How to Boil, Steam, Grill on a Hot Dog Cart

Howdy, folks! One of my top ten all-time hot dog vendor questions is whether to boil, steam, or grill dogs on the hot dog cart. In today’s video, I talk a bit about the pros and cons of each method, including a way to use all three to serve up a hot, fresh, sexy-looking hot dog that will please your customers! And don’t forget about opportunities to add more flavor and value to your hot dog business - use your boiling water to add more flavor (“dirty water” hot dog means it’s been cooked in flavorful water that you can customize with your own seasonings!), or create a special topping.
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Ben also offers a DIY - Do it yourself course for building your very own hot dog cart, or if you get good and ready, check out the carts Ben builds now.
buildacart.com
www.hotdogcartstore.com
Ben provides these and many other ways for you to learn including HDVR (Hot Dog Vendor Radio) and the LearnHotDogs.com blog.
www.hotdogvendorradio.com
www.learnhotdogs.com
Looking for a hot dog stand or cart? Bens Carts offers quality new and used hot dog carts for sale as well as a ton of information on how to run a successful hot dog stand. We are one of the largest hot dog cart business retailers on the internet - learn from our experts.
Head on to: hotdogcartstore.com
Please feel free to go click happy and "like", comment and share these videos. If you're feeling really wild and crazy, go over to Ben's Facebook page and follow him on Twitter. It's a great way of saying thanks.

[@portlandsamber]

I've been watching Ben as motivation since I was living in my car 4 years ago. Two days ago, I bought a hot dog cart. Things are about to get better than ever. Ben, thank you. 💚

[@BensCarts]

Go get'm Amber!!!! :) You made my day! Please keep us updated.

[@jmontis2]

how are you doing now? hopefully good

[@josephglenn3161]

Amber Portland absolutely great good luck!!!

[@steakwilliams4448]

Amber, how's it going?

[@kevinrethier233]

@@BensCarts few questions sir, I have been thinking about this for some time now and have been going back and forth between getting a cart or a small trailer. Obviously the cart is cheaper and you have less overhead on it. As for the trailer I was thinking I would be able to do almost any type of inclement weather with an overhang on it as our weather can change in a moments notice in eastern NC. Also being part of public safety I want to be able to give back a percentage of what I make monthly to public safety relief/ benevolent or what have funds. What are your thoughts. Thanks for all your help and videos.

[@jermcontrol2367]

A man who shares the wisdom of his success is passionate about what he does.

[@BensCarts]

Thank you!

[@vincelee6247]

Can you please show how to boil and hold dògs and heat chili on a half steam table. Please and thanks

[@phillamorgan4880]

You sound like the guy I need be watching starting a hotdog cart up

[@vincelee6247]

This is a timeless video. It's so helpful. Great information too have at all times.. Thanks Ben. I appreciate it..

[@BensCarts]

My pleasure! Happy it helps. :)

[@battle-techs]

Really great video!!!! Packed with a ton of information. Will certainly be watching more of what you have to show us. Thank you!!!!

[@BensCarts]

Thank you Bryant. :)

[@adamosborn9105]

Hey Ben ! wanted to say thank you I have been watching a lot ! I'm new in the game but eager to get started!

[@BensCarts]

Thank you Adam!

[@brianj7639]

Always great to see Ben in action. Thank you for this video. I wish I watched it before going out on my first time today. lol

[@BensCarts]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KONY2025]

What an inspiration, thank you for blessing us with this video chock full of knowledge. Happy 2023 lets see how many dogs we can do

[@dysfunctionalhero]

Love the passion! Thanks for the information!

[@gregleak5134]

i stumbled a crossed your site a few days ago and have found it very interesting. and i will start to investigate the hotdog cart business. thanks for shearing greg

[@BensCarts]

Welcome aboard!

[@PurpleGoddess24]

This is motivation! Thanks Ben!!

[@justmowed]

I’m in North Carolina and I want to do this. I really would prefer a trailer but I think I could start with a cart

[@jbmoxley59]

Ben I just started watching your videos as a hobby because I like hot dogs. You are great at what you do and you make me want to sell hot dogs. I could not even sell snow to Santa Claus. Your voice and actions remind me of Jeff Foxworthy and that is a compliment. Keep up the great work and help folks achieve their goals.

[@joselomercury7498]

You rock man!

[@glengilbert5012]

You're a great help. Thank you

[@BensCarts]

Happy to help!

