The Essential Guide to Starting a Bakery

Starting or expanding a bakery is an exciting step for any food entrepreneur. Whether you’re opening an artisan bakehouse, a wholesale supplier, or a café bakery, the right equipment determines your success.

This guide answers the key questions every bakery owner asks about equipment, layout, and investment. 

What equipment do you need to run a bakery?

Quick Links:

1. Baking ovens
2. Mixers and dough preparation
3. Refrigeration and proofing units
4. Work surfaces and storage
5. Display and serving equipment

Running a bakery requires reliable, durable, and food-safe equipment. Each piece must serve a clear purpose and withstand the heavy workload of daily production. The core categories include:

1. Baking ovens

Your oven is the heart of the bakery. Choose one that suits your production volume and product range. Convection ovens are ideal for small to medium bakeries, while deck or rack ovens handle higher output with even heat distribution. Commercial ovens are designed for performance, durability, and precision. Deck ovens are favoured for bread, pastries, and artisan bakes, while rotary rack ovens are ideal for volume production.

2. Mixers and dough preparation

Mixers are essential for combining ingredients efficiently and maintaining consistency. Spiral mixers are designed for dough, while planetary mixers handle cakes, pastries, and fillings. Dough dividers, rounders, and sheeters streamline preparation for larger batches. Industrial mixers deliver uniform mixing for consistent dough texture. Spiral mixers reduce friction and keep dough temperature stable, which is vital for bread quality.

3. Refrigeration and proofing units

Cold storage preserves ingredients and finished goods, while proofers control temperature and humidity for dough fermentation. Chillers, blast freezers, and cold rooms maintain ingredient freshness and ensure compliance with food safety laws. Controlled proofing cabinets create the perfect environment for fermentation, improving dough rise and flavour.

4. Work surfaces and storage

Every bakery needs sturdy stainless-steel benches, ingredient bins, and shelving for organisation. Proper layout improves workflow and hygiene by keeping preparation areas clear and safe.

5. Display and serving equipment

If you operate a retail bakery, invest in temperature-controlled display cabinets to present products at their best. Front-of-house presentation affects sales as much as taste. Modern bakeries rely on refrigerated counters, packaging sealers, and labelling machines to maintain quality from production to sale.

Herits supplies all categories of commercial bakery equipment, helping bakeries choose equipment that fits their output, layout, and budget.

Investing in high-quality major equipment reduces downtime, improves consistency, and cuts operating costs over time.

What is commercial bakery equipment?

Commercial bakery equipment refers to heavy-duty machinery designed for professional production. Unlike domestic appliances, these are built for continuous use, precision control, and easy maintenance.

 Commercial equipment is rated for performance, energy efficiency, and compliance with UK catering standards. Examples include:

• Convection ovens with multi-rack capacity and programmable settings.
• Planetary mixers with interchangeable tools for batters, creams, and fillings.
• Proofers and retarders that automate dough development cycles.
• Blast chillers that rapidly cool products for safe storage.
• Stainless steel preparation tables and storage racks for food-safe handling.

Herits offers both new and refurbished options, helping bakeries reduce upfront costs without compromising performance. Refurbished units are fully inspected, serviced, and tested before delivery, ensuring dependable quality at a lower price point.

How to plan your bakery layout

 A well-planned layout improves efficiency, hygiene, and safety. Organise your space in a logical flow from storage to preparation, baking, cooling, and display.

Key layout zones:

Dry and cold storage: For ingredients and packaging.

Mixing and preparation area: Close to storage to minimise movement.

Baking area: Ventilated, with sufficient electrical or gas connections.

Cooling and finishing area: For icing, decorating, and packaging.

Display and retail area: If customer-facing, design for visibility and easy access.

Herits can support you in selecting equipment that fits your available space.

How much does bakery equipment cost?

Costs depend on production size, brand, and condition. A small retail bakery setup can start from £15,000 to £30,000, while commercial or wholesale bakeries may invest upwards of £100,000.

Refurbished equipment is a practical option for start-ups. Many bakeries choose reconditioned ovens, mixers, and chillers from Herits to lower start-up costs while maintaining professional quality.

It’s important to budget for installation, delivery, and maintenance plans, not just purchase prices.

How to maintain bakery equipment

Proper maintenance extends equipment life and ensures consistent performance. Establish a maintenance schedule that includes:

Regular cleaning of ovens, trays, and ventilation systems.

Checking seals, hinges, and thermostats on refrigeration units.

Servicing mixers and moving parts.

Recording all maintenance to comply with health and safety requirements.

Herits provides guidance on maintaining commercial bakery equipment and offers ongoing service support across the UK.

How to choose a bakery equipment supplier

Choosing a supplier is about more than price. Look for one that understands your workflow, offers reliable support, and stocks both new and refurbished options.

A good supplier provides:

Pre-sale consultation to assess your needs.

Installation support and guidance.

After-sales service for maintenance and repairs.

Transparent warranties and parts availability.

Herits delivers on all these commitments, supporting bakeries across the UK with practical advice and dependable equipment built for real kitchens.

A bakery’s success depends on more than great recipes. The right equipment ensures consistent quality, efficient workflows, and compliance with UK food safety standards. From ovens and mixers to refrigeration and display, every item plays a vital role in daily production.

Herits helps new and established bakeries build dependable workspaces with carefully sourced commercial bakery equipment. Our focus is on quality, reliability, and long-term value, whether you buy new or refurbished.

If you’re planning to open or upgrade your bakery, talk to Herits about sourcing the right commercial bakery equipment for your setup. Our team offers practical advice, honest pricing, and full support from selection to delivery.

Call our team to discuss your project today.