Hiring catering equipment rather than buying makes financial and logistical sense for most events. This post covers what is available and how to plan your hire order.
Hiring catering equipment rather than buying makes financial and logistical sense for most events. This post covers what is available and how to plan your hire order.
Catering equipment hire has grown significantly as events have become more ambitious and event planners have recognised the cost and logistical advantages of renting over buying. Whether you are catering a corporate dinner, an outdoor wedding reception, a large private party or a festival, renting gives you access to professional-grade equipment without the capital outlay or the ongoing storage and maintenance overhead.
Catering equipment hire covers a broad range of items. The core categories are:
Most event planners hire a combination of these categories for a complete catering setup. Sourcing everything from one supplier simplifies logistics and ensures coordination between items.
Catering equipment is expensive to buy at commercial quality. A professional gas range, a trailer fridge and a full complement of chafing dishes represent a large capital investment. For a business that caters events regularly, that investment may make sense. For individuals, corporate teams or event planners who organise events occasionally, renting is the more practical route.
Renting means you pay only for the event you are running. You do not store, service or transport the equipment between events. When something needs replacing, such as a fryer failing or a fridge needing a service, that is the hire company's responsibility, not yours.
A few questions to work through when planning a catering hire order:
How many covers? Your guest count determines the volume of equipment needed across cooking, chilling and tableware categories. Be specific: 60 guests needs different quantities than 200.
Is the venue indoors or outdoors? Outdoor catering requires weather-resistant equipment and may need additional power solutions. A covered or indoor kitchen setup has different requirements.
What is the menu? The cooking equipment you need depends directly on what is being served. A BBQ requires different kit to a three-course plated dinner. Make sure the equipment matches the food.
Is there a power supply? Confirm available power at the venue early. Large catering setups draw significant power. Gas equipment may be needed if electricity supply is limited.
Expo Hire offers a comprehensive range of catering equipment for hire with delivery across England and Wales. Browse online with real-time stock checks to confirm availability before ordering. For large events with multiple equipment requirements, contact our team to coordinate the full order and confirm delivery timing.
What catering equipment can I hire for an event?
Expo Hire offers fridges and freezers, cooking equipment, barbecue grills, chafing dishes, crockery, glassware and linen. Browse the full range at expohire.com/hire/catering-equipment.
Is catering equipment hire available for outdoor events?
Yes. Expo Hire supplies equipment suited to outdoor catering, including trailer fridges, gas cooking equipment and weatherproof servingware. Confirm power supply requirements when ordering.
How far in advance should I book catering equipment?
Book as early as possible for summer events. Refrigeration equipment and large cooking units have limited availability during peak season. A minimum of four to six weeks' notice is recommended for large orders.
Does Expo Hire deliver and collect catering equipment?
Yes. Delivery and collection are included in all hire orders. Equipment is delivered to your venue and collected after the event.
Choose from our vast range of catering hire, furniture hire and exhibition hire products. Select from the categories listed below or use our great search function above.
