My B&T proofer gave up the ghost a couple of months ago. It was one of their original models, and I think that it was purchased in 2012. The new B&T proofers have been, um, upgraded and can now function as slow cookers, too. The price point is around $250 US.
Since we have a couple slow cookers already, not to mention a countertop roaster, the B&T slow cooker capability wasn't something I needed. Where B&T was once the only proofer of their kind, there are now a number of competing products in the marketplace for considerably lower prices. What I found while shopping around was that many of them are quite small and/or their temperature ranges are quite low.
The one that I wound up purchasing (currently priced at $69.99), while larger than most, can just barely accommodate two of my bannetons. It also can reach 130F, which is useful for other tasks like making yogurt or reliquifying honey that has crystallized. It can fold nearly flat for convenient storage. There are zippers around each end panel that hold it upright or allow it to fold down. The front, bottom, and rear panels contain heating elements. The top has a clear plastic panel that allows the user to see how what's going on inside. While I haven't used it yet, I did set it up and turn it on just to see how it functioned. It came up to the set temperature rather quickly, which is encouraging. The controls are straightforward and simple. I'll be interested to see how it holds up long term.
Some pictures:
I'll post back after I've used it a few times and get a sense for how it behaves.
Paul
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It's not important but, "Perfect dough for every time" sounds like English is not its first language. 😀
I don’t think any of these items (including B&T's version) are made in countries where English is the primary language.
Paul
- pretty good deal!
Yippee
Works very well. My granddaughter has caught the sourdough bug from me. She’s only 17 and producing great results. She bought a soft-sided proofer like yours and loves it. It was a cheaper option for her, being a student with part-time work. She’s like a knowledge sponge and well-read on the theory of bread baking. I gave her my previous edition of Hamelman’s Bread book, which gave her a real boost and enthusiasm.
Cheers,
Gavin.
I bought a very similar version that had more reviews. There are dozens of similar products that look like they could have come from the same factory. This one appears to be well made.
I'm impressed with the insulation. I expected It to be poor but I was wrong. I set the internal temperature to 78F and the room temperature is 68F. Using my infrared thermometer I measured the outside temperatures. The unheated sides are 68F and the heated sides are only about 70F.
Our room temperature drops to 63F overnight and the internal temperature recorded by my Bluetooth thermometer stayed within 1 degree of 78F.
I have measured the internal temperature at different heights and it varies about 1 degree.
This is much better looking than my DIY version and stores more compactly which pleases my wife.
Gary
I wanted a way to judge the percentage rise without opening the proofer so I bought a cheap folding mirror that allows me to look down through the proofer top window and see the container from the side. I can see the blue rubber band through the Cambro container. By adjusting my head position so the view of the band in the mirror obscures the band on the other side, I can be sure I am looking parallel to the bottom. When the dough rises to the bottom of the band I will have reached my desired rise.
The yellow scale is there to help me think about the geometry of the setup.
Gary
I'll keep it in mind for future bakes.
Paul
I used the proofer while making a batch of pain de mie. It worked exactly as intended, although setup and takedown aren’t quite as smooth as with the B&T proofer. Since I had saved the humidification tray from my previous proofer, I placed that with a small amount of water in this proofer. The included hygrometer showed the humidity level inside the box and the exposed dough didn’t dry at all. If this holds up for a few years, I’ll be a happy chappy.
Paul
And the convenient thing is that it is easy to pack away and doesn't take up counter space. I guess we'll know how well it works after you bake bread in mid winter!
-Jon