What Pizza Shop Equipment Should I Buy First?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
Starting a pizza shop is a delicious business opportunity—but before you fire up the ovens, you need the right equipment to operate efficiently and professionally. Whether you're opening a dine-in pizzeria, a takeout counter, or a delivery-focused pizza restaurant, investing in the right tools from day one can save you time, money, and headaches.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping pizza shop owners protect their businesses with tailored pizza shop business insurance. But we also want to help you build a strong foundation—starting with the essential equipment.
Essential Equipment to Buy First for Your Pizza Shop
Here’s a breakdown of the must-have equipment to get your pizza shop up and running:
1. Commercial Pizza Oven
Your oven is the heart of your pizza shop. Choose based on your volume and style:
Deck ovens for traditional crispy crusts
Conveyor ovens for high-volume operations
Brick ovens for artisan-style pizzas
🔗 Read More: Pizza oven buying guide.
2. Pizza Prep Table
A refrigerated prep table keeps ingredients fresh and organized. Look for:
Multiple compartments for toppings
Built-in cutting boards
Easy access to dough and sauces
3. Dough Mixer and Dough Roller
Consistency is key. A commercial dough mixer ensures uniform batches, while a dough roller speeds up prep time and reduces labor costs.
🔗Read More Pizza Shop equipment supplier.
4. Refrigeration Units
You’ll need:
Reach-in refrigerators for bulk storage
Undercounter fridges for quick access
Freezers for long-term ingredient storage
Make sure your units meet health code standards and are energy efficient.
5. Pizza Pans, Screens, and Peels
These tools help you bake and serve pizzas efficiently:
Pizza pans for deep-dish or pan-style
Screens for even baking
Peels for transferring pizzas in and out of the oven
6. Point-of-Sale (POS) System
A modern POS system helps with:
Order tracking
Inventory management
Delivery coordination
Customer loyalty programs
🔗 Read More: POS system for Pizza Shop.
7. Delivery Equipment (If Applicable)
If you offer delivery, you’ll need:
Insulated pizza bags
Commercial auto insurance
GPS or routing software
8. Cleaning and Sanitation Supplies
Health inspections are no joke. Stock up on:
Food-safe cleaning chemicals
Mop sinks and handwashing stations
Grease traps and ventilation hoods
Don’t Forget Insurance for Your Equipment
Pizza shop equipment is a major investment. Protect it with the right insurance coverage:
Commercial Property Insurance – Covers ovens, mixers, fridges, and more.
Equipment Breakdown Insurance – Helps repair or replace damaged machinery.
General Liability Insurance – Protects against customer injuries or property damage.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Required if you have employees.
Commercial Auto Insurance – Essential for delivery operations.
Final Tips Before You Buy
Start with essential equipment and scale as you grow
Buy from reputable suppliers with warranties
Consider used equipment to save costs—but inspect thoroughly
Budget for maintenance and repairs
Ready to Launch Your Pizza Shop?
Choosing the right equipment is the first step toward a successful pizza business. The next step? Protecting your investment. Wexford Insurance offers specialized pizza shop insurance to help you operate with confidence.
👉 Contact us today.
