thermometers, boards, pans, bowls | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Furniture & Front-of-House | Tables, chairs/stools, service counter, menu boards, beverage station | $8,000–$18,000 |
| Installation & Trades | Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas lines, circuit upgrades, code sign-offs | $5,000–$20,000 |
| POS & Digital | Tablets/registers, printers, cash drawer, KDS screens, networking | $1,200–$7,500 |
| Total Kitchen Cost / Sq Ft | All major equipment + install for a typical burger joint back-of-house | $180–$350 per sq ft |
| Contingency (Year 1) | Repairs, upgrades, expedited parts, extra oil, certification surprises | 10–15% of equipment budget ($5,000–$15,000) |
What equipment is absolutely essential on day one?
Open with only the line that cooks burgers and fries safely and consistently.
For a burger joint this means a flat-top griddle (or charbroiler if you want flame), at least one commercial deep fryer, a bun toaster, and a salamander/cheese melter to finish melts fast.
You also need reach-in refrigeration and a sandwich prep table to keep raw patties, toppings, and sauces at safe temperatures during service.
Round out the minimum with a freezer for patties/fries, stainless prep tables, and a hot-holding unit for fries during rushes.
This lean list keeps ticket times low and quality stable from day one.
How much do grills, fryers, and refrigeration cost in 2025?
Budget for mid-range commercial models that withstand daily burger-line volume.
The table below shows typical purchase costs in October 2025 for a burger joint choosing reliable, serviceable brands.
| Equipment | Burger-Joint Use Case & Notes | Typical 2025 Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-top griddle (24–36") | Main patty station; choose 1" plate for heat recovery during rush | $1,200–$2,400 |
| Charbroiler (optional) | Flame-kissed profile for premium SKUs; adds hood load | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Commercial fryer (35–50 lb) | Fries/onion rings; consider two vats for separation and throughput | $1,500–$3,200 (countertop from ~$500) |
| Reach-in refrigerator (2-door) | Raw patties, veg, sauces; look for NSF/ETL listings | $2,500–$4,500 |
| Reach-in freezer (1–2 door) | Fries and backup patties; solid-door saves energy | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Sandwich prep table (48–60") | Garnish station with pans and cutting surface | $2,500–$4,000 |
| Salamander / cheese melter | Finishes melts fast without crowding the griddle | $800–$2,000 |
What are the ongoing maintenance and energy costs?
Expect predictable service calls and non-trivial utilities for a hot burger line.
The table below shows typical 2025 maintenance and energy ranges for a small to mid-size burger joint running lunch and dinner, 6–7 days a week.
| Equipment | Maintenance Pattern | Monthly Energy / Consumables |
|---|---|---|
| Griddle / charbroiler | $200–$400 per PM visit (quarterly–annual); keep plates leveled, burners cleaned | Gas: ~$30–$60; Electric: ~$50–$100 |
| Deep fryer | $200–$400 per PM; filter daily; boil-out monthly | Oil changes weekly/bi-weekly: ~$80–$120/month per vat |
| Reach-ins / prep tables | $200–$500 annual refrigeration check; clean coils quarterly | $60–$200 per unit for electricity |
| Freezer | Annual check; door gaskets as needed | $70–$180 electricity |
| Salamander / toaster | Light PM during hood service; replace elements as needed | $15–$40 electricity |
| Hood & suppression | UL-300 inspection annually: $200–$400; hood cleaning 2–4×/year | N/A (fan power minimal compared to cookline) |
| Smallwares | Replace high-use items quarterly (presses, spatulas) | $20–$50 for consumables and replacements |
What ventilation and fire suppression are required, and what do they cost?
A burger joint that grills and fries must use a Type I hood with UL-300 fire suppression.
Plan for a fabricated hood, exhaust fan, ductwork, make-up air if required, and a pre-engineered wet-chemical suppression system tied to gas/electric shutoff.
In 2025, typical installed ranges run $3,000–$8,000 for the hood and $2,500–$5,500 for suppression, plus $200–$400 per year for inspections.
Schedule professional hood cleaning 2–4 times per year depending on volume and local codes.
Confirm local amendments before ordering to avoid costly rework during inspections.
Should I lease or buy my burger joint equipment?
Choose based on cash preservation, warranty coverage, and your upgrade cycle.
Leasing spreads payments over 12–48 months (often $80–$150 per major unit) and usually includes maintenance; buying costs more up front but lowers lifetime cost and gives you an asset.
| Option | Pros for a Burger Joint | Costs & Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Lease (FMV) | Lower upfront cash; easier to upgrade grills/fryers as volume grows | $80–$150/mo per unit; higher total cost; end-of-term return or buyout |
| $1 Buyout Lease | Own at the end; predictable payments | Higher monthly vs. cash; still more interest than buying outright |
| Purchase (New) | Full warranty; best reliability for high-heat burger lines | Highest upfront; but best lifetime cost if kept 5–7 years |
| Purchase (Refurb) | Saves cash; inspected components | Shorter warranty; vet refurbisher and parts availability |
| Purchase (Used) | Lowest price for backups or secondary units | No warranty; check for grease damage and warped plates |
| Hybrid | Lease cookline; buy refrigeration to reduce downtime risk | Balanced cash flow; two vendor relationships to manage |
| Note | We cover this exact topic in the burger joint business plan. | |
What small appliances and prep tools do I need, and what do they cost?