[@noahsperling2136]

I've got a cheesesteak cart where I carmelize onions and peppers on the flat top but I was curious if it's possible to carmelize onions and make your "coke" onions on the steam table by using a 1/3 size pan without the spillage pan for steam and using direct heat. I've recently acquired a dog cart and want to skip the beginner stage. thanks ahead of time for your help. I'm glad someone is putting out these videos with some real knowledge.

[@BensCarts]

It's doable but much easier if you par cook and then finish on cart.

[@randybacurnay8089]

Thanks for sharing...great infos. Planning to have one here in philippines. :)

[@BensCarts]

Awesome, let me know as you progress. :)

[@chauntzet]

Well explained. Thank you

[@BensCarts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MichaelSmith-fi8ni]

Ben's a bad mother some... nobody can talk about this business better than Ben!!

[@gmacisbac7]

Very helpful!

[@BensCarts]

I'm glad Gary.

[@veggiepowered]

I'am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos .I Found A Dreamaker Hot Dog Cart Trailer At The Fleamarket For Only 320.00 It Needs Some Work But The Burners Work . It Needs A Propane Valve Replaced On The Griddle

[@Missi-Forensic-Astrology]

I'm considering this

[@josephglenn3161]

Great video again Ben thanks

[@BensCarts]

:) Thanks for letting me know.

[@josephglenn3161]

Hot Dog Cart Store what cart would you recommend for a beginner I’ve been a truck driver for 18 years home ever night and off on the weekends now any help will be greatly appreciated thanks again for the great info .

[@handymanny1135]

Nice video

[@stevewyatt513]

Just got my cart Saturday I was told it was thus same cart paid 500 ready to go next month

[@marksias6764]

Good leason!

[@mickeyamoore8699]

When he said if you holding the dog too long u need to look at his location video 🤣🤣🤣🗣

[@BensCarts]

Yes! Yes!

[@volkscom]

If i was the hot dog cart guy, i wouldn't sell them, I would be eating them all and drinking lots of pop, and eat all the relish lol

[@BensCarts]

It happens to the best of us!

[@lutherdavidedwards5572]

Thanks you God bless you

[@tinybigbus1873]

I love dirt and mud pies.

[@KingTeddy-ek3ik]

Yes my name is Teddy p and I'm trying to get into the business I have found me a car a trailer and all that I just need a little advice every once in awhile could you show me a link to your best advice or his running a food stand in a food cart

[@elninonmg9397]

Major lols at the coca cola onions comment.

[@briangraham9939]

Good video

[@BensCarts]

Thank you Brian!

[@winterhunk61]

Sweet

[@426superbee4]

I put out a new fab on hot dogs. I call it > The Hot Dog That Went Down So Good its between a taco, hamburger and a hot dog. Easy to make ! Get some franks and boil them in garlic powder and beef seasoning ! hamburger buns, chopped onion, yellow mustard, and some fresh made taco meat. Take the bun place a nice frank on the hamburger bun push down into the bun, then sprinkle chopped onions, on it, then yellow mustard, and sprinkle some taco meat on it. fold it up in a paper towel, and pig out. NO ONE CAN EAT JUST 1 add cheese to it, If you wish ~ what ever YOU WANT ~ I would highly recommend Root Beer to drink YUMMY

[@BensCarts]

Wow! Thanks for sharing that!

[@426superbee4]

I just want you to enjoy it, as much as i did Cheers

[@TheSirhc1975]

Seriously considering a cart, biggest concern, like many I'm sure, is how to get locations.

[@thefunnyvideos9090]

Ben , Great video .....I have a question . You were talking about boiling the sausages , do you boil the raw sausage in with hot dogs or boil them separately?

[@BensCarts]

I don't boil raw sausage... it's all precooked / cured.

[@thefunnyvideos9090]

@@BensCarts Thank you

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

I sold ices in Manhattan from a cart. The key to making money is finding a good spot no one else knows about or wants. I was surprised at where I made money.

[@stevealaska73]

Hi, sorry Im late. I know it's been 5 years, but, is it still possible to get the free e-book? (Yes, Im serious)

[@bennynoellien5776]

Where can I get a hot dog cart like this one brand new

[@menopassini9348]

I have a Cart from N.Y. with 3- 1/2 pans steam or boil. No grill when you say sausage, Do you mean Polish sausage? So you precook the Polish by steaming, then char it on a flat grill? Is the reason you say you can not use the grill, because of the Fire dept? F.D. makes us take down our canopy/ umbrella because they say it will start on fire. In N.Y. they put beef bouillon cubes in the water so the dogs don't lose their flavor. Thanks for this video.

