From sprouted and whole-wheat to gluten-free and multi-grain, bread has taken many forms these days. But, one thing that hasn’t changed about this everyday lunch staple is the fact that we (and probably millions of others) simply LOVE it.
That’s why we’ve reserved a special place for it not just in our hearts but also on our countertop. This special place keeps it safe and sound until we decide to munch on it once again. Folks, meet bread’s little “kingdom,” a.k.a. the bread box.
This super useful container is specially designed to keep the bread from going stale as long as possible. So, if you like your loaves all fresh and soft, this kitchen utensil may be just for you. But, there are so many types and models out there, it’s so confusing to pick just one. If you are seriously considering investing in this kitchen utensil, these are the best bread boxes to look at.
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Top 6 Bread Boxes for 2021 with Reviews
We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but not all bread boxes are created equal. So, buying whichever “bin” looks hot at the moment doesn’t guarantee you made the right choice. To prevent you from spending your hard-earned money on something that doesn’t belong in your kitchen -or anyone’s, for that matter-, we rounded up these high-quality bread boxes that are the best thing since sliced bread (pun intended!).
1. Wesco Grandy Steel Bread Box – German Design
If you want to add a vintage touch to your kitchen, then this model was made just for you. Inspired by the 1940s, this bread box has a unique flair to it, but that doesn’t mean that it lacks other qualities. This model is also known for its efficiency and high-quality design which maximizes the lifetime of your favorite baked goods. But, enough talk; let’s put it under the microscope and see exactly why it’s worthy of your countertop.
- Large Storing Capacity
Things are not always what they seem. Apparently, this is the case with this model. So, even though it looks relatively small on the outside, this bread box can actually fit a loaf or two plus a bunch of other pastry and baked goods. Needless to say that this product is perfect for anyone with a large family.
- Long-Lasting Materials
Primarily made of steel, this “bin” is bound to last for many years, especially if you take good care of it.
- Health-Friendly Construction
According to the manufacturer, this bread box is made of high-quality powder-coated sheet steel. Powder coatings contain no solvents which basically means that they release little to no amounts of harmful compounds. As a result, your food has zero chance of being contaminated with dubious substances.
- Ventilation Holes
This model also features ventilation holes which promote the box's air circulation. That means that they allow some of the bread's moisture to slip out and as a result, your baked goods are less likely to develop mold.
- Easy to Clean
Thanks to its minimalistic design, this product is simple to use. All you have to do is remove the breadcrumbs from inside the box and then wipe the surfaces clean with a damp cloth. Let it dry completely, and you are ready to use it again. It's as simple as that.
- Beautiful Design
Celebrating curves and bright, eye-catching colors, this vintage-looking model is so fun to have around. Strongly influenced by the retro looks of another decade, it can lighten up your kitchen and make you wanna give your bread making skills another go.
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- Pricey
Costing more than an average bread box, this model may burn a small hole in your pocket. However, the materials used tend to last for more than a decade, saving you lots of dough in the long term. Just imagine buying a $20 bread box only to see it break or rust in a matter of months. That sounds like a waste of money now, doesn't it?
2. Brabantia Roll Top Bread Box
If you have limited counter space but still want to get the most out of your bread box, then this model is a dream come true. Equipped with a roll-top lid, this “bin” spares you the extra space you would need if you opted for a box with a fall-front lid. Plus, it is made of high-quality materials that guarantee a long-lasting experience. But, here’s everything you need to know about this top-selling bread box.
- Durable Materials
This product is made of brilliant steel which is by nature durable. Not only that but it is also resistant to corrosion, ensuring a high-quality experience for years to come.
- Easy to Clean
Thanks to its sleek design and materials, this bread box is very easy to clean. Just wipe clean with a wet cloth, and that's that.
- Large Capacity
Just by taking a quick look at its size, one would assume that this “bin” is perfect for small/medium kitchens. But, against all the odds, it manages to store up to two loaves of bread at a time. So, if you don't have a big kitchen but still want to keep much of your baked goods fresh, this model is a safe bet.
- Decade-Long Guarantee
Unlike most, this bread box comes with a 10-year guarantee, allowing to switch the defective product if anything happens.
- Space-Saving Perks
Even though this model is big enough as is, it proudly presents a bunch of other features that maximize its capacity and don't take up any more of your precious counter space. Specifically, it is equipped with a roll-top lid which doesn't require extra space when in use. It also comes with a flat top design which allows you to store more things not just inside but also on top of the box.
- Ventilation-Friendly Design
This product has a knobbly patterned base which promotes air circulation throughout the box and keeps your food fresh for longer.
