ETO Hot Dog Cart Design & Layout: What’s Hot & Why They Are Better Than Others?

Perhaps you've been contemplating starting a hot dog cart business for quite some time now. However, for various reasons, you've been holding off—maybe you haven't fully grasped the ins and outs of hot dog carts, from their operation to the cooking equipment. You're not alone; there is a variety of hot dog cart models, each with its own unique features, making the decision increasingly challenging. Moreover, not all cart models are universally suitable, as some regions have their own codes and regulations regarding food vending units. So, what should you do?

Continue reading this blog to gain comprehensive insights into everything about hot dog carts!

ETO DEVICE, a leading global food trailer builder, has made a significant mark in the industry with its independently designed and developed hot dog cart series. These carts have become a hit and enabled over a hundred entrepreneurs to kickstart their businesses in a simple and low-cost way. In this blog, our Chief Designer, Brian, will unveil the secrets behind ETO's hot dog cart design and layout. This insight will shed light on why they have stood at the forefront of the market since their inception.

Here, we're going to provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of the key features of an ideal hot dog cart, discuss relevant Health Codes, and offer free hot dog cart design plans, regardless of whether or not you make a purchase from us. These resources are invaluable in building your very own hot dog cart.

So, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of hot dog cart design and layout, let me give you the lowdown on our products. You're probably wondering why our carts are such a big hit and why I went through the trouble of writing a whole blog about them, right? Well, it's all about their design and layout, which combine functionality, aesthetics, and efficiency.

let me break it down for you.

 

Our hot dog carts for sale are more than those run-of-the-mill hot dog vending carts you see on the street corner. They're a fully-equipped, self-sufficient open kitchen designed for on-the-spot grilling and cooking, capable of meeting any cooking and service needs. Picture it: a complete setup with top-notch cooking equipment like a hot dog grill, a steam table, a sink, a deep fryer, and more. With it, you can efficiently serve up crowds of any size. And, compare these kitchens on wheels to those hot dog push carts that can only reheat food - there's no comparison. I mean, they give you all the possibilities you'd have in a commissary kitchen. The mouthwatering aroma, the smoke, and the sizzling are like magnets for anyone strolling by these hot dog carts. But wait, there's more. Check out these cool features of our optimized hot dog cart designs:

 

Compact and portable Easy to set up and operate in small spaces Towable for any vehicles Designed for single-person operation Lightweight enough to be moved around easily after detaching from the vehicle Constructed entirely from steel Built to meet code standards Powered by both gas and electricity No installation process required Equipped to prepare hot dogs and other street foods Provides a steady supply of clean water for handwashing and cleaning Sink meets the water standards of Health Codes in most states Plenty of counter and storage space Supports customization

 

Secrets Behind the ETO Hot Dog Cart Design & Layout

Hot Dog Cart Dimensions

MOBILITY MOBILITY MOBILITY. Hot dog carts are a kind of mobile food stall, not typically stationed in one place for long. In most cases, they pop up at specific times and spots. This meant that these units needed to move, maybe from one town to another or weaving through busy streets. So, we should make them as light and easy to handle as possible. Our hot dog carts are built on a small, lightweight trailer chassis. That means you can hitch them to almost any vehicle or even move them by hand! The HS200A, our top model, is around 7ft long, 3ft wide, and stands at 3ft tall. In crowded places, it effortlessly gets right to where you want it and swiftly sets up to prepare and serve street food for passersby.

 

 

Materials

Wood is ruled out first.

It's light and cheap, sure, but it tends to wear down fast from the elements and daily use. We're not in the business of making cheap hot dog carts. We're all about building money-making machines that keep our clients raking in profits for years. For durability, steel is our top choice. Furthermore, many states' codes prohibit the use of porous surfaces in food preparation and service areas. So, steel it is. To ensure robustness and longevity, we use different kinds to make sure every part of our mobile hot dog carts is solid and built to last.
 

• Trailer Chassis - Galvanized Steel
• Body - Diamond Plate
• Border - Stainless Steel
• Countertop - 201 Stainless Steel

It's worth noting that our other model, which looks like a hot dog, is made from fiberglass and coated with paint. Most inspectors will pass on it due to its non-porous, smooth, and waterproof surfaces.


 

Cooking Equipment

We initially aimed to create a food cart that outperforms those running on propane for reheating - a food cart or stand that could be set up in minutes and start cooking hot dogs right away.

There's more than one way to cook a hot dog, right? This implies that the cart requires multiple pieces of equipment. We wanted to cover all the bases for every hot dog vendor out there. So, we outfitted the cart with all the must-haves for making hot dogs - hot dog grills, steamers, and deep fryers.

And then, of course, there's the fridge. Raw meats like hot dogs are considered potentially hazardous by health inspectors. According to regulations, they need to be stored below 40°F (4°C). So, we brought in these handy portable fridges. They're compact enough to fit in the cabinet under the hot dog cart.

Can a small hot dog cart really pack all that? You bet!

 

The standard setup includes a flattop grill, a deep fryer, and a steamer with six pans, all powered by natural gas or propane. You'll thank me later. The fridge is optional.   All equipment is brand-new and commercial-grade, allowing for efficient food prep and cooking at the highest food safety and hygiene standards.   The grill, steamer, and fryer are securely mounted on the countertop (as shown). They won't wobble or come loose during transport, but they're not permanently fixed and can be removed anytime.   Cooking equipment is all on your side. This hot dog cart layout ensures you can easily operate and manage all the devices without running around.

