Donut Proofer

What is a donut proofer & how is it different than a bread proofer or heating cabinet?

A donut proofer is a critical component in any operation making donuts, a donut proofer is specifically designed to provide the baker with the perfect environment to achieve the best donuts possible. Proofing is the final step in making dough before baking or frying, when you allow the dough to rise via the fermentation of yeast.

How does a proofer work? Dough rises best in warm and humid environments, a commercial proofer cabinet will allow you to set the perfect temperature and humidity levels to get consistent, repeatable results. A bread proofer will typically not have as precise of humidity monitoring as a donut proofer. Donuts require a high level of moisture (70% in most cases) Bread typically requires warmth but lower humidity. Low temp heating cabinets will work fine for bread but will create inconsistency with donuts. 

Yeast cells die at 140 degrees Fahrenheit and grow significantly less at temperatures under 68 degrees Fahrenheit. So while the ideal proofing temperature will vary from item to item, a commercial dough proofer or bread proofing cabinet will typically allow you to adjust the temperature from 70-115 degrees Fahrenheit. Proofing inside a room that is at 70 degrees will cause slow fermentation and dead yeast cells, resulting in a low rise and crust on the outside of the donut.