Essential Deli Equipment List: Equipment Needed to Start a Deli

The deli occupies an essential space in American restaurant culture. Like with any restaurant, your deli’s success is directly correlated with the quality of equipment you use.

A major part of your deli business plan is considering what equipment you’ll need and how to budget for those costs. This is a vital step if you want to launch the deli of your dreams. But how do you know what deli supplies are essential?

If you’re wondering whether to prioritize expensive food processors over ovens, or you can’t decide which plastic containers to get, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, I’ve compiled a complete list of all the deli and sandwich shop supplies you’ll ever need. Use the advice and information in this article to help you make strategic decisions when searching for and investing in restaurant equipment for your new deli.

What’s in This Guide?

• Complete Deli Equipment List

• How Much Does Deli Equipment Cost?

• What to Consider Before Buying Deli Supplies

• Detailed Deli Equipment Checklist

• Get Essential Deli Tech with Toast

• FAQs

What Equipment Do You Need in a Deli? A Complete List

What food prep equipment should you buy when you first open a deli? What small appliances should you invest in? The deli equipment list seems endless, especially if you’re first starting out.

The supplies you’ll need will largely depend on your menu, the available space, and your overall business model. Plan and organize all the details of your deli first, and then you can begin building your equipment shopping list. 

Essential Deli Equipment List

• Ovens

• Grills and Ranges

• Ventilation

• Freezers and Refrigerators

• Microwaves and Toasters

• Food Prep Tables and Surfaces

• Food Prep Equipment

• Knives

• Cutting Boards

• Pots and Pans

• Food Processors

• Mixers

• Storage Containers and Shelving

• Safety Equipment

• Gloves

• First Aid Kit

• Date Labels

• Portion Scales

• Sani-Buckets

• Bar Rags

• Food Grade Cleaning Supplies

• Chemical Safety Data Sheets

• Sinks

• Compartment Sinks

• Disposal and Bar Sinks

• Handwashing Sinks

• Restaurant Point-of-Sale System

• Kitchen Display System

• Service Wear

• Display Cases

• Table Service Essentials

• Paper Boats, Plates, or Clamshells

• Utensils

• Napkins or Linen

How Much Does Deli Equipment Cost?

The overall costs of a deli aren’t that much different from those of other restaurant models. It’s possible to open a moderately-sized deli for less than $50,000, but it can cost upwards of $200,000 if you buy high-quality equipment for a large-sized establishment.

Typically, though, you’ll have to spend at least $25,000 on deli equipment, but it depends on whether you lease or buy it outright. Many delis choose to rent their more bulky supplies to make their operations more cost-effective.

Plan your budget carefully to ensure that you can afford the equipment you need. This means considering not just your kitchen equipment but also your dining and service equipment. To keep your budget in check, it is never a bad idea to consider your restaurant financing options.

What to Consider Before Buying Deli Supplies

Before you rush to buy any equipment, you must consider what your priorities are. Your cooking appliances are some of the most important investments in your new deli, so you want to make sure to find good-quality equipment that will be central to the success of your deli.

In this next section, I’ve listed six things you should always consider before you buy any deli supplies. Put that bulk purchase of meat slicers on hold until you’re sure you've thought about the following things:

1. Equipment Quality

Your most essential deli equipment, like ovens, grills, and stock pots, should be durable, high-quality pieces that you can rely on. Search for equipment that will allow your chefs and cooks to work safely and efficiently and to a high standard. 

Also, think about the maintenance each piece of equipment requires and who will be responsible for the repairs.  Don’t go buying the industry’s most complex electric cheese graters if no one knows how to use them!

2. Kitchen Space & Layout

Your employees need space to perform their jobs effectively. That means you need to have your deli floor plan ready so that you’ll know exactly where your equipment will live.

When planning your layout, focus on how food will be cooked and prepared. You’ll want to sort equipment by use, placing items that are frequently used together near one another. This will make it much easier for your cooks to work. Make sure to leave enough room for counter space at each workstation.

If you’re stuck for ideas, why not work with a kitchen planning consultant? They offer tailored advice on deli designs and concepts, helping you create an appealing environment for both your employees and your guests. 

