When you’re making certain types of bread — for instance, sourdough bread — a proofing basket is a common piece of equipment. A proofing basket, or rising basket, is a basket used for the final proofing or rising phase the bread has to go through before it’s placed in the oven.
Proofing baskets are made in all different shapes to accommodate different types of bread, and they are often lined with either linen or canvas. Some of them, however, are unlined, which is acceptable as long as some loose flour is sprinkled inside of the bowl first.
The Advantages of Using a Proofing Basket
As it turns out, there are two main benefits of using a proofing basket. The first is that it helps the bread keep a certain shape. Proofing baskets come in various shapes and can therefore accommodate many different types of bread.
The second advantage of using a proofing basket is that it allows the bread to form a thin layer of “skin” on top, which results in a great crispy, but not too crispy, crust. For those bakers who have discovered the perks of using a proofing basket, they usually wonder how they ever lived without it.
Proofing baskets are also called bannetons and brotforms, and they come in a variety of shapes, including round, oval, and even square and rectangle shapes. There are also proofing baskets called couronnes, and these are usually round and used for breads such as French bread and others.
Any baker who is serious about making great-tasting bread that also looks just as if a professional did it will use a proofing basket. Without one of these baskets, the gluten in the dough will flatten out the dough once it starts to relax, which makes it flatten out and lose its shape. A proofing basket prevents that from happening, so the bread always has the perfect shape in the end.
If you’re shopping around for the perfect proofing basket, one of the things you’ll immediately notice is its shape. Most proofing baskets have a ridge-like design, and that is done on purpose. When you use a proofing basket, the smooth ridges give the bread a unique design, which also makes it look like a typical loaf of homemade bread. Indeed, this is a look unlike regular bread found in the store, which is yet another reason to use a proofing basket.
This is also the reason why you should look for proofing baskets made out of either wicker or rattan, because these are the best materials to use to proof your bread and give it the look and taste you want.
Not everyone uses these terms for proofing baskets, but many do. If you’re interested in some of the best proofing baskets on the market today, below are five of them for you to consider the next time you’re baking sourdough bread.
5 Best Proofing Baskets for Sourdough Bread Making
Last update on 2024-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9 Inch Bread Banneton Proofing Basket
- Gifts For Bakers; Perfect For Any Recipe Holds 1.5 pounds of dough with 9 inch (D) x 3.5 inch (H) size bread proofer basket, works well with any recipe involving Flour Water Salt and Yeast such as Lahey No Knead, Glutenfree recipes, and many more and bread proofing bowl is capable of proving overnight in the fridge with a tightly cover bag
- Gift Ideas For Bakers; Natural Rattan Cane Material sourdough bread banneton proofing basket set 9 inch proven to wicker moisture away from surface for crispy round crust, dough removes and releases nicely, sticks less and dust less flour on proving baskets over time
- Well Made And Sturdy Banneton basket ridges/depth produces spiral ring patterns and bake thousands of French Artisan European style bakery batard loaves for life baking
- Very Affordable These bread making tools will score you more boules of this lovely quality for/with friends and family thanks to the included baking supplies such as the banetton, plastic dough bench scraper, proofing cloth liner, and sourdough starter kit e - book
- Healthy Bread brotform proofing bowls complies with German Food Safe so you can make healthier artisan bread. bread lame dough making scoring box tool kit works well at preparing dough before dough is placed in a Dutch Oven or La Cloche Baking Dome or Clay Bread Baker or Pizza Warming bread stone or Combo Cooker Pan with lid and more
Last update on 2024-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Made out of natural rattan, this proofing basket is part of a starter kit that makes a great gift because it is perfect for people who are new to baking sourdough bread. In the kit, you get everything you need to make delicious bread regardless of your level of experience, and its 3.5-inch by 12-inch size makes it perfect for all types of baguettes and other long breads.
Its spiral ring design gives all of your breads a professional artisan look so that they can come out looking unique, and the design also helps bread stick a lot less.
In addition to the 9-inch size, there are other sizes available from Bread Bosses, the company that makes this basket. These are high-quality proofing baskets that make the proofing and baking process easier, and the starter kit even comes with everything you need to bake that first or next loaf of bread, including a starter e-book, a bread scraper, and a proofing liner made out of cloth.
Making sourdough bread isn’t complicated, but you still have to follow certain steps in order for it to turn out just right, and this proofing basket helps you do just that.
The basket is also very reasonably priced at less than $17, and you’ll get lots of uses out of that one basket, making it well worth the price. Bread Bosses uses only top-notch rattan that is smooth, sturdy, and will never splinter, making for the perfect shaped bread every time. If you’re a novice when it comes to breadmaking, this is the perfect starter kit because it allows you to bring your breadmaking skills to the next level quickly.
