This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a pizza restaurant.
Our business plan for a pizza restaurant will help you build a profitable project
Opening a pizza restaurant is exciting, but figuring out what equipment you need can feel overwhelming.
The tricky part is knowing exactly what to buy without going broke or missing something crucial.
Every pizza restaurant has different needs, and equipment costs can quickly spiral out of control if you're not careful about planning.
Complete Pizza Restaurant Equipment List
Opening a successful pizza restaurant requires careful planning and the right equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your pizza restaurant up and running.
Pizza Ovens
- Deck oven - Traditional stone deck for authentic pizza taste
- Conveyor oven - Consistent results for high-volume operations
- Wood-fired oven - Premium option for artisan pizza experience
- Convection oven - Versatile option for pizzas and other menu items
- Pizza stones - Essential for crispy crust in standard ovens
- Oven brush - Maintains clean cooking surfaces between uses
- Pizza peels - Transfers pizzas in and out of ovens safely
Dough Preparation
- Dough mixer - Commercial spiral or planetary mixer for consistent results
- Dough divider - Portions dough into uniform balls quickly
- Dough rounder - Shapes dough portions into perfect balls
- Proofing boxes - Controls temperature and humidity for rising
- Dough containers - Stores prepared dough safely in refrigeration
- Scale (digital) - Ensures accurate ingredient measurements every time
- Measuring cups/spoons - Basic tools for smaller quantity measurements
- Work tables - Stainless steel surfaces for dough preparation
- Bench scraper - Cuts and moves dough pieces easily
Food Preparation
- Food processor - Chops vegetables and prepares sauces efficiently
- Meat slicer - Cuts meats to consistent thickness for toppings
- Cheese shredder - Processes large quantities of cheese quickly
- Cutting boards - Separate surfaces for different ingredient types
- Knives (various) - Essential tools for ingredient preparation tasks
- Can opener - Opens canned ingredients like tomatoes and sauces
- Prep sinks - Multiple basins for washing vegetables and equipment
- Prep tables with refrigeration - Keeps ingredients fresh during service
- Storage containers - Organizes prepared toppings and ingredients
Cooking Equipment
- Range/cooktop - Prepares sauces, sides, and other menu items
- Fryer - Makes appetizers, wings, and fried menu additions
- Grill - Cooks proteins and vegetables for specialty pizzas
- Salamander - Finishes dishes and melts cheese quickly
- Steam table - Keeps prepared foods warm during service
- Heat lamps - Maintains temperature of finished pizzas
- Microwave - Reheats items and speeds up cooking processes
Refrigeration
- Walk-in cooler - Stores large quantities of ingredients and supplies
- Pizza prep refrigerator - Easy access to toppings during assembly
- Reach-in refrigerator - Stores frequently used items within easy reach
- Freezer - Preserves meats, vegetables, and dough for longer periods
- Under-counter refrigeration - Maximizes cold storage in limited space
Pizza Assembly
- Pizza prep tables - Refrigerated surfaces for assembling pizzas
- Sauce ladles - Spreads sauce evenly across pizza base
- Portion scoops - Controls cheese and topping quantities consistently
- Squeeze bottles - Applies sauces and oils with precision
- Pizza screens - Alternative to stones for certain oven types
- Pizza boxes - Packages finished pizzas for delivery and takeout
- Warming bags - Keeps pizzas hot during delivery transport
Dishwashing & Cleaning
- Three-compartment sink - Washing, rinsing, and sanitizing dishes properly
- Hand sink - Separate area for staff hand washing requirements
- Dishwasher - Efficiently cleans large quantities of plates and utensils
- Pre-rinse spray valve - Removes food debris before washing cycle
- Sanitizer dispenser - Maintains proper hygiene standards throughout facility
- Mop sink - Dedicated area for cleaning mops and equipment
- Floor mats - Prevents slips on potentially wet kitchen surfaces
- Cleaning supplies - Maintains sanitary conditions in work areas
Service & Dining
- Point-of-sale system - Processes orders and payments efficiently
- Menu boards - Displays offerings clearly for customer ordering
- Tables and chairs - Provides comfortable seating for dine-in customers
- Plates and utensils - Serves food properly to seated guests
- Napkin dispensers - Convenient access for customers during meals
- Beverage station - Self-service area with cups and fountain drinks
- To-go containers - Packages leftover food and takeout orders
Storage & Organization
- Dry storage shelving - Organizes non-perishable ingredients and supplies
- Ingredient bins - Stores flour, spices, and dry goods properly
- Can racks - Organizes canned goods for easy inventory management
- Chemical storage - Safely stores cleaning supplies away from food
Safety & Ventilation
- Hood ventilation system - Removes smoke, heat, and cooking odors
- Fire suppression system - Protects kitchen equipment and staff safety
- Fire extinguisher - Accessible emergency equipment for small fires
- First aid kit - Handles minor workplace injuries quickly
- Emergency lighting - Ensures visibility during power outages
Utilities & Infrastructure
- Adequate electrical supply - Powers all commercial kitchen equipment
- Gas lines - Supplies fuel for ovens and cooking equipment
- Plumbing connections - Supports sinks, dishwasher, and equipment needs
- Water filtration system - Ensures quality water for cooking and ice
Technology & Management
- Inventory management software - Tracks ingredients and supplies automatically
- Recipe management system - Standardizes preparation and calculates costs
- Online ordering platform - Handles delivery and pickup orders efficiently
- Kitchen display system - Shows orders clearly to cooking staff
- Security cameras - Monitors restaurant operations and prevents theft
Staff Essentials
- Uniforms/aprons - Professional appearance and food safety compliance
- Hair nets/hats - Required by health departments for hygiene
- Non-slip shoes - Safety footwear for kitchen environments
- Cut-resistant gloves - Protects hands during food preparation tasks
- Heat-resistant gloves - Handles hot pans and oven operations safely
- Disposable gloves - Food handling safety and sanitation requirements
Our financial plan for a pizza restaurant will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most pizza restaurant owners spend between $50,000 and $250,000 on equipment, depending on their size and concept. You really can't go below $35,000 for even the smallest setup because you need quality ovens, refrigeration, and prep equipment just to operate legally and efficiently.
- Small Pizzeria
A small neighborhood pizzeria with basic offerings needs around $35,000-$75,000, and most of that budget goes toward a quality pizza oven and essential prep equipment.
- Medium-Sized Pizza Restaurant
A medium-sized pizza restaurant with dine-in service typically runs $75,000-$150,000, with additional equipment for full kitchen operations and customer service.
- Large Pizza Restaurant
A large pizza restaurant with extensive menu and multiple locations can easily hit $150,000-$250,000, especially when you add specialized ovens and automated systems.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Pizzeria ($35,000 - $75,000)
Small pizzerias focus on essential equipment for quality pizza production with minimal overhead. The goal is getting reliable basics that can handle daily operations without unnecessary features.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza Ovens | Single deck pizza oven with stone base, temperature controls up to 600°F, fits 16" pizzas, gas or electric options | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Dough Equipment | 20-quart spiral mixer for daily dough production, digital scale, dough containers, basic proofing setup | $4,000 - $7,000 |
| Refrigeration | 2-door pizza prep table with refrigerated base, reach-in cooler, small freezer for ingredients storage | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Prep Equipment | Stainless steel work table, food processor, basic knife set, cutting boards, storage containers | $2,500 - $4,000 |
| Service Equipment | Basic POS system, pizza boxes, warming bags, simple menu display, cash register | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Small Equipment | Pizza peels, sauce ladles, portion scoops, squeeze bottles, basic hand tools and utensils | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Installation & Setup | Equipment delivery, basic installation, gas/electrical connections, initial setup and testing | $3,000 - $6,000 |
Medium-Sized Pizza Restaurant ($75,000 - $150,000)
Medium pizza restaurants need expanded capacity and full kitchen capabilities to serve dine-in customers and offer diverse menu options. Investment focuses on efficiency and customer experience.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza Ovens | Double deck pizza oven with digital controls, conveyor oven for high volume, stone hearth option | $25,000 - $45,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment | 6-burner range with oven, commercial fryer, grill, salamander, prep sinks with pre-rinse | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Dough Production | 40-quart spiral mixer with timer, dough divider, proofing cabinet with humidity control | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Refrigeration | Walk-in cooler, multiple pizza prep tables, reach-in freezer, under-counter refrigeration units | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Prep Stations | Multiple stainless prep tables, meat slicer, cheese shredder, food processor, extensive knife collection | $5,000 - $9,000 |
| Dining & Service | Complete POS system, tables and chairs for 40 seats, serving equipment, beverage station | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Dishwashing | Commercial dishwasher, three-compartment sink, hand sinks, sanitizing equipment | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Installation & Training | Professional installation, hood system, staff training, permits and health department approval | $8,000 - $15,000 |
Large Pizza Restaurant ($150,000 - $250,000)
Large pizza restaurants operate with near-industrial capacity, automated systems, and premium equipment. Focus is on maximizing efficiency, consistency, and handling high-volume operations.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Ovens | Multiple deck ovens with programmable controls, wood-fired oven for specialty pizzas, conveyor systems | $50,000 - $80,000 |
| Full Kitchen Line | Complete commercial kitchen with multiple ranges, fryers, grills, steamers, and specialized cooking equipment | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Automated Dough | Large capacity mixers, automated dough dividers and rounders, climate-controlled proofing rooms | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Refrigeration Complex | Large walk-in cooler and freezer, multiple prep stations with refrigeration, blast chiller | $18,000 - $30,000 |
| Prep Automation | High-capacity food processors, automatic slicers, industrial cheese shredders, conveyor prep lines | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Technology Systems | Advanced POS with kitchen displays, online ordering integration, inventory management, security systems | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Dining Experience | Premium furniture for 80+ seats, entertainment systems, extensive service equipment, bar setup | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Infrastructure | Commercial hood systems, fire suppression, advanced dishwashing, complete utility connections | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Installation & Systems | Complete professional installation, custom ventilation, comprehensive training, all permits and certifications | $10,000 - $18,000 |