If you have ever pulled a dense, gummy loaf out of the oven and wondered what went wrong, the answer is usually proofing. A proofing cabinet gives dough the warm, humid, stable environment it needs to rise the same way every single time, regardless of how cold or dry your kitchen happens to be. I have spent months comparing the best proofing cabinets on the market, from full-height commercial workhorses to folding home units, and the differences in temperature stability are bigger than most buyers expect.
A proofing cabinet is a heated, humidity-controlled enclosure that holds dough at roughly 80-115 degrees Fahrenheit so yeast stays active and fermentation proceeds predictably. Bakers on Reddit threads like r/Breadit consistently report the same pain point: room-temperature proofing in a cool kitchen produces inconsistent results from batch to batch. A dedicated dough proofer eliminates that variability, and many models double as a heated holding cabinet for finished food.
This guide covers eight proofing cabinets I would actually recommend in 2026, spanning full-size commercial units, compact countertop warmers, and folding home proofing boxes. Whether you run a bakery, a food truck, a catering operation, or you simply bake sourdough every weekend at home, there is a pick here that fits your space and volume.
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Top 3 Picks for Best Proofing Cabinets (August 2026)
After comparing all eight models, three stand out clearly. The METRO C5 E-Series is the most capable commercial proofing cabinet on this list, with true dual hold-and-proof operation and a 24-pan capacity. The Brod & Taylor Folding Proofer is the proven home champion with nearly 1,500 reviews and a 4.8-star average. And the GIYUDOT folding box wins on value, delivering precise temperature control at a budget-friendly price.
METRO C5 E-Series Holding & Proofing…
- 24-pan full height capacity
- 2000W forced convection heat
- Dual hold and proof modes
- NSF and UL listed
Brod & Taylor Folding Proofer &…
- 70-120F proofing range
- Folds flat to 2.75 inches
- Water tray for humidity
- 3-year warranty
GIYUDOT Folding Bread Proofing Box
- 50-113F temp control
- 48-hour timer
- 5-layer insulation
- Folds flat for storage
My pick for most commercial buyers is the METRO, because it is the only NSF-listed unit here that switches between proofing and holding without any adjustments. For home bakers, the Brod & Taylor has the longest track record and the strongest owner feedback of any product in this category. If you want to spend as little as possible while still getting reliable fermentation, the GIYUDOT is the one to beat.
Best Proofing Cabinets in 2026
Here is a side-by-side look at all eight proofing cabinets reviewed in this guide. I have listed them roughly in order from heavy commercial use down to home and hobby use.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| METRO C5 E-Series Proofing Cabinet |
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 VEVOR 16-Tier Warming Cabinet |
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 VEVOR 4-Tier Warming Cabinet |
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 CAMMOO 133Qt 5-Tier Warmer |
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| Brod & Taylor Folding Proofer |
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| GIYUDOT Folding Proofing Box |
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 InnovifyHub Folding Proofing Box |
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 Sourdbred XL Folding Proofing Box |
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1. METRO C5 E-Series – Best Commercial Proofing Cabinet for Restaurants
METRO C5 E-Series Hot Holding and Proofing Cabinet, 24 Pan Full Height Commercial Food Warmer, 2000W Convection Heated Cabinet with Clear Door, NSF UL, for Restaurants, Catering, Food Trucks
24-pan full height cabinet
2000W forced convection heat
12 pairs adjustable universal wire slides
NSF and UL listed
Clear polycarbonate door
Pros
- Dual holding and proofing capabilities
- Holds up to 24 pans
- Clear door for monitoring without heat loss
- Easy to move with casters
- Quick preheat time
Cons
- No indicator light for on/off status
- Exterior can get warm during extended use
- Non-insulated design lets some heat escape
The METRO C5 E-Series is the closest thing to a no-compromise commercial proofing cabinet on Amazon. I like that it does genuine double duty: one cabinet handles dough proofing in the morning and hot holding at service, which means you are not buying two pieces of equipment. The 2000W forced convection system circulates heat evenly instead of just radiating from a single element, and that matters when you have 24 pans of dough inside.
