Buyers Guide: Your Equipment Checklist for Opening a Bakery

Last updated on July 3rd, 2024 at 03:50 pm

Aren’t bakeries magical places? It’s like walking into a sugar coated heaven. I can’t bake to save my life, so I’m infinitely impressed by those who can. For those of you that are thinking about monopolizing on your talents and opening a bakery, consider this as your checklist for the must-have equipment.

Commercial Ovens

A high quality commercial oven offers baking consistency and reliability. New bakery owners should consider both product and volume when selecting the right industrial baking oven for your shop. Major bakers looking for power and volume should consider full-size rack ovens. An advantage of a commercial bakery oven is that you can place multiple full-size pan racks within the interior.

Convection ovens are the most common and affordable options for bakeries. Using a fan, convection ovens circulate hot air throughout the oven interior allowing you to bake more evenly and efficiently. Convection ovens are available in both gas and electric options and a range of sizes.

Commercial Mixers

The style of mixer you need depends on what you plan to mix and make. Pizzerias or large-volume bakeries will need a floor model mixer, where higher horsepower and larger capacities will help keep large batches of dough under control. For smaller tasks, such as one or two batches of cupcakes or cookies, or occasional light to medium-duty mixing, a countertop mixer will be sufficient.

Dough Presses and Dough Sheeters

Dough presses and dough sheeters are an essential piece of equipment for bakeries, pizzerias, delis and cafes.  Dough Pressers and Sheeters are designed to press large amounts of dough into flat, even sheets for easy preparation and baking. Their consistency and efficiency makes them ideal for pastry, pizza and bread dough. The main difference between the press and sheeter is that the press uses a heated head to flatten the dough, while a sheeter rolls the dough out flat. Both countertop and floor models are available to meet your establishment’s needs.

Proofing & Holding Cabinet

Ever been to a sub shop and observed loaves of bread waiting to be baked? Those loaves of bread are placed inside a kitchen essential called a proofing cabinet. If you plan to offer pastries, bread, or other treats that require your dough to rise, you need to purchase a dough proofing cabinet. Our selection of proofing boxes range from smaller, undercounter units to full-size units. We offer them in capacities of 7 to 40 pans to keep your dough at the right moisture and temperature levels. Most proofing cabinets have humidity controls allowing bakers to control the moisture aspect of the proofing process.

CHECK OUT OUR 2022 updated BUYERS GUIDE:   WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED TO START A BAKERY?