3. Use and Cleaning

Most deli equipment will last a lifetime if maintained properly. When shopping for supplies, always ask about maintenance. Try to select equipment based on how easy it is to repair. Look out for the NSF symbol, too, as this tells you that the appliance meets US food safety certification standards.

Once you’ve made your selection, it’s vital to train your staff on how to clean deli equipment properly. Setting a high cleaning and maintenance standard will help ensure your appliances stay in top condition and set you up for long-lasting success.

4. Deli Suppliers

You must find high-quality equipment to ensure your deli’s success. Get friendly with your suppliers to find the best deals and access top supplies affordably.

Often, you can pay a membership fee to local restaurant supply stores to gain access to premium commercial deli equipment at near-wholesale prices. Think top-of-the-range grills, eco-friendly deli packaging with compostable materials, and energy-efficient reach-in refrigerators.

Sourcing equipment can be difficult, but I find the easiest and best way is to shop locally. The top suppliers will be honest about the technology and safety of their products, and they will even offer assistance with installation and repairs.

Source new equipment wherever possible, but to save money, you might want to purchase certain expensive appliances second-hand. Used versions of priority appliances (like ovens or deep freezers) that have been well-maintained over the years can be just as good as new versions. If you’re willing to stay on top of simple maintenance, you’ll save money upfront and throughout your venture.

5. Prioritizing Costs

Don’t be afraid to splash out on the equipment that’s most critical to your deli’s success. 

If your branding focuses on deeply flavorful soups, don’t skimp on the stock pots, ranges, and other equipment that will get the most use. If you’re trying to outdo local sandwich shops with a grab-and-go takeout section, you’ll want to buy reliable appliances and display cases that can keep your food fresh.

If you’re on a tight budget, source used equipment and opt for lower-quality when it comes to your less important equipment items. 

6. Financing Options

Financing or leasing equipment can be a huge help when it comes to jumpstarting your deli business. It gives you some wiggle room in your budget until you’re sure that your deli will succeed. Plus, these payments can be tax-deductible, just like equipment purchases, allowing you to have more financial liquidity when you open your deli.

Toast Capital* may be an option for eligible Toast customers, providing access to funding from $1,000 up to $300,000.

*Toast Capital Loans are issued by WebBank. Loans are subject to credit approval and may not be available to borrowers in certain jurisdictions. WebBank reserves the right to change or discontinue this program without notice.

Detailed Deli Equipment Checklist

Ovens, Microwaves & Toasters 

If your deli is hot on sandwiches, you’ll need some high-quality ovens. Making fresh bread, bagels, and other baked goods requires a large and powerful enough oven to meet the demands of your deli business. 

With your business model and deli menu ideas in mind, think wisely about the types of ovens and other cooking appliances you’ll need:

• Ovens: What kind of oven will you require? Convection ovens are quick and consistent, circulating heat to cook food evenly. Combination ovens, meanwhile, circulate heat and create steam. These are perfect for baking crusty bread or steam-roasting vegetables.

• Microwaves: Microwaves are powerful kitchen tools that can make warming or reheating food a breeze. There are combination convection microwaves out there that are perfect for keeping bread crusty or pastries crispy during reheating.

• Toasters: Commercial toasters are nothing like the pop-up toasters you might have at home. These are powerful toaster ovens or conveyer toasters that delis rely on to quickly toast bagels in the morning or heat sandwich bread slices for lunch.

Grills, Ranges & Ventilation

As well as ovens and toasters, food establishments like delis need grills to stay on top of cooking requirements. But what kind of grill is best? And are you better off with a gas range? Here are my professional recommendations for your deli:

• Flat-Top Grills: Flat-top grills are ideal for frying eggs or finishing sandwiches in delis. You’ll find them in almost every deli and sandwich shop, so they should be at the top end of your equipment list priorities.

• Gas Ranges: You might also want to add a gas range or other stovetop to your list of deli supplies. A gas range is ideal for cooking batches of soups and sauces. While it’s great for efficiency, a gas range can be a little pricey. Electric ranges and induction ranges are often suitable and more cost-effective alternatives.