The clear polycarbonate door turned out to be more useful than I expected. Staff can check on product without opening the door and dumping heat, and the 180-degree door swing makes loading full sheet pans from either side genuinely easy. At 71.4 inches tall, it is a full-height unit, so measure your doorway and aisle clearance before ordering.
Owners give it a 4.4-star average across 35 reviews, with 76 percent of those ratings being 5 stars. The recurring praise centers on consistent temperature control and quick preheat times. The complaints are minor but real: there is no indicator light showing power status, and the non-insulated aluminum exterior can bleed heat and feel warm to the touch during long runs.
Because it is NSF and UL listed, this Metro passes health department inspection in jurisdictions where that is mandatory. That single fact disqualifies several cheaper imports from serious commercial consideration, and it is a big part of why this is my top commercial pick among the best proofing cabinets here.
Who should buy the METRO C5 E-Series
Restaurant, bakery, and catering operators who need NSF-listed equipment and true dual hold-and-proof capability. It is also the right call for anyone running 12 or more pans at once.
Who should skip it
Home bakers and small cafes with modest volume. It is a full-height, 2000W commercial machine, and it will be overkill if you proof two loaves at a time.
2. VEVOR 16-Tier Warming Cabinet – High-Capacity Proofing for Caterers
VEVOR Electric Hot Box Food Warmer, 16-Tier Commercial Warming Cabinet with Water Tray, Glass Door and Adjustable Shelves, Stainless Steel Food Warmer Cabinet, for Restaurant, Kitchen, Pizza, Chicken
16 removable shelves
1800W heating with 304 blue-steel element
360-degree hot air circulation
Adjustable 80-185F
Double-layer tempered glass
Pros
- Large 16-tier capacity
- Even heating with 360 degree circulation
- Water tray prevents food from drying out
- Easy to assemble
- Clear glass door for monitoring
Cons
- Temperature control not precise
- only Low Med High Max
- Temperature fluctuates significantly
- Over 20 degree variance reported
- Not suitable for temperature-sensitive foods
The VEVOR 16-tier hot box is the volume play of this list. With 16 removable shelves, a removable water tray for humidity, and a 185-degree-Fahrenheit max temperature, it can proof a large batch of dough in the morning and hold roasted chicken or pizza for a catering run in the afternoon. The double-layer tempered glass door also gives you a clear view of everything inside.
But I have to be blunt about the temperature control, because it is the reason this unit scores just 3.5 stars across 10 reviews. The dial is labeled Low, Medium, High, and Max rather than showing actual degrees, and multiple users measured swings of more than 20 degrees from the set point. For straightforward food holding that is survivable; for delicate proofing work, it is a gamble.
The 360-degree hot air circulation does a respectable job of keeping heat uniform across all 16 tiers, and the 304 blue-steel heating element is the same style found in units costing far more. Assembly is reportedly easy, and the stainless steel build feels appropriately commercial for the price tier.
If you buy this one, I strongly recommend adding a separate standalone thermometer inside the cabinet so you can see what the temperature actually is rather than what the dial claims. That one habit fixes most of the frustration owners report.
Who should buy the VEVOR 16-Tier
Caterers and high-volume operators who need lots of shelf space for warm-holding and are willing to verify temperatures manually. It is a reasonable budget alternative to premium brands when capacity matters more than precision.
Who should skip it
Anyone proofing temperature-sensitive dough like laminated pastry or delicate sourdough. The reported 20-degree variance can ruin a batch, and the imprecise controls make repeatable results difficult.
3. VEVOR 4-Tier Warming Cabinet – Best Compact Commercial Proofing Cabinet
VEVOR Electric Hot Box Food Warmer, 4-Tier Commercial Warming Cabinet with Water Tray, Double-Door and Adjustable Shelves, Stainless Steel Food Warmer Cabinet, for Restaurant, Kitchen, Pizza, Chicken
4 removable shelves with 3.7 inch clearance
800W PTC fan heater
360-degree air circulation
Adjustable 80-185F
Removable water tray
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- PTC heating provides even warmth without hot spots
- Compact size fits well in smaller kitchens
- Water tray keeps food moist
- Easy to adjust shelves
- Consistent temperature control
Cons
- Some users report temperature calibration issues
- Smaller capacity may not suit large operations
The little brother of the 16-tier VEVOR is a far more consistent performer. It carries a 4.3-star average across 172 reviews, and the key difference is the 800W PTC fan heater. PTC elements self-regulate, which means no hot spots and no scorched dough, something I normally only expect on much more expensive units.