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- Requires Maintenance
Many previous owners believe that the design of this bread box is somewhat flimsy. And sadly, this is not entirely false. Compared to its peers, this model is more likely to rust, break or wear out.
However, you can avoid such side effects if you maintain it properly. So, make sure you get rid of all the breadcrumbs between uses, clean the inner surface with wet cloths, always dry it thoroughly before storing fresh bread and handle the lid as delicately as possible.
3. Brabantia Fall Front Bread Box
If you are on the market for a large bread box which is still very easy to clean, then look no further. This model comes with a fingerprint-proof finish that leaves no smudges behind, making your life much more comfortable. Plus, it has room for up to two big loaves, allowing you to store enough of your favorite artisanal bread. So, here’s the scoop.
- Fall-Front Lid
It also comes with a fall-front opening which prevents foods from being damaged or squashed every time you open or close the lid.
- Secure Magnetic Seal
This model features a high-end magnetic seal that shuts the fall-front lid tight and keeps it steady, no matter what. That means that your baked goods have zero chance of getting in touch with air and, thus, remain fresh for longer.
- Large Capacity
Fitting up to two loaves, this box is ideal for anyone who wants to store lots of bread.
- Fingerprint-Proof Finish
This product is coated with a unique finish that wards off fingerprint smudging and makes your “bin” look like a million bucks all the time.
- Eligible for Wall Mounting
This bread box also comes with a couple of hanging holes in the back which allow you to mount it on the wall if needed.
- Flat Top Design
It has a flat top which allows you to store more objects on top of it, saving you lots of kitchen space.
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- Hard-to-Reach Spots
Despite its sleek design, this bread box has a few hard-to-reach corners which may make cleaning a tad challenging.
4. Mountain Woods XL Acacia Wood Antique-Style Bread Box
Not to sound biased, but wooden bread boxes look elegant AF, and this model is no exception. Made of dark acacia wood, this “bin” boasts an antique-like vibe which is a perfect match even to modern (or modern-ish) kitchens. So, if you want to get a glimpse of how people preserved their bread back in the day, this model is a one-way street.
- High-Quality Materials
This vintage-looking bread box is made of plantation-grown acacia hardwood which is one of the most versatile and sustainable types of wood used worldwide. On top of that, the manufacturing company makes sure the acacia wood used for these boxes is grown under environmentally friendly practices.
- Ample Storage Space
It comes with a rather big storing capacity which measures up to two loaves of bread at the same time.
- Magnetic Seal
The bread box features a magnetic seal which makes sure the lid is securely closed so that it doesn't open randomly on its own.
- Graceful Design
Known for its antique vibe, this “bin” is a real masterpiece, from the lavish looks of the acacia wood to the detailed flip-down lid which is decorated with rattan and a few metal accents. This bread box is a must-have for anyone with a knack for vintage-looking kitchen equipment.
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- Tricky to Clean
Somewhere between wood's inability to dry quickly and a bunch of hard-to-reach spots, this model may give you a hard time during cleaning time.
5. Mountain Woods Large Acacia Wood Roll Top Bread Box
If you want to invest in a simple wooden bread box that can also save you a little bit of space, then this model sounds like a natural fit. Much like most roll-top “bins,” this one doesn’t take up precious front space when in use. But, this isn’t its only advantage. So, let’s see what else this bread box has in store for you.
- Durable Materials
Few people know that, but acacia hardwood is harder than oak and maple, providing a solid basis for everything built with it. Not only that, but it is also resistant to mold which means that as a bread box form, acacia hardwood won't wear down quickly.
- Flat Top Design
This model comes with a flat top design which helps you store more things in less space. Just arrange them on top of the box's flat area, and there you have it.
- Ergonomic Roll-Top Lid
This product comes with a roll-top lid that spares you from taking up space right in front of the box when in use. On top of that, the cover slides open and close very smoothly without damaging or pushing against the box's contents.
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- Slightly Small
Unlike the rest on this list, this one has a small-ish storing chamber. That means that it fits less than two loaves of bread or else the lid won't open.
6. Blue Donuts Bamboo Bread Box
If you are looking for a bread box with a see-through lid so you can always keep an eye on the contents, then this model is where the money is at. Sporting a thin translucent door, it allows you to peek inside without actually opening the lid. Plus, it’s made of bamboo which adds a playful touch to the mix. But, let’s see what else this bread box has to offer.
- Large Capacity
This model features a large chamber that helps you store up to two loaves of bread simultaneously.
