Product Review - Brotform Bread Rising Basket

Last week I promised I'd do a review of the latest product I received from CSN Stores. I had seen the Brotform bread rising baskets earlier when I browsed CSN stores selection of products and was intrigued by them.

I selected the 10-inch round basket.

I have only had time to make one loaf of bread in it, but I was very pleased with the results. I started by making my own favorite bread recipe and letting it rise the first time in an oiled bowl. Meanwhile, I dusted the new Brotform generously with plain white flour. After my bread dough had risen, I punched it down, kneaded it a few times, then placed it in the floured Brotform for the second rise.

I placed the bread dough and basket in a warm, humid place (in my case, inside my microwave oven) and let the dough rise until doubled.

Had I thought of it sooner, I would have used my pizza stone, but instead I placed a parchment paper over the basket and dough, placed a baking sheet over that and flipped everything over, inverting the bread dough onto the baking sheet. I gently removed the Brotform from the dough. I wondered at first if the basket would release the dough.

I was happy to see that the dough stuck only in two small spots. I believe the sticking will end once the Brotform becomes well seasoned with flour and oil.

My bread recipe is soft, but I could still clearly see the rings imprinted by the Brotform. The dough retained the rings as it baked, creating an attractive pattern on the bread. As you can see, there was still quite a bit of flour on the bread after baking; I brushed some of it off, leaving enough on there to highlight the rings.

I think the Brotform is designed for sourdough and other sturdier breads.  I'm looking forward to trying it again with a recipe that won't spread as much as the soft bread recipe I used.

Overall, I am quite happy with the Brotform and would consider buying another.  I think having the baguette shaped basket would be fun.

As for CSN Stores, I couldn't be happier with the customer service I received from them.  The representative who contacted me about this review was friendly and helpful. At the same time I ordered my Brotform, I ordered a couple of other items.  My shipment came in two packages and arrived exactly as stated on my order confirmation.  I've found CSN Stores customer service to be top of the line and can't wait to work with them again on another review or giveaway.