Best Bread Box
Bread – it’s hard not to love this food staple in all its beautiful forms – loaves, croissants, rolls, buns, baguettes and bagels. Slather a thick slice of fresh artisanal bread with butter and jam or nut butter, top a bagel with cream cheese or make a sandwich with your favorite fillings.
But no matter how you slice it, bread needs to be kept fresh and mold-free, so why not use a bread box?
These functional and attractive containers were a must-have in most American kitchens before the mid-20th century, when bread was wrapped in paper or baked fresh at home. These days, as people move away from using plastic, bread boxes are making a comeback.
A good bread box keeps baked goods out of sight, keeps them fresher for longer and out of reach from bugs and pets. Since they come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials, there’s a bread box to suit any decor.
We narrow down the four best bread boxes you can buy online. Read on to find the one that works for you.
ALhom Bread Box with Bamboo Cutting Board Lid & Bread Rack
Lately, you’ve been baking a lot of your own bread. You used to store all your fresh bread and baked goods in a plastic bag to keep it fresh, but now you’re really trying to reduce your environmental footprint by eliminating plastic bags in your home. And so, it’s all been going stale pretty quickly. You’re thinking of getting a bread box to help your bread stay fresher for longer. If you’re looking for a dual-purpose modern-looking model with a lid that is also a cutting board, then this is the model for you.
To keep all your baked goods fresher for longer, we recommend the ALhom Bread Box with Bamboo Cutting Board Lid & Bread Rack. Made from finished matte 340 stainless steel, you can be sure this bread box will not rust, or show fingerprint smudges.
The modern, simple trapezoid design of this bread box will make a statement on your kitchen counter with its Eco bamboo lid. Perfect if you bake your own loaves or prefer unsliced artisanal breads, the lid pulls down flat so you can use it as a cutting board. Convenient, right?
When done, wipe away the crumbs and close it all up again.
The lid is loose enough to allow airflow, an important component to reduce condensation to guard against mildew. It also extends the freshness of bread and baked goods, locking in flavors.
Measuring 14.5 inches long x 9 inches high x 9 inches deep, this bread box is large enough to store up to four loaves of bread, but won’t take up too much space on your counter. But if you’re really cramped for space, this model can also be mounted on the wall. It also comes equipped with a well-ventilated bread rack, so the bread does not sit on the metal. With its front opening, it’s also a breeze to wipe clean.
Pros:
- Backed by a 180-day money-back guarantee
- Lid conveniently pulls down to use as a cutting board
- Large enough to store four loaves of bread
- Made from 304 stainless steel
Cons:
- Cutting board may not be useful for everyone
HOMEKOKO Double Layer Large Bread Box
You’ve just purchased a cottage in the country and are in the process of equipping the kitchen. You have a bread box in your city home and now you’re looking for one that will fit the old-country style at the cottage. With a large family, you need a large capacity size to fit all the bread and bakes goods you love to make. For a chic-looking wood and Plexiglas bread box that is the perfect blend of city and country, then you may want to consider this model.
We recommend the HOMEKOKO Double Layer Large Bread Box. Unlike some airtight bins that dry out bread and cause it to go stale faster, this bread box retains just enough moisture to keep most bread fresh for up to three or four full days.
This bread box that looks like something found in a bakery, is a great-looking addition to any kitchen counter. The clear Plexiglas windows make it easy to see what’s inside, so you’ll never let a ‘forgotten’ piece of anything stay hidden for weeks. Being able to see inside also helps keep you updated on when you’re getting low on supplies without having to open the lid, letting in air that can affect the quality of the bread.
The two levels of the bread box measure 14.6 inches x 9.4 inches, enough space to hold two large loaves of bread, rolls, muffins and more. Equipped with feet that raise the box 0.8-inches off the countertop, there’s no worry that any water spilled on the counter will ruin the bamboo finish.
To clean, wipe with a dry cloth. Keeping it dry and ventilated, and not using water on it directly, will retain its good looks and help it last for years to come.
Pros:
- Unique two-layer chic design
- Clear windows make it easy to see inside and keep track of supplies
- Large capacity
Cons:
- Must be assembled
- More expensive than other models
Polder 210201-95 Deluxe Steel Bread Box
You live in a compact, modern apartment. There’s not much counter space in the kitchen, but you’re okay with that. You still bake your own bread every week, and are looking to stop using plastic bags to keep your loaves fresh. For a sleek looking, compact bread box with a large capacity to keep all of your baked goods out of the way and fresher for longer, you may want to consider this model.
