How To Choose A Bread Box

To conserve the smell and taste of your fresh-baked bread, you'll need to find a way to keep your bread crunchy with a soft crumb. This is where a bread box of quality comes in handy. Other storing techniques just aren't as effective as a good old-fashioned bread box.

Your bread will become moldy if you store it in a plastic bag and keeping your bread exposed on the counter will make it hard as a stone. For this reason, the best way to store bread is in a bread box. But how do you choose one?

Here we offer practical tips to help you choose a bread box for better storage. Choosing a bread box is more than a matter of style. You'll need to keep functional aspects in mind too.

Which material is best for a bread box?

You can find bread boxes that go with whatever kitchen theme you have, be it retro or modern. Stainless steel, enamel, plastic, ceramic, and wood are common bread box materials. Each material comes with its functional benefits.

Plastic bread boxes: affordable, come in a variety of styles such as see-through, lightweight, and ideal to place in pantries or kitchen cabinets.
Wood bread boxes: traditional style and a roomy interior that is appropriate for big families.
Stainless steel bread boxes: modern design, easy to clean, durable, and available in different shapes and styles.
Enamel bread boxes: vintage and old-fashioned style, made from thin metal, and usually have a print on the front.
Ceramic bread boxes: heavy, fragile, and simple design.

How to choose a bread box's size?

Choosing the wrong bread box size will limit how much bread you can keep at once.

The majority of bread boxes are at least 15 inches long.
Some plastic bread boxes can extend for additional space.
Some bread boxes have two platforms for storing two loaves or other pastries, which is ideal for those who bake a lot.
If you live alone or have a small family and only bake bread from time to time, you can opt for a bread box made for one loaf, such as a 9.5" H x 15.2" W x 10.8" D one.
If you have a family with kids and regularly buy a lot of bread, go for a more spacious one: 16.75 inches long with a diameter of 9 inches, or one with multiple containers.

Additional aspects to consider when purchasing a bread box

A quality bread box has air vents to prevent moisture accumulation. If you live somewhere hot, make sure your bread box has an added bit of ventilation to avoid dampness.

There are several choices in terms of how a bread box open:

Roll tops: convenient, easy to access and use, the lid slides up, doesn't require a lot of space.
Hinge door: door opens in the front, requires more space when opening, suitable for open counter spaces.
Pull-open door: requires you to pull the handle towards you.
Other bread boxes have lids on the top. Only practical when you buy or bake a certain size bread.

Consider a bread box that isn't too large if you have a narrow countertop.

Which bread box style is best for you?

Whether you have a colorful or sleek kitchen decor, there will always be a bread box that will meet your taste.

Stainless steel bread boxes have a modern design. For extra cohesion, pick one that resembles the finish of your contemporary kitchen appliances.
If you're into vintage styles, go for enamel and ceramic bread boxes. These come in a wide variety of designs and are versatile.
Wooden bread boxes are favorable for those who enjoy a more traditional style.
Plastic ones offer a more casual and minimalistic look.
A bread box with a flat top allows you to store other items on its surface.

Choosing a bread box with the right features can keep your bread and other pastries fresher for a longer time. Bread boxes retain the bread's original characteristics: a crunchy exterior and a soft interior longer than plastic or paper bags. And that's the kind of bread we all want to eat!