Restaurant and catering equipment finance is available from a competitive market of specialist lenders. The rate you pay depends on three things: your credit profile, your trading history, and which lender you approach. We work with all major catering equipment finance lenders and will match you to the right one - not just the most accessible one.
Top Lenders Ranked by Rate - October 2026
- 1
Close Brothers
Best for established restaurants and catering businesses. HP available on all commercial catering equipment. Limited company preferred. From 5.9%
- 2
Aldermore
Accepts sole trader caterers. Slightly higher rate than Close Brothers, but broader criteria. Good for single-site independents. From 6.3%
- 3
Time Finance
Fast decisions. Considers light adverse credit. Good for operators who need equipment quickly or have had credit difficulties. From 6.8%
- 4
Finance
Startup-friendly. Revenue-based assessment helps newer businesses. Rates higher, but accessible when others decline. From 7.5%
Full Rate Table - Catering Equipment Finance
| Lender | Best For | Product | Rate From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Close Brothers | Established restaurant / Ltd company | Hire Purchase | 5.9% APR |
| Aldermore | Sole trader caterers | Hire Purchase | 6.3% APR |
| Time Finance | Fast decisions / light adverse | HP or Finance Lease | 6.8% APR |
| 365 Finance | Startups / limited trading history | Revenue-based HP | 7.5% APR |
| Market (used / reconditioned) | Used commercial kitchen equipment | Hire Purchase | 7.5% APR |
| Market (adverse credit) | CCJs / IVAs / defaults considered | HP / secured | 9.5% APR |
Rates are representative for October 2026 and are starting points. Your actual rate depends on credit assessment. New equipment attracts lower rates than used or reconditioned kit.
Equipment Covered
All major categories of commercial kitchen and front-of-house equipment can be financed:
Commercial ovens (deck, convection, combi)
Refrigeration (reach-in, walk-in, blast chiller)
Commercial dishwashers and glasswashers
Espresso machines and coffee equipment
Fryers (single, double, pressure)
Extraction and ventilation systems
Full kitchen fit-out (equipment + install)
New equipment: from 5.9% APR. Used / reconditioned: from 7.5% APR. Full kitchen fit-outs - including equipment, extraction, plumbing, and electrical - can be packaged into a single HP facility.
New vs Used Equipment Finance
| Equipment Condition | Rate Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New from manufacturer / dealer | 5.9–7.5% APR | Best rates; all lenders available |
| Used / ex-demo (dealer supplied) | 7.5–9.0% APR | Fewer lenders; condition report required |
| Refurbished (certified) | 7.5–8.5% APR | Close Brothers and Time Finance active here |
| Private purchase (no dealer) | Available, bespoke | Harder to finance; speak to us first |