10″ Round Bread Banneton Proofing Basket for Sourdough
- 🍕 ▶Natural Rattan Handmade Banneton Basket◀ -- TTmagic round bread proofing basket is made of 100% natural rattan handmade exquisite craftsmanship, free from dye and chemicals, smooth surface, no wood chips, durability, and water resistance. Banneton proofing basket set is ideal for making all types of delicious and healthy bread.
- 🍞 ▶You will get a Set of Bread Making Tools◀ -- 10 inches round dough rising basket, which holds 2.2 pounds of dough. With washable linen liner cloth, a metal dough scraper perfect for cutting and transferring sourdough. Scoring lame and 5 blades allow you to make exquisite patterns on the surface of the bread.
- ⚙️ ▶Easy to Use and Clean◀ -- Fully dusting the proofing basket, put the sourdough in and fermentation, and then pour it onto the baking tray to form a crispy round crust beautiful ridges loaf. Simply shake the excess flour out after each use, if the dough has stuck to the bread proofing bowl, wait till it dries, then use a stiff brush to take it off, keep dry after clean, not easy to mold.
- 🎁 ▶Affordable and Great Bread Baking Gift◀ -- This bread proofing basket set is helpful for a baker and sourdough starters who like to make fresh artisan bread. A housewife can conveniently make a loaf for children thanks to the included bread making kit. Also a perfect gift for friends&families on Christmas, Halloween, Weddings, Mother's day, Father's day, etc.
- 😄 ▶100% Customer Satisfaction◀ -- We’re confident with our products and spare no effort to provide the best customer service. If you’re not satisfied with our sourdough proofing basket, please contact us and we will try to ensure your 100% satisfied customer experience.
Last update on 2024-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
At a cost of just under $20, this very affordable bread proofing basket is 10 inches in diameter and 3.3 inches high. It comes with everything you need to make bread that is both delicious and which looks good. This includes a linen liner, metal scraper, a scoring lame and case, along with five blades to keep the lame sharp at all times.
With this device, you can carve exquisite designs into the bread and create a different look each and every time. The basket is made out of 100% all-natural rattan and holds 2.2 pounds of bread dough.
The TTmagic bread proofing basket is excellent for novice bakers but can be used by more experienced bakers as well. It is smooth and comes in a unique ridge design, allowing for bread that looks great and dough that won’t stick.
The basket is also very easy to clean because all you have to do is clean out the inside with a dry cloth after each use. If the dough sticks, simply let it dry then remove it with a stiff bristled brush. To make great sourdough or other round bread, you need the right equipment and supplies, and this proofing basket is a great start.
Bread Proofing Basket Set 9.6 Inch Oval and 10 Inch Round Natural Rattan Proofing Baskets
- 【NATURAL RATTAN CANE MATERIAL】Our oval and round bread proofing basket is made of natural rattan exquisite craftsmanship, smooth, non-stick, and no splinters. And It has durability and water resistance. It will help you make delicious and healthy bread.
- 【YOU WILL GET 2 STLYES OF BREAD BASKETS】9.6 inch oval bread baskets and 10 inch size round bread baskets, which holds 2 pounds of dough. With 2 sizes of washable linen, a metal dough scraper perfect for cutting and transferring bread dough. Scoring lame and 5 blades allows you to make exquisite patterns on the surface of bread.
- 【EASY TO USE 】When you fully dusting, dough will easily stay in shape as well as slipping out smoothly onto baking surface. Suitable for any dough rising including sourdough bread. And Both for home use or bread shop.
- 【EASY TO CLEAN 】Just remove any excess flour from inside of the bread basket after each use, or let any remaining stuck dough dry and then use a stiff brush to take it off. High quality and natural rattan, keep dry after clean, not easy to mold, no wood chips. With linen liner cloth, making cleaning more convenient!
- 【PERFECT GIFT】Bread proofing basket is helpful for a baker and people who is a beginner and like to make fresh and healthy bread by themself. Let your family members and friends enjoy the art of delicious and healthy bread. Its a good gift for your friends in christmas, halloween, wedding, mothers day, fathers day, etc.
Last update on 2024-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This set of two bread proofing baskets has a 9.6-inch oval-shaped basket and a 10-inch round basket, and each one is 3 inches in height. These are splinter-proof, smooth bread proofing baskets that make both long and round breads, and the set comes with two linen liners, a stainless-steel scraper, a lame with a cover, and five extra blades to keep the lame sharp for a very long time.
The lame allows you to make gorgeous designs on the breads you make, and both baskets are made out of 100% natural rattan that is both water-resistant and which doesn’t stick.
In addition, the baskets are large enough to hold quite a bit of bread, with the round basket holding a full 2.2 pounds of dough. These baskets are perfect for both beginners and more-experienced users and makes delicious, beautiful bread with just the right amount of crispiness.
It is priced at just under $22 for everything, and one of its biggest advantages is the fact that it is so easy to work with, allowing you to work with the dough when it’s in the baskets and slip it out whenever you’re ready to move onto the next step.
