Sourdough Bread Proofing Baskets(Set of 2) for Sour Dough Bread Baking Supplies, Brotform Proofing Basket, Proofing Bowls,Gift for Bread Bakers (9inch, Round)

One set of tools that fills many bread baking needs
Having been baking sourdough and other breads for some time, I find this to be a wonderful set for the experienced or novice baker. Packed and wrapped in plastic upon arrival, unpacking reveals the delights that this set holds.To begin with, there are three banneton proofing baskets, which are 8.5 inches, 22 cm, in diameter. This is enough to hold about two pounds of dough, though you can certainly use it for a smaller loaf. The baskets are well made, with no staples or stitching, or loose or broken ends, evident. Each is provided with a fabric liner. One can use the liner when proofing bread, typically dusting it with rice flour or even all purpose flour in a pinch, or the basket can be used without a liner. The liner can serve as a cover for the rising bread if desired. Just to point out that one removes the dough from the banneton basket, inverting it so that the side that was in contact with the basket becomes the top of the loaf of bread. The basket is not used in the oven – at all, ever.Along with the three baskets, there is a nice, metal bench scraper. This is an incredibly useful tool when working with dough. It can help form a loaf, clear excess flour from the bench, and cut dough into portions for use. This scraper has a firm wooden handle, and has a nice feel to it.Having prepared your bread in the banneton, slashing the top of the loaf is important both to allow steam to escape and to produce an attractive pattern. A sharp tool called a “lame” is used for this, and a razor blade lame comes with this set. Five double edged razor blades are included, along with a pouch to keep them in. While it takes some practice to use it well, once that skill is acquired, lovely loaves are the result.This package is priced far below the cost of the individual components and, as suggested, it would be a great gift for anyone involved in bread baking.

Great catch all kit for the beginning baker
BEFORE you use these make sure you remove the packet of silica gel desiccant that is between the basket and the fabric lining. You don’t need that while proofing your dough.The bannetons are about 8 inches across and 3 to 3.5 inches deep. They are made of unfinished rattan and held together by metal wire. The canvas liner is made from undyed cotton and has elastic around the perimeter to help it stay in place. This is a great size for proofing a 2lb loaf. I like the build quality of the baskets and they have made some great loaves so far. I have proofed some smaller bread bowl sized loaves in them and they work just as well for that.The bench scraper blade is rigid and the exposed edges are well machined. The handle is held in place by two rivets. I did notice a little play in the handle so I wouldn’t recommend it for professional bakery use but if you’re the occasional baker it should last you for a long time.The bread lame is pretty standard design for the blade to be curved when attached. The neck between the handle and the blade is actually pretty flimsy. Much like the bench scraper this will not survive a professional bakery but it will be good for the occasional home baker. You will probably replace this before the scraper. The included blades are razor sharp. They are pretty entry level double edge blades you could use on your face to shave. The included leather cover for the blade is an absolute must. If you have never handled this type of razor blade exercise caution.Overall, I think this is a quality set for somebody just getting into baking and am pleased with it.

Taking My Baking to a New Level
While I like baking breads, being an advanced beginner, I always liked the taste of my breads but they always looked like a misshapen loaf. This set makes it look like I know what I am doing. So, I finally tried out the set today and it is a really nice addition to my baking tools.I made my bread as usual but for the final rise, I placed the dough into these baskets. When I put the loaves onto the baking sheet, they had a really nice round shape with a bit of a spiral design to them. The scoring lame sure made things much easier than using a knife. The lame made a nice sharp score in the loaf.I was a bit skeptical but I initially did a light dusting of the pans with a little flour before use. I was pleasantly surprised at the release of the dough from the baskets. There was no sticking at all.This is a really nice set for someone wanting to take there baking to the next level.