- Affordable Price
Unlike many of its peers, this product comes at a relatively low price, posing as an excellent option for anyone on a shoestring budget. To put it in a nutshell, its price is hard to beat.
- See-Through Lid
It also comes with a translucent lid which allows you to see the box's contents from the outside. Not only that, but the lid's design makes that part of your kitchen counter look more lively, adding to its overall appeal.
- Stylish Design
Made of bamboo, this “bin” has an eye-catching design that suits almost any kind of kitchen, from minimalistic and modern to old-fashioned and cluttered.
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- Flimsy Lid
Even though the box's door is relatively easy to open and shut, treat it a bit harder than you should, and it will snap like a twig. So, make sure you never push/pull it too fast or too hard and
What Is A Bread Box?
As the name implies, the bread box -or bread bin- is a container which is used to store bread as well as other baked goods (muffins, cupcakes, bagels, etc.). By shutting out the air, this box manages to keep your foods fresh for as long as possible. Even though traditional bread boxes were made out of wood, the latest models take a different approach and opt for metal, plastic or acrylic, hoping it would keep preserving your bread even longer.
Why Use A Bread Box?
Sold to us in a plastic wrap that helps retain its freshness, storing bread has rarely been an issue. Plus, the various hard-to-pronounce preservatives do a great job preventing mold grow on it. However, it’s not long the good old-fashioned (fresh) bread has knocked its preservative-laden counterpart out of the grocery shelves, leaving us baffled as to how to retain its delicate crust and moist interior. That’s pretty much how bread boxes became hip again.
But, that’s not the only reason to keep one of these puppies around. For those of you who still wonder whether shopping for the best bread box is worth the money and countertop space, here are the three most compelling reasons to own one today.
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Prolonging Freshness
Thanks to its unique design, the bread box prevents the food from being exposed to extreme temps (both high and low), an element that triggers a deforming process, known as retrogradation(1). Specifically, this process refers to the starch converting into a crystalline mass that causes the bread itself to harden. That reaction occurs after starch is exposed to heat and water for a prolonged amount of time.
One way to deal with this issue and spare your bread the degradation is to keep it at room temperature. As a result, the starch doesn’t react, and your doughy goods remain soft and moist for up to three days. You see, bread boxes may not be the money-wasters everyone thinks they are.
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Keeping Bugs Away
No matter how hard you try to keep them outside your house (and most importantly, kitchen), small bugs and insects will always find their way back in. Sealing your food (bread included) in plastic bags or wraps is one way to deal with this issue, but unfortunately, they can still chew through them and reach your precious munchies.
Primarily made out of wood or metal, the bread box creates an impenetrable “wall” between your baked goods and these tiny intruders, helping you keep them as safe as possible. Of course, this is not the case for anyone with two legs and disposable thumbs who is set on getting a taste of your delicious bread loaves.
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Keeping Your Countertop Clean
Bread boxes can also help you keep your kitchen counters clean and tidy. What does that mean? No more breadcrumbs here and there and, most importantly, no plastic bags taking up more space than they actually should. Plus, these containers are super easy to clean. Just dispose of the food residues at the bottom and wipe with a wet cloth. That’s it; you are done.
What To Look For When Shopping For the Best Bread Box
From their minimalistic design to their easy-to-use nature, bread boxes are a synonym for simplicity. That being said, it’s rather easy to choose one that suits your needs and requirements. So, here are the two things you need to keep in mind when you go bread box shopping.
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Size
The first and most important thing to consider when looking for a bread box is the size. Specifically, think about how large your family is and how many loaves you consume on average. If the answer is more than one every 2-3 days, then you definitely need to opt for a big bread box. However, if you live alone and you stick to one loaf of bread every 3-4 days, then you’d better consider buying a medium/small one.
The size of your new bread bin should also depend on your free countertop space. If you have enough of it, then going big wouldn’t hurt anyone. However, if your kitchen counters barely fit your pots and pans, then going small is a one-way street.
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Material
Bread boxes can be made of various materials. However, some of the most common options include wood, plastic, acrylic, metal, stainless steel and enamel. How do you know which one is best for you? Just take a look at your kitchen décor, and consider what you want to gain by opting for a specific type of material. For example, if you want a long-lasting bread box, then choosing one that’s made of stainless steel is a no-brainer.
Final Thoughts
Bread boxes may give off some #retrovibes, but old-fashioned is the last thing your kitchen will look like if you pick just the right one for you. So, if you are ready to take your love for this doughy goodie to the next level by retaining its freshness for longer, these are the bread boxes to do just the trick. Which one stole YOUR attention?
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