May 22, 2013 - 2:08pm
Plastic Bannetons?
San Francisco Baking Institute (SFBI.com) is offering a well-priced plastic "banneton". The description includes some cautions about high-hydration dough sticking.
Has anyone had direct experience with these containers? What are your thoughts?
GregS
I've never used those exact ones, but I have a plastic one with the same kind of construction. I use it with removable a cotton liner , and it works very well. Properly floured high-hydration doughs may stick a little bit to the liner, but not to the basket. If this happens, you can peel the liner off the dough carefully.
Personally, I highly recommend them because they're easier to clean. The only downside is that you won't get as lovely of a banneton pattern on your bread.
I think they are good, but for me I already have too much plastic in my life. Now, if I was starting a bakery and was low on capital, sad to say I would buy them.
Cheers,
Wingnut
Edit: After checking the prices, there are about the same so I recant and say would not buy them based on price.
They are fine, Whole Foods uses them in their bakery dept. Personally, for home use, I prefer natural wood, but this is not a principal issue.