At 23.6 by 15.75 by 24 inches and just under 40 pounds, it sits comfortably on a countertop or a sturdy stand. The four shelves give you roughly 3.7 inches of clearance per tier, which fits standard pans, dough boxes, and takeaway containers without cramming. The tight door seal does a good job of holding heat, and the water tray keeps the interior humid enough for proofing.
Owner feedback repeatedly highlights two things: value and even heating. One theme that comes up in the reviews is that the dial calibration can run slightly off, so a quick check with a cheap oven thermometer on day one is worth the effort. After that minor adjustment, most users report stable temperatures across the 80-185-degree range.
For a sandwich shop, cafe, food truck, or small bakery that proofs a few trays at a time and holds food during service, this is honestly the sweet spot in the VEVOR lineup. You give up capacity versus the 16-tier, but you gain reliability and a much smaller footprint.
Who should buy the VEVOR 4-Tier
Small commercial kitchens, food trucks, and cafes that need dependable warming and gentle proofing in a compact footprint. It is also a sensible first proofer for a home baker who wants restaurant-style capacity.
Who should skip it
Operations that need to proof or hold more than four shelves at once. If your production schedule depends on volume, the capacity ceiling will frustrate you quickly.
4. CAMMOO 133Qt 5-Tier – Best Mid-Size Proofing Cabinet for Small Bakeries
CAMMOO 133Qt 5-Tier 900W Commercial Food Warmer Cabinet
133qt capacity with 5 mesh racks
900W 304 blued steel element
Smart thermostat 86-185F
5MM tempered glass door
Auto shut-off protection
Pros
- Excellent temperature control and consistency
- Large 133qt capacity
- Heats up quickly
- Water tray keeps food moist
- Sturdy stainless steel construction
- Good for high-volume kitchens and meal prep
Cons
- Not NSF certified
- Not Prime eligible
The CAMMOO 133Qt splits the difference between the compact VEVOR and the full-height METRO, and it does so with the best temperature reputation of any commercial-style unit in this guide. It earns a 4.6-star average across 91 reviews, and 83 percent of reviewers gave it 5 stars, which is a strong signal for a product in this category.
The smart thermostat is the headline feature. Unlike the dial-based VEVOR units, the CAMMOO lets you set an actual temperature between 86 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit, and the UL/TUV-certified controller holds it there. Combined with the 900W blued stainless steel element and 360-degree circulation, it heats about 25 percent faster than comparable warmers, according to the manufacturer.
The 5mm tempered glass door with magnetic seal feels genuinely sturdy, and the double-layer stainless walls retain heat well during long sessions. The removable water tray handles humidity for proofing, and the auto shut-off plus overheat protection give peace of mind when the unit runs unattended overnight for a slow cold-friendly ferment.
The one commercial caveat: CAMMOO is not NSF certified, and at least one commercial reviewer flagged it. If your health inspector requires NSF-listed equipment, this takes it out of the running regardless of how well it performs.
Who should buy the CAMMOO 5-Tier
Small bakeries, meal prep businesses, and home bakers producing at scale who want precise set-and-forget temperature control without paying full commercial prices.
Who should skip it
Any commercial kitchen where NSF certification is required by code. Check with your inspector before buying, because the lack of certification is the only real dealbreaker here.
5. Brod & Taylor Folding Proofer – Best Premium Home Proofing Cabinet
Brod & Taylor Folding Proofer & Slow Cooker (Proofer)
Proofing range 70-120F
Slow cook mode 85-195F
Folds flat to 2.75 inches
Touch digital controls
Water tray for humidity
3-year warranty
Pros
- Perfect consistent proofing temperature
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Precise temperature control
- Silent operation
- Includes water tray for humidity
- Slow cooker function works well
- Quality construction
- 3-year warranty
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Runs slightly hot
- 2-3 degrees over set temperature
- Premium price point
- Requires counter space when in use
- Accessory shelf sold separately
The Brod & Taylor Folding Proofer is the most beloved dough proofer in the home baking world, and the numbers back that up: a 4.8-star average across 1,457 reviews, with 88 percent 5-star ratings. On sourdough forums and r/SourdoughStarter, it is the single most recommended electric proofer, and owners repeatedly describe years of flawless service.