[@BensCarts]

Please wait for a day when your sober, and re-ask.

[@twist3d537]

wow rude

[@fredrikfix817]

Thanks for sharing. What are the depths on your pans?

[@BensCarts]

6"

[@fredrikfix817]

Thanks. I`m in the start up of building my own and I`m very exited about it :) If your pans are 6 inch, what about the spillage pan?

[@samestuffdifferentday5712]

Can I just buy a hotdog steamer machine or a rotisserie machine and set up a table and use a 5 gallon jug of water with pump for my water source. The steamer has compartment for the buns heated. Will this work without a full hotdog cart?

[@BensCarts]

Absolutely... see learnhotdogs.com/broke

[@handymanny1135]

How do I become a member

[@thezod2307]

Awesome video, my gf and I are in the process of starting a small vendor business to set up at locals fairs, much like hot turkey legs, or meat pies etc.. would a propane steam warmer like the one in this video make the most sense when it comes to keeping food warm at various locations, without the access to power? We would make the food ahead of time, then basically keep it warm on site in the steamer? Let me know your thoughts!

[@BensCarts]

Any lp gas steam table would work perfect for that. You can use dry or wet heat.

[@thezod2307]

Have you ever tried to build your own steam warmer station? what I mean is, a big rectangular stainless steel pot, seperate burner station below it, with the trays resting on top of the pot, using the same basic system, is that cost effective vs spending $1,000 on a steam warmer station like the one you are using? I'm in the process of creating my own kit to see if it will work in a similar way, with regards to keeping food warm on propane.

[@BensCarts]

Can be seen done at www.buildacart.com

[@cookncrook6902]

I wouldn’t recommend anyone start a business with a girlfriend. Are you still operating the cart? Are you two still together? Just curious

[@pyromancyglassart8975]

Looking 4 a spacer bar for my big dog can't seem to find 1 4 sale on ur web??

[@BensCarts]

This is the 12" bar link www.webstaurantstore.com/12-steam-table-hotel-pan-adapter-bar/922AB12N.html We don't sell them.

[@BearfootAdventures]

Is your cart for sale

[@dmore7351]

Do you have a commissary prep video?

[@BensCarts]

As far as what in commissary. Everyone does different prep work. Some would dice onions, others buy already diced. I've been in some folks commissaries but it was mostly storage and use of sinks for washing.

[@dmore7351]

thanks young sir!

[@chrisfoley8879]

What did you do when they shut food venders down during Covid

[@BensCarts]

Vendors did better than ever. Hospitals and other organizations hired vendors to be the "kitchen" / "cafeteria" while their's were closed down.

[@TheSkitz333]

I need to rent or lease a cart try a few times before i leave pizza biz

[@BensCarts]

Good idea.

[@joannekimes5595]

Just bought a hot dog cart steam table has allot of water juice buildup how to get it clean

[@BensCarts]

You're gonna love these tips: learnhotdogs.com/?s=clean

[@nicolecaruso6713]

My inspection is In 2 days. Just noticed my spillage pan is leaking! Do I need to even have one??

[@BensCarts]

I've never heard of them checking the steam table. And no... you can remove it and go with direct heat pan setup.

[@ezdogs21]

Is there a video showing how vendors keep extra food hot to restock?

[@BensCarts]

Extra food? Please give me more info.

[@treygray7616]

Can I do this with brats? I work at royals stadium

[@BensCarts]

Yes, some brats can be done in a dirty water boil.

[@rennebasler]

I have been spending hours and days trying to figure out how to replace the our burners and the whole ignition . we were given a old cart and one side will not work and we just want to replace both burners and ignition the old one had a thermal coupling on it but we look at new grills and they do t seem to have them . please just small table 1/2 size on one side and 1/4 On other side . we just want to know how to replace all that from ignition to burner. We are getting so frustrated can not find anyplace that talks about how the system works

[@BensCarts]

I have videos I linked on previous comment, plus I share another example in my used cart buying tips video. You can call a plumber and they can put it in for you. That's just another way if you can't figure it out yourself.

[@rennebasler]

@@BensCarts you are AMAZING I love your videos

[@rennebasler]

How can I get you some pictures for when we go live I would love your input this is a older cart but cute as can be but only contains 1/2 size and a 1/4 size I am getting false bottoms for 1/2 side and was going to boil in 1/4 side so I can add 1/8 pans for chili or sauerkraut or something to keep it warm, and to steam buns a few at a time. Just don't have a lot of room to work with so I'm trying to do the best that I can with the little room that I have but this cart is a Admar from New York can not find any information on it. We are in Oklahoma so it has seen some miles with off road tires on it makes it even better looking . I am watching your videos on budget and that has been my most challenging so far. But please let me know bow I can get you some pictures?

[@BensCarts]

@@rennebasler [e-mail]

[@JoshableHQ]

What do you put in your water exactly?

[@BensCarts]

Beef bouillon cube. Some vendors spice it all up... with an old beer, seasonings etc...

[@TheLadylina]

how do i get a trailer like that? how much about

[@BensCarts]

See hotdogcartstore.com for pricing on all our hot dog carts. :)

[@louabbondanzio2115]

Great job teaching a rookie like me.

[@MrMymoney88]

What kind of small grill is that ??

[@BensCarts]

hotdogcartstore.com/product/hot-dog-cart-portable-stainless-suitcase-lp-gas-char-grill/

[@goblinphreak2132]

If there is one thing I can say, I miss the taste of hotdogs from the ballpark. In my care, orioles stadium. Those hotdogs had the best fucking flavor. I have NEVER tasted a home made hotdog that was the same. Maybe because of how they are cooked? I am assuming they boil the hotdogs. but the question is, what do they season the water with? Just salt? or what? because I want the absolute perfect hotdog flavor. sadly those hotdogs they used to sell when I was a kid is no longer in business. at least, they stopped making hot dogs (esskay used to be orioles signature hotdog brand back when) so I can't get those dogs anymore. I really want that flavor again, because it was best. so hard to figure all this out. lmao

[@frommicasatoyourcasacookin1760]

Do you sell these?

[@BensCarts]

hotdogcartstore.com

[@amberphillips4700]

Where do you recommend buying a hotdog cart ?

[@BensCarts]

Amber... I made this for you: www.loom.com/share/2315be7b6edf41579bd52f28426e00cc?sid=75ca4b32-488f-45bc-aa39-df743fdcbd5e

[@natashawntinnyhill2400]

Where is the ebook

[@BensCarts]

hotdogssavedmylife.com

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

So what I learned, is that if you get a foreign exchange student, you can make them do all the videography and editing as well as answering all the questions for you on all your social media accounts.... then I’d they do a good job, not only did they learn how to run a business but you give them a $3000. Hot dog cart and they can make money when they get home.... it cost you feeding them and the cart, but they were working all school year at least 20 hours a week for free which is at least ten thousand dollars worth of work if paid under the table and no benefits, triple it if doing so legally......... so where do I get me some exchange students to do my work?

[@BensCarts]

What?! Who says you don't pay them?

[@stevelaughlin2810]

Any contact info for Ben??

[@BensCarts]

[e-mail]

[@LampWaters]

We cant do chili, stew, onions, pickles or krauts

[@BensCarts]

Seen it in writing? learnhotdogs.com/liar

[@paultownsend6147]

There are No Street Vendors in Australia What a Shame Love Hot Dogs.

[@BensCarts]

Oh yes there are. We have vendors there.

[@paultownsend6147]

@@BensCarts Brisbane ?

[@eduarudor1838]

Where is the Coca Cola onion link ?

[@BensCarts]

Howdy Eduarudo! learnhotdogs.com/caramelized-coke-and-onions/

[@amberfall1776]

Can I have this cart ... since you aren't using it anymore?💋😘😘😘

[@BensCarts]

Actually gave that cart to another vendor last year.

[@amberfall1776]

@@BensCarts let me know if you have anymore laying around that you aren't using!!! ???🤪🤪💋💋 I met a nice man who wants to sell his cart to me. It includes all licences, permits .. what do you think? All for 7k???

[@paultownsend6147]

Auzzie Dogs made from Kangaroo ? lmao Could Work.

[@BensCarts]

We have alligator dogs and rattlesnake hot dogs.

[@davidmeeks2492]

What hot dog weinie is most commonly used? Name brand? I know what I like but how do you determine what the masses like

[@BensCarts]

learnhotdogs.com/best-hot-dog-brand-for-vendors/

[@Phar2Rekliss]

Water dogs is not thr best way

[@leonunez8530]

How can I get a free book buddy?

[@theriverakings]

Nice video