Pro tip
Food truck: pro equipment fit for a tight space
Published on 15/04/20262 min read
Plancha, 230 V fryer, snack display, hand wash: how to equip a high-performing, compliant food truck on 6 m² of kitchen.
Workspace inside a food truck is limited to 4-6 m² of floor. Each piece of equipment must therefore be compact, modular and stackable. Favour countertop models (plancha, fryer, salamander) that can be moved during service, rather than built-in cooking lines that lock the configuration. An ergonomic worktop (87 to 90 cm high) stays a must.
Managing electrical power is the main challenge. On a 30 A single-phase EDF connection, you have 6.9 kW usable, which means sequencing energy-hungry appliances: fryer heating up before service, plancha at full output then hold, oven in eco mode in the background. An automatic load-shedder avoids blackouts during the rush.
Cold storage requires an uninterrupted chain even during transit. A stowed refrigerated cabinet (300 to 400 L usable, 2 to 4-hour autonomy with the power off) and an insulated cooler for transfers ensure DDPP compliance. A data-logger thermometer traces temperature through the day and becomes the centrepiece of a health inspection.
Mobile hygiene relies on a pressurised hot water point (10 to 20 litres minimum), a non-manual hand wash (knee or pedal) and a wastewater tank with capacity at least equal to the clean water tank. Without this equipment, passing the DDPP or veterinary inspection is at risk from the first visit. Also plan a grease tank if you use a fryer.
Frequently asked questions
How much electrical power for a food truck?
Practical minimum is 30 A single-phase (6.9 kW usable). To cook comfortably, aim for 32 A three-phase (22 kW). A 7 kVA generator remains plan B for markets with no connection.
Which equipment is mandatory to pass French DDPP inspection?
Non-manual hand wash (knee or pedal), pressurised hot water, separate clean water / wastewater circuit, refrigerated cabinet with data logger, stainless worktops, written cleaning plan and product traceability.
Can I run a fryer in a food truck on 230 V?
Yes, by picking a 1 × 8 L or 2 × 4 L 230 V model (2.8 to 3.3 kW). Beyond that, the load forces a three-phase supply or an automatic load-shedder to keep the breaker from tripping.