What makes it special is the combination of precision and portability. The proofing mode runs 70-120 degrees Fahrenheit with genuine digital accuracy, the included water tray provides gentle humidity, and the whole unit folds down to 2.75 inches thick to slide into a cabinet when not in use. Operation is completely silent, which matters if it lives on your kitchen counter.
In practice, the main quirk owners mention is that it runs about 2-3 degrees hotter than the set point, so most people simply dial in 78 degrees when they want 80. The 3-year warranty with registration and responsive customer service round out the ownership experience. It even doubles as a slow cooker from 85-195 degrees, melting chocolate and making yogurt along the way.
The interior fits a 10-by-14-inch focaccia pan or a couple of standard bannetons, and the optional accessory shelf doubles your batching capacity. For serious home bakers, this is the gold standard the folding competitors are all measured against.
Who should buy the Brod & Taylor
Home bakers, sourdough enthusiasts, and anyone who wants proven, precise proofing with a long warranty. It is the best proofing cabinet choice if your priority is reliability over raw capacity.
Who should skip it
Commercial operators and anyone proofing more than two or three loaves at once. The footprint is small by design, and there is no NSF listing for commercial kitchens.
6. GIYUDOT Folding Proofing Box – Best Budget Proofing Cabinet for Sourdough
Folding Bread Proofing Box with 50-113℉ Temp Control & 48H Timer, Dough Proofer with Metal Rack, Humidor, Ideal for Sourdough, Bread Baking, Pizza, Yogurt, Kombucha, Perfect for Compact Kitchens
Temperature range 50-113F
48-hour timer with auto shutoff
5-layer insulation
Waterproof interior
Includes metal rack and humidor
Folds flat
Pros
- Foldable space-saving design
- Multiple heating zones for even warming
- Dual-view window front or top
- 5-layer superior insulation
- NTC temperature sensor for precise control
- Automatic shutoff for safety
- Includes metal rack and humidor
Cons
- Limited to 113F maximum temperature
The GIYUDOT folding box proves you do not need to spend much to get serious fermentation results. It carries a 4.8-star average across 514 reviews with 87 percent 5-star ratings, which is remarkable for a fabric-sided folding proofer at this price point.
The feature I appreciate most is the NTC temperature sensor, which continuously monitors the chamber and corrects the 63W heating elements to hold your set temperature between 50 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit. The 48-hour timer handles long, slow ferments, and the automatic shutoff at 131 degrees adds a safety net. The 5-layer insulation with a waterproof interior keeps conditions stable even in a cold kitchen.
The 12-by-12-by-12-inch chamber fits fermentation jars, proofing bowls, or a banneton, and the dual-view window lets you watch the rise from the front or the top. When you are done, the whole thing folds flat. Owners consistently report consistent sourdough results and reliable temperature holding.
The one limitation is the 113-degree ceiling, which is genuinely fine for proofing bread and pizza dough but rules out using it as a food warmer or yogurt incubator at higher temps. For pure dough work, that ceiling is not a practical problem.
Who should buy the GIYUDOT
Home bakers and sourdough hobbyists who want precise, low-temperature fermentation control on a tight budget. It is also great for kombucha and yogurt at moderate temperatures.
Who should skip it
Anyone who wants a dual-purpose warmer, since the 113-degree maximum rules out hot holding. It is strictly a fermentation tool.
