Opening a donut shop means buying a lot of equipment you’ve probably never shopped for before. Fryers, proofers, depositors, glazers—the list gets long fast, and the wrong purchase can set you back thousands of dollars.
This guide breaks down every piece of equipment you’ll need, from the production line to the front counter, plus what to look for when you’re ready to buy.
What equipment do you need to open a donut shop
Opening a donut shop requires equipment across five main categories: production equipment for making donuts (fryers, mixers, proofers, glazers), kitchen prep tools (work surfaces, refrigeration, sinks), front-of-house items (display cases, coffee brewers, POS systems), safety gear (fire suppression, ventilation, first aid), and technology (scheduling software, security cameras). What you actually buy depends on your production volume, your menu, and whether you’re making yeast donuts, cake donuts, or both.
A lot of your budget will go toward back-of-house production equipment. But the customer-facing items matter just as much. Your display case and coffee setup directly impact how much your donut shop will make each day.
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Commercial donut-making equipment
The production line is where your donuts actually get made. Everything else supports it.
Commercial donut fryer
The fryer is the heart of any donut shop. You have two main options.
Open-kettle fryers are manual and lower-cost. You flip donuts by hand, which gives you control but limits how many you can produce per hour. For a small shop doing a few hundred donuts a day, an open kettle works fine.
Conveyor fryers automate the process. Donuts travel through the oil on a belt, flipping automatically. The upfront cost is higher, but conveyor fryers handle higher volume with consistent results. If you’re planning to wholesale to coffee shops or scale up quickly, a conveyor fryer is worth considering.
Commercial dough mixer
Donut dough, especially yeast dough, is tough and low-hydration. A standard mixer won’t cut it.
- Spiral mixers: Built for large batches of bread-like dough. Powerful and efficient.
- Planetary mixers: More versatile. They handle dough, batters, and icings, which is useful if your menu includes filled donuts or specialty items.
Bowl capacity determines your batch size. A 20-quart mixer produces far fewer donuts per batch than a 60-quart.
Proofing cabinet
Proofing is the step where yeast dough rises in a controlled environment before frying. A proofing cabinet (or proofer) maintains consistent temperature and humidity, which is critical for light, airy yeast donuts.
Cake donuts skip proofing entirely. They use baking powder or baking soda as a leavener and go straight into the fryer.
Donut glazer and icing table
After frying, donuts move to the finishing station.
High-volume shops often use a waterfall glazer, which coats dozens of donuts at once as they pass underneath a curtain of glaze. Smaller operations can get by with manual dipping in a glazing pan.
An icing table is a stainless steel workspace for decorating, adding toppings, and finishing. It’s where your donuts go from plain to display-ready.
Donut cutter and depositor
Cutters and depositors shape your donuts before they hit the fryer.
Cutters stamp shapes from rolled-out yeast dough. Depositors dispense a set amount of cake batter directly into the fryer, creating the classic ring shape. If you’re making both types of donuts, you’ll likely want both tools.
Baking racks and sheet pans
Racks and sheet pans are the workhorses of the kitchen. You’ll use them for proofing, cooling, glazing, and storage.
Buy more than you think you’ll use. Running out of rack space during a Saturday morning rush is a problem you don’t want.
Food prep and kitchen equipment
Beyond the donut-specific gear, you’ll need the supporting infrastructure that every food business requires.
Food prep tables and work surfaces
Stainless steel is the standard for food prep tables. It’s durable, easy to clean, and meets health code requirements. Measure your space before ordering, because tables that look reasonable in a catalog can overwhelm a small kitchen. Consider creating a detailed floor plan to optimize your workspace.
Commercial refrigerators and freezers
You’ll need refrigeration for dairy, eggs, and prepared fillings.
- Walk-in units: Best for high-volume storage
- Reach-in units: Good for easy access on the prep line
Freezers can store bulk items, some toppings, and even un-proofed dough if you want to prep ahead.
Dry storage and shelving
NSF-approved wire shelving is standard for storing flour, sugar, sprinkles, and other dry goods, especially when buying ingredients in bulk to reduce costs. Health codes require all food items to be stored off the floor, typically at least six inches.
Three-compartment sink and handwashing station
Most health departments require two separate sink setups. A three-compartment sink handles the wash-rinse-sanitize process for dishes and equipment. A separate handwashing station is for staff hygiene.
Check your local health department requirements before finalizing your kitchen layout. Requirements vary by location.
Ventilation and hood systems
Commercial fryers produce grease-laden vapor and heat. A proper ventilation system isn’t optional; it’s almost always required by fire and building codes.
Consult your local fire marshal early in the planning process. Hood requirements vary by location and equipment type.
Front of house and display equipment
The customer-facing side of your operation directly impacts sales and service speed.
Donut display cases
Display cases showcase your products and keep them fresh. Options range from countertop cases for small spaces to large floor-standing units.
You may want both dry cases (for standard donuts) and refrigerated cases (for cream-filled or custard items).
Coffee brewing equipment
Coffee is a major revenue driver for most donut shops. At minimum, you’ll want:
- Commercial coffee brewer
- Insulated airpots to keep coffee hot
- Cream and sugar station supplies
If you’re planning to offer espresso drinks, budget for an espresso machine and grinder.
Service counter and checkout area
Your service counter is where customers interact with your staff. It needs space for taking orders, bagging products, and handling transactions.
Packaging and to-go supplies
Don’t forget the basics: donut boxes (various sizes), bags for single items, napkins and tissue paper, coffee cups and lids, and carrier trays.
