For you pros. . .

Which brands are "industry standards"? (i.e. tips, bags, fondant, tools, ovens, etc.)

Any replies are appreciated!

tips
Ateco or Wilton

bags
18" parchment triangles

Fondant
Satin Ice

Tools
wherever you can find what you need

Oven
Gas/pizza
I have a gas convection it is OK for bread and cookies and pastries, I really wish I had a pizza oven for cakes.
check with used dealers (be saavy with those guys)
Look at auctions ( we have done well at auctions, but be aware of the cost for new) Look for businesses closing.

lora

I would buy all NSF all the way. Not a pro but working in industry it is best to go with these products. Whether you are doing a small commercial space or full on bakery they are most likely required.
Ateco I know is NSF approved. I was told that Wilton items are not.
As far as ovens and fridges it is what is available to you through local supplier. I would go local unless you want to pay for freight!

Someone told me that Wilton is crap when it comes to the Industry and that Ateco is the way to go, is that what you agree with?

Could you explain NSF?

Depends on who you talk to. My wilton tips never rust-My ateco tips rust!

Certain products are NSF approved. They meat the standards that are given.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Sanitation_Foundation

This is the info I was given from my Department of Ag.

OHHH! I understand now. Some things can be used in business and others can't. Hmm. . .I wonder if it applies everywhere. . .guess I have some HW.

I agree about the Wilton tips - they do NOT rust. Everyone else's do - unless you buy the superior $5 PME stainless steel tips.

The requirements vary from state to state and even county to county. It also will be influenced by your menu. For example, In some places, you would need a fire suppression system if you have a deep fryer.

You licensing entity will tell you what is required, right down to the paint on the walls.

hobart mixers...

i don't have a hobart, but it's a gear driven hobart type...30 qt.

i'd like to get a 20 quart next...you can sometimes find them on ebay ....but then you gotta watch the shipping....it's pretty high.

i have an electric convection oven....it cooks 5 full sheets at once....just big enough for me.

When I put in my commercial kitchen a few months ago, I debated about getting a Hobart. They have the reputation of being the cadillac. However, you also pay big $ for the name. I ended up buying a 20 qt mixer by American Eagle. The person I bought all of my kitchen equipment from said that American Eagle is nearly identical to Hobart. He said if you took off the American Eagle label, you'd never know if it was Hobart or American Eagle because American Eagle has done everything they can to clone Hobart.

My brand new mixer was $1650 vs. $5000 for Hobart. It came w/the bowl, whisk, dough bar, and paddle attachments. Shipping was $200 I think. It works beautifully. The way I see it is, I can burn through 3 of the American Eagles at those prices. So, what's to lose?

I'm not bad mouthing Hobart at all - they have a well-deserved reputation for being the industry standard, but I just wanted to pass along this tip for those who may be on a budget.

Also, I spoke directly to the American Eagle rep before buying. She was very, very friendly - and that type of service always helps to win me over. They're out of Chicago (773) 376-0800.

I think we have to remember that Wilton was originally for the home baker. They never claimed to be professional level. That said, I have many Wilton products (like most all I think, lol) some are geat, some are junk. How many of us would not have gotten into this area of creativity without Wilton. When we want to go to the next level we can, but without their inexpensive start ups, most of us would not be here now.
I agree with the American Eagle mixer. Our local rest supply carries them for $1400. brand new. They are still gear driven and have the guards on them. But my 20 year old KA is still kickin tail!