Proof & LoafThe Best Banneton Proofing Baskets for Sourdough
A banneton is the cheapest upgrade that makes the biggest visual difference to a loaf. Here’s how to choose one and keep it in good shape.
What a banneton does
A banneton (also called a brotform or proofing basket) holds shaped dough during its final rise. It supports the sides so the loaf rises up rather than out, and the natural cane wicks a little moisture from the surface, which helps form a skin that’s easier to score. Food & Wine notes most baskets run 8–11 inches and hold roughly 500–1000 g of dough.
How to choose
- Round or oval. Round for a boule in a round Dutch oven; oval for a batard. Match the shape to your baking vessel.
- Size. A 9–10" basket fits a typical one-loaf recipe (about 500 g flour). Bigger loaves need bigger baskets.
- Liner or no liner. Liners make release foolproof but you lose the spiral pattern. Many bakers use the liner while learning, then go bare with rice flour.
Frieling Brotform Round Proofing Basket, 10"
Food & Wine’s best overall proofing basket after testing. Natural cane, classic spiral pattern, and the listing says it holds about a 2 lb loaf.
- Top independent test result
- Classic look and great release once seasoned with flour
- No liner included
- Pricier than kit baskets
Frieling Brotform Round Proofing Basket, 11"
The same basket in a larger size, listed for about a 3 lb loaf, for bakers scaling up.
- Room for big boules
- Too large for a standard one-loaf recipe
RORECAY Banneton Set (9" round + 10" oval) with tools
Food & Wine’s tester called a RORECAY set one of her favorites because it includes liners plus a lame, scraper and dough whisk, making it a strong starter or gift set.
- Two shapes plus tools in one box
- Liners included
- Tester found a few rough fibers that picked off easily
Saint Germain Bakery 10" Oval Banneton with Liner
Serious Eats recommended the Saint Germain oval for batards in its proofing basket test.
- Good batard shape
- Liner included
- Can stick without the liner or enough flour
Bread Bosses Banneton Proofing Basket
Bread Bosses’ round basket earned top marks in Serious Eats’ test for well-proportioned, easy-to-score loaves.
- Strong independent test result
- Includes liner and scraper
- Check the listing for the size and shape you want
Superbaking 9" Round Banneton, Set of 2
Two round baskets with liners, handy if you bake two loaves at once.
- Two baskets
- Liners included
- Basic construction
Care tips
- Use rice flour. It doesn’t absorb water like wheat flour, so dough sticks far less.
- Don’t wash it. Let it dry completely, then tap and brush out the flour. Moisture causes mold.
- Never bake in it. Bannetons are for proofing only.
- No banneton yet? A bowl lined with a well-floured, smooth kitchen towel works.
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