Retarder Proofer — Refrigerate, Freeze, and Proof in One Cabinet
R&M’s GD-series retarder proofers combine refrigeration, freezing, and proofing in a single cabinet with Danfoss compressors and R404A refrigerant. Six models from 8 to 36 trays cover single-temperature (refrigerate or freeze) and dual-temperature (refrigerate + freeze) configurations. Program your proofing schedule — the machine automatically moves through chilling and proofing phases overnight. Bakery staff arrive to shaped, fully proofed dough ready to bake.
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Détails du produit
Retarder Proofer — Refrigerate, Freeze, and Proof in One Cabinet
R&M’s GD-series retarder proofers combine refrigeration, freezing, and proofing in a single cabinet with Danfoss compressors and R404A refrigerant. Six models from 8 to 36 trays cover single-temperature (refrigerate or freeze) and dual-temperature (refrigerate + freeze) configurations. Program your proofing schedule — the machine automatically moves through chilling and proofing phases overnight. Bakery staff arrive to shaped, fully proofed dough ready to bake.
Model Range
| Modèle | Trays | Dimensions (mm) | Power | Weight | Temperature Range | Compressor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GD-8DR | 8 | 840×785×920 | 1.1KW | — | −5°C to 48°C | Danfoss |
| GD-10LF | 10 | 840×960×1,080 | 1.2KW | — | Refrig: 2–5°C / Freeze: 0 to −15°C | Danfoss |
| GD-10LF (tall) | 10 | 600×955×1,370 | 2KW | — | −15°C to 48°C | Danfoss |
| GD-18DR | 18 | 600×955×2,100 | 1.5KW | — | Refrig: 0–60°C / Freeze: −15–60°C | Danfoss |
| GD-18PD | 18 | 610×930×2,060 | 0.65+1.8KW | 128kg | Refrig: 0–60°C / Freeze: −15–60°C | Danfoss |
| GD-18PC | 18 | 600×960×2,105 | 2.1KW | 128kg | Refrig: 0–60°C / Freeze: −15–60°C | Danfoss |
| GD-36PD | 36 | 812×1,134×2,060 | 0.8+2.1KW | 176kg | Refrig: 0–60°C / Freeze: −15–60°C | Danfoss |
All models: 220V/50Hz, R404A refrigerant. Contact us for current availability, net weights, and OEM options.
What a Retarder Proofer Does — and Why It Changes Bakery Operations
A standard dough proofer maintains warmth and humidity to accelerate yeast fermentation. A retarder proofer does the opposite first — it chills the dough to slow fermentation — and then transitions to proofing conditions at a programmed time. This is not just a feature. It restructures the bakery’s working day.
The problem it solves: A bakery baking at 6am needs fresh-proofed dough at that time. Without a retarder proofer, either staff come in at 3am to shape and proof dough, or pre-made dough is baked without final proofing — neither is ideal. With a retarder proofer, staff shape dough at the end of the previous shift, load it into the retarder at refrigeration temperature, and program the machine to begin warming to proofing temperature at, say, 4am. Bakers arriving at 6am find fully proofed dough ready to bake. No unsocial start times, no compromise on product freshness.
For sourdough bread production: Cold retardation is not just convenient — it is a core production technique. Overnight cold bulk fermentation at 4–8°C develops the complex acid profile that defines sourdough flavor. A retarder proofer with programmable temperature cycles handles the entire bulk fermentation and final proofing sequence automatically.
Danfoss Compressor — Why the Compressor Brand Matters
The compressor is the core component in any refrigeration system. It controls the precision of temperature regulation, the reliability of the cooling cycle, and the machine’s longevity in daily commercial use.
All GD-series retarder proofers use Danfoss compressors — a Danish manufacturer with global service and parts availability. Danfoss compressors are the standard specification in commercial refrigeration globally for three reasons:
1. Tight temperature tolerance: The compressor maintains the set temperature within ±1°C in typical operating conditions. For overnight proofing schedules where dough fermentation is temperature-sensitive, this precision matters.