Safety and sanitation equipment
Safety equipment protects your staff, customers, and business while meeting code requirements.
Fire suppression system
Deep frying carries inherent fire risk. A commercial fire suppression system is required by fire codes and insurance companies. It has to be professionally installed and regularly inspected.
First aid and safety supplies
A well-stocked first aid kit is a given. Include plenty of burn cream, because fryer burns are common. You’ll also want a Class K fire extinguisher (specifically for grease fires) and wet floor signs.
Cleaning equipment and supplies
Daily cleaning requires mops, sanitizer buckets, food-safe chemicals, and fryer cleaning supplies. A fryer oil filtration system extends the life of your cooking oil, saving money over time.
Technology and POS systems for your donut shop
Modern donut shops need technology beyond production equipment.
Point of sale system
A POS system handles transactions, tracks sales, and manages inventory. Look for bakery-friendly features like quick-select menus with images. Integration capabilities matter too, because connecting your POS to accounting or scheduling software saves time.
Kitchen display system
A kitchen display system (KDS) shows incoming orders to back-of-house staff. It’s useful for shops handling custom orders or high volume. Simple grab-and-go operations may not need one.
Employee scheduling software
As your team grows, scheduling tools help manage shifts, track hours, and handle time-off requests. Platforms like 7shifts are built specifically for food service and connect scheduling with time tracking and team communication, which is helpful when you’re juggling early morning bakers and daytime counter staff.
Security cameras and systems
Cameras monitor cash handling areas and provide after-hours security. Many modern POS systems integrate with camera footage, linking transactions to specific video clips.
How much does donut shop equipment cost
Equipment costs vary widely based on several factors, and understanding total donut shop startup costs helps with budgeting:
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| New vs. used | Used equipment offers significant upfront savings |
| Production capacity | Larger machines cost more |
| Brand and features | Premium brands carry premium prices |
| Local market | Prices vary by region |
The fryer and mixer are typically your largest single investments. Get quotes from multiple suppliers before committing. If the budget is tight, prioritize the essentials and phase in secondary items over time, or explore restaurant financing options to secure the capital you need.
What to consider before buying equipment
Smart purchasing decisions upfront save headaches later.
1. Measure your space first
Equipment spec sheets don’t account for ventilation clearance, workflow space, or cleaning access. Measure twice, including doorways and hallways for delivery.
2. Prioritize quality for high-use equipment
Your fryer and mixer run constantly. Invest in reliable models from reputable brands. For lower-use items like storage racks, budget-friendly options work fine.
3. Plan your kitchen workflow
Production flows logically: mixing → proofing → frying → glazing → display. When designing your kitchen floor plan, sketch your layout before purchasing to ensure everything fits and flows correctly.
4. Factor in cleaning and maintenance
Before buying, ask about cleaning processes, maintenance requirements, and spare parts availability.
5. Check energy efficiency ratings
Commercial fryers and refrigeration run for hours daily. Energy-efficient models reduce ongoing utility costs. Look for Energy Star ratings where available.
Where to buy donut shop equipment
Restaurant equipment dealers
Local dealers let you see equipment in person and often provide delivery, installation, and service. They’re valuable for major purchases and long-term service relationships.
Online suppliers
Online retailers offer a broader selection and easy price comparison. They work well for smallwares and supplies. Factor in shipping costs for large items.
Used equipment sources
Restaurant auctions, liquidation sales, and online classifieds offer used equipment at lower prices. Inspect in person whenever possible.
New vs. used equipment
| Factor | New | Used |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Warranty | Included | Rarely available |
| Reliability | Predictable | Variable |
| Latest features | Yes | May be outdated |
| Availability | Order what you want | Limited selection |
New equipment makes sense for critical, high-use items like your fryer and mixer. Used equipment works well for stainless steel tables, racks, and smallwares.
Get your donut shop ready to open
Equipment is a major step, but it’s one piece of the puzzle. You’ll also hire and train staff, build schedules, and set up daily operations.
Once your equipment is in place and your team is hired, tools like 7shifts help manage schedules and keep your early-morning crew and daytime staff connected. Start a free trial to see how it works.
FAQs about donut shop equipment
What permits do I need to install commercial donut equipment?
Requirements vary by location but typically include health department approval, fire marshal inspection for ventilation and fire suppression, and possibly electrical permits. Check with your local health department and building inspector before purchasing.
How much electricity does a commercial donut fryer require?
Commercial fryers typically require dedicated circuits. Larger units may require three-phase power, which isn’t standard in all commercial spaces. Consult a licensed electrician before ordering.
Can I make donuts without a commercial deep fryer?
Baked donuts are an alternative, but they have a different, more cake-like texture. Most customers expect the classic fried version, so a commercial fryer remains standard equipment.
What is the most important piece of equipment for a donut shop?
The commercial fryer. It directly affects product quality, production speed, and consistency. Invest in a reliable fryer that matches your expected volume.
How often does commercial bakery equipment need service?
High-use equipment like fryers and mixers benefits from annual professional inspection, with more frequent in-house cleaning and maintenance. Follow manufacturer guidelines for specific intervals.
Rebecca Hebert, Sales Development Representative
Rebecca Hebert
Sales Development Representative
Rebecca Hebert is a former restaurant industry professional with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience leading teams in fast-paced hospitality environments. Rebecca brings that firsthand knowledge to the tech side of the industry, helping restaurants streamline their operations with purpose-built workforce management solutions. As an active contributor to expansion efforts, she’s passionate about empowering restaurateurs with tools that genuinely support their day-to-day operations.
