Opening a bakery – costs, equipment & checklist 2026

The dream of owning your own bakery – What you really need to know

Opening your own bakery – for many master bakers and career changers, this is a long-cherished dream. But between this dream and a successful opening lies careful planning, realistic cost calculations, and making the right decisions regarding equipment.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know – from the first steps and permits to the optimal machine equipment for your budget.

Opening a bakery – The requirements

Before we can begin, some basic requirements must be met.

Professional qualification

In Germany, a master baker's certificate is generally required to operate a bakery. Alternatively, a master baker can be employed as a manager. Career changers without a master's certificate can obtain an operating license through an exemption permit according to Section 8 of the Crafts and Trades Code (HwO).

Business registration & authorities

The following authorities and offices must be contacted: Trade office (business registration), Chamber of Skilled Crafts (registration in the register of skilled crafts), Health Department (food hygiene training and operating permit), Building Authority (change of use of premises if necessary), Employers' Liability Insurance Association (compulsory membership) and Tax Office (tax registration).

The biggest cost items at startup

The question all founders ask themselves is: What does it really cost to open a bakery?

Overview: Start-up costs by company size

Small artisan bakery: €80,000 – €150,000. Medium-sized bakery with retail shop: €150,000 – €350,000. Larger operation with production facilities: €350,000 – €800,000.

Cost allocation in detail

Premises & renovation (20–35% of total costs):Rental deposits, renovations to production areas, ventilation systems, floor drains, and tiling work quickly add up. A professionally equipped production room of 80–120 m² costs between €30,000 and €80,000 to renovate.

Machinery equipment (35–50% of total costs):The machinery is often the largest single expense. This is where the economic viability of the project is determined – or not. More on this in the next section.

Operating resources & initial equipment (10–15%):Raw materials, packaging material, work clothes, initial marketing measures and running costs for the first few months until profitability.

Other (10–20%):Notary fees, consulting fees, insurance, IT systems, point-of-sale software.

What machines does a bakery need?

The machinery is the heart of every bakery. Which machines are actually needed depends heavily on the product range and the planned production volume.

The basic equipment for getting started

1. Kneading machine / spiral mixer

The most important piece of equipment in every bakery. For small to medium production, a spiral mixer with a 60–120 liter bowl capacity is ideal. Reputable manufacturers such as Diosna or WP Bakery offer reliable machines that last for decades. You can find our currently available range atKneading machines.

New cost: €10,000 – €80,000. Used cost: €4,000 – €40,000.

2. Oven

Whether deck oven, rack oven, or in-store oven – the choice of oven significantly determines production capacity and energy costs. A good deck oven is the foundation for consistently high-quality baked goods. Available ovens and baking technology can be found in our category.Baking technique.

Cost new: €20,000 – €80,000. Cost used, refurbished: €6,000 – €25,000.

3. Dough dividing and rounding machine

Essential for bread roll production. Saves enormous manual effort and ensures uniform dough pieces. Current models can be found at [website address].Dough dividing and rounding machines.

New cost: €12,000 – €40,000. Used cost: €3,500 – €20,000.

4. Fermentation cabinet / climate control unit

Controlled fermentation is key to consistent quality. A good fermentation chamber enables time-controlled production and saves on personnel costs in the early morning hours.

New cost: €8,000 – €20,000. Used, refurbished cost: €2,500 – €7,000.

5. Bread slicer

Essential for sales. Customers today expect to buy freshly baked bread already sliced. You can find our available range atCutting machines.

New cost: €2,000 – €6,000. Used, refurbished cost: €600 – €2,000.

Total costs of machine equipment in comparison

New basic equipment: €57,000 – €181,000. Used basic equipment, refurbished: €16,600 – €56,000. Savings: up to 70%.

New or used? An honest cost-benefit analysis.

One of the most important decisions when starting out: Do you invest in new or used machines?

The advantages of used machinery are:Up to 70% cost savings compared to new price, proven technology with known reliability, immediate availability without long delivery times, same performance as new machines with professional overhaul, and a higher budget for other areas such as marketing or raw materials.

Arguments in favor of new machines include:Full manufacturer's warranty, state-of-the-art energy efficiency, current hygiene standards ex works, and no history of wear and tear. Those looking exclusively for new machines can find our new machine range at [link/website address].New machines.

Our conclusion: Especially when starting out, budgets are often limited. Professionally refurbished used machines from reputable manufacturers offer the same work results at a fraction of the price – and allow the savings to be invested in other important areas.

The complete checklist: Opening a bakery

12 months before the opening:Create a business plan, conduct market analysis (competition, target group, location), plan financing and hold bank meetings, and find suitable premises.

9 months before the opening:Prepare business registration, contact the Chamber of Skilled Crafts, negotiate and conclude the lease agreement, begin renovation planning.

6 months before the opening:Apply for building permit and change of use, plan and order machinery, contact the health department (HACCP concept), select suppliers for raw materials.

3 months before the opening:Have machines delivered and installed, hire and train staff, set up POS system and accounting software, take out insurance, prepare marketing and social media.

1 month before the opening:Start trial operations, optimize recipes and production processes, launch opening marketing (flyers, social media, Google My Business), obtain approval from the health department.

Opening:Plan the opening event, inform the press, and build a loyal customer base.

Common startup mistakes – and how to avoid them

Mistake 1: Underestimating capital.Many founders underestimate their budgets. Always plan for a buffer of at least 20–30% above your budget plan – unforeseen expenses are the rule, not the exception, when setting up a bakery.

Error 2: Incorrect machine equipment.A kneading machine that's too small slows down the entire production process. One that's too large causes unnecessary energy costs. Seek expert advice – ideally from someone with real-world baking experience. Our team is available to help.contactavailable.

Mistake 3: Underestimating the location.Pedestrian zone or residential area? Passing trade or regular customers? The location is a crucial factor in determining success or failure. Analyze the competitive landscape carefully before signing a lease.

Mistake 4: Deciding alone.Take advantage of the consulting services offered by chambers of skilled crafts, business consultants, and experienced industry professionals. External expertise is particularly valuable when selecting machinery. You can find out what other companies have to say about working with them on our website.Reference page.

Conclusion: The right partner can lead to self-employment.

Opening a bakery is an exciting but also demanding path. With solid planning, realistic cost calculations, and the right equipment, you lay the foundation for a successful business.

When it comes to machinery, you don't necessarily have to invest in new equipment. Professionally refurbished used machines from reputable manufacturers offer the same reliability – and significantly conserve your start-up capital.

Altuntas GmbH has been advising bakeries on their setup and modernization for over 35 years. With over 100 machines immediately available and comprehensive expertise, we can find the right equipment for your budget and requirements.

Discover machine equipment now|Request a free consultation