Financing Commercial Kitchen Equipment in Canada: Lease vs. Rent Explained
Learn the most affordable ways to finance your restaurant equipment in Canada. Leasing, loans, and rental options explained.
Financing Solutions for Canadian Foodservice Operators
Outfitting a commercial kitchen is one of the biggest capital expenses for any restaurant or foodservice business in Canada. That’s why TFI Food Equipment Solutions offers multiple financing paths to help operators acquire the tools they need—without draining their cash flow.
Whether you're opening a new location or upgrading old equipment, the right financing plan can help you scale efficiently and stay profitable from day one.
What Are My Options for Financing Kitchen Equipment?
TFI offers three primary solutions for commercial kitchen equipment financing in Canada:
1. Leasing (via Econolease)
Fixed monthly payments
Flexible terms (12–60 months)
Own the equipment at the end
Tax-deductible payments
This lease-to-own model is ideal for operators who want to conserve capital while building long-term ownership. Leasing through TFI Canada makes it easier to upgrade your kitchen without the financial burden of a large upfront purchase.
Learn more about TFI's lease-to-own program here!
2. Rentals
Month-to-month or long-term based options
No long-term commitment
Access to used or demo equipment
Ideal for short-term needs, startups, or testing new menu ideas
TFI’s rental program is a flexible, cash-friendly solution that helps operators get the equipment they need—fast—without tying up capital. It’s especially useful for seasonal locations, new ventures, or those looking to trial equipment before committing long-term.
Learn more about TFI's rental program here!
3. Loans (External)
While TFI does not offer loans directly, some operators choose to secure external financing to purchase equipment outright.
Requires upfront capital via a bank or third-party lender
Provides immediate ownership
May offer tax benefits through depreciation
This option is best suited for well-established businesses with strong financials and access to credit. For operators looking for more flexible, cash-flow-friendly solutions, TFI recommends exploring leasing or rental programs tailored to the foodservice industry.
Why Lease Restaurant Equipment Instead of Buying?
Leasing through TFI offers several business-friendly advantages:
Cash-flow friendly: No large upfront investment
Tax-efficient: Lease payments may be deductible
Maintenance coverage: Many leases include service support
Easy upgrades: Refresh equipment without buying new
Fast approvals: Get started in 24 hours or less
Many TFI customers prefer leasing to preserve working capital while keeping their kitchens running with the latest technology
Leasing vs. Loans vs. Rentals: At a Glance
Option | Best For | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
Leasing | Operators wanting to own long-term | Low startup cost, tax write-offs, ownership at term end |
Rentals | Short-term flexibility | No ownership, no commitment, fast access to used/demo equipment |
Loans (External) | Businesses with strong financials | Full ownership, potential asset depreciation |
Which Option Is Best for Startups?
For new foodservice ventures, leasing or renting is often the smartest approach. Unlike loans, these options don’t require a large down payment and often come with faster approvals, making it easier to launch or pivot as needed.
What to Look for in a Financing Plan
Before signing any agreement, ask:
What’s the total cost over the term (not just monthly)?
Does the plan include maintenance or service support?
Is there flexibility for upgrades or early termination?
Are lease payments tax-deductible?
TFI’s team works with you to tailor a plan that matches your goals, whether you want to own, rent, or try before you buy.
Ready to Get Started?
Use our lease calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or contact TFI to speak with a representative about our commercial kitchen equipment leasing and rental options in Canada.
We're here to help you find the most cash-flow-friendly solution for your foodservice operation.
Nicole Camposeo-Cheung is the Director of Marketing, People & Culture at TFI Food Equipment Solutions, Canada’s leading provider of premium commercial foodservice equipment. She combines her expertise in business management and fashion arts to foster a dynamic, innovative, and people-centric corporate culture. Passionate about empowering teams, building strong client relationships, and driving growth through creativity and collaboration, Nicole plays a key role in shaping TFI’s brand and workplace culture. She also shares her industry expertise and insights through the TFI blog, helping foodservice professionals stay informed about the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in commercial food equipment.
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