Running a successful bakery takes more than just a passion for baking. Whether you are opening a local bakery or expanding your current operation, there are some essential pieces of equipment and supplies you will need. Having the right bakery equipment is crucial as it will dictate how well you are able to meet the demands of customers. That said, the equipment you invest in will vary depending on factors such as your anticipated volume of production output and the specific type of products you make.
Below is a list of eleven pieces of kitchen equipment that every bakery should have with regard to individual baking needs:
1. Dough Preparation Machines
To help streamline the baking process, you will want to invest in various dough preparation machines. Dough sheeters allow you to automate the sheeted dough preparation process so that you do not have to roll pie crusts or pastry doughs by hand. Dough proofers store dough at warm temperatures and controlled humidity so that it properly ferments. Dough dividers help you separate dough into equal portions so that you can ensure that baked goods are properly cooked. Finally, dough depositors and rounders help you shape dough into consistent sizes so that you can quickly send it through the sheeter.
2. Mixer
Mixers are a key component of a successful bakery. There are a variety of different mixers to consider, each with their own set of benefits. Planetary mixers are recommended for small bakeries as you can add attachments to them meaning they can be used to prepare a variety of different baked goods. If you plan to focus on bulk orders, investing in a 50+ pound spiral floor mixer is recommended. Attachments such as beaters, whips, dough hooks as well as attachments for non-mixing purposes can be purchased separately as well.
3. Baking Pans
Baking pans are used to make everything from cookies to bread making them an essential piece of equipment for bakers. If you are just starting out, you’ll need a mix of cake pans, sheet pans, pie pans, and muffin tins. To account for an unexpected influx of orders, you should have at least two to three of each pan so that you are prepared to meet demands.
4. Storage
If you are opening a bakery, you will need space to store your dry ingredients. Outfitting your kitchen with shelves and racks or purchasing ingredient bins allows you to easily store large quantities of ingredients for use. Racks can also be used to hold dough at ambient temperature before moving it to a walk-in cooler or large dough proofer.
5. Display Case
A display case allows customers to quickly and easily browse the goods you have available, helping generate sales. This presents an opportunity for you to showcase your baking skills and also increases the possibility that a customer will purchase more than they originally intended. Display cases can be refrigerated and non-refrigerated, which should be considered when choosing which items you will want to display. If you plan to have both perishable and non-perishable goods on display, you may need more than one case in your bakery.
6. Bread slicer
More often than not, customers will want their bread sliced so if you plan to offer fresh bread, you will need to purchase a bread slicer. A quality bread slicer allows you to quickly meet orders, which benefits both you and your customers.
7. Packaging
The packaging you choose is extremely important as it conveys the quality of your products and helps generate brand awareness. You should invest in well-made packaging that aligns with your bakery’s theme and brand.
If you operate a large bakery, you will also need to invest in a wrapping machine. These allow you to extend the shelf life of goods and can be used when shipping products as well.
8. Oven
An oven is hands down the most important piece of equipment you will need when starting a bakery. The oven you choose directly impacts the quality of your products, so it is crucial that you invest in an oven that is true to temperature and reliable. It is important to consider the type and volume of baked goods you will be making as this will impact your oven choice.
For small bakeries, there are several ovens that you can use to meet your needs. Convection ovens cook quickly but usually only hold five pans at a time, making them well suited for cookies and other small baked goods. Conversely, deck ovens have multiple compartments, each of which provides independent temperature controls. These are suited for baked goods that need to rise such as cakes and bread.
For bakeries that handle large orders, rack ovens are recommended as they can hold up to thirty pans at once. Another option for large bakeries is a revolving oven. Revolving ovens rotate trays to provide an even bake, making them the perfect option for cakes or rolls.
9. Refrigeration
Milk, eggs, and butter are all essential ingredients in baked goods. You will need a refrigeration unit so you can properly store perishable ingredients. Chillers are ideal for bakeries as most have flat worktops that can take the place of worktop tables helping you save money and space in the kitchen.
10. Food Scale
Precision is extremely important when baking. With a food scale, you can ensure that there are no mismeasurements when preparing goods. This will save you from having to throw out or discount goods that were not prepared properly.
11. Worktop Table
Every baker needs a worktop table to prepare ingredients on. The two most popular options for tables are wood top and stainless steel. If you are a pastry chef, it is recommended that you purchase a stainless steel top as it is ideal for rolling delicate dough mixes. If you prefer to mix dough by hand, then you should invest in a wood top table as they are better equipped for hands-on prepping tasks.
Final Thoughts
It is easy to become overwhelmed when shopping for equipment for your bakery. With this list, you can ensure that you have the key pieces of kitchen equipment needed to provide the highest quality goods to your customers.