'Is it bigger than a bread box?' is a commonly used phrase to guess the size of an unknown surprise object. Bread box is a common kitchen item found in most of the house holds for storing bread and other goodies to keep them fresh.
Bread box is also called bread bin in British English. Although these days bread is commercially made using food preservatives and can be wrapped in plastic, bread boxes are still used by those who bake bread at home. Bread boxes came made of wood or pottery in the past, whereas nowadays metal bread boxes are becoming popular. Wooden and metal bread boxes are finished to complement many styles of home décor including primitive, country, colonial, western, vintage, cottage, rustic and lodge.
Bread boxes are made big enough to fit one or two average loaves of bread that is about 12 inches wide and 6 inches high and deep. Bread boxes are so constructed that the lid is tightly sealed when closed in order to prevent moisture from drying out the bread. This way mice and insects are also kept away. Bread boxes either have fully removable top or the lid is hinged enabling opening from the front.
Many individuals choose to store bread in a refrigerator under the impression that keeping the bread cold will lock in the moisture and prevent it from going stale. Unfortunately the opposite occurs and bread stored in a refrigerator gets stale after just a day
or two.
Bread box designs
Bread boxes are as popular these days as they were decades ago. Vintage kitchenware bread boxes are often still quite usable and collectible. Some bread boxes made of wood belonging to yesteryears have gained antiques value. The lid or door to a breadbox is usually hinged, opening from the front or top, or a fully removable top. Most breadboxes are fairly tightly sealed when closed, helping to trap moisture and prevent their contents from drying out and going stale. They protect their contents from mice and other pests.
Bread boxes are found in trendy styles nowadays. There are many types and models of bread boxes made of wood, acrylic, ceramic, enamel, stoneware and stainless steel. Original bread boxes known as 'biscuit boxes' had punch patterns ranging from random punching and simple designs to the more ornate patterns such as rosette ones. While original bread boxes have sharp punched holes for insect control, present day ones have smooth punched holes to the outside for appearance and cleaning convenience.
Bread boxes come with different types of lids including hinged, roll top, handled life off and drop down versions. Bread boxes with handy attachments and pullout bread boards are common these days. The handles in a bread box may be snap-fitted to the device in assembly. Though limited in choice, under cabinet models of bread boxes can free up counter space while providing convenient storing access. Regular bread boxes can be attached to an upper cabinet in the kitchen.
Most importantly bread boxes should have enough stability and durability. It is essential to check how the lid opens, as retractable styles may not work and the top of the bread box should be preferably flat.
The sides in a bread box are so spaced to fit the loaf of bread between them. A self closing door system closes the front door of the box. With a loaf of bread disposed between the sides upon the base, the front door presses against the exposed wrapper end to seal the loaf. The door of the bread box is so designed to slide inwards after bread slices are removed so as to stay close to the bread wrapper to the last remaining slice of bread. This way the volume is minimized and the freshness of bread is enhanced.
Wood bread box
Although not many prefer wood bread box these days, stylish wood bread boxes keeps the bread rolls fresh for many days. This box allows air to circulate around the bread such that it receives less moisture than it would in a sealed bag. Wood bread boxes come with lift type lids and provide sufficient space for large quantities of bread to be stored. Wood bread boxes add a special atmosphere in the kitchen as a pleasing focal point.
Though not fanciful, a wood bread box is definitely most sturdy and does not fall apart easily. Carved wooden bread boxes are usually handcrafted in oak and hickory. They come in wheat carving with words that are impeccably refined and appealing. Sometimes wood bread boxes come with slanted and curved top edge with designs and pull knobs and hinges in brass.
Handcrafted wood bread box made of solid pine comes with vented back naturally stained. Each piece of wood takes a different stain thereby bringing out the grains, knots and swirls in the wood. Wood bread boxes are timeless antiques that could be passed on from one generation to another.
Metal bread box
Bread boxes made of metals come in different styles. A metal bread box can be painted to match the décor of the kitchen. Stainless steel bread boxes are sleek and stylish. Normally metal bread boxes come big enough to hold large loaves of bread, muffins, pastries and other baked items. An oversized deluxe bread box made of metal can keep bread crustier and fresher than plastic and paper bags.
Bread box reviews
An Eva Solo flexible black bread box poses a modern look and is a combination of stainless and black nylon which is light and yet sturdy. Yet another Eva Solo bread box has a cover of flexible plastics and is neither too tight fitting nor too open.
A Polder deluxe bread box which is powdered and painted with steel has plastic trim and roll top lid that opens and closes smoothly. Another Polder retro black bread bin is eye catching and vintage inspired made of stainless steel polished finish, wipe clean and soft. Yet a polder deluxe bread bin painted white keeps bread and other baked goods fresh in an attractive white bread box. Roll top lids glides smoothly open.
A stainless steel black bread box preserves freshness with flair. Typhoon limousine black bread bin is fantastically priced and yet has ease and comfort of operation. It has a heavy gauge gloss enameled steel with high specification chrome wire handle and non slip feet.
An Arcosteel stainless steel roll top bread box has a brushed satin finish with black phenolic trim. Dishwasher is not recommended. Classic yet contemporary in style a black ceramic bread box is designed to hold loaves of bread tight.
A stainless steel breadbox in the shape of a traditional mail box is roomy enough to hold loaves of bread, bagels, muffins, croissants and rolls. This will definitely add panache to the kitchen with its frosted, textured glass that softens the metallic edge of the container and allows a faintly view of the contents inside. The glass door of this incredible bread box lifts smoothly up and down for easy access.
Consider the storage space available in one's kitchen when buying a bread box. There are a wide variety of space saver bread boxes available these days that occupy only a limited space of the counter, table top or shelf. Alternatively, extendable bread boxes in bigger models for large families are also available. Clear bread box versions revealing what is stored in containers can help those who are often forgetful.