February 3, 2013 - 10:32am
Banneton or Similar - Difference
Now that I'm getting more serious over this bread baking game I'm considering either Lined Wicker Proving Baskets, Round Cane Banneton or Wood-Fibre Brotforms from bakerybits. I can see that prices are different as is obvious. What I can figure out is the benefits of one kind or the other. The Wicker Basket appeals most from an exterior aesthetic point. The Cane I feel may be the most practical and in the case of Wood-Fibre, I think yuck - man made product.
What are the benefits between one and the next?
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I haven't used the Wood-Fibre so I'd also be curious to know how they work out. I have used both can bannetons and lined wicker baskets- I think the main difference is in the attractive pattern you get from an unlined banneton. Once it's lined I don't think it matters much what the basket is made of. It seems like the price for these is quite variable, especially depending on whether the intended use is for proving loaves or baskets for restaurants to serve bread.
I mainly use cane bannetons; I received a wood-fibre banneton as a well-meaning Christmas present.
I don't use liners, and fine the cane baskets to be excellent. I must confess to not having tried the fibre basket, because it doesn't feel very nice. It feels more absorbant and less durable - my gut instinct screams "nooooo" when I pick it up. I appreciate that this is possibly the most unscientific comparison ever made.
Hell, if you live in the UK, I'll send you it for the cost of the postage! Regarding wicker/cane baskets, don't rule out things you find in charity shops or car-boot sales. It is, at the end of the day, just a basket that's about the right size.