what would you look for in your dream bread box?
I'm looking to buy/make a bread box and am wondering what factors would make the perfect bread box for you guys (assuming you have counter space). Here are some factors I was thinking of...
I like the look of the wooden ones best... Does the type of wood (pine, cedar, etc.) matter? Are there wood types to avoid (maybe because they impart a taste, or just don't work well), or preferred woods? Varnishes to be wary of, or preferred varnishes?
Are there bread box designs you've thought were especially useful? I've seen some with crumb-catcher cutting boards as a lid, which I liked, since the flat surface gives you more storage room -- but then it seems a closed flat top wouldn't provide the necessary breathing space, and a semi open top wouldn't be great for storing things on because dirt and other things would just filter into the box. In that case, would drilling holes in the sides of a box provide sufficient air circulation?
Do you have a preferred opening mechanism? Any complaints about bread boxes you've had?
What do you think about having a shelf in the box, to store two loaves? Or does that result in unequal circulation between loaves?
I'm new to baking (and this site!) and would be interested in hearing any and all thoughts! (I've looked online and poked around this site and couldn't find much in the way of specific suggestions -- if this question has been asked before, I'd love to get the link!)
How about hanging under the upper cupboards?
Or a large drawer?
or just a big basket with a cloth cover? Hanging from the rafters or mounted on a wall near the toaster?
Should be big enough for two loaves and maybe the bread knife?
Include a cutting board? or a crumb tray?
I got my eyes on a large ceramic oval crock with a perforated wooden lid (Austria)
We rented a house once that had tons of drawers in the kitchen, and one was converted into a bread drawer. When you opened it, there was a piece of clear plastic that slid along the top of the drawer. Not sure how great it worked as a bread box, but it didn't tie up any counter space.