Why Use a Countertop Dough Sheeter

How do you set up a dough sheeter? A dough sheeter is a cinch to set up, provided that you follow the user manual that comes with it after purchase. Generally speaking, different models have similar installation and operation processes. 

Investing in a top-quality tabletop dough sheeter is practical as it makes your task simpler and faster. It works by making it effortless for you to roll out the dough into sheets. It cuts out the dough using cookie cutters to create unique and customized treats more efficiently.

Would you like to explore why a dough sheeter is a practical investment? Let’s find out by going over the rest of this post.

What is a Dough Roller?


A dough roller is a piece of industrial equipment mainly used to make the dough in large quantities in no time. 

Rademaker BV is regarded as one of the first dough sheeting technology specialists in 1977. The earliest products produced using dough sheeting technology were puff pastry and croissants. 

At present, the bakery industry pictures an advancement consisting of pizza, flatbread, and bread production using dough sheeters. 

A dough sheeter is convenient and functional for bakeries and diners who need to cater to bulk orders, such as pizza, pasta, and pastries.

Commonly consisting of a single roller set, a dough roller requires bakers to continue feeding the dough using the identical roller to produce a sleeker sheet.

It’s worth noting that a dough roller is not suitable for preparing dough that you will roll into crackers, cookies, and other baked goods.

Dough rollers are probably less expensive than dough sheeters because they are not suitable for performing complex functions.
 

How Does a Dough Sheeter Work?


The best thing about a dough sheeter is that it can perform a few vital functions beneficial for people working in industrial bakeries and the food industry. It doesn’t require using other special tools but a rolling pin and flat surface. 

This machine can transform separate batches of dough into a continuous sheet. Not to mention, it can laminate the layers together without using pocket proofers and dividers.

A dough sheeter features two primary components: the frame and the roller assembly. The frame keeps all the parts together and provides a solid fulcrum for the rollers.

On the other hand, the roller assembly features three rollers that work by rotating around an axis. A mesh screen encloses one side of each roller.

When you turn the rollers, the dough passes between these rollers and gets pressed against the mesh screen. The purpose of the mesh screen is to prevent the dough from adhering to the rollers.

You can buy a dough sheeting machine as a component of a complete baking system or buy it separately. If you purchase a stand mixer rather than a hand-held electric mixer, you can quickly and conveniently mix your ingredients.

Meanwhile, if you buy the machine separately, you’ll need to prepare your equipment when mixing the dough.

How do you set up a dough sheeter?


Here are the step-by-step guides when setting up your dough sheeter

  • In a stable temperature environment, ensure that you set up your machine on a dry and flat surface.
  • To lock the dough sheeter, you’ll need to press down the pedals of the active wheels.
  • Carefully follow the guides on the plate of the electrical cabinet to have the power supply connected.
  • You should set up the breaker for the power supply on the wall at 1.7m height from the floor. (Note: Check the manual instructions as the dimension might differ depending on the model.)
  • Pull the conveyor straight, put down the table and both safety guards.
  • Observe the movement of the conveyors. Press the left-hand side pedal, and move the conveyors left.
  • Then, press the right-hand side pedal, and move the conveyors right.
  • If you notice that the movement goes in the wrong direction, consider altering the two wires of the power supply and examine the dough sheeter again.
  • Lastly, make sure that the power cord is grounded. Ensure that the electrical requirements of the dough sheeter correspond with the power supply before using it.
  • On the other hand, here are a few essential notes when operating a dough sheeter:
  • Set up the thickness handle to the furthest left position. Avoid putting your hands near or in the safety guard.
  • To ensure your safety and avoid accidents and injuries, turn off the power when cleaning, and disconnect the power mains.
  • Switch off the power switch, and lift the safety guards after using the machine.

How to use a tabletop dough sheeter for cutting cookies?


Here are the detailed guides when cutting cookies using a dough sheeter:

Select your cookie cutter.
Many people think that all cutters come pre-cut; however, you can select from several shapes. Some cutters are mainly designed for cutouts, while other types of cutters are ideal for forming unique shapes, such as stars and hearts.

It’s best to choose simple cutters if you’re uncertain what type of cookie cutter you prefer. For instance, get a heart cutter if you want to make Valentine’s treats or cookies.

Prepare the dough.
It would be best to prepare the dough as per the recipe instructions before you begin. Producing the right consistency would be possible only if you followed the instructions precisely.

Remember that it’s vital to add the dry ingredients first before adding the wet ingredients. This method is especially critical when you’re using a mix.

Roll the dough.
Roll the dough onto the tabletop the moment you prepare it. Begin with the middle point of the dough and gradually shift towards the edges.

Carefully turn the dough over to prevent it from adhering to the table when you reach the edges. Do this method continuously until you attain a long strip of dough.

Press down the dough firmly.
This stage is fun-filled because it’s a stress reliever for many. To start, you need to press down tightly on the dough.

You might find this part slightly messy, but cleaning up after the task is done is a breeze. 

Roll the cylinder.
Rolling the cylinder surrounding its axis after each pass can ensure that you attain the right amount of thickness. 

