What Is The UK’s Best Bread Proofing Basket?
In this guide we’ll look at the best bread proofing baskets for the UK market.
We’ve compared size, material, lining and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
Bread Proofing Basket Reviews
Bread Proofing Basket Buyer’s Guide
Proofing is an essential part of making bread and refers to the part of the process when the bread dough is allowed to rest and rise before baking. A proofing basket lends shape and support to the dough during this process. Baskets or bannetons as they are sometimes called, are commonly made from cane or wood fibre and are usually round or oval in shape. The spiral design will add a beautiful pattern to the crust for a real artisan feel.
Not sure what to look for when it comes to sourcing the best bread proofing basket, then check out this buyer’s guide.
Size
When you proof dough, the mix will rise so it is important to buy the right size proofing basket or banneton relative to the loaf you are making. Proofing dough can double its size.
Proofing baskets will normally tell you the size of loaf they are designed to accommodate in kilograms.
Material
Bannetons are made of rattan cane. It is important to choose a product where the cane is natural, unbleached and free from the taint of chemicals and odours. The finish is important as some cheap imports can leave tiny splinters of wood in the dough.
Cane proofing baskets also absorb a small amount of moisture during proofing which makes the outside of the dough less sticky. This slightly dryer layer will allow you to score the dough more easily and the bread will open nicely during baking.
Ease of cleaning
Simply brush away any flour and pieces of dough and then wash the proofing basket in warm, soapy water. Bannetons are far easier to clean than a glass bowl.
Ensure the basket is completely dry before storing for use next time.
Bread Proofing Baskets FAQ
How to use a bread proofing basket?
Start by making sure you have the right sized basket for your dough as it will double in size whilst it rests.
Dust the basket liberally with flour and then tip out the excess. Do this the day before you intend to bake the bread. Make sure the flour reaches into all the spaces between the rattan so that when you tip the dough out before baking, it comes away cleanly. Some proofing baskets will have a small brush supplied for this purpose.
You can also use a linen liner which is supplied with most Bannetons, usually elasticated to ensure a snug fit, Just make sure the inside also has a coating of flour before you add the dough.