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.

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.