This basket set makes the perfect gift for the bakers and cooks in your life, so if you need a birthday gift or a gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, it is guaranteed to be something they love. Making sourdough and other breads has never been so easy!
Bighorn Exchange Banneton Proofing Baskets
- Durable Rattan Handle: The baskets have a rattan handle for easy carrying and grip.
- Open Top Design: The baskets have an open top for easy access to contents.
- Proofing and Storing: The baskets are great for proofing bread dough and storing baked goods.
- Modern Style: The modern rattan design adds a stylish touch to any kitchen.
- Bulk Purchase: The set of 2 baskets makes a great gift or bulk purchase for baking.
Last update on 2024-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This set of two round bread proofing baskets consists of one 10-inch basket and one 9-inch basket. It is priced at just under $27 and comes with everything you need to bake your next loaf of delicious and healthy sourdough bread. This includes two cloth liners, a stainless-steel scraper, a scoring knife with four extra blades, and a 10-inch dough whisk, all of which contributes to your ability to make tasty and professional-looking bread that everyone will assume was made by an expert.
With these baskets, you can make sourdough, white, rye, or wheat breads with no trouble because the right accessories make all breadmaking a piece of cake (pardon the pun).
The way these baskets are made is second to none and contributes to their efficiency. There are no plastic parts to the accessories, only 100% AAA-rated Indonesian rattan and all-wooden accessories. They are eco-friendly and contain everything you need to start baking bread immediately with no need to wait around for additional accessories and supplies!
The baskets are also super easy to clean because when you’re done baking, simply rinse them out with warm water and you’re ready for the next batch. And when the liners get dirty, simply throw them in the washing machine and they’ll get nice and clean in no time.
A good set of bread proofing baskets doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult to use. This set made by Bighorn Exchange is built to last and is made only with high-quality materials, which means you’ll be able to use it successfully for many years to come.
Proofing Set, by Kook, Sourdough Bread
- Durable Rattan Material: Made from sturdy rattan for long-lasting use.
- Complete Baking Set: Includes 2 banneton baskets, basket covers, metal scraper, plastic scraper, scoring blade, and case for all your baking needs.
- Round Shape: The round shape of the set allows for easy storage and portability.
- Modern Style: Sleek and modern design will complement any kitchen decor.
- Open Top Closure: The open top allows for easy access to the contents while keeping them secure.
Last update on 2024-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These two round bread proofing baskets are made out of 100% all-natural rattan and have no splinters or rugged edges. In fact, the smoothness of bowls is what makes them so easy to work with and to clean. The baskets are water-resistant and low-maintenance because all you have to do to keep them clean is rinse them by hand and let them air-dry.
Best of all, the baskets come with everything you need to begin baking bread immediately, which includes two basket covers, a metal dough scraper, a plastic dough scraper, a scoring lame with a cover, and five extra blades for future use.
The set is priced at just under $30 and is made out of high-quality materials, including tool handles that consist of pure natural beech wood. Every inch of every item in the set is made to perfection and can accommodate both novice and more-experienced bakers.
Proofing baskets are essential for making fresh and tasty bread, and this set of two baskets makes the entire breadmaking experience a lot easier on your part. You can literally bake like a pro even when you’re an amateur!
What Size Proofing Basket Do You Need?
When deciding on the correct size for your proofing basket, you’ll need to consider your dough size, which includes the flour and all of the other ingredients. Once you get an idea of how much your dough weighs and what shape basket you want, there’s an easy way to determine the basket’s size. Below are some numbers you can look at to help you make this decision:
1. Round Basket
- 100-150g of dough: 5”
- 150-200g of dough: 6”
- 300-400g of dough: 7”
- 700-800g of dough: 8”
- 800-900g of dough: 9”
- 900-1000g of dough: 10”
- 1000-1200g of dough: 11”
- 1200-1500g of dough: 12”
2. Oval Basket
- 350-450g of dough: 7.5”
- 450-650g of dough: 9”
- 650-800g of dough: 10”
- 750-900g of dough: 11”
- 800-1100g of dough: 12”
- 1100-1400g of dough: 14”
While these are just general guidelines and may have to be adjusted for your particular bread recipe, keep in mind that it’s best to stick as close to these numbers as possible. Using a proofing basket that is too small or too large can change the shape of the bread so that it doesn’t come out looking quite like it should.
Remember that as soon as the bread starts to rise, the gluten will start to relax and therefore the dough will begin to spread out and lose its shape. The only way to prevent that from happening is to make sure you are using a proofing basket that is the right size for the dough.
Conclusion
Baking fresh sourdough bread is a lot of fun and gives you a chance to give your family something nutritious and tasty, and it’s a lot easier to do than you think. Just remember that a good proofing basket is one of your most important supplies because it makes breadmaking a lot easier and a lot more “exact” than it would be without it.