Bakery Proof Boxes
The Henry Group provides bakery and dough proof boxes for manual production, which can be useful for smaller bakeries and plants as well as certain product lines, such as pastries. We supply both manual proof boxes as well as rack retarders and can help you decide which equipment will bring the most efficient results for you.
Manual Proof Boxes
Manual Proof Boxes are usually for lower production rate plants that are not ready to fully automate or plants with many small production run items. These bakery proof boxes can offer product flexibility but will lack the product consistency of throughput as seen in an automated system. Monorail systems are also available for our manual dough proof boxes for improved efficiency. THG provides two versions of manual proofers in a 2" or 4" panel design. We fabricate and supply monorail or caster stainless proofer racks.
Rack Retarders
Rack Retarders lend themselves well to certain specialized products and processes. Bagel lines require long time periods for retarding and proofing. The slow-moving rack system is a natural for these applications. A continuous flow of dedicated pan/carrier is necessary for this equipment. Works well in a fully automated line but can also be used with manual loading and/or unloading.
Proof Box Construction
Manual proof boxes are walk-in, conditioned enclosures. Caster racks are rolled into lanes across the width and depth of the box, and doors can be placed on both ends.
- Stainless steel structural angles, channels and tubing
- Stainless steel wall and ceiling panels, inside and out, with 4-inch urethane insulation and stainless camlocks
- Reinforced 304 stainless steel doors with stainless hinges, handles, bumpers and ball-detent latches
- Stainless steel ductwork, with a roof access ladder and aluminum walkways on the roof
Heat and Humidity
A roof-mounted conditioning unit circulates the proofer air. The air first passes through a grill that removes airborne water droplets. A copper steam coil provides heat, and direct steam injection maintains humidity. One recent proof box was designed to hold up to 110°F dry bulb and 100°F wet bulb in an 80°F bakery.
Common questions
Should we choose a manual proof box or a rack retarder?
Manual proof boxes suit lower production rates and plants with many small runs, where product flexibility matters more than automated throughput. Rack retarders use a slow-moving rack system for products that need long retarding and proofing times, such as bagels.
What panel thicknesses are available?
THG provides manual proofers in a 2-inch or 4-inch panel design.
How are heat and humidity produced?
A roof-mounted conditioning unit heats the air with a copper steam coil and humidifies it by direct steam injection. The air passes through a droplet-removing grill first.
Are racks included?
THG fabricates and supplies monorail or caster stainless proofer racks.
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