March 3, 2020 - 12:49am
Best fridge retarder for bagels
Hi!
We're in the process of kitting out a very small (3x3m) space into a micro bagel bakery and sandwich prep shop.
We currently use a curry's stand up fridge with wooden boards to retard in but the temperature variance between front/back and top/bottom is wild and leaves some bagels over proved, some under on any given day.
We can fit 240 bagels in that fridge with 15 trays that fit 16 bagels each (46x36cm) but would like to be able to double production capacity with one (larger) fridge and willing to spend some money to get what we need.
Most importantly we're looking for a fridge that has steady temperature control throughout and space for lots of trays!
Does anyone know of any good consumer or professional ones that would do this?
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have you tried a fan to circulate the air inside your retarder. I use a relatively small fan nad think it does a good job evening out the temps.
where do you position it? top/bottom/middle? also how do you deal with the power cord?
My retarder is a compact upright freezer that is set with a digital Johnson controller. A simple 12 volt computer fan placed on the bottom of the unit, pointed upwards blows enough to circulate the air. I just close the cord in the door. The gasket keep the cold air sealed inside.
Anything that will circulate the air gently will do. Doesn’t take much.
Thanks! have ordered a little usb powered guy and will give that a shot!
Great, please let us know how it works for you.
I like to place glasses of water in the retarder at various locations and check them after they’ve been in for a few hours. I find this method the most accurate.
I built my retarder in much the same fashion as Maurizio built his. I used a freezer instead of a refrigerator with a digital Johnson Controller.
Thought you might be interested.
https://www.theperfectloaf.com/build-your-own-dough-retarder/
If you have questions don’t hesitate to get back to me.
Ha - yes this is the method I used originally. I use an inkbird (equivalent to johnson here in the uk) thermostat and use a fridge over freezer purely because it's the only one with the cavity and tray supports that I could find. I used to use a small freezer rigged the same way - I don't find a huge difference in performance difference despite the variation in temp (which I used to have with the freezer anyway).
Will def let you know how it works! the water glasses seem smart, I shall copy you on that one too!
Here is a link to a Thermal Data log that is running right now. The data is in real time. You’ll notice the up-down spikes of the on/off of the controller, but also notice the constant temp (50F) of the glass of water. Target goal is 50F.
Mon Mar 2 Session
https://share.fireboard.io/80C83
If you play with the log, you’ll see that it is interactive. Zoom, Time, Data, etc..
I’ve used the InkBird in the past, but I can say the Johnson Controller is a better unit. It is actually used by HVAC guys for things like walk-in coolers.
There are many variations of the Johnson Controller, but this one seemed best for the retarder.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074DBMG7D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1