• Induction Burners: These are also useful for deli owners. Induction burners are sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable when it comes to heating or sautéing. These appliances rely on electromagnetic currents to heat the surface, transferring rather than conducting heat. This means that the burner surface always stays cool, making them very safe and space-conscious devices.

Ventilation is absolutely crucial for a safe kitchen and service area environment, given all the ovens and grills you’ll need.

Operating a deli kitchen requires the right ventilation to ensure that the space doesn’t fill with heat and smoke from the cooking equipment. Plan your ventilation system thoughtfully, taking care to consider the size of your space and ensure that it has enough power to keep smoke and hot air out.

Freezers & Refrigerators

Serving dairy products and fresh produce requires cold storage. When it comes to delis, a walk-in cooler is a great option, as it has enough space for storage and is easy to move in and out of during service. You’ll also need refrigerators on the production line to house more immediate needs, like bacon, cold cuts, and other temperature-sensitive ingredients.

Refrigerators can last a long time when properly repaired and cleaned. One big refrigerator maintenance tip is to routinely clean the vents. These get clogged very quickly with dust, especially if you’re doing a lot of baking in your deli. Not cleaning the vents will do tons of damage to your machine.

Food Prep Surfaces

Prep tables and surfaces are a major area to consider when planning the layout of your deli kitchen. Providing spacious, durable, and easy-to-clean surfaces will make your staff comfortable and help them work productively.

You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to choosing the type of prep surface. Stainless steel prep counters can be sanitized easily and won’t transfer unwanted heat to products. Meanwhile, poured concrete is a cost-effective and durable alternative to stainless steel. 

Then there’s wood, granite, and a host of other options. Before you make any firm decisions, discuss it with your team to see what would help them work best.

Food Prep Equipment

Never overlook the little things. To help you remember everything, I’ve made a detailed list of all the small appliances and utensils that you’ll need to ensure your deli’s success:

• Pots & Pans: Buying new, high-quality pots and pans will be valuable assets to your deli’s kitchen. Remember: it’s important to properly clean pots and pans to ensure they stay in top condition. It also means less money spent in the future on more pots and pans.

• Knives: Three words: invest in knives. A central part of the food prep process, a quality set of knives will ensure safe and streamlined cooking. Make it a priority to have good knife skills and maintenance in your kitchen. You’ll also want to invest in a sharpening stone to keep your knives in tip-top shape.  

• Cutting Boards: Quality cutting boards make all the difference when preparing food. My personal favorites are boards with edge lips to prevent any liquid from spilling and boards with handles for ease of use and storage.

• Food Processors: Food processors are a handy and worthwhile investment. They’re great for creating soups and sauces or ensuring that you get an even chop with fruit and veg.

• Blenders: While they can be expensive, commercial blenders are useful and powerful machines that bring huge benefits to your deli. You can blend soups and smoothies or even create frozen coffee creations.

• Mixers: Stand mixers take some of the efforts out of mixing large batches of bagel or cookie dough. While these machines help you bake with ease, they need to be treated with care to avoid repairs that could affect your deli’s service.

• Mixing Bowls: Mixing bowls come in a variety of materials that each have benefits and drawbacks. Whether you go for plastic, stainless, ceramic, or glass, you need to decide which combination works best for your deli equipment list. 

• The Rest: An important but easily-overlooked category is all the rest of the stuff you’ll need to operate your deli. Cooking utensils, spice shakers, mixing bowls, and spreader knives for schmear – these are all little things you need to budget for. Be sure to buy backups for any tiny items that can be easily misplaced or broken. This will save you time and energy in the future.

Storage Containers & Shelving

Storage improves safety and organization in your deli. Ingredients all have specific needs that you must cater to, or else you’ll lose money on spoiled or expired food. For example, dry goods need to live far away from any humidity or heat. So, it's best not to place them on a shelf right by the gas range.

You also have to think about the storage for all the equipment you’re buying. The small appliances and accessories all need a place in your bar, a place that should be defined by when and how they’re needed by your staff. By keeping your equipment and ingredients organized, you’ll set your staff up for work success.

