Help a new baker? Spiral basket questions
I am thinking about buying one of those spiral type of baskets so I get that spiral design on my breads. 7th picture down on this link http://www.tmbbaking.com/supplies.html [1]
Sorry for the stupid questions... I have only been baking for about 8 months. My question is.... some pictures on the internet show people placing the dough directly into these baskets without a cloth liner and yet others use the liner. What is the purpos of this cloth liner and would you recommend a liner or no liner? Also, some baskets are wooden and others plastic.... what do you recommend? Most of my loaves have about 3 to 4 cups of flour in them, so would that be a 8 or 10 inch diameter basket? Some are listed by pounds such as a two pound basket..... as you can see, I need some help. Also, those baskets in that link... are they good or can I get better someplace else for about the same price?
Thank you for your patience!