Who could ever resist the smell of freshly baked bread rolls with a crispy crust and soft, juicy bread crumbs? Whipping up delicious goods is a form of art. Nowadays, people celebrate so many big life events and they want the food they serve to be delicious, look good, and be made with care and love.
If you want to be the person that provides that and is looking to start your very first bakery, you will definitely need some tools and equipment. Bakeries offer freshly baked bread, cakes, pasta, pies, and pastries. Although many people think that opening a bakery is a rather simple and easy task, the truth of the matter is, that there are significant start-up costs that come with opening a bakery.
Essential Pieces Of Baking Equipment
A Convection Oven
Different bakeries have different energy needs, so having a certain type of oven may seem like an obvious piece of equipment to buy. Before investing in one, you should first decide whether you need a gas or electric oven. When first starting off your bakery this might be the most expensive food machine on your list since good quality and reliable food industry machines cost a bit more.
Convection ovens use heating parts and a fan that helps circulate air around the cooking area. This hot air that circulates cooks the food evenly from all sides. Most bakers opt for convection ovens due to the fact that they cook food evenly and have shorter baking times when compared to traditional ovens.
A Dough Proofer
Pastry and bread dough typically contain yeast – an agent that causes bread to proof or rise. To achieve the desired effect, bakers use bakery proofers; they put the dough on racks in the proofer, which with the help of mild heat, speeds up the process of dough proofing. Dough proofers vary in price as it all depends on the size and features of these food industry machines. They can range from $1,200 to $3,500.
A Dough Sheeter
Dough sheeters are designed to make the dough at a predetermined thickness. They can be also used to create fondant which is usually used for decorating cakes. Fondant is the decorative icing that’s pressed into sheets with the help of dough or a fondant sheeter. Based on the output size, the prices of dough sheeters can greatly vary, ranging from $2,800 to $4,200.
A Large Mixer
Large dough mixers are essential for most bakeries due to the fact that they can mix large amounts of dough at once. These food industry machines are usually mounted on the floor and can be found in 30, 40, 60, 80 and 140-quart mixing bowls. They can blend large dough amounts, which makes them one of the most convenient pieces of baking equipment in any shop.
Storage Equipment & Supplies
Every business needs particular storage supplies in one way or another, and so does your new bakery. When organizing your shop, you need to store the supplies and utensils and keep your display goods in a clean and hygienic environment. For that purpose, it’s essential to have the following storage equipment and supplies.
Shelving
This is one one of the most crucial requirements for any bakery as it also serves as a storage space where you can keep all your ingredients and other supplies.
Refrigerator And A Freezer
These two appliances are a must-have for any bakery as you must keep all your ingredients fresh for longer and make it easier for you and your employees to manage everything when you have a new order. If you’re starting a home-based bakery, you might be just fine with a refrigerator only. However, ultimately, you will also need a freezer!
Pans & Storage Utensils
When you’re running a bakery, you’ll want to prepare and bake your products in quality cookware. Make sure you have enough pans, utensils, and backups of each material on hand. Stock up on the essentials to make it easier for you and your employees to prepare the food faster and hassle-free!
Food Bags
This is the part of your bakery business where you can get creative. While yes, you can always go the plain route and save some bucks on bags and packaging, it’s always a good idea to brand your bags to boost your marketing efforts. You can create a good and eye-catching design and add your logo to the bags. Your customers will be walking around with your name and logo on their bag of goodies, subtly promoting your business with every step they take. Always ensure you have more than enough food bags in your storage.
Display & Packaging Must-Haves
The way you present your products and baked goods can make a world of difference in your overall sales and brand recognition. First impressions matter, so make sure you’re equipped with everything you need to present your baked goods in the best possible way. Here’s what you might need for a good presentation.
Display Cases
These are a must for presentation as they are a great way to attract customers. If you’re running an online bakery, you can skip this item, however, brick and mortar bakeries will greatly benefit from sleek and modern display cases.
Serving Trays, Plates, And Cutlery
Consider your branding, the type of bakery you run as well as your overall customer personas when investing in plates and cutlery. These are must-have pieces of gear if you’re opening a bakery with a seating arrangement.
Leave Enough Space For Restaurant Furniture
Together with the pleasant aroma of freshly baked goods, your bakery can score major points if it has a visually appealing atmosphere. There are various ways to do this but the most effective one so far is equipping your bakery’s interior space with good restaurant furniture that matches the overall aesthetic and décor of the space.
Leave enough space for transparent cabinets that display all the delights and treats your bakery has to offer. Adding a couple of comfy chairs with sturdy tables will enable you to offer an in-dining option to your customers. Simply said, good restaurant furniture can quickly elevate the ambiance of your bakery and make your space look more trendy.
