What Do I Need to Start a Pizza Catering Trailer Business?

by Tarik
(Buckinghamshire)

Pizza catering trailer at a UK outdoor market

Pizza catering trailer at a UK outdoor market

Hello
Iam new to the catering business, and just have an opportunity to rent a space at our local market which is an open area. I am looking to start a pizza business with other food items that can be prepared in an oven. The oven and station iam looking for should be gas not electric nor wood and the oven should be inside the trailer/van. Any one can help where to find such trailers/vans used or new ? and what other equipment I need (Fridge, freezers, etc...).

Thank you in advance.

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Apr 06, 2026
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by: MobCater

Starting a pizza business from a trailer at your local market is a brilliant idea, and the fact you already have a pitch lined up puts you ahead of most people who are still looking for somewhere to trade.

On the trailer itself, you want a purpose-built catering trailer with a gas pizza oven mounted inside. There are a few UK suppliers who specialise in this, and you will also find them on the second hand market if budget is tight. Check sites like Catering Trailers UK, Friday-Ad, eBay, and even Facebook Marketplace for used pizza trailers. When buying used, always check the gas certificate is current, the oven works properly, and the trailer chassis is solid with no rust underneath. A new pizza trailer with a gas deck oven fitted can cost anywhere from about £8,000 to £20,000 depending on the spec. A good used one might come up for £4,000 to £10,000 if you are patient.

For the oven, since you want gas and not wood or electric, look at commercial gas deck ovens or conveyor ovens designed for mobile use. Brands like Cuppone, Pizzamaster, and some of the smaller Italian manufacturers make gas deck ovens that work well in trailers. The key thing is making sure the oven is properly installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer and that the gas pipework meets the UKLPG Code of Practice 24 for mobile catering vehicles. This is not something to cut corners on.

Beyond the oven, you will need a commercial fridge for storing dough, cheese, and toppings. A small chest freezer is useful if you are buying frozen dough bases or storing bulk mozzarella. You will also need a prep table (stainless steel, easy to clean), a dough roller or press if you are making your own bases on site, and good quality pizza peels and cutting boards. A handwash basin with hot and cold running water is a legal requirement, and you will need a separate washing up area for utensils. Don't forget your propane gas bottles, a regulator, and a fire extinguisher and fire blanket within easy reach.

Before you start trading you need to register as a food business with your local council at least 28 days before your first day. Get your Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate done online, it takes a few hours and costs about £20 to £30. Set up your Safer Food Better Business (SFBB) pack, which you can download free from the Food Standards Agency website. And get public liability insurance sorted before you serve your first customer.

One tip from experience, keep the menu tight when you start. Two or three classic pizzas done really well will earn you more than a menu of fifteen with inconsistent quality. You can always add specials once you have found your rhythm.

All the best

David

Disclaimer: This is based on my experience in UK mobile catering. Rules and costs can change, so always do your own research and check with the relevant authorities before committing.

Try the free MobCater App — our startup cost calculator helps you budget everything before you spend a penny: https://www.mobcater.co.uk/mobile-catering.html

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