Proofing Cabinets

Proofing Cabinets: What You Need to Know

Whether your operation serves bagels during the morning rush, makes dozens of loaves for sandwiches throughout the day, or depends on the perfect pizza crust to stand out from the competition, a commercial proofer will help you get the most out of your dough. These electric units are available in configurations ranging from undercounter proofers to high-volume full-size designs, so you're sure to find the right commercial dough proofer for your restaurant, bakery, hotel, or commissary.

Common Questions About Proofing Cabinets

What is a commercial proofer?

A commercial proofer is a heated cabinet capable of holding dough at a precise temperature with specific humidity levels, allowing dough to rise in an optimal environment. Built to withstand constant use in busy kitchens, proofing cabinets may have aluminum or stainless steel on both the interior and exterior. In high-volume kitchens, a unit with a stainless steel exterior may be the better option, while an aluminum interior may provide better heat conduction. An insulated proofing cabinet will likely be more expensive but will transfer less heat into the surrounding kitchen and guarantees the exterior won't become hot enough to burn chefs who accidentally bump into it.

You'll find two main designs: reach-in cabinets, which have doors on one side of the unit, and pass-thru cabinets, which can be accessed from two sides. Commercial proofing cabinets are also available with several options for shelving type and door style and size, including Dutch and full doors that are solid or glass for increased visibility. Shelves may be slanted to make viewing products easier and constructed from wire to provide better heat circulation throughout the cabinet. They can be fixed or universal to enable operators to customize the cabinet's storage capabilities.

What is a proofing cabinet used for?

Commercial proofers are used in foodservice operations that serve freshly baked bread to proof dough for everything from croissants and bagels to whole loaves and pizza crusts. Some models have multiple operating modes that enable them to also be utilized as a heated holding cabinet; however, commercial bread proofers are not capable of baking bread and should not be used in place of an oven.

How hot do proofing cabinets get?

The exact temperature range will vary depending on the model you buy, but they generally operate between 80 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Insulated proofing cabinets and those without insulation operate within the same temperature range, but the insulated units will feel cooler to the touch.

What size proofing cabinet do I need?

Proofing cabinets are available in several sizes to ensure operators can purchase one that fits into their kitchen layout while meeting their output requirements. These units are available in full, three-quarter, and half sizes, with pan capacities ranging from four in the smallest designs to more than 30 in a full-size model. If you have the space, a full-size commercial proofer will give you the most for your money by providing maximum holding and proofing capacity. However, the smallest cabinet available, an undercounter proofer, provides limited-space operations with a compact option that can still accommodate as many as 10 pans.