The Comprehensive Process of Commercial Bread Baking: From Mixers to Specialty Equipment

Commercial bread baking is a meticulous process that involves a variety of specialized equipment and tools designed to ensure flawless results. This article delves into the detailed steps and supporting machinery involved in commercial bread baking, from initial mixing to finishing touches. Whether you are a seasoned bakery operator or a newcomer to the field, understanding these processes can help streamline operations and enhance product quality.

Introduction to Commercial Bread Baking

Commercial bread baking involves producing bread on a large scale for retail and wholesale distribution. The types of bread produced can vary widely, including standard loaves, specialty breads, and even custom orders. Each type of bread has its unique formula, inventory requirements, and baking procedures. This article focuses on the essential equipment and tools used in this demanding process.

Equipment and Tools for Commercial Bread Baking

Hobart Stand Mixers

One of the most crucial pieces of equipment in commercial baking is the Hobart stand mixer. These machines are equipped with a large and heavy dough hook designed to mix various bread doughs. The dough hook is often so heavy that the mixing bowls need to be placed on rollers to move them around the mixer. Commercial bakeries like Meijer often have a setup where multiple mixing bowls are used to accommodate large-scale production.

Rolling Machines

Rolling machines are another vital piece of equipment for commercial bakeries. These machines help in rolling out dough into perfect loaves. Depending on the type of bread being produced, bakeries may have different sizes of rolling machines, complete with adjustable plastic chutes to assist in rolling out the dough. Multi-loaf pans are soldered together in groups of four or six and must be sprayed with non-stick spray before use.

Dough Cutters

Dough cutters are machines that help in portioning dough for baking. By loading the fresh dough into the cutter, pressing the button, and using the machine, bakers can obtain perfectly portioned dough for the rolling machine. Other dough-specific machines, like the ball rolling machine, are used for simple breakfast rolls.

Ingredient Scaling and Yeast Usage

In a commercial bakery, ingredients are meticulously weighed using large commercial scales and scoops. This ensures consistency and precision in the baking process. At Meijer, for example, all ingredients were measured using large scoops at the top of the scales. Interestingly, they used cake yeast, which, due to its pungent smell, would be avoided in home baking.

Baking Ovens

Commercial bakeries utilize various types of ovens to achieve the perfect bake for different types of bread. There are two main types of ovens: steam ovens and dry ovens. Steam ovens are particularly useful for breads that require steam for their texture, while dry ovens with rotating shelves can accommodate multiple loaf pans on a single shelf. Multiple racks can be loaded with bread, making the baking process more efficient.

Proofing Boxes and Bread Slicing

Proofing boxes are essential for commercial bakeries to maintain consistent proofing conditions. Unlike home ovens, commercial proofing boxes simulate ideal temperature and humidity levels to ensure that bread rises correctly. Bread slicing machines also play a crucial role in the commercial baking process. These machines expertly slice loaves into perfect slices, often with the aid of a small blower to open the bread bags for easy sealing.

Hand Washing Equipment

To ensure the cleanliness of large mixing bowls, commercial bakeries have specialized washing bays. These areas are equipped with large hoses and a shower-like setup to clean the massive mixing bowls without the need for manual dishwashing. This method ensures that clean equipment is always ready for use, enhancing hygiene and productivity.

Conclusion

The process of commercial bread baking is multifaceted and requires a wide range of specialized equipment and tools. From mixers and rolling machines to dough cutters and slicing machines, each piece of equipment plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and efficiency of the baking process. Understanding and utilizing this equipment can significantly enhance the overall operation of a commercial bakery.