A 12-Point Checklist of Small Bakery Equipment

If people love your pastries as much as you love baking them, opening your own bakery may be a lucrative venture for you. Knowing where to start can be a challenge.

Whether you plan to run a small corner shop or a mobile pastry truck, you're going to need the right bakery equipment to get started.

Small Bakery Equipment - 12 Essentials

What bakery equipment do I need? That's the first question aspiring shop owners ask. Here's a 12-point checklist of the essential items you'll need:

1. Oven

You can't run a bakery without an oven - the most important piece of equipment on this list. Don't cut corners with this one. Invest in a quality, airtight oven that's true to temperature.

A reliable oven - one that bakes at the temperature you set - will save you so much time. There's no need to adjust your baking times or constantly check on your pastries to see if they're ready.

Some bakers prefer a gas oven to an electric oven, but you may not have a say in the matter. Your shop may only offer one or the other.

A stove and oven combination will provide you with more versatility if you can't have more than one oven. A wall oven may be a good option if you have no need for a range and will save you from having to constantly bend down to put items in or pull items out.

2. Food Processor

Food processors save you time and elbow grease. Forget crushing nuts or shaving chocolate by hand. A processor can tackle these tasks in seconds - saving you time that can be spent on more important things.

It's great for pie dough, too. The sharp blades cut butter into the dough with absolute precision and without melting it in the process.

Even if you're a die-hard believer in doing things the old-fashioned way, you may want to make an exception this one time. A food processor will save you more time than you think.

3. Baker's Rack/Shelf Rack

Racks are absolutely essential if you hope to run an efficient bakery - especially if you're starting out with a small kitchen. Your finished products can cool on the racks, leaving you space on the counters to roll out the next batch.

Mobile racks are ideal because you can move them anywhere you want in the kitchen, and they have space for dozens of products. But a simple, multi-shelf stationary cooling rack will work just as well if you're on a tighter budget.

4. Stand Mixer/Hand Mixer

Two other staples in a bakery kitchen: stand mixers and hand mixers. Tabletop stand mixers will make quick work of batter and dough. If you have the space, you might consider a floor mixer, which can make larger batches of dough at once.

Every baker should have at least one hand mixer for meringues, creams and sauces to top your finished products.

5. Mixing Bowl/Spoon/Spatula

Every small bakery should have an adequate supply of mixing bowls, spatulas and spoons. The biggest challenge is figuring out how many to buy. The more the better in most cases, especially when you're slammed with orders.

Otherwise, you'll waste valuable time washing bowls when you could be baking and prepping.

6. Baking Pan

Another no-brainer: baking pans. The key here is to make sure that you have enough of each pan type to accommodate order volumes.

Plan to buy more than you think you need, as dough often has a mind of its own. You may need two pans for a batch of croissants one day and one pan the next. Having extra pans on hand and ready to go will save you production time and help you accommodate a surprise influx of orders.

7. Plastic Storage Bins

Running a bakery means buying large quantities of flour, sugar and other staple ingredients. Most of these ingredients come in flimsy paper bags that are hard to lug around and are more vulnerable to pest infiltration (hello, weevils).

Storing ingredients in plastic bins will save you time and frustration. They're easier to move around, and they'll keep your ingredients fresher for longer.

8. Decorating Equipment/Pastry Bags

Looks attract customers; taste keeps them coming back. Invest in a good set of decorating equipment with a variety of tips. Get a fondant roller. Work on your decorating skills. And remember: you can never have too many pastry bags.

9. Proof Boxes

If you're working with yeast dough, proof boxes are essential. They allow the dough to rise at just the right temperature, so you get consistent results.

Proof boxes come in a wide range of sizes, so you can find one that suits your budget and needs.

10. Work Tables

Work tables give you space to roll out dough, or to store items you need while baking. Invest in quality, sturdy tables that can withstand heavy use.

Consider your height, too. Tables that are too low or too high may cause back pain.

11. Display Case

You put a lot of time, energy and love into your finished products. Show them off. A display case allows customers to see what they're getting, and makes your products more appealing.

A customer may come in for a cupcake and leave with a dozen croissants after seeing them on display. Don't underestimate the power of sight.

12. Packaging

Packaging is the last step in the production process and typically the last thing on a baker's mind. But it has a lasting impact on your bakery's image and will also affect the quality of your finished products.

Invest in quality, sturdy, attractive packaging that fits your brand and the image you want to sell.

How Much Is All of This Going to Cost?

The million-dollar question: how much will all of this equipment cost? The answer will depend on the size of your operation and several other factors, but we've included a helpful table below to give you a general idea. Keep in mind that you might be able to cut back on costs by purchasing second-hand (or used) equipment.

There you have it - the 12 most important pieces of equipment used in a bakery. Now that you know what you need, it's time to make your dream a reality. Not sure where to buy bakery equipment? Our equipment catalogue has everything you need to outfit your shop.