Supplies are a big part of any bakery’s budget and operations. Establishing reliable relationships with supply companies can help your bakery manage inventory consistency and cut costs.
Stock up on the pantry staples to keep your bakery well stocked. These items include: flour, leavening, sugar, and spices. Kitchen scales are another essential tool for accurate measurements.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
If you’re a beginner baker or cook, having the right measuring cups and spoons is essential for making sure your recipes turn out correctly. In the past, home cooks often used what they already had on hand to measure ingredients, but that can lead to inaccuracies — especially with wet or sticky items. Today, there are measuring cup sets available that make it easier to get exact measurements.
A good set will include both dry measuring cups and liquid measuring cups, as well as matching measuring spoons. The capacity for each measurement should be clearly marked on the cups and spoons, so that even someone new to baking can see what they are looking for. They should also be made from premium materials that will hold up over time.
The best-made measuring cups are typically made of stainless steel or high-quality plastic that is BPA-free and dishwasher safe. They should have wide, sturdy handles that can be comfortably gripped, and they should feel solid enough to handle the rigors of everyday use.
Some measuring cup sets also have other useful features, such as a jug-style spout for pouring liquids, or a flat top that can be rested on the edge of a bowl to level ingredients. They can be stacked for storage, and some models have magnetic handles that help them stay together in the drawer.
It’s important to separate your measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients. Liquid measuring cups are designed with pouring spouts to make it easy to transfer liquids from cup to pan, while dry measuring cups have straight edges for ease of scooping and leveling.
It’s also a good idea to have a quality digital scale on hand, for weighing wet or sticky ingredients that may not fit easily into your measuring cups. And remember to use metric measurements (grams) when cooking and baking, rather than standard American ounces, which can be misleading since the two have different measurements of volume.
Baking Sheets & Pans
Whether you’re building a bakeware collection from scratch or replacing items that have seen better days, it’s important to know exactly what you need. Buying the right pans and sheets can save space in your cupboard and make your recipes more enjoyable to work with (especially since baking sheet performance can vary by material).
While it might sound obvious, a solid rimmed baking sheet is one of the most versatile tools you’ll ever own. These flat pans come in a variety of standardized sizes—quarter sheet (18″x13″), half sheet (20″x13″) and full industrial-sized sheets that are too large for most standard kitchen ovens (referred to as a “full sheet”)—and can be used for anything from baking cookies and pastries to roasting vegetables and making pizzas.
Cookie sheets are similar to baking sheets, but have minimal edges for sliding baked goods off the pan without breaking them. They’re also designed with a shallow lip that helps prevent liquids and grease from escaping as the treats cook, says Cristie Besu, CEO of Eat Me Guilt Free, a line of high-protein brownies.
Another great option is a baking sheet with a nonstick coating. These are typically made from aluminum and feature a durable, hard-wearing surface that makes it easy to remove sticky or burnt foods. However, some nonstick coatings can be a health concern if they contain polytetrafluoroethylene, which falls under the umbrella term of per- and polyfluorinated substances. Look for a coating that’s free of PTFE to avoid releasing toxins into your food.
Other types of flat baking pans include square and rectangular options that can be used for casseroles, lasagnas and more. Some of these pans also have a recessed bottom, which can help promote even cooking and browning.
Other important factors to consider when purchasing a flat baking pan are its material and color. Aluminum is a popular choice for baking sheets, thanks to its lightweight nature and ability to distribute heat evenly. However, it may rust in humid climates or if you place it near other metal objects. Consider a stainless steel or anodized aluminum option instead. Both can withstand humidity and other environmental factors, while offering the same excellent cooking performance you’d get with an aluminum option.
Baking Accessories & Tools
Bakery supplies like spatulas, scrapers and rolling pins are all important tools that help make the baking process quicker, easier and more precise. For example, bakers rely on a rolling pin to roll out pie dough and cookies to an even thickness. A good quality rolling pin can be made of wood, marble or metal, and may have straight, tapered or rounded ends. It’s important to keep a rolling pin dry and not to soak it in water because this can damage the surface.
Another essential tool for a baker is a mixing bowl. Typically, they are available in several sizes to accommodate the needs of various recipes. Stainless steel mixing bowls are durable and dishwasher safe. They are also easy to clean and heat-resistant. Glass mixing bowls are another option. They are available with and without handles and can be clear or colored. Some come with a handle lock to keep the lid securely in place while mixing, and are oven safe up to 500F.
Measuring cups and spoons are a must when baking because accurate proportions are key to producing consistently great cakes, cookies and pastries. There are many types of measuring tools, including digital and manual scales. The digital variety is preferred because it can measure ingredients to the nearest gram or two, which is more precise than using a traditional scale.
Other important tools for a baker include a hand mixer and a food processor. These help produce a smooth and creamy batter for cakes, cookies and bread. They also help with chopping and mincing ingredients like citrus peels, garlic and hard spices. A hand mixer is especially useful for kneading bread dough.
A wire rack is a must for letting baked goods cool. While generations before piled their goodies on windowsills to both speed cooling and tempt passersby, modern bakers prefer to use a wire rack because it allows air to circulate around the items and prevent sogginess or overcooking.
Other kitchen equipment that is a must for a bakery includes pastry bags and piping tips. These are the tools for creating gorgeous and professional looking cakes, cupcakes and other baked goods. They are available in a wide range of shapes from simple circles and stars to intricate cars or dinosaurs.
Baking Supplies
For many people, baking is more than just a hobby or a way to make money – it’s a way of life. If you’re a baker, knowing the right supplies can help you make better, more consistent products. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for a while, finding reliable suppliers for your bakery supplies is key to managing inventory consistency and budgeting.
Bakery supplies and bakery equipment are different things, but both are important to running a bakery. Supplies are the temporary or fragile small wares that you need to operate your bakery, such as storage containers, parchment paper, and cupcake liners. These items will need to be replaced often, so it’s important to plan ahead and budget for them accordingly. Bakery equipment is the larger, more durable tools that you use to produce your baked goods, such as ovens, proofers, and coolers. These tools will likely need to be replaced less frequently, but it’s still a good idea to budget for them on a regular basis so that you can keep your inventory steady and maintain food safety standards.
Keeping your pantry stocked with the basic essentials is important, and there are lots of great places to shop for those items online. While some of these retailers may not have the same selection as a baking supply store, they can be a helpful resource when you need to restock quickly.