- Heavy spatulas, burger presses, bench scrapers, tongs, ladles, and squeeze bottles for sauces (commercial grade).
- Slicer and/or food processor for tomatoes, onions, and pickles; portion scales for patties and fries.
- Color-coded cutting boards, mixing bowls, hotel pans, sheet pans, and heat-resistant gloves.
- Probe thermometers, timers, labelers, and safe-storage racks for mise en place.
- Estimated total for a complete smallwares kit in 2025: $2,000–$4,000, depending on brand and quantity.
How much should I budget for furniture, service counters, and FOH equipment?
Plan a simple, durable front-of-house that matches your throughput.
For a small to medium burger joint, expect $8,000–$18,000 for tables, chairs/stools, service counter, menu boards, and a beverage station.
Higher-end finishes, custom counters, and banquettes increase cost; basic laminate and metal seating keep it down.
Order in batches to leverage shipping and volume discounts.
You’ll find detailed market insights in our burger joint business plan, updated every quarter.
What will installation and setup cost (electrical, plumbing, gas)?
Include trades early to avoid change orders.
Typical burger joint installation totals $5,000–$20,000 for equipment placement, gas line hookups, dedicated electrical circuits, plumbing connections, and code sign-offs.
Older buildings and long duct runs increase costs; co-locating cookline under one hood lowers labor and materials.
Schedule inspections before closing walls to prevent rework.
This is one of the strategies explained in our burger joint business plan.
How much do POS and digital systems cost?
Choose cloud POS with kitchen display screens to speed burger service and reduce errors.
Entry-level tablet systems with hardware typically run $1,200–$2,500; fully integrated registers and multiple KDS screens can reach $4,000–$7,500.
| Component | Burger-Joint Role | Typical 2025 Cost |
|---|---|---|
| POS tablet/register | Ordering, payments, menu programming | $600–$1,500 per lane |
| Kitchen Display System (KDS) | Routes grill/fryer tickets to the line | $400–$1,200 per screen |
| Printers & cash drawer | Receipts and cash handling | $200–$500 total |
| Routers & networking | Stable connectivity for cloud POS | $150–$400 |
| Install & setup | Configuration, menu build, staff training | $200–$900 |
| Monthly software | Licenses and support | $60–$200 per month |
| Note | Get expert guidance and actionable steps inside our burger joint business plan. | |
What are the price differences for new, refurbished, and used?
Balance warranty coverage against upfront savings.
New gear costs more but reduces downtime; refurbished saves 25–40% with limited warranty; used saves ~50% but carries higher risk.
| Equipment | Typical New Price (2025) | Refurbished / Used Expectation |
|---|---|---|
| Griddle (24–36") | $1,200–$2,400 | Refurb 65–80% of new; Used 50–60% of new |
| Deep fryer (35–50 lb) | $1,500–$3,200 | Refurb 60–75% of new; Used ~50% of new |
| Reach-in refrigerator | $2,000–$6,000 | Refurb 60–75%; Used ~50% of new |
| Prep table | $2,500–$4,000 | Refurb ~70%; Used ~50–60% of new |
| Salamander/toaster | $800–$2,000 | Refurb 65–80%; Used ~50–60% of new |
| Freezer | $2,000–$6,000 | Refurb 60–75%; Used ~50% of new |
| Note | It’s a key part of what we outline in the burger joint business plan. | |
What is a realistic total equipment cost per square foot?
Plan your kitchen budget by square footage to avoid under-scoping.
In 2025, a well-equipped burger joint kitchen typically runs $180–$350 per square foot including major equipment and installation.
Complex ventilation, extra fry capacity, or long runs of ducting push you to the high end; compact lines in newer shells land toward the low end.
Apply this range only to back-of-house footprint, not dining area.
This is one of the many elements we break down in the burger joint business plan.
How much contingency should I set aside for year one?
Protect your launch with a clear fallback fund.
Set aside 10–15% of total equipment spend for unexpected repairs, expedited parts, surprise inspections, or capacity upgrades.
For most small to mid-size burger joints, that equals $5,000–$15,000 in the first year.
Keep it in a separate account and replenish after any drawdowns.
Review quarterly and adjust after busy seasons.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
Want to sharpen your budget and margins for a burger joint?
Explore unit economics, pricing, and break-even scenarios tailored to burger concepts, then apply them to your location and menu.
Sources
- ACooker – Burger Restaurant Equipment List
- Vortex Restaurant Equipment – Burger Joint Equipment Guide
- DojoBusiness – Burger Joint Equipment List & Startup Costs
- WebstaurantStore – Commercial Grills
- WebstaurantStore – Commercial Fryers
- RestaurantEquipment.com.au – Commercial Deep Fryers
- Phoenix Retail Price List (2025)
- GoFoodService – Best Equipment for a New Burger Joint
- BrandedBy – Burger Shop Equipment Checklist