We recommend the Polder 210201-95 Deluxe Steel Bread Box Black for every day use. It’s easy to keep all of your baked goods fresh in this sturdy, retro-style bread box. It has a powdered, painted 18/8 steel construction with a protective plastic trim to prevent scratches. Its black matte finish goes with any color scheme and will certainly add a pop of panache to your kitchen décor.
Venting holes keep bread fresh longer and the roll-top opens easily and closes tightly. Measuring 17 inches long x 11 inches deep x 7 inches high, you’ll have plenty of room for all of your favorite bread and baked goods. Easy to clean, too. Just wipe it down with a simple, soft cloth.
Pros:
- Sleek, retro design
- Easy to open roll-top lid
- Large capacity
Cons:
- May not be large enough for some families
AuldHome White Bread Box
You’ve recently renovated your kitchen in a farmhouse style and you’re loving it. Your old bread box doesn’t fit the décor, so you want to replace it with something more vintage-looking. Plus you’re not interested in stainless steel, plastic or wood, and prefer a more earthy material.
For a shabby chic, retro-style classic bread box, we recommend the AuldHome White Bread Box. Totally cool looking with its distressed white exterior with painted black lettering spelling ‘Bread’, this is not just another pretty face.
Measuring 13 inches long x 8 inches deep x 6 inches high, you can be sure this bread box will keep all your baked good fresher for longer. You can easily fit a traditionally sized store-bought bread measuring 11 inches to 13 inches long or a homemade bread baked in a 9-inch x 5.5-inch x 3-inch pan into this bread box.
Lightweight at only 3.5 pounds, it has an easy-to-open hinged lid with knob for one-handed open and close. Made from galvanized iron with an enamel coating that is all material food safe and tested and lead free. Rubber feet on all the four corners will protect your countertop from scratches.
You’re going to love this bread box that fits nicely under your cupboards on your countertop. It’s easy to clean, too, just wash by hand. Do not put it into the dishwasher or use harsh soap or detergent.
Pros:
- Made from food safe, lead-free galvanized iron with enamel coating
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
Things to look out for:
Consider these things when looking for a bread box so you will choose the one that best suits your needs:
Appearance
Luckily, there are so many different styles and colors of bread boxes to choose from, it won’t be difficult to find one to fit your décor and taste. From retro to ultra-modern, vintage farmhouse or rustic, there’s something for everyone.
Material
Bread boxes can be made from a variety of materials and include wood, stainless steel, ceramic and plastic and sometimes a combination of one or two. Each has its own benefits in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
Wood: Wood bread boxes have a traditional, rustic, organic feel to them. They typically have a spacious interior, making them ideal for large households.
Stainless steel: These are often modern in design. Stainless steel bread boxes are durable and easy to keep clean.
Ceramic: Ceramic bread boxes do an excellent job at keeping your bread moist. They are aesthetically pleasing but also heavy and easier to break.
Plastic: While it may not always be the most attractive option, a clear plastic bread box allows you to see how your bread is holding up without removing the lid. These boxes are lightweight and tend to be a more affordable option.
Price
Simple but functional bread boxes are pretty affordable, somewhere in the $25-$25 range, whereas a larger version that has many features will be more expensive costing between $35-$50. As well, you can find models costing more than $65, but those are rare. While it’s never a good idea to spend more than you can afford, there’s enough choice out there to find a good bread box within your budget.
Size
Most bread boxes are a minimum length of 14 inches to fit a typical loaf of bread, but the height and depth can vary. Some models are longer at 17 inches to accommodate a longer loaf. Depending on the size of your family, and how much bread and baked goods you consume, you may want a two-tiered model that holds more.
Also consider your counter space. A bread box can take up a decent amount of space on the countertop. If your kitchen is small, consider one that is not too large, or if you prefer a large container to store more bread, find one with a flat top. This allows you to place other items, like spice jars, on the flat top for extra storage.
If you’re really short on space, you can consider a wall-mount design. But no matter what you choose, always check the measurements of the bread box to make sure it will fit before you make a purchase.
Type of lid
Bread boxes come with different lids. Some have a roll-top design, others flip down, some flip up, while others have a top lid that lifts off. Some people like the look of the roll-top design, especially in wood or bamboo, but these can stick. A metal roll-top often has a smoother operation. There are also models that have a bamboo or wooden lid that can also be used as a cutting board. The type of lid you use is totally personal to you, although keep in mind that a hinged lid that pulls down needs added counter space as opposed to one that rolls up and down.
Performance and ease of use
The best bread boxes should be well sealed, but also let a little air flow. With proper air circulation, it will prevent the growth of mold and reduce condensation. A quality bread box will usually have air vents.