7. InnovifyHub Folding Proofing Box – Best Proofing Cabinet with Timer
InnovifyHub Bread Proofing Box with Heater 50-130°F 3-Sided Heat 24H Timer
Temperature range 50-130F
3-sided heating
24-hour timer with buzzer alarm
NTC precision sensor
Fits one 5L bowl
Includes two racks and humidity dish
Pros
- Full 50-130F temperature range
- 3-sided heating for even warmth
- Compact yet capable design fits large bowls or bannetons
- Built-in 24-hour timer with audible alarm
- Energy efficient with NTC precision sensor
- Automatic overheat protection
- Foldable for easy storage
- Includes two racks and humidity dish
Cons
- May need to set temp 4-5 degrees higher than desired
The InnovifyHub box wins on two practical details that other budget folders overlook: a 3-sided heating design and a proper 24-hour timer with an audible alarm. With heating elements on three sides instead of one, the warmth inside stays even around tall bowls, and the 79-percent-5-star reviews across 236 ratings suggest the design works.
The 50-130-degree range is wider than the GIYUDOT’s, which gives you more flexibility for warm-fermented doughs, softening butter, or gently warming ingredients. The NTC sensor keeps the small chamber stable, and because the chamber is compact, it heats up quickly and sips power at just 100 watts.
Inside, you get two racks and a humidity dish, and the box fits one large bowl up to 5 liters, a couple of bannetons, or a row of mason jars for sourdough starter maintenance. The buzzer alarm on the timer is genuinely useful if you tend to lose track of time during long proofing windows.
The known quirk is calibration: a number of owners report setting the temperature 4-5 degrees above their target to hit the actual dough temperature they want. Once you learn your unit’s offset, results are consistent, but expect a short learning period.
Who should buy the InnovifyHub
Bakers who want a wide temperature range, an audible timer, and 3-sided even heating at a budget price. It suits both beginners and experienced sourdough bakers with limited counter space.
Who should skip it
Anyone unwilling to fiddle with a temperature offset, or who needs a larger chamber for multiple loaves at once. The single-bowl capacity is the tradeoff for the compact folding size.
8. Sourdbred Extra Large Folding Box – Best Spacious Home Proofing Cabinet
Extra Large Folding Bread Proofing Box, Dough Proofer 68-104°F Temp Control 1-48H Timer, Sourdough Starter Warmer with Metal Rack, Foldable Proofing Basket for Baking Pizza Yogurt Soften Butter Choc
Temperature range 68-104F
1-48 hour timer
3 heating areas front back bottom
5-layer insulation
XL 12.8x9 inch viewing window
Folds to 2 inches
Pros
- Extra large viewing window 50% larger than competitors
- Spacious interior accommodates big bowls or multiple bottles
- 5-layer insulation for efficient heat retention
- Versatile for proofing fermenting yogurt kombucha
- Folds to only 2 inches for easy storage
- Includes metal rack and water tray for humidity
Cons
- Temperature range narrower 68-104F than competitors
- Folding can be challenging per some reviews
- Limited stock availability
The Sourdbred XL is the folding proofer to pick when you need more interior room. At 16.5 by 12 by 12 inches, the Oxford-fabric chamber swallows a big mixing bowl, multiple fermentation bottles, or a large banneton that smaller boxes cannot hold. It earns a 4.6-star average across 117 reviews with 82 percent 5-star ratings.
Three heating areas (front, back, and bottom) plus 5-layer insulation keep the interior stable, and the 68-104-degree range covers the classic proofing band comfortably. The 12.8-by-9-inch acrylic viewing window is about 50 percent larger than the competition, so you can watch dough double without unzipping anything and losing heat.
The 1-48 hour timer in one-hour increments handles overnight cold-leaning ferments, and the included metal rack and water tray cover the humidity side. Because it folds to just 2 inches thick, it stores as easily as the smaller boxes despite the bigger working volume.
Two things to know before buying: the folding process has a learning curve according to several owners, and stock tends to run low, so availability can be hit or miss. Neither is a performance issue, but both affect the day-to-day experience.
Who should buy the Sourdbred XL
Home bakers who proof large bowls, run multiple ferments at once, or maintain several sourdough starters. It is the roomiest folding option in this roundup.
Who should skip it
Anyone needing temperatures above 104 degrees for yogurt incubation or warming, since the range tops out lower than most competitors here.
How to Choose the Best Proofing Cabinet for Your Needs?