 

Grill

Deep Fryer

Steam Pans

Sink

Fridge

Pretty powerful and versatile, huh? But that doesn't mean you have to pay for everything, especially for things you don't need or that your local health inspectors might not be pleasant to see, like the fryer.

Our team is more than happy to tailor everything to your exact specifications - install any equipment you need and configure them just as you want. Basically, you tell us your cart design ideas, and we'll do our best to make them a reality.

Check out the following hot dog carts with grill and fryer our team customized for Jose and Hot Doggity Dog.

 

Hot Doggity Dog' Mobilt Hot Dog Stand

Jose's Hot Dog Cart with Grill & Fryer in Puerto Rico

Alright, just a heads-up, some health departments, like in Texas, don't allow cooking on those open carts. So, if you're thinking of grilling hot dogs there, you might want to check out our small food trailers. They're just as mobile as hot dog carts but they give you a lot more room for cooking gear and storage. Stay flexible in your options.


 

Hand-washing Facilities

let's talk about a crucial part of any hot dog cart - water. Without it, it is impossible to pass inspections, unless your cart, unless your cart is exclusively for pre-packaged food. Pre-packaged hot dogs? Hey, people go for hot dog carts because they want quick and hassle-free grub.

Who'd want to grab a pack of raw hot dogs off the street and head home to cook them up themselves, right? Not many, I reckon.

All our hotdog cart models come with a standard pressurized water system that meets requirements in most states. It includes a 2 compartment sink, a faucet, a 24V pump, clean and waste water tanks, and piping that is seamlessly connected to the sink's drainage. All are fastened beneath the counter, out of sight, except for the sink and faucet.

 

Water Sink

Faucet

Water Pump

Water Tanks

Plumbing

However, this might not be standard for some areas. Regulations vary by location, mostly about how many sinks your cart should have. My team took that into account during the design process. In addition to the standard setup, we offer configurations with 3 or 4 sinks. Please note, this applies exclusively to the HS200A model. Now, as for the hot dog cart push cart... It's just too small. Adding more sinks would turn it into a mobile water tank.

Instant hot water is required in some states. To fulfill this requirement, you can simply add a water heater. Our faucets offer both hot and cold water options.
 

The Water Sink with 4 Compartments

The Water Sink with 3 Compartments

 

Power Sources

The noise generated by the generator can be quite troublesome. That's why we opt for gas-powered cooking gear. Those food trailers have generator enclosures, mostly on the towing bar, to keep the noise down. But for hot dog carts, there's no available space for them.
 

All the cooking equipment on our cart is connected to the main gas pipeline. You'll spot a yellow gas valve on the side of the hot dog cart, perfect for hooking up a tank. Right next to it, there's a stainless steel holder for a propane tank. Some states ask for two of these, and we can install an extra one for you.   But hey, you'll still need power, for the water pump. The good news is that the pump is small, so a small generator can power it efficiently.   But hey, you still need power for the water pump. The good news is, it's small enough to run on a small generator. Sure, all generators make some noise, but the hum of a smaller one practically blends into the background in bustling outdoor spots like farmer's markets, neighborhoods, or stadiums. Or, you can opt for a battery-powered pump. It's as easy as that!

 

Counter & Storage Space

On each hot dog cart, we install a double-layered cabinet to maximize every inch of countertop space for optimal storage. There is a stainless steel shelf on the side. You will have additional counter space when raising it.

Beneath the counter, we make full use of the space. By adding partitions and doors, we've created lockable storage compartments. These compartments are perfect for stowing items that should be brought with you, like napkins, disposable food containers, packed condiments, and more. This way, you can stock up before hitting the road.


 

Umbrella

This is the hallmark of every hot dog cart or stand. We went through a bunch of umbrella options and found one that not only is just right for our hot dog carts but also provides the best experience for our clients.  The umbrella includes the following features:   Octagonal design with 8 panels Crafted from heavy-duty vinyl material, providing complete sun coverage Equipped with a bottom pole for easy use on food carts Both the canopy and pole are detachable The umbrella spans 5.5 feet in diameter, offering ample coverage for most countertops Available in alternating blue and white or red and yellow color patterns

 

Build Your Own Hot Dog Cart Under $3k

ETO DEVICE is a company specializing in the design and production of mobile kitchens, including custom concession trailers, food carts, and shipping containers for commercial-grade food and beverage services.

Our hot dog cart series, ranging from hot dog carts with grills, those with grills and fryers, to mobile hot dog stands and electric push carts, have become the top choice for hot dog vendors across numerous states in the U.S. and various countries. They come equipped with nearly every feature you could imagine for your hot dog business!

The best part? The HOT DOG CART PRICE!

Our most popular model starts at $2,200, including......
 

• Compact & Light Food Vending Unit with Access to Any Locations
• Commercial-grade Cooking Equipment
• Built to Code
• Mental VIN Plate
• Owner Manual
• One-year Warranty
• Worldwide Shipping & Delivery On Time
• Upgrade & Customization Options
• Personal Help Whenever You Need It

We also offer numerous upgrade and customization options such as refrigerators, sinks, splash guards, water heaters, larger capacity water tanks, sneeze guards, spare tires, propane tank holders, logo signs, and more. You can create a one-of-a-kind hot dog cart tailored to your specific needs and brand!

Looking for a professional hot dog cart under $3,000?

Now, simply fill out the contact form below, informing us of your requirements, including cart model, size, features, design, layout, and budget! Our sales agents will get back to you within 24 hours with an ideal solution and customized quote. It's all free!

Let's get started!