The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Fermenting Containers that are not plastic

Janetcook's picture
Janetcook

Fermenting Containers that are not plastic

I am looking for containers that are cylindrical, transparent and GLASS so I can watch my dough as it ferments and can better judge when it has doubled in size.

I have nice small glass canning jars that I use for  my starter but have not been able to find glass jars large enough with a wide mouth to do the same with my final doughs.  All I have come up with are plastic 'buckets' used for fermenting....

Anybody here know if such a thing is available?  If so, where?

Thanks!

Janet

Wild-Yeast's picture
Wild-Yeast

I use Cambro 4 liter - 1 gallon plastic restaurant style food grade containers to refrigerate starter. They're translucent allowing the dough inside to be easily viewed and are marked volumetrically on one side for estimating fermentation volume. Though not as transparent as glass, plastic is considered to be a much safer alternative. Cambro sells them in clear plastic also. I use the larger sized containers to store flour.

Cambro is a well known supplier of plastic food containers sold nationwide. The page location for these containers is located here on their website:

http://cool.cambro.com/CamSquare_Storage_Containers_and_Lids_Storage.ashx

Wild-Yeast

Janetcook's picture
Janetcook

Wild-Yeast,

Thanks for the response.  These containers are the ones I was able to find when doing my search but I prefer the glass and this company doesn't make them.

Light bulb went on when SD mentioned Pyrex measuring cups so that is what I will go with - and the cup even has a convenient handle :-)

Janet

sphealey's picture
sphealey

A little Googling brings up laboratory glassware that may suit your needs.  Borosilicate beakers are widely available up to 4000 ml (4 liters) and would have the advantage of being more heat resistant that currently available kitchen glass.  Glass laboratory pitchers in various sizes are also available. 

The problem with glass containers that size is that they will either be fragile or very heavy.  But I understand your goal of using less plastic (esp for sourdoughs).

sPh

Janetcook's picture
Janetcook

sPh,

Thanks for this suggestion!

Hadn't thought of this option.  They look promising but a bit pricey compared to the Pyrex measuring cup....which also has the added feature of a handle :-)  I really like having that option.  I can see myself now lifting a glass full of dough with slightly wet hands and having it crash to the floor....ugh....

I didn't see any of the pitchers on the sites google brought up for me.  Will have to delve a bit deeper and see what I can come up with.

Take Care,

Janet

Chuck's picture
Chuck

I see restaurant waitresses delivering ice water in the kind of container that would work well for bulk rising all the time. Looking for a jar with a wide mouth is likely to lead you into obscure and expensive corners; look instead for "pitchers".

I assume these things are available at restaurant supplies (that restaurant got all new equipment only a couple years ago, so they're definitely not antiques). They're likely also available at many of the cheaper outlet stores that carry kitchen equipment. And I expect they show up at yard sales  ...although that's not necessarily helpful if you need one now.

GSnyde's picture
GSnyde

This 2 quart measuring pitcher has a nice wide mouth and a tight lid.  

http://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Supply-Quart-Glass-Batter/dp/B0000CFQ5C/ref=pd_sim_k_6

Brother David turned me on to these.  They work for about 1500 grams of dough.

Glenn

Janetcook's picture
Janetcook

The Pyrex pitcher (The Pyrex I priced was less than the Anchor ) has won out due to price, convenience and practicality.

Ace Hardware has them and I live close to our local one.  The top is nice and wide to allow for the S&Fs as SD mentioned. They are solid,  have a handle and are made of glass...

Thanks to all for your suggestions!

Janet

Just Loafin's picture
Just Loafin

How much was the item at Ace? I could use another of these, maybe two...

They are $5 at Walmart

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Anchor-Hocking-2-qt-Glass-Batter-Bowl-with-Lid/14938496

Janknitz's picture
Janknitz

Big Lots carries the Anchor Hocking glass measuring bowl for very little cost.

flournwater's picture
flournwater

You may find what you want if you shop for scientific supplies  -  like these:

http://www.researchsupply.net/?gclid=CNX005jisKkCFQEHbAodQGx9Jw

http://www.researchsupply.net/Bomex_Glass_Beaker.html

You can find lots of interesting ideas by Googling scientific supplies, lab supplies, medical supplies, hobbie supplies, brewing supplies, etc.

KNEADLESS's picture
KNEADLESS

I've been using 2 1/2 quart plastic paint buckets from Home Depot  They are translucent and are marked in qt. and liter levels.  You can easily see the size of the bubbles.  With lids they are about $2.75 each. 

 

George

FoodFascist's picture
FoodFascist

I usually prove my bread in a wooden bowl, but sometimes (for smaller loaves) I use a Pyrex-type mixing bowl of approx 1.5 capacity. I can't remember whether it's authentic Pyrex or an imitation, but I wouldn't have paid more than £5 for it. In fact, probably much cheaper than that.

I cover it with a wet muslin cloth but one could also use a glass saucepan lid.