Proofers and retarder proofers
A proofer (proving cabinet) holds dough at a set warm temperature and high humidity so it rises evenly without drying out. A retarder proofer adds refrigeration: it holds dough chilled to slow fermentation, then switches automatically to proofing, so dough prepared the day before can be ready to bake first thing in the morning.
Choosing a dough proofer
- Capacity: proofers are sized by the number of bakery trays they hold. Match the proofer to your oven so a full batch can go straight from proofer to oven.
- Controls: look for digital temperature and humidity control and a timer. Automatic water filling keeps humidity steady without topping up by hand.
- Early starts: if you bake first thing in the morning, a retarder proofer lets staff prepare dough the day before.
- Space and mobility: check the height and footprint, and look for castors with brakes if the cabinet needs to move for cleaning. Low proofers can sit under a deck oven to save floor space.
Our range
We stock Baker Max proofers from FED: the compact MPR-6 six-tray proofer, the MPR-16 sixteen-tray upright proofer and the MPR-18 eighteen-tray retarder proofer, which runs from -5 to +60°C. All three plug into a standard 10 amp outlet. We also stock the Prismafood TP4-44, a double-door 12 tray proofer that sits under a deck oven. From Anvil we stock a 9 tray proving cabinet designed to work with Anvil convection ovens. For larger bakeries, we stock Everlasting retarder proofers made in Italy, which run from -10°C to 40°C to retard dough overnight and prove it for the morning bake: the RPE1790 for 600 x 400 trays, the RPE2790 (glass door) and RPE5790S (stainless steel door) for 406 x 720 or 600 x 400 trays, and the RPE6600 modular roll-in proofer room for 1 to 24 trolleys.
Delivery and our price-beat guarantee
We deliver Australia-wide by tailgate truck, usually within 2 to 5 business days to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide and 4 to 12 days elsewhere. Prices are shown ex GST with the GST-inclusive price alongside. Found a lower price? Send us the link under our Price-Beat Guarantee and we'll send you a one-off discount code.
Dough proofer FAQs
What temperature does a proofer run at?
Many bread doughs are proved at around 27 to 38°C with high humidity, but follow your recipe. The Baker Max proofers adjust up to 60°C and from 45 to 99% relative humidity.
Are bakery trays included?
No, trays are sold separately. The Baker Max models take standard 600 x 400 mm bakery trays.