Knead To Know: The Essential List of Bakery Equipment

A good baker rises to the occasion, it’s the yeast he can do.

Whether it’s the eating or the cooking, we all loving baking in some way. From the sweet smells of a freshly baked loaf to the delicious aroma of a warm pastry. But if you’re serious about setting up a real bakery, you’ll need some equally serious equipment.

So, from fridges to ovens, from cooling racks to blenders, we’ve put together a handy list of essential baking equipment you’ll need to open your own bakery…

Commercial Baking Equipment 

It’s not all cheap cooling racks and 25¢ paper bun cases anymore. Remember you’re starting from scratch and that means buying some pretty expensive appliances to be able to bake to the highest standard!

Ovens

A baker’s oven is the key to a perfect bake. No longer are you in the comfort of your own kitchen. You have to cook in bulk; meaning you need as much space as possible! Deck ovens can be a little pricey, but get the right one and it will last you forever (figuratively speaking). They tend to vary in price and size, but you’ll have loads of room to get all your muffins and cakes bronzing before you know it!

Refrigerator/ Freezer

Where else are you going to store everything? It is essential that all your food ingredients are dated, listed, and stored at the correct temperature. You can’t just get a typical fridge that you’d have in your kitchen at home either. You need a real cool room and a two-door fridge so you’re not cramming everything into one small space.

Work Tables

To succeed in making the best buns on the block, you’ll need a place for the magic to happen. If like me, you need a tidy desk to be able to work to your full potential, having your own work bench will aid in the baking process. You don’t want to be cramped in a corner unable to knead your dough or ice your buns.

Shelving

Your new bakery needs to have enough storage space to hold all your ingredients, supplies, and all those wonderful appliances you’ve just spent your money on. It’s pretty essential that they’re put in convenient places too. You can get the professionals to come in and plan the layout, but they need be easily accessed when your baking!

Utensils & Electronics

I’m not just talking about knives, forks and spoons. You’re going to need all the baking supplies you can get; flour sifters, dough cutters, pastry brushes etc. The list of utensils needed to open a bakery could literally go on for pages, so I am just going to mention a few.

Electric whisk

The electric whisk, an essential in the cake baking business. Whisks help aerate your mix. If you’re getting worried about how much you’re spending, you’ll be happy to know that with a little elbow grease, a non-powered whisk will work just fine. However, it will prove extremely time-consuming especially when you’re busy!

Spatula

The best spatulas are made from plastic or rubber. They’re flexible and won’t scratch your pans. Their smooth action and bendy handle helps you get every teeny bit of cake mix from around the bowl. (Perfect for licking the spoon too!)

Mixer

Let’s face it, opening a bakery and mixing everything by hand is impossible. You’ll need a dough mixer and a counter mixer to ensure your mixtures are stirred to perfection. There are so many mixers out there and you’ll want to make sure you buy a decent one that will cater for all your needs. It is probably going to be one of your most used appliances so it’s best not to skimp on price!

Tins, trays and racks

Muffin trays, bread tins and aluminium trays should all be stocked in your new kitchen. Get yourself some bread and pastry racks to display your fresh bakes in all their glory. You’ll also need oven trays to put your baking on before putting them in your brand new oven. Cooling racks help avoid sogginess by helping air get to your bake too. The amount of racks and trays you buy is completely up to you.

Proof boxes

You’re beautiful bread and dough has to be able to rise at the right temperature. You can actually buy mobile proof boxes that are cheaper than built-in models but can still hold about 20 pans.

However, it depends on the type of bakery you’re opening. This list is just some baking essentials that will help you on your way. It doesn’t matter if you’re baking cookies, cakes or rolls, you’re going to love making them in your new bakery! Just makes sure you keep up to date with all the recent catering news and make sure your kitchen is well and truly stocked and you’ll be fine!