Best Of
5 Best catering vans
Whatever it is you decide to do, it's important to choose a van that's sturdy and spacious. To help make things a little easier, we have rounded up some of the top five catering vans on the market.
Words by: Auto Trader
Published on 4 June 2021 | 0 min read
If you have a unique idea for a food truck, then it's time to put it into action. Before you get started, one of the first things you'll need to find is a van. If you are short on time, then a fully fitted catering van requires very little work. If you are on a tight budget, you may wish to convert the van yourself. While this route takes longer, it is a highly rewarding option.
1. Mercedes Vito
If you're looking for something compact and easy to transport, this one ticks all the boxes. Ideal for coffee, cocktails, and smoothies, the Mercedes Vito is a good quality medium-sized van. It's a particularly good option if you are just focusing on drinks, cakes, frozen yoghurt, or other light snacks. While it's fairly small in size, it is large enough to fit a good coffee machine, refrigerator, and freezer.
Of course, the Mercedes Vito isn't the most attractive van on the list, but it gets the job done. To make it look more appealing, it is possible to get the exterior personalised with your own name and logo. Overall, this is a reliable and versatile vehicle that's easy to maintain. Find a Mercedes Vito here.
Of course, the Mercedes Vito isn't the most attractive van on the list, but it gets the job done. To make it look more appealing, it is possible to get the exterior personalised with your own name and logo. Overall, this is a reliable and versatile vehicle that's easy to maintain. Find a Mercedes Vito here.
2. Ford Transit
Possibly the most popular type of catering van on the list is the Ford Transit. This full-size vehicle is well designed to fit all the kitchen appliances you will need. Whether you are making fast food or gourmet wedding style cuisine, the Ford Transit has got you covered. In fact, when purchased new, this vehicle can come in a wide range of configurations depending on your requirements.
If that's enough, you can even choose your own loading size and roof height. This means that you can choose the type of workspace to suit your team. So, if you'll be travelling around the country quite a lot and only require a little prep area, then you may prefer a smaller size. If, however, you are a catering company with a big menu, then the 15.1m³ van will probably be best. Well known for its durability, the Ford Transit van is also perfect for driving long distances. It has rear double doors that open to a full 180 degrees, making it super easy to load and unload. In our opinion, this vehicle is one of the best food catering vans out there. Not only will you have a spacious work area, but you'll also be able to store food, awnings, and marketing materials too. Find a Ford Transit here.
If that's enough, you can even choose your own loading size and roof height. This means that you can choose the type of workspace to suit your team. So, if you'll be travelling around the country quite a lot and only require a little prep area, then you may prefer a smaller size. If, however, you are a catering company with a big menu, then the 15.1m³ van will probably be best. Well known for its durability, the Ford Transit van is also perfect for driving long distances. It has rear double doors that open to a full 180 degrees, making it super easy to load and unload. In our opinion, this vehicle is one of the best food catering vans out there. Not only will you have a spacious work area, but you'll also be able to store food, awnings, and marketing materials too. Find a Ford Transit here.
3. Citroen H
If you're looking for something a little more stylish, this van is a great choice. Stand out from the crowd with this vintage-style food truck. If you attend lots of formal events, then this van will help you look the part. While the Citroen H is no longer available to buy new, it's a great opportunity to put your own mark on this cute classic. Paint it in a new colour or attach a drop-down hatch for a chic finish.
If you want a unique look for your catering company, this van is the one. It can be easily adapted to suit your needs and the exterior is ready to go. Find a Citroen H here.
If you want a unique look for your catering company, this van is the one. It can be easily adapted to suit your needs and the exterior is ready to go. Find a Citroen H here.
4. Volkswagen Camper
When it comes to style, nothing quite beats a VW Camper. From top music festivals to tasty eats by the beach, you will always attract customers. Of course, there's more to this statement truck than its hip facade.
With a variety of models to choose from, a VW Camper can be very cost-effective. If this is your first business venture then you will want to choose something that's affordable and reliable. As it's already equipped to live in, these world-famous campers are all you need to wash and prep food. They also boast lots of storage space for cooking equipment. Find a Volkswagen Camper here.
With a variety of models to choose from, a VW Camper can be very cost-effective. If this is your first business venture then you will want to choose something that's affordable and reliable. As it's already equipped to live in, these world-famous campers are all you need to wash and prep food. They also boast lots of storage space for cooking equipment. Find a Volkswagen Camper here.
5. Nissan NV250
If you are on a tight budget, this is another great choice. With a high roof and foldable front seats, this resourceful van can be easily transformed into a food truck. One of the main features of this van is that it has a number of high voltage plugs which is ideal for ovens, stovetops, refrigerators, and microwaves.
You can also tow vehicles up to 8700 pounds. We like the Nissan NV250 because it offers excellent value for money and can handle long distances. Find a Nissan NV250 here.
You can also tow vehicles up to 8700 pounds. We like the Nissan NV250 because it offers excellent value for money and can handle long distances. Find a Nissan NV250 here.