Owning a bakery is a dream come true for many people. There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh-baked bread and the satisfaction of being your own boss. But before you can start baking up a storm, there are some essentials you need to buy. Here’s a list of must-have pieces of bakery equipment. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your current bakery, be sure to have these items on hand.
Essential Commercial Bakery Equipment List
This list of the essential equipment for a bakery business should get you started on the right foot:
1. Ovens
You’ll need a few ovens to bake all your goodies. Depending on the size of your bakery, you might want to consider getting a convection oven, which can help speed up the baking process. These can cost between $2,000 and $10,000 each.
2. Mixers
You’ll need a good quality machine to mix up all your batters and doughs. You can find mixers for as little as $100, but a commercial-grade mixer will cost around $1,000.
3. Dough sheeters and cutters
A dough sheeter will help you to evenly roll out your dough, and a cutter will help you quickly and easily cut them into the desired shapes. These pieces of equipment can be found for around $1,000 each.
4. Bread slicers
A bread slicer is a must for any bakery. Slicing fresh bread can be a tricky task, but with a good quality slicer, it’s easy as pie. These can be purchased for around $500.
5. Baking pans and trays
You’ll need a variety of baking pans and trays to bake everything from cakes to cookies. Prices for these start at around $10 per pan.
6. Proofing cabinets/boxes
A proofing cabinet is a great piece of equipment to help your bread dough rise evenly. These can be purchased for around $1,000.
7. Refrigerator for storing perishable ingredients and finished products
A commercial refrigerator can be expensive, but it is a necessary piece of equipment for any bakery. Prices start at $2,000.
8. Freezers for storing supplies
A small commercial freezer is a great option for storing items like frozen dough or ice cream. Prices start at $1,000.
9. Display cases
A display case is a must-have for any bakery. These can be found for as little as $100, but a nicer model will cost closer to $1,000.
10. Seating and cafe tables
If you plan to have a cafe attached to your bakery and turn it into a mini restaurant, you’ll need to provide seating for your customers. Tables and chairs can be found for around $100 each.
11. Cash register and point-of-sale system
A cash register and POS system are a must for any bakery. These can be purchased for around $1,000, while subscriptions to most POS software cost around $100 per month.
As you can see, there is a significant amount of equipment needed to start a bakery business. The cost of all this equipment can add up quickly, but, luckily, there are financing options available.
How To Start a Bakery: All About Costs
Now that you have an idea of what commercial bakery equipment you need, it’s time to start planning your budget. How much does it cost to start a bakery? The answer to this question can range widely depending on the size and scope of your operation. But on average, you can expect to spend $15,000 to $50,000 on equipment alone.
If you own the property where you will be setting up your bakery business, then prepare about $5,000 to $10,000 for renovation costs. You may also need to purchase a commercial kitchen ventilation system, which can cost several thousand dollars.
If you are planning to rent your location, this might cost you an estimated $1,500 to $3,000 per month. If you’re planning to buy property, you can expect to spend $50,000 to $200,000 or more on the purchase price.
Of course, these are just some of the costs associated with starting a bakery business. Other expenses you’ll need to consider include ingredient costs, packaging supplies, marketing and advertising, employee salaries, insurance, and other general overhead costs.
Where To Get Funding for Your Bakery Business
One of the challenges of starting a bakery business is coming up with the necessary funding to get it off the ground. If you don’t have the cash on hand to cover all of your start-up costs, you’ll need to look into financing solutions.
One option is to apply for a small business loan. There are many different types of loans available, so be sure to do your research and find one that best suits your needs. Another option is to seek out investors or partners who are willing to help finance your venture.
You could also consider leasing or renting equipment instead of buying it outright. This can help free up some capital that can be used for other purposes, such as marketing or inventory.
Whatever route you decide to go, be sure to explore all of your options and compare the costs before making a decision.
Charter Capital is one of the leading equipment financing companies in the U.S. We offer a wide range of financing solutions through the over 20 lending partners in our network to help you get the best equipment you need to start your bakery business.
Contact our experienced financial brokers today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get started.