4 Things to Consider Before Buying a Mobile Kitchen Trailer
If you are in the market to buy a mobile kitchen trailer for your catering operation or mobile foodservice business, there are a number of things you will want to keep in mind. Ideally, this is a trailer you will be using for many years to come. It must meet your mobile commercial kitchen requirements and fit your budget.
Before you buy a mobile kitchen trailer and start customizing it, here are four of the most important items to consider:
1. New vs. Used Mobile Kitchen Trailer
One of the first considerations is if you want to buy a used mobile kitchen trailer that you can adapt to your specific needs. Or, you can purchase a brand new mobile kitchen trailer that you can design and fully customize from the ground up. Obviously, the new unit will cost you more while giving you more customization options. Your budget will play a large role in this decision, so it is important to research both new and used mobile kitchen trailer solutions. If you don’t know exactly what you want yet and are just dipping your toes in the water with a mobile kitchen, you may want to buy used. You can later upgrade to a new model once you are ready to take the next big step in your foodservice business.
2. Mobile Kitchen Trailer Size
Mobile kitchen trailers can come in a variety of different sizes and configurations. You can have a massive 50-foot-long trailer or one that has everything you need in a much smaller space. Larger trailers will be more expensive and cost more to transport from location to location. Think about how you intend to use the trailer, as well as the features you need inside/outside the mobile kitchen trailer. Don’t get something that’s much larger than you need, but don’t go too small if that is going to limit you in anyway. Figure out the size and configuration that will be just right for your mobile kitchen needs.
3. Mobile Kitchen Design
Another consideration that can help you figure out your mobile kitchen trailer size is the kitchen design itself. Calculate your foodservice quantities and determine your menu before you start designing your mobile kitchen unit. How big is your kitchen staff? How many meals are you serving each day? What meals are you making? What storage space (hot, cold or dry) do you require? Which appliances must be installed and how big do they need to be? These are all important questions to ask as you plan out your ideal mobile commercial kitchen. A mobile kitchen trailer serving burgers and fries will have different needs than one serving coffee and baked goods. Tailor your mobile kitchen exactly the way you want it.
4. Exterior Mobile Kitchen Features
Don’t just think about the inside of your mobile kitchen trailer. Think about where it will be located and how it will be used for foodservice. Do you need service windows and awnings? Do you want to install a sound system or monitors for displaying orders/menus. Maybe you want to have an outdoor dining tent for your guests. Exterior lighting, wrap graphics, signage and other features are all worth considering as you choose your mobile kitchen trailer and start customizing it for your business.
These are four of the biggest considerations to make when purchasing a mobile kitchen trailer. For help with finding the ideal new or used trailer unit to fit your budget, as well as full design and customization services, contact Mobile Kitchens USA today.