Rounder dough

Types of rounder dough machines

A dough rounding machine has many uses in a bakery or other larger-scale food production facilities. Some of its main functions are to round off the dough into balls and also to elongate the dough pieces into oval shapes. Both these functions are necessary primary steps in preparing dough for product shapes like croissants, rolls, etc. While some machines can do both these functions, most machines specialize in rounding the dough only.

The second function of elongating the dough is usually performed by a dough sheeter that uses rollers to flatten the dough and then elongate it into the desired shape and size. Both the machines are integral to the baking process, and purchasing either one will make it much easier to achieve uniformity when handling large quantities of dough.

Dough rounding machines can broadly be classified into two types:

• Manual dough rounders: Manual rounders or dough benches round the dough balls of various shapes and sizes. They are usually made from stainless steel with a Teflon-coated stainless steel top. Because they are rounded machines and not pressing machines, they will not degenerate the gluten in the dough, which is essential for proper fermentation and rise. Many manual rounders have a chute that the rounded dough pieces drop into, so it is more efficient than just using one's hands to round out the pieces. The chute usually aligns with the dough sheeter.
• Automatic dough rounders: Automatic rounders are much more efficient than manual rounders because they can round a much larger capacity of dough in a shorter amount of time. They usually come with multiple rows of rounded sections that form the dough into balls. Many of them are adjustable to suit the varying sizes and weights of the end products. They also come with a tray or chute to drop the rounded dough pieces into, which aligns with the sheeting machine to further process the dough into the next required shape.

Specification and maintenance of rounder dough

The main specification of a dough rounder is to show the type of dough it can round and how much of it it can process. A small capacity dough rounder can round about 30 to 40 pieces of dough per round. This is ideal for small-scale operations. Larger machines can round up to 100 pieces of dough at a time. They can handle larger production volumes. Another specification is the adjustable strip lengths. Users can adjust the machine to round dough with an adjustable strip length of up to 18 inches. This means that it can be used to round many different types of dough. The machine is able to round dough from 3.5 to 9 inches in diameter. This is ideal for businesses that need to make different sizes of dough. The machine can take different types of power input, such as electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic. Businesses can choose a power input that is compatible with their existing power supply.

Regular cleaning of a rounding machine is essential to maintain its hygiene and performance. Users should remove any remaining dough from the machine's components after use. They should also use warm water and detergent to clean the machine's surface and parts, such as rounding cups and trays. They should rinse thoroughly and wipe the parts dry. Every few months, operators should apply lubricating oil to the machine's moving parts. Lubricant oil prevents premature wear, smooth operation, and long-lasting service. If there are any parts of the machine that are adjustable, the operator can start by checking them and ensuring they are correctly set. Businesses should also train employees to ensure proper handling of the dough rounder. This will prevent accidents and equipment damage.

Usage scenarios of a rounder dough

Dough rounding machines, also known as dough rounders or dough balls, are helpful pieces of equipment used in bakeries and pizzerias. In a busy bakery, efficiency is key, and dough rounding machines help ensure consistency and speed. They can quickly round off dough portions, which is important for producing large volumes of bread or rolls. Employees can easily operate the machines, eliminating the need for skilled labor to shape the dough. This allows bakeries to train their staff quickly and maintain productivity levels.

Pizzerias and restaurants also benefit from having a dough rounding machine. It ensures the dough portions are the same, which is important when making pizzas or other dough-based dishes. Consistent-sized dough balls help maximize profit margins and reduce food costs. Rounding machines can also help reduce wastage by efficiently using the rounded dough portions. The rounded portions use up dough scraps that would otherwise be thrown away.

In addition to bakeries and pizzerias, other food production facilities can use dough rounding machines to increase efficiency and consistency in their operations. Some businesses may also consider purchasing dough rounding machines for their catering services to streamline the process of making rolls or other dough-based items for large events or gatherings.

If considering a dough rounding machine for a specific business, it's important to consider the capacity and size of the machine compared to the expected volume of rounded dough portions required. Choosing a machine that can handle the necessary output while maintaining quality and efficiency is essential.

How to Choose Rounder Doughts

• Production Demand:

  Bakers should begin by determining the quantities and frequency of rounded dough they create. For small-scale production or occasional use, a manual or semi-automatic dough rounder may be enough. However, for larger volumes or high production rates, an automatic dough rounder will likely be more efficient.

• Floor Space:

  Bakers need to consider the amount of floor space available in their bakery. Automatic and semi-automatic dough rounders require more floor space than manual ones. Ensure sufficient room before and after the machine for rounding large volumes of dough.

• Easy of Use and Training:

  Select a dough rounder easy to operate and clean. Consider how intuitive the controls are and how straightforward the rounding process is. Also, think about how much training is required to teach staff to use it properly.

• Repair and Maintenance:

  When selecting a dough rounding machine, choose a model that manufacturers support. Check that replacement parts are readily available and that local repair services are familiar with servicing the machine. This helps ensure it can be maintained properly over its lifespan.

Q&A

Q1: Can commercial dough rounders handle different types of dough?

A1: Yes, commercial dough rounders are designed to handle a wide variety of doughs, including bread dough, pizza dough, pastry dough, and more.

Q2: Are dough rounders easy to operate?

A2: Yes, most dough rounders are designed for easy operation. Typically, users place the dough in the machine, start it, and then rounded dough balls will come out.

Q3: Can dough rounders adjust the size of the dough balls?

A3: Yes, many dough rounders can adjust the size and weight of the dough balls by changing the setting or adjusting the portioning areas.

Q4: Do dough rounders require any special maintenance?

A4: Generally, dough rounders require routine cleaning and moderate maintenance to keep them in good condition. Because specific maintenance requirements may vary, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions.