What Bakery Shop Equipment Should I Buy First?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
Starting a bakery shop is an exciting venture, but before you can serve up fresh bread, pastries, donuts, and desserts, you need the right equipment. Choosing the right bakery equipment from the start can help you operate efficiently, maintain product quality, and stay profitable.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping bakery shop owners protect their businesses with tailored bakery shop insurance. Whether you're opening a storefront or expanding your operations, understanding your equipment needs is essential—and so is protecting your investment.
Essential Bakery Shop Equipment to Buy First
Here’s a list of must-have equipment to get your bakery up and running:
1. Commercial Oven
A reliable oven is the heart of any bakery. Choose between convection ovens (great for even baking), deck ovens (ideal for artisan bread), or rack ovens (for high-volume production).
2. Mixers
You’ll need a planetary mixer for cakes, cookies, and frostings, and a spiral mixer for bread dough. These save time and ensure consistency.
3. Refrigeration Units
Invest in commercial refrigerators and freezers to store ingredients and finished products safely. Consider a proofing cabinet for dough fermentation.
4. Work Tables and Prep Stations
Stainless steel tables are durable and easy to clean. You’ll also need cutting boards, measuring tools, and mixing bowls.
5. Display Cases
Attractive display cases help showcase your baked goods and boost impulse sales. Choose refrigerated or dry cases depending on your offerings.
6. Smallwares and Bakeware
This includes baking pans, trays, cooling racks, piping bags, spatulas, and molds. These tools are essential for daily production.
7. Point-of-Sale (POS) System
A modern POS system helps manage sales, inventory, and customer orders efficiently.
Optional Equipment to Scale Later
Once your bakery is profitable, consider adding:
Dough sheeters and dividers
Donut fryers
Cake decorating machines
Espresso machines for beverage service
Protect Your Equipment with the Right Insurance
Your bakery equipment is a major investment. At Wexford Insurance, we help bakery shop owners find the right coverage to protect their business from unexpected losses. Here are the essential types of insurance to consider:
General Liability Insurance – Covers customer injuries and property damage.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Protects employees in case of workplace injuries.
Equipment Insurance – Covers damage or breakdown of ovens, mixers, and other tools.
General Auto Insurance – For delivery vehicles or catering services.
Commercial Property Insurance – Protects your storefront, kitchen, and inventory.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right bakery shop equipment is a critical step toward building a successful and profitable business. Start with the essentials, scale wisely, and protect your investment with specialized insurance coverage.
If you're starting a bakery shop and need help finding the right insurance,
Contact Wexford Insurance today. We specialize in bakery shop insurance and can help you get the protection you need to succeed.