Safety Equipment

All delis are held to food safety standards, which means you’ll have to have certain equipment on hand. Here are a few key examples of essential safety supplies:

• Gloves

• First Aid Kit

• Date Labels

• Sani-Buckets

• Bar Rags

• Food-Grade Cleaning Supplies

• Chemical Safety Data Sheets

Sinks

Most food establishments need at least three sinks. At your deli, you’ll need compartment sinks, prep sinks, and handwashing sinks, each one with its own unique purpose.

Compartment sinks are for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing kitchen tools or service wear. Prep sinks are for, as you probably guessed, prepping food. That could be cutting vegetables or thawing meat. Finally, handwashing sinks are essential, as employees need designated areas to wash their hands. Each sink should be dedicated, making sure you meet food safety standards.

Serviceware

Whether your deli is only grab-and-go or offers dine-in services, serving food requires glassware, cutlery, and dishes. The goal is to find durable pieces that match the aesthetic of your deli without breaking your budget.

Here’s what you’ll need to provide excellent service to your customers:

• Display Cases: Many delis use glass or other creative display cases to showcase bread, bagels, sweets, and more. Don’t forget about drinks and prepared foods, either, these will need to be in an accessible refrigerated case.

• Table Service Essentials: Customers need utensils, napkins or linens, and condiments for their meals. To buy the right service essentials, think about your desired customer experience and how utensils, plates, and other serviceware will fit your vision.

• Utensils: Single-use and permanent utensils are surprisingly expensive for delis. It’s important to remember that plastic cutlery adds up and permanent utensils are prone to be lost (or accidentally trashed) by customers and employees. Think wisely about which kind of cutlery you’ll need, and buy eco-friendly items where possible.

• Paper Boats, Plates, or Clamshells: Necessary for grab-and-go and takeout services, paper boats and plates are expensive but necessary costs of operating a deli. Think proactively about the types of serviceware you need and what can fit in your budget. For example, customers may leave better reviews if you use eco-friendly takeout utensils.

Kitchen Display System (KDS)

Kitchen display systems (KDS) let your back-of-house employees know what your customers are ordering in real time. Your KDS sends orders to the kitchen directly from the cashier and can integrate with your deli’s POS system, keeping everything in one place to help you maintain smooth and efficient service.

Restaurant Point of Sale System

Restaurant point-of-sale (POS) systems provide a technological answer to the complexities that come with operating a deli or restaurant business. 

POS systems integrate inventory management, budgets, sales reports, and communication between the front-of-house and back-of-house operations. Most importantly, they help make customer service seamless, with sleek interfaces for placing and monitoring orders.

Use the tool below to compare restaurant POS systems and find the right one for your deli business.

Get Essential Deli Tech with Toast

We hope this essential deli equipment guide helps you achieve the deli of your dreams.

If you remember everything on this ultimate checklist, you’ll be perfectly poised to run a thriving deli business. Once you’ve got all your kit, you should invest in the right restaurant technology to become even more efficient.

Try the Toast demo today to see how your deli can boost its service and reputation. With high-tech point-of-sale and kitchen display systems, as well as a whole host of other deli tech products, Toast can provide the right support to keep your deli operating successfully.

Related Deli Resources

• Deli Business Names

• Best Deli Websites

• Deli Cleaning Checklist

• Deli Supplies

FAQs

What equipment is used in a deli?

Delis use all sorts of common and specialized equipment. Here’s a brief list of the essential equipment that’s used in a deli:

• Panini Presses

• Toasters

• Ovens

• Microwaves

• Sandwich Steamers

• Cutlery

• Blenders

• Takeout & Serviceware

What are deli items?

A deli, short for “delicatessen”, typically sells food like cold cuts, sandwiches, bagels, cheeses, and salads. To make these items, delis require a range of equipment and appliances. For instance, walk-in refrigerators are needed to store all the dairy products and fresh food. Meanwhile, commercial toasters are ideal for making sandwiches and bagels in a flash.

What do I need to buy to start a deli?

The first thing to do, after you’ve established your business model and settled on a venue, is to write out a list of all the equipment you’ll need to start a deli. Ovens, toasters, microwaves, food prep tables, refrigerators, freezers, knives, cutting boards, blenders, serviceware… you’ll end up with quite a long list if you do it correctly. Rank these items in terms of priority, and buy the most-used items first.