Choosing the best proofing cabinets comes down to five decisions: capacity, temperature precision, humidity control, certification, and total cost of ownership. Here is how I would work through each one.
Proofing cabinet vs holding cabinet
A proofing cabinet runs at 80-115 degrees Fahrenheit with added humidity to keep dough surfaces from crusting, while a holding cabinet holds finished food at 140-200 degrees for food safety. Combo units like the METRO C5 and the VEVOR warmers do both, but dedicated proofers like the Brod & Taylor stick to the low, gentle range where yeast actually thrives. If you only bake, buy a proofer; if you also hold food for service, buy a combo.
Match capacity to your real batch size
Count the pans or bowls you proof in a typical batch, then add 25 percent headroom. Full-height cabinets suit operations running 12-24 pans; mid-size 4- and 5-tier units cover a few trays; folding home boxes hold one to three bowls. Buying too small is the most common regret reported in owner reviews, and buying too large wastes energy every single day.
Temperature precision is the deciding spec
A dial marked Low-Med-High is not temperature control. Look for a real thermostat with a numeric readout, ideally paired with an NTC or PTC sensor, because those self-correct and prevent hot spots. The reported 20-degree swings on the 16-tier VEVOR versus the tight control on the CAMMOO and Brod & Taylor illustrate exactly how much this spec varies.
Do not skip humidity control
Dough needs moisture in the air or the surface skins over and restricts the rise. Every good proofing cabinet includes a water tray or humidor, and the ones reviewed above all do. Dry heat alone turns a proofer into a drying cabinet, which is the opposite of what you want.
Certification and insulation matter commercially
NSF listing is non-negotiable in many health jurisdictions, and only the METRO carries it in this lineup. Insulation matters too: insulated cabinets recover heat faster after door openings and cost less to run, while non-insulated units like the METRO’s aluminum body trade some efficiency for a lower price and lighter weight.
Think in total cost of ownership
Purchase price is only the start. A 2000W cabinet running 8 hours a day consumes far more electricity over a year than a 63W folding box, and commercial units may need dedicated circuits. Factor in warranty length, parts availability, and how quickly the unit recovers temperature after every door opening; the cheapest cabinet upfront is rarely the cheapest over five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bread proofers worth it?
Yes, if you bake regularly. A bread proofer eliminates the inconsistency of room-temperature rising in cool or drafty kitchens, cutting proofing time by 30-50% and producing repeatable results batch after batch. Home bakers on sourdough forums overwhelmingly report that a dedicated proofer transformed their consistency, and commercial operations consider them essential equipment.
What is the difference between a proofing cabinet and a holding cabinet?
A proofing cabinet operates at 80-115 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity control to encourage yeast fermentation and dough rising. A holding cabinet keeps finished food at 140-200 degrees to maintain safe serving temperatures. Combo units like the METRO C5 E-Series switch between both functions, while dedicated proofers like the Brod u0026amp; Taylor focus only on the low-temperature fermentation range.
What is the ideal temperature for proofing cabinets?
Most dough proofs best between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with 80 degrees being the sweet spot for typical bread dough. Rich or laminated doughs prefer the cooler end around 75-78 degrees, while quick yeast doughs can handle up to 95 degrees. Humidity should stay high enough, usually via a water tray, to prevent the dough surface from drying and crusting over.
Can you proof sourdough in a proofing cabinet?
Yes, and sourdough benefits even more than commercial-yeast bread because wild yeast is more temperature-sensitive. Set the cabinet between 70 and 80 degrees for bulk fermentation and slightly warmer for the final shape. Longer 24-48 hour timers on models like the GIYUDOT and Sourdbred make them especially well suited to slow sourdough schedules.
Final Verdict: Which Proofing Cabinet Should You Buy in 2026?
For commercial kitchens, the METRO C5 E-Series is the clear winner among the best proofing cabinets thanks to its NSF listing, 24-pan capacity, and dual hold-and-proof design. Home bakers should go with the Brod & Taylor Folding Proofer for its unmatched track record, or the GIYUDOT if budget is the priority.
Whichever you choose, pick the size that matches your real batch volume and insist on numeric temperature control. Your loaves will thank you with every consistent rise.