This method is advantageous in spreading the dough evenly across the entire flat surface. 

Take out the dough.
It’s time to take the dough from the tabletop once you have attained the right thickness.
Put the dough on parchment paper and carefully take off the excess dough.

Place the dough in a freezer.
After rolling out the dough, please put it in the freezer for roughly ten minutes. Please note that this method is optional.
This method is ideal for hardening the dough lightly and giving it a good texture.

Shape the cookies.
You can now take the dough out from the freezer and allow it to sit for five minutes. Then, you may start forming the cookies.
This time, it’s essential to have a dough sheet in which you can cut any size and shape you want.

Cut the cookies.
Fortunately, this step is a cinch to do, and you only need to pick up one surface of the dough and cut it up.

Bake the cookies.
This step largely relies on the type of cookie you’re baking. In general, the baking time for most cookies is approximately fifteen to twenty minutes.

Cooling period
The time it takes to cool a cookie depends on the type of cookie. Interestingly, the cookie turns out crispier the longer it cools.

Dough Roller vs. Dough Sheeter


Nowadays, you can come across many distinct kinds of dough sheeting machines. Some models feature a single set of the roller; on the other hand, some versions come with two sets.

Most shoppers choose a single-roller version since it’s more straightforward to clean and maintain. Nonetheless, a dough sheeter with two sets of rollers is ideal if you intend to bake in
bulk quantities.

For instance, if you need to bake a hundred loaves of apple bread quickly, a dough sheeter with two rollers will work efficiently. Meanwhile, a dough sheeter with a single roller will work fine if you only plan to make a few pizzas.

Essentially, the dough sheeter is purposely made to make dough for bread, pizza, and other baked goods. While it’s not exactly similar to a stand mixer or a Kitchenaid mixer, it can also execute some of these machines’ tasks.

What makes a dough sheeter different is that it features two rollers that allow bakers to make more dough instantaneously.

A dough sheeter is designed with three attachments, and these include:
 

  • a roller attachment that kneads the dough
  • a paddle attachment that mixes the ingredients
  • a scraper attachment that removes any excess flour from the edges of the bowl

FAQ

How long does it take to make dough in a dough sheeter?

A typical dough sheeter produces about 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg) of dough per hour. That means you can expect to get about 6 pounds (2.7 kg) of finished product after 12 hours of operation. Depending on the recipe, you can expect to get anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds (2.3 to 6.8 kg) of dough from a dough sheeter.

What should I look for when buying a dough sheeter?


When picking a dough sheeter, the most critical factor is the suitable model for your requirements. Which one is more appropriate for your production, a dough sheeter with a single or double roller?

A dough sheeter with a single roller is cheaper; nonetheless, this version does not allow you to produce more dough instantaneously. Hence, if you want to produce multiple doughs immediately, a version featuring a double roller is better.

Dough sheeters with double-rollers are more expensive, but they are versatile and multipurpose. It’s critical to know the quantity of dough you want to make to pick the correct size based on the number of rolls you need.

By considering this factor, it’ll be easier for you to manage a variety of dough recipes without worrying about running out of rolls. Please note that larger rolls double the time required to roll the dough through a machine.

Maintenance & Accessories

Also Read: Top-7-Must-Know-Maintenance-Tips-For-Commercial-Dough-Sheeter-Machine

Maintenance

A dough sheeter calls for regular cleaning to extend its longevity and usefulness like other kitchen appliances. Fortunately, most models these days are a breeze to clean and maintain.

Apart from a regular cleaning schedule, it’s necessary to check your dough sheeter regularly for any irregularities.

However, if you observe any unpleasant sound or damage on your dough sheeter, it’s better to let a licensed technician do the job.

Accessories

Dough Sheeter Belts

Depending on your application, Teflon, nylon, cotton, rubber, and natural fabric are used for dough sheeter belts. You may also go for custom or specialty belts for different items you want to produce.

You can connect some belts with stainless steel clipper lacing or glue. Please note that it’s essential to be insightful about the ins and outs of your dough sheeter.

Dough Sheeter Scrapers

The scrapers work by keeping the roller neat as the dough passes through. Scrapers are made using different materials, such as stainless steel, blue steel, or plastic

Rollers

Rollers are a bit pricey, so it’s critical to safeguard them by replacing the scrapers.

On the other hand, some of the accessories or components you need to look after are the sprockets, chains, and other moving components. 

These accessories typically require regular cleaning and lubrication to prevent breakdown.

The Bottom Line


Did you find our post about “how do you set up a dough sheeter” informative?

Ultimately, whether you’re looking to purchase a suitable dough sheeter for your residential or commercial kitchen, you need to refer to essential buying guides. 

It’s also equally important to carefully follow the installation and operation procedures to ensure that your machine works efficiently and correctly.

Nowadays, several options are available, ranging from upright versions and countertop models. These models usually vary in size, usage, or production.

The good news is that you can finish your task efficiently and successfully so long as you find the right dough sheeter for your production.

Having the right dough sheeter model can ensure more productivity, increase your output, and enjoy a higher investment return.