How Much Does It Cost to Start a Mobile BBQ or Hog Roast Business?

Starting a mobile BBQ or hog roast business in the UK can feel like the start of an exciting new chapter! The mix of great food, outdoor events and the thrill of running your own venture makes it one of the most appealing catering careers out there. But beneath the romance of slow-roasted pork and smoky ribs, there’s a very practical question most people ask right away: how much does it actually cost to get a mobile BBQ or hog roast business off the ground?

The truth is that start-up costs can vary hugely depending on your equipment, transport, branding approach and the level of professionalism you want to launch with. Some people start small with a single grill and a gazebo. Others go all in with a catering trailer, dual machines and wedding-ready displays. What matters is understanding where the money goes, what to budget for and where you absolutely shouldn’t cut corners.

This extended guide walks step-by-step through every cost you’re likely to encounter in the UK, including equipment, transport, gas safety, electrical inspections, PAT testing, insurance and more. By the end, you’ll know exactly what sort of financial commitment to expect—and whether you want to build slowly or burst onto the market with a full set-up from day one!

The Essential Cooking Equipment

Your equipment is the backbone of your business. A good kit makes service easier, cooking more reliable, and events far more professional.

Hog Roast Machines

A proper hog roast machine is a serious investment, but one good unit can last years.

• £1,200 – £2,000 for basic starter models
• £2,000 – £4,000 for mid-level professional machines
• £4,000 – £7,000+ for top-end units with rotisseries, viewing windows and upgraded stainless-steel builds

If your main goal is weddings, corporate events or large parties, steer clear of the very cheapest models. You need reliability, especially when roasting for 80–150 guests in one sitting!

Commercial BBQ Grills

If BBQ-style menus form part of your offering, budget for strong commercial equipment rather than domestic grills.

• £350 – £600 for smaller portable grills
• £700 – £1,200 for sturdy, multi-burner gas BBQs
• £1,500 – £3,000+ for larger professional or trailer-mounted grills

Most successful traders run both a hog roast machine and a BBQ, offering a more flexible menu and wider appeal for events.

2. Vehicle and Trailer Costs

You need a way to get your equipment to events safely and reliably.

Towable Trailer

A popular choice due to affordability.

£600 – £2,500 for used trailers

£3,000 – £8,000 for enclosed catering trailers

If you already own a car with towing capacity, this route keeps costs down.

Catering Van

A more expensive but more professional all-in-one solution.

• £4,000 – £10,000 for used vans
• £12,000 – £25,000 for well-fitted options
• £30,000 – £70,000+ for top-tier conversions

For beginners, a towable trailer is usually a more sensible financial starting point.

3. Fuel, Power and Catering Tools

Gas (LPG Cylinders)

You’ll need LPG cylinders for BBQs and hog roast units.

• £25 – £45 per refill depending on size and supplier
• Expect several cylinders per month in busy seasons

Generators

If you need to power lights, fridges or warmers:

• £350 – £800 for smaller units
• £900 – £2,000+ for quiet inverter generators (favoured at weddings)

Tools and Serving Essentials

Carving tools, gloves, thermometers, trays, containers, boards, chopping blocks and cleaning kit.

• £250 – £800 for an initial full set-up

4. Food and Ingredient Costs

Whole Hog Prices

Depending on the supplier and whether you choose standard or free-range:

• £140 – £200 for standard
• £220 – £300 for premium, free-range pigs

BBQ Ingredients

Vary depending on menu:

• £100 – £300 for small pop-ups
• £300 – £700 for weddings or large corporate functions

Packaging

Eco-friendly packaging is highly recommended.

• £60 – £150 per bulk order

Cold Storage

Maintaining proper food safety standards is essential.

• £60 – £150 for durable cool boxes
• £200 – £400 for electric coolers or portable fridges

5. Licences, Training and Legal Requirements

This is an area where first-time traders often underestimate costs. Food safety and public liability protection are non-negotiable.

Food Hygiene Training

• £20 – £35 for Level 2 Food Hygiene
• £90 – £180 for Level 3 (recommended for owners)

Registering with Your Local Authority

• Mandatory
• Completely free
• Must be done at least 28 days before trading

Public Liability Insurance

Event organisers will ask for this without fail.

£150 – £350 per year

Street Trading Licences

Only needed for trading on public land.

• £30 – £100 per day
• £600 – £1,500+ per year for annual permits

6. LPG Gas Certificates, Electrical Certification and PAT Testing (Important!)

If you’re using LPG, electrical equipment or any powered appliances, you must remain compliant. These certificates reassure event organisers, councils and insurers that you operate safely.

LPG (Gas) Safety Certificate

Your LPG equipment—BBQs, burners, hog roast machine—must be checked by a Gas Safe engineer qualified in commercial catering LPG.

Typical annual costs:

• £80 – £150 for basic gas inspections
• £150 – £250 if multiple appliances are tested
• £200 – £350 for mobile catering trailer gas certificates

This certificate must be renewed every year, and you’ll often be asked to present it at markets, festivals and wedding venues.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

If you use a catering trailer, van conversion or any static electrical system, you need an EICR.

• £120 – £250 depending on the size of your trailer or van
• Required every 1–3 years depending on inspector guidance

PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing)

All plug-in electrical items—hot boxes, lights, fridges, fairy lights, warmers, generators and extension leads—must be PAT tested.

• £5 – £15 per item
• Minimum call-out: £95 – £150
• Expected total: £95 – £220 per year

Most festivals and big events require a current PAT report before you’re allowed to trade.

7. Branding, Marketing and Presentation

Branding & Logo

• £0 if DIY
• £60 – £300 for professional design

Website

Essential for SEO and bookings.

• £100 – £300 for DIY builder
• £500 – £1,200 for a professionally designed, SEO-friendly website

Menu Boards & Signage

• £70 – £200

Gazebo and Display Equipment

A professional appearance makes a world of difference.

• £180 – £350 for a solid, weather-proof gazebo
• £100 – £300 for tables, cloths, serving displays and decor

8. Total Estimated Start-Up Costs

Here’s a clear breakdown based on three levels of investment.

Low-Cost Entry (£3,000 – £6,000)

• One grill
• Gazebo
• Basic branding
• Minimal kit

Ideal for someone testing the waters.

Mid-Range Professional (£8,000 – £15,000)

• Quality hog roast machine
• Good BBQ
• Trailer
• Website
• Certificates
• Uniforms and strong presentation

This is the most realistic level for a serious mobile catering business.

Premium Wedding & Corporate Set-Up (£20,000 – £50,000+)

• Catering trailer or converted van
• Multiple machines
• Event-grade branding
• Refrigeration systems

Built for high-end, large-scale events.

10. Expected Earnings

This is where it gets exciting!

• Hog roast for 80–120 guests: £700 – £1,200+
• Wedding BBQ catering: £900 – £2,000+
• Street food portions: £6 – £12 each

A strong operator can earn:

• £20,000 – £40,000 part-time
• £60,000 – £120,000+ full-time with regular events

The Bottom Line

Starting a mobile BBQ or hog roast business in the UK isn’t cheap, but it’s far from out of reach! Whether you begin with a basic grill and gazebo or launch with a fully equipped catering trailer, you can grow steadily while earning well from events people love. The demand for hearty outdoor cooking is stronger than ever, especially at weddings, local markets, parties and corporate gatherings.

With a realistic budget, reliable equipment, proper certification and a strong brand, you’ll be ready to create amazing food, impress customers and build a thriving business that keeps you outdoors, busy and buzzing with energy all year round!

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