Best Bread Boxes

Buying guide for best bread boxes

Whether you’re kneading and shaping homemade loaves of bread or buying pre-sliced loaves at the store, a bread box can help prevent your bread from going stale too soon. And since bread is such an important staple in our diets — it’s used in a host of dishes, from sandwiches to soup bowls — it makes financial sense to keep bread suitable for eating for as long as possible.

Left out on the counter, we all know that bread dries up. And unfortunately, when sealed in a plastic bag, mold can grow on a loaf of bread. But stored in a bread box, bread stays fresher for longer.

Bread boxes are available in countless styles, and our aim at BestReviews is to help you find the perfect bread box for your kitchen.

Homemade bread is delicious, but it doesn’t stay fresh as long as store-bought bread because of the lack of preservatives.

How a bread box works

Unlike the plastic wrap that keeps store-bought loaves fresh, a bread box helps control the humidity surrounding your bread by encouraging proper air circulation. A loose-fitting lid prevents an airtight seal in order to avoid condensation and high humidity, which could lead to mold growth. Keeping a loaf inside a bread box slows the process of retrogradation, in which the starch in bread undergoes changes and eventually renders the loaf stale.

Considerations

Bread boxes are relatively uncomplicated, but that doesn’t mean you’d be happy with the first one on the shelf. Here are some factors worth considering.

Style

Bread boxes are available in a bevy of designs, from rustic farmhouse chic to sleek modern stainless steel. If you’re choosing a bread box that will be on display, choose one that complements your kitchen décor — or a neutral style that doesn’t interfere with it.

Material

Here are a few of the most common bread box construction materials.

• Ceramic: Bread boxes made of ceramic are attractive but easily breakable.

• Enameled metal: Traditional farmhouse-style bread boxes are usually made of enamel-coated metal. They are very easy to clean but also prone to chipping.

• Stainless steel: Stainless steel is durable, sleek, and easy to wipe down. To avoid fingerprints, consider a bread box made of smudge-proof stainless steel.

• Wood: Wooden bread boxes often feature retro designs and are usually roomy enough for multiple generously sized loaves.

• Plastic: It’s easy to evaluate the condition of your baked goods in a clear plastic bread box. Plastic is lightweight and easy to clean, too.

Size

Some homes have more counter space than others. As such, you need to choose a bread box that’s appropriately sized. A bread box is not a kitchen accessory that’s typically moved around, so pick a permanent spot for it. If you’ll be placing it under top-mounted cabinets, check that there’s enough vertical room for the box. If you’re short on kitchen counter space, feel free to store your bread box inside a cabinet or pantry.

Lid design

There are several types of bread box lids to choose from. Perhaps the most traditional is the rolltop lid. This is a curved sliding door that’s easy to open. It keeps pests out but allows for adequate airflow. Another common lid type is the handled lid. If you opt for this type, be sure to choose one that is not airtight. A third option is the drawbridge lid. This is a type of door that opens toward you and sometimes features a slide-out tray. Drawbridge doors are easy to open and provide total access to the inside, but they’re not ideal for shallow countertops.

Mountability

Not interested in sacrificing counter space for a bread box? Consider a mountable bread box that attaches to the underside of your upper cabinets or onto any free wall in your kitchen. Not all bread boxes are mountable, so if this feature matters to you, be sure to check the specs before buying.

Expandability

This is a unique feature of some bread boxes that allows you to adjust the box according to loaf size. Boxes of this kind pull apart like accordions.

Air vents

To encourage air circulation and prevent mold growth, choose a box with a loose-fitting lid or air vents. Too little air circulation promotes condensation, which in turn creates an environment where mold can thrive. Furthermore, too much exposure to air can cause bread to go stale.

Bread box prices

Most bread boxes cost between $25 and $40. Larger boxes made of wood may have a higher price tag of over $50. If you prefer a designer bread box, you’d likely have to spend over $75.

Tips

• Avoid overstuffing your bread box. Although bread boxes are designed to minimize humidity, too many loaves will counteract this and increase humidity.

• If you’re storing homemade loaves of bread, don’t pre-slice them. Slicing exposes a greater surface area of the bread to the air.

• Bread boxes rarely accommodate long or tall loaves, so don’t expect to store whole baguettes inside a bread box.

• When storing bread in a bread box, leave it unwrapped to prevent moisture buildup.

• You can also store other baked goods, like croissants and pastries, in a bread box to keep them fresh.

• Choose a spot in your kitchen where the temperature won’t fluctuate, and keep your bread box away from sunlight.

• Avoid storing your freshly baked loaf of bread in a box until it has cooled to room temperature. This will help prevent the build-up of condensation in the box.

• Clean the box periodically. Toss out crumbs regularl,  and wipe the interior down once in a while.

• Prone to forgetfulness? Choose a bread box with a glass window for viewing. You’re more likely to grab a slice of bread or a piece of pastry if it’s within clear view.

What kind of bread do you want to store? If you prefer to bake your own tall loaves, make sure the box you choose is compatible.

FAQ

Q. Is it safe to eat moldy bread?

A. The danger involved in eating moldy bread varies depending on the mold in question, but we prefer to remain cautious and throw suspect loaves away. Tearing off visibly moldy portions of bread may not completely eradicate the loaf of mold. Mold spores may also cause problems for persons with allergies.

Q. How long does bread stay fresh in a bread box?

A. At most, the bread will remain fresh for a week. However, it will be at its freshest for up to half a week. Factors that affect the length of freshness include the quality of the bread box, the loaf itself (is it store-bought and packed with preservatives, or is it homemade?), and the overall kitchen environment.

Q. Can’t I just stick my bread in the refrigerator to keep it fresh?

A. Putting a loaf of bread in the refrigerator will actually speed up the retrogradation process. In the fridge, the cooler temperature dries out the moist, fluffy loaf. However, you can put off mold growth by placing your bread in the refrigerator.