All the Equipment You Need to Open a Pizza Restaurant

Over the last few years, pizza has experienced unprecedented levels of popularity growth. So much so that people are now, more than ever, looking to open pizza restaurants. In fact, in 2022, the market size of the pizza delivery and takeaway sector in the UK was forecast to exceed £3.4 billion.

It’s clear to see, then, that this can be a hugely rewarding venture if done correctly. Before you start however, there are a few items that are needed. A commercial pizza oven is vital, as well as a dough mixer, to improve your product quality and efficiency significantly.

As a leading supplier of bakery equipment, we would like to take the opportunity to share all we have learnt. We have had ample experience with restaurateurs, and have helped them actualise their goal by supplying the best equipment available.

In the following article, we are going to share the equipment needed to open a pizza restaurant. We hope by doing so, we can both inspire and educate budding chefs and entrepreneurs. Read on for more information! 

Opening a Pizza Shop: An Overview

If you are in the process of opening a pizza restaurant, we congratulate you. It is a challenging venture but can be hugely rewarding. For any restaurant, but especially a pizza restaurant, success hinges on consistency, quality and efficiency. Pizza is a fast turnover food. As such, you have a limited window to get it right or you risk compromising customer satisfaction. 

If you want your restaurant to be a success, there are a few items that are absolutely essential. Not only will these items ensure you capture consistent results, but they will also guarantee quality and efficiency. A commercial pizza oven, for example, is a great place to start. Other items like a dough mixer, pizza dough tray and pizza boxes will be hugely beneficial. Below, we have provided a comprehensive list of the items which would benefit you the most.

Pizza Equipment List

Commercial Pizza Oven

The commercial pizza oven is the backbone of any pizza business. It helps to create the product efficiently and contributes heavily to the overall quality of the pizza. In our experience, it is well worth doing your research and investing in a quality oven. There are a number of options on the market, including the wood fired pizza oven and electric deck ovens. Your requirements will dictate which one you choose.

Dough Mixer

This is absolutely critical if you want to prepare dough that is consistent in finish and quality. Moreover, it will save you a significant amount of time. Mixing dough by hand, although authentic, can cost you time that you don’t have when trying to run a restaurant. Thus, a pizza dough mixer is a valuable asset.

Pizza Rounder

A pizza rounder is another perfect time saving device, with an hourly production rate of up to 2000 pieces. This machine has been designed to automatically divide and round pieces of pizza dough, without spoiling them.

Like the dough mixer, this pizza rounder will help you to prepare dough that is consistent. In the restaurant game, consistency is everything. Inconsistent dough and results send a bad message and will unlikely make anyone into a repeat customer! For anyone considering pizza shop equipment, this is an essential bit of kit.

Refrigeration Equipment

It goes without saying, but having ample refrigeration space is absolutely essential. It provides a place to store ingredients and, above all, ensures your restaurant is compliant with health and safety regulations. Sufficient chilling of ingredients helps to avoid bacteria growth which could harm your customers. Moreover, it allows you to organise all of your produce in one place. This is a great time saver.

Pizza Dough Tray

If you’re making large batches then a pizza dough tray is the perfect solution for storing and transporting your pizza dough. They come in various sizes to suit your business needs.

Wooden Pizza Peel

Pizza peels are used to pick up pizzas from your work surface and slide them into the oven. A wooden, rectangular peel is very traditional, with a lovely rustic look and feel.

TOP TIP: Don’t use a rolling pin for pizza dough. If you’re interested in making authentic Italian pizza, generally they avoid using a rolling pin. This is because working the dough with a rolling pin causes the air bubbles to be crushed by the pressure. The result of this is a pizza with a flat and hard outer-crust.

Cutter or Slicer

This one needs little explanation. A high quality pizza cutter or slicer is going to be your best friend. It saves you time and, again, allows you to achieve consistent results. 

Other Considerations

POS System

A POS (Point of Sale) system is another must have, as it allows you to process orders and complete administrative tasks in an orderly manner. Being methodical and organised is the key to running a successful restaurant. When things get crazy, and they sometimes do, a POS system will help to ground you.

Work Surfaces

Having ample space to work on is hugely important. It is encouraged to consider the size and material of your work surfaces carefully. Not only is this practical, but it will improve cleaning time and hygiene standards. 

Safety Equipment

Besides the obvious items to create the product, it is important to consider safety signage, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and a record of safety checks. If you are serious about opening a restaurant, research around health and food safety is an absolute must. For more advice, read about how to start a food business safely. Alternatively, you can read our blog on the importance of kitchen hygiene. 

Bakery Equipment for Pizza Restaurants

When it comes to sourcing pizza equipment, the above list is a fantastic place to start. With good planning and the correct tools for the job, you give yourself the best chance of success.

At Creeds Direct, we offer a huge range of bakery equipment aimed at those who are looking to create food products on a commercial level. This includes those who are interested in opening a pizza restaurant. So, if you’re looking to open a pizza shop, van, or restaurant, consider us for all your pizza equipment needs.