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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.

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!

A selection of Franke automatic coffee machines, featuring touchscreen interfaces and built-in grinders. These high-performance coffee makers are perfect for cafés, restaurants, and self-serve beverage stations.

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.

A set of Taylor soft-serve ice cream machines, designed for high-volume commercial kitchens, dessert shops, and restaurants. These machines offer efficient freezing technology for consistent, high-quality soft serve.

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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