Bakery & Dough Proofing Equipment

In baking terminology, proofing refers to the final rise of shaped bread before baking, which is a specific rest period in the process known as fermentation. Commercial bakeries use dough proofing equipment to maintain baking schedules and deliver consistent products. Our technology is used to control the speed and qualities of fermentation.

Full-height proofing installation and adjoining bakery equipment
Proofing systems

Bakery Proofing Systems

The Henry Group offers a complete line of bakery Proofing Systems for use in the Commercial Baking Industry. We custom design and size our technology to fit your production capacity and needs. Our bakery proofing equipment includes rack proofers, tray proofers, manual boxes, and spiral proofers. We provide proofing systems ranging from Manual Proof Boxes to Semi-Automated Proofing and Retarding Boxes and then fully automated Tray Proofing Systems. We offer a number of automated loading and unloading options and a full complement of support equipment and conveyors.

  • Proof Boxes - Caster Rack, Mono-Rail Automatic Traveling Rack
  • Final Tray Proofers - Floor Mounted And Overhead
  • Final Proofers - Pita Bread And Pizza Shells
  • Final Tunnel Proofers - Danish, Buns, Bread, etc.
  • Spiral Conveyor Proofer
  • Parts - All Replacement Parts For Existing Chubco Proofers

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. Continuous flow of dedicated pan/carrier are necessary requirements for this equipment. Works well in a fully automated line but can also be used with manual loading and/or unloading.

Proofer Loading Equipment

Proofer Loaders and Unloaders come in a variety of styles. Loaders are available in our standard pusher style configuration or as a lug style loaders to accommodate space constraints. We also provide Proofer Elevators and Lowerators for split level applications like unloading on a different floor of a multi-story building.

  • Proofer Groupers
  • Transpositor Conveyors
  • Step Feed Conveyors
  • Pusher Bar Loader
  • Lug Style Loader
  • Pin Style - Individual Pans
  • Pusher Bar Unloaders
  • Finger Belt Unloaders
  • Direct Transfer to Oven Hearth
  • Multi-Stage Transfer Belts
  • Seeding and Topping Conveyors
  • Peel Board Stackers
  • Peel Handling Conveyors
  • Overhead Proofer Elevator Loaders
  • Overhead Proofer Lowerator Unloaders/Oven Loaders
  • Proofer Rack Automated Widget Loaders
  • Retarder Rack Automated Widget Loaders

Proofing Support Equipment

Peel Board Cleaners lend themselves well to certain specialized products and processes. Bagel lines require long time periods for retarding and proofing on peel boards. The peel board cleaning system is a natural fit for these applications. Continuous flow of dedicated peels are guaranteed for automated lines and an automated cleaning system is a necessary requirement. Our inline peel board cleaning works well in a fully automated line but can also be used manually. Combined with our bakery proofing equipment, the cleaning system serves as efficient support equipment that keeps all products maintained and optimum.

Tunnel Proofers

A tunnel proofer is a linear proofing chamber with a single center-driven belt. Product proofs directly on the moving belt in warm, humidity-controlled air, and the belt speed sets the proof time. In an integrated line, the proofer speed follows the bake time selected for the oven, so dough pieces transfer between machines at matched speeds without crowding or bunching.

  • Enclosure of 4-inch insulated panels skinned in 304 stainless steel, with stainless trim and hardware
  • Removable panels and inspection windows every 8 to 10 feet along the operator side for access and sanitation
  • Packaged conditioning unit with stainless supply ductwork to both ends of the chamber, and heating elements at the infeed, center and discharge
  • Three thermocouples and three relative-humidity sensors along the chamber, with PID control of temperature and humidity
  • Variable-speed belt drive with a 10:1 range, with proof time adjustable at the operator interface
  • Recipe-based controls with trend displays and fault history
  • Imprinting rollers for products that need a pattern on top of the dough pieces
  • Supplied as a new line section or fitted over an existing conveyor
Proofer drive and chain beside the product carriers
Proofer drive and product carriers
Rows of metal product carriers inside a traveling-tray proofer
Traveling-tray proofer carriers

Common questions

What proofing equipment does THG supply?

Manual proof boxes, rack retarders, traveling-tray proofers, spiral proofers and tunnel proofers, along with proofer loaders, unloaders, elevators and lowerators, and support equipment such as peel board cleaners and conveyors.

How is proof time set on a tunnel proofer?

Belt speed sets the proof time. The variable-speed drive has a 10:1 range and is adjusted at the operator interface. When the proofer is part of a line that includes the oven, its speed is set automatically from the oven bake time.

How are temperature and humidity controlled in a tunnel proofer?

Thermocouples and relative-humidity sensors at the infeed, center and discharge feed a PLC with PID control. Set points can be stored in product recipes or entered manually, and trends are shown on the operator interface.

Can a tunnel proofer be added to an existing conveyor?

Yes. THG has fitted a proof box over an existing conveyor and its return rollers, with a new belt and a control panel matched to the plant’s existing systems.

What spare parts should be kept for a tunnel proofer?

THG recommends keeping a motor gearbox, heating elements, thermocouples, relative-humidity sensors and a belt. The drawings supplied with the proofer are numbered so parts can be identified when ordering.

Talk with THG about your equipment.

Share your product, the process and the equipment you need to connect.

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