Got a $50 proofing basket from a bakery supply store in Portland and it was a total game changer for my sourdough

I was using a regular mixing bowl with a towel for months and my loaves always came out flat on one side. Bought this oval banneton from Breadtopia's outlet and the shape is perfect now. Has anyone else noticed a big difference with a proper basket or is it just me?

3 comments

3 Comments

uma_johnson1mo ago

Bet on the basket doing the work over your technique every time.

butler.abby1mo ago

I tried a $35 banneton from a local shop in Eugene and honestly saw zero difference compared to my towel-lined colander. My sourdough came out just as round and springy either way. I think people overhype the basket when the real trick is just good hydration and a solid shaping technique.

sullivan.finley17d ago

Solidarity, friend. I dropped $40 on a fancy banneton once and my loaf was basically the same as when I used a mixing bowl with a floured dish towel. Sometimes you just gotta call out the hype.