What Is Artisan Baking?
Artisan baking is more than just making bread—it’s about tradition, craftsmanship, and high-quality ingredients.
Unlike mass-produced bread, artisan baking involves time-honoured techniques, skilled hands, and specialised artisan bakery equipment to create authentic, flavourful baked goods. Whether you’re an aspiring artisan baker or looking to improve your artisan bakery, understanding the fundamentals of artisan baking can take your skills to the next level.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about artisan baking, from its definition and methods to the essential equipment needed to perfect your craft.
Artisan baking refers to the traditional practice of baking bread and pastries using high-quality ingredients, natural fermentation, and handcrafted techniques. Unlike commercial bread, artisan bread is made in small batches, allowing for better control over texture, taste, and nutritional value.
Characteristics of Artisan Baking:
Made by Hand: Most artisan breads and pastries are shaped and prepared by hand by skilled bakers.
Natural Ingredients: Artisan bread uses simple, high-quality ingredients like flour, water, salt, and natural yeast.
Long Fermentation: Artisan baking allows for slow fermentation, enhancing flavour and texture.
No Additives or Preservatives: Artisan products avoid artificial ingredients, focusing on a clean label.
Artisan baking and commercial baking each bring unique strengths to the table, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
Artisan baking focuses on handcrafted techniques, resulting in bread with distinctive flavours, textures, and an inviting rustic appearance. This method emphasises quality ingredients and traditional fermentation processes, appealing to those who appreciate the artistry of bread-making.
On the other hand, commercial baking excels in efficiency and consistency, producing a wide variety of products that are accessible and convenient for everyday consumers. The scalability of commercial baking allows for a broad distribution of beloved baked goods, ensuring that everyone can enjoy tasty treats.
Both approaches contribute significantly to the culinary landscape, celebrating the joy of bread in their own special ways.
To create authentic artisan bread and pastries, artisan bakeries require specialised equipment.
Investing in the right artisan bakery equipment can enhance efficiency while preserving traditional baking methods.
The Bernardi Miss Baker Pro XL Mixer is a revolutionary benchtop mixer designed for artisan bakers who want the benefits of commercial-grade performance in a compact form.
With a five-speed operation that efficiently kneads and oxygenates doughs from 1.5kg to 8kg, this mixer upholds the highest standards of quality in artisan baking.
Its patented double-arm system features completely extractible kneading arms for easy cleaning, while a high torque efficiency induction engine is perfect for high hydration dough, accommodating moisture levels from 55% to 100%.
Available in three colours, the Bernardi Miss Baker Pro XL Mixer combines functionality and style, making it an essential tool for both aspiring and experienced bakers.
The Gemm 2 Door Retarder Prover is an essential tool for artisan bakers, designed to perfect the fermentation process and enhance flavour development.
Slow fermentation is a key component of artisan baking, and this technology allows precise control over yeast activity by regulating temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
With seamless transitions between cooling, conservation, and proving, bakers can tailor working cycles to suit different dough types for consistent, high-quality results.
Remote supervision via a cloud platform enables easy monitoring and adjustments from a PC, tablet, or smartphone, ensuring convenience and flexibility.
Built from durable stainless steel and accommodating 60x40cm trays, this unit is a reliable and efficient choice for professional bakeries.
The Venix Squero Deck Oven is a compact yet powerful solution for artisan bakers, designed to fit seamlessly into restaurants, cafés, and small bakeries.
This deck oven uses radiant heat to create crusty loaves with an open crumb, making it a favourite among artisan bakers who prefer stone decks for their superior heat retention and even distribution.
Its refractory stone base ensures consistent baking results, while adjustable top and bottom heating, mixed steam and static cooking, and a user-friendly 2.4” LCD display provide precise control.
Remote monitoring via Wi-Fi and USB connectivity allows bakers to update programs and manage settings effortlessly.
Energy-efficient and capable of reaching up to 400°C, the Venix Squero Deck Oven delivers exceptional results while optimising space and sustainability.
The Fortuna Semi-Automatic Dough Divider Rounder is renowned worldwide as the most consistent and maintenance-free bun rounder on the market.
Designed for artisan bakers, it expertly rounds dough using alternating smaller and larger movements, ensuring uniform results across a range of dough weights and types.
With a simple handle and cutting lever operation, this machine is easy to use while offering low energy consumption and effortless cleaning access. Built for durability, it features continuous automatic lubrication and includes three rounding boards for added versatility.
Made in Germany and mounted on wheels for convenience, the Fortuna Semi-Automatic is the ultimate choice for bakers seeking precision, reliability, and efficiency.
1. Sourdough Bread
Made with wild yeast and natural fermentation, sourdough has a tangy flavor and chewy texture.
2. Baguette
A classic French bread with a crisp crust and airy interior.
3. Ciabatta
An Italian bread with a high hydration level, open crumb, and rustic shape.
4. Focaccia
A flat, oven-baked Italian bread often topped with olive oil, herbs, and sea salt.
5. Brioche & Panettone
Rich, buttery, and slightly sweet, these are considered enriched artisan breads.
What makes bread artisan?
Artisan bread is made with high-quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and long fermentation processes. It typically does not contain artificial additives or preservatives.
Is artisan bread healthier than regular bread?
Artisan bread is often more nutritious due to natural fermentation, which helps break down gluten and enhance the bioavailability of nutrients.
What equipment do I need for an artisan bakery?
Essential artisan equipment includes dough mixers, retarder provers, deck ovens, as well as other equipment that can be used to increase efficiency such as a rack oven, water chiller and display cases.
Does artisan baking require special skills?
Successful artisan bakers need to master dough handling, fermentation, shaping techniques, and oven management.
Who is Vanrooy Machinery?
Vanrooy Machinery is a leading supplier of artisan bakery equipment in Australia, providing high-quality solutions for artisan bakeries, patisseries, and food manufacturers.
What types of equipment does Vanrooy Machinery offer?
We supply a wide range of bakery equipment including, but not limited to: dough mixers, retarder provers, deck ovens, rack ovens, water chillers and display cases.
Can Vanrooy Machinery help set up my Australian artisan bakery?
Absolutely! We provide expert advice, customised equipment solutions, and installation services to help you establish or upgrade your bakery.
How do I get in touch with Vanrooy Machinery?
You can visit our website, call us, or drop by our showroom to explore our artisan bakery equipment range. Alternatively, submit an enquiry via our Contact Us page here.
Artisan baking is a rewarding craft that requires passion, skill, and the right artisan bakery equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, Vanrooy Machinery has the tools and expertise to help you succeed.
For more information, explore our range of artisan equipment and get in touch with our team today!
All images are courtesy of Unsplash.
