How to Bake Bread – Equipment You Will Need

There are many pleasures that can be derived from home cooking but none more so, than the experience of baking your own bread. The tantalizing smell of loaves baking in the oven is enough to keep the whole family close by, waiting for the bread to be cool enough to eat.

If you haven’t tried baking your own bread before, there are many good reasons why you should try. Homemade bread is special, tastes better than a shop bought loaf, and is versatile, whether you want to eat it at breakfast, use it in your packed lunch sandwich or are looking for the perfect accompaniment to a dinner party starter or picnic. Many fans of baking bread at home find the kneading process to be particularly therapeutic and relaxing.

Homemade bread can be made to suit your tastes exactly. Whether you prefer white, wholemeal or malted brown flour, rolls or loaves, textured or soft bread, there are recipes to suit. With a bit of practice and experimentation you can even modify bread-making recipes to create something that is unique to you. Homemade bread can also be healthier, as you have complete control over the ingredients.

If you have decided to try baking bread at home, you will need to gather together some simple ingredients, recipes and equipment. This article details the equipment you will need for making homemade bread.

Essential equipment

You will need an oven of course, for the baking of your bread, but it doesn’t matter whether you have an electric oven, a gas oven, AGA or a wood-burning oven. Weighing scales (ideally digital) and a measuring jug are also essential items to ensure you follow recipes exactly.

Bread tins

A selection of tins of varying shapes and sizes will give you flexibility when making loaves and rolls. Bread tins are made from aluminium, steel or glass. Non-stick tins are best as they make turning out loaves far easier, and they also mean time is saved on washing up.

Cloth for covering dough during proving

Any clean tea towel is suitable for this purpose. The cloth should be laid over the top of the bowl containing the dough. The cloth will protect the dough from air exposure, preventing it drying out and hardening.

Extra equipment that might be useful

Plastic or metal dough scrapers can be used to remove sticky dough from work surfaces and for easing dough out of containers. When making scones or flatbreads, a heavy saucepan or a griddle will come in useful. Many food mixers and food processors come with a dough hook attachment. This helps during baking, taking the hard work out of kneading! Last but definitely not least, don’t forget a thermometer to ensure you keep eye on temperatures throughout.

By: Hannah Marriage

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