2. Parts availability: Danfoss has authorized service networks worldwide. If a compressor component requires service, the parts are available in most countries without long lead times.
3. Longevity: Commercial-grade compressor designed for continuous daily use — not a consumer refrigeration unit adapted for food service.
R404A refrigerant is the industry-standard refrigerant for commercial refrigeration equipment operating below 0°C.
Single-Temperature vs. Dual-Temperature Configuration
Single-temperature models (GD-8DR, GD-10LF): The cabinet operates in a single temperature zone. The GD-8DR can refrigerate or run as a proofer within its −5°C to 48°C range. The GD-10LF covers dual modes: refrigeration (2–5°C) and freezing (0 to −15°C) as separate modes — not simultaneously.
Best for: Bakeries that need either retardation or proofing in one machine, but where storing dough in two temperature zones at the same time is not required.
Dual-temperature models (GD-18DR, GD-18PD, GD-18PC, GD-36PD): The cabinet is physically divided into two independent temperature zones — one refrigerating and one freezing — controlled by separate systems running simultaneously. You can store croissant dough (requiring cold retardation at 4°C) in the upper zone while separately managing dough balls that need to remain frozen (−15°C) in the lower zone. Both zones then transition to proofing temperature on their respective programmed schedules.
Best for: High-volume bakeries or chain central kitchens managing multiple dough types simultaneously.
Commercial Dough Retarder Applications
Overnight croissant production: The most common application. Shape croissants at end of day, load at 4°C to retard, program the machine to rise to 27°C proofing temperature at 4am. Bake at 6am without additional staff labor.
Sourdough bread retardation: Cold retardation at 4–8°C over 12–18 hours develops sourdough flavor complexity that room-temperature proofing cannot achieve. The retarder proofer manages this cycle without operator supervision.
Pizza dough cold fermentation: Pizza dough fermented at low temperature (3–5°C) for 24–72 hours develops improved flavor and texture. Commissary kitchens and restaurant pizza operations use retarder proofers for this cold fermentation technique.
Bakery retarder for pre-shaped buns and rolls: Shape evening’s product, retard overnight, wake up to dough ready for the oven. For any yeast-leavened product, the cold retardation technique removes the constraint of baking only when fresh-mixed dough is ready.
Foire aux questions
What is a retarder proofer?
A retarder proofer is a commercial bakery cabinet that refrigerates dough to slow fermentation (retard) and then warms to proofing temperature at a programmed time. This allows bakers to shape dough at the end of one shift, retard overnight, and have fully proofed, ready-to-bake dough at the start of the next shift without unsocial hours.
What is the difference between a retarder proofer and a standard bread proofer?
A standard proofer only adds warmth and humidity to accelerate proofing. A retarder proofer also refrigerates or freezes — it can slow fermentation as well as complete it. Retarder proofers are more expensive but give bakeries far more control over production scheduling.
What refrigerant do these machines use?
R404A — the commercial refrigeration industry standard for equipment operating below 0°C. The compressor is Danfoss in all GD-series models.
What is the difference between single-temperature and dual-temperature models?
Single-temperature (GD-8DR, GD-10LF) operates in one zone — either refrigerating or proofing. Dual-temperature (GD-18DR, GD-18PD, GD-18PC, GD-36PD) has two independent zones operating simultaneously — typically one refrigerating and one freezing, both programmable to proof at specified times.
Are these machines suitable for sourdough production?
Yes. Overnight cold retardation at 4–8°C is a core technique in sourdough production. The retarder proofer manages this cycle automatically. Many commercial sourdough bakeries use this type of equipment for their overnight proofing schedules.
What is the lead time and MOQ?
Contact us for current availability, pricing, and lead time by model.
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Danfoss compressor. Programmable retardation and proofing cycle. 8 to 36 trays.
Looking for a more budget-friendly option? Compare the economy retarder proofer — RBC series with 18–36 trays. For full rack loading, a roll-in retarder proofer is also available on request.
