How to Finance Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Setting up a commercial kitchen equipment is a major investment. Between ovens, fryers, refrigeration units, dishwashers, and prep kitchen equipment Dubai, the cost can quickly escalate. Whether you're opening a new restaurant, expanding an existing one, or upgrading outdated appliances, having the right financing strategy is key to managing your cash flow while still acquiring the kitchen equipment your kitchen needs.

At Mariot Kitchen Equipment, we understand that not every business can afford to buy commercial kitchen equipment outright. That’s why we support our clients across the UAE by helping them explore smart, flexible financing solutions that allow them to grow their operations without breaking the bank.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to finance your commercial kitchen equipment in 2025.

Why Financing Makes Sense for Restaurants

Launching a food business involves more than equipment costs. There are also expenses related to licensing, staffing, interior design, technology systems, marketing, and inventory. Financing your kitchen equipment lets you:

Preserve capital for daily operations
Avoid large upfront costs
Build business credit
Invest in high-efficiency, long-lasting equipment
Plan monthly payments within your operating budget

Let’s explore the most effective financing options.

1. Equipment Leasing

Leasing is one of the most common financing methods in the foodservice industry. With an equipment lease, you essentially “rent” the commercial equipment for a set period—usually 2 to 5 years—while making monthly payments.

Benefits of Leasing:

No large down payment
Easier approval process than bank loans
Option to upgrade or return equipment at lease-end
Maintenance may be included in some agreements

Leasing is perfect for businesses that want flexibility or plan to upgrade frequently. It's also a great fit for seasonal operations and new startups with limited capital.

2. Equipment Loans

An equipment loan is a fixed-term loan used specifically to purchase commercial kitchen equipment. You make regular payments—typically monthly—until the loan is fully paid off, at which point you own the equipment outright.

Benefits of Equipment Loans:

Immediate ownership of equipment
Often easier to qualify than traditional bank loans
Equipment itself may serve as collateral
Fixed interest rates available

This option suits business owners who want full ownership and are confident the equipment will meet their long-term needs.

3. Vendor Financing

Some equipment suppliers—like Mariot Kitchen Equipment—can help arrange financing through preferred partners. This can simplify the process by bundling the purchase and financing together.

Advantages of Vendor Financing:

Fast approval process
Competitive rates from industry lenders
One-stop solution for both equipment and payment plans
Financing tailored to the equipment being purchased

Ask our team about special financing plans available on specific models or equipment packages.

4. Business Line of Credit

A business line of credit gives you flexible access to funds up to a certain limit. You only pay interest on the amount you use. This is useful if you’re unsure how much equipment you’ll need at the start or want to stagger your purchases.

Benefits of a Line of Credit:

Reusable credit for ongoing needs
Pay only for what you borrow
Great for managing cash flow during expansions or renovations

While lines of credit can be harder to qualify for, they offer unmatched flexibility for experienced business owners.

5. SBA Loans or Government Programs (for UAE Residents)

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are common in some countries, but UAE-based entrepreneurs may benefit from local financing initiatives backed by UAE banks or government support programs. These are designed to support SMEs and startups in the food and hospitality sector.

Advantages:

Lower interest rates
Longer repayment terms
Designed to support local business growth

Reach out to your bank to learn if you qualify for SME support loans or similar programs.

6. Credit Card Financing

For small-scale purchases or emergency replacements, using a business credit card may be a quick solution. However, this should only be used for short-term financing due to high interest rates.

Tips:

Look for cards with 0% introductory APR offers
Use rewards or cash-back features
Avoid carrying balances for extended periods

This method is best reserved for low-cost equipment or when you're bridging a short-term cash gap.

7. Renting or Buying Used Equipment

Another indirect form of financing is to purchase high-quality used commercial kitchen equipment or opt for short-term rentals while you build capital. At Mariot Kitchen Equipment, we offer certified pre-owned options to help you save 30–70% compared to buying new.

Used equipment allows you to get started with lower costs and upgrade later as your business grows.

How to Choose the Right Financing Option

To select the best option for your restaurant, ask yourself:

What is my total equipment budget?
Do I prefer ownership or flexibility?
How stable is my monthly cash flow?
Do I qualify for traditional bank financing?
Will this equipment still meet my needs in 3–5 years?

A hybrid strategy can also work. For example, you might lease large appliances like ovens and fryers but pay upfront for smaller items like blenders or prep tables.

Talk to the Experts at Mariot Kitchen Equipment

At Mariot Kitchen Equipment, we don’t just sell kitchen appliances—we help you build your food business. Whether you're outfitting a new restaurant, café, cloud kitchen, or hotel, our team will walk you through: