A pizza oven trailer can be a great mobile business.
If you're considering starting a mobile pizza business, selecting the right pizza oven and trailer combination is crucial for success. In this article, we'll discuss four factors to consider when choosing the perfect pizza oven for your mobile business.
1. Oven Size and Capacity
When selecting a pizza oven for your trailer, consider the oven's size and capacity. You need to balance the space available on your trailer with the number of pizzas you expect to serve per hour. A larger oven may cook more pizzas simultaneously, but it will also take up more space, take more fuel to heat up, and be heavier to tow. Consider an oven size that can handle your expected demand without overwhelming your mobile setup. One way to do this is to estimate how many pizzas you'd be making per hour at max capacity. If the oven has for example, room for 3 pizzas at one time, would you be able to meet that demand?
As a point of reference, the Verona 420 sized option (available in single or double axle) from Californo can accommodate 4 pizzas at once. That means per hour, you can complete 120 pizzas at max capacity for an hourly sales revenue of $1,200 minimum ($10/pizza selling price).
2. Fuel Type: Wood, Propane, or Hybrid
Deciding on the fuel type for your mobile pizza oven is essential. Wood-fired ovens create an authentic taste and ambiance, but require more skill and time to manage the fire. Propane ovens are a popular choice for mobile trailers and offer convenience and easier temperature control. This is a hybrid option that can afford you the ability to quickly heat up the oven with propane when necessary while allowing for wood-fired cooking. Check out our comprehensive guide on wood, gas, and hybrid pizza ovens for more information.
3. Ease of Use and Maintenance
Operating a mobile pizza oven means you'll need to set up, cook, and clean in various locations. Choose an oven that is easy to use, quick to heat up, and simple to maintain. Propane / hybrid ovens tend to require less maintenance than wood-fired ovens, which can save you time and effort in the long run. Still, you'll want the opportunity to use both especially if you're a purist for the wood fired pizza flavor.
4. Budget and Return on Investment
Consider your budget when choosing a pizza oven for your mobile business. High-quality ovens can be expensive, but they may also offer better performance and durability. Estimate your potential income based on the number of events you plan to attend, the price of your pizzas, and your expenses (including fuel, ingredients, and maintenance). For example, if you sell 50 pizzas per event at $15 each and attend 10 events per month, you could make $7,500 in monthly revenue. Keep in mind, this is a rough estimate and actual earnings will fluctuate, but it's crucial to understand what you need to sell in order to be in profit each month.
5. Standard or Custom Trailer Add-Ons
You'll want to be sure the trailer you go for will provide long term value for you. Consider the custom options beyond a single or double axle trailer that can be built to specifications such as: refrigerators, prep tables, and sinks. You might be interested in having a larger enclosed pizza trailer such as the Ristoratore, or something with a more open feel. If you want to learn more about customizations available for Californo trailers, shoot us a message at support@backyardescapism.com or via live chat.
