Excellent Starter Set – No Need to Upgrade
This Kook Proofing Set has everything I need for sourdough baking, and after several months of use, I haven’t felt the need to upgrade anything. The quality is great, and it includes all the essentials: two 9-inch banneton baskets, liners, scrapers, and a scoring lame with extra blades.A couple of helpful tips:• Use disposable shower caps over the bannetons when cold-proofing in the fridge—they work perfectly.• To clean the fabric liners, hand wash with just a drop of free and clear laundry detergent in a bowl, then drip dry. You don’t want your bread tasting like soap!Highly recommend this set for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
✔ Verified Purchase
Excellent for First Time Users!
So, I love sourdough, and I've wanted to do it for years. Life, school, and the fact that my mother had tried and failed at it (with me witnessing), a few times ended up with me putting it off. Finally, stuck inside thanks to the great plague (aka Covid) happening right now, I decided it was the perfect time to not have to go buy bread. For a baker trying Sourdough Bread for the first time? This is perfect! I was a little worried at the size of the baskets when I first saw them with my inexperienced eyes, but yeah, they're perfectly sized for making loaves that most sourdough recipes call for.The two Bannetons smelt and looked nice, and they, when floured (I used white rice flour), let the dough come out very easily and nicely with no need for cleaning and with the lovely rings on them. They came with the two banneton covers, even though I honestly only expected one cover to come (the description wasn't clear, so that's good to know!), however I haven't used them yet because the bannetons themselves work just fine.The Bannetons also seem durable, though obviously I haven't been abusing them. I use the extremely useful plastic scraper for getting the dough out of the bowl and onto the counter to start kneading, (Or when it's time to punch it down), and the metal scraper is the perfect strength and durability to use on the counter. The description has said that the plastic scraper is also for getting it out of the banneton, but I haven't needed to use it for that at all (With a well floured banneton, it's never been an issue for me).The lame has worked great so far. I've not yet had to change the blade, even though I've played around with it. It looks easy to replace, and the leather cover is nice. The curved blade is a bit odd to cut straight lines with, but I've never used a lame before, so I dont' know if that's a brand specific thing or what all lame's look like. Either way, the handle is nice and feels good in the hand.It's a great kit, with everything, (except the jar for the starter), that you need to get started on sourdough bread. Are there better quality ones out there? The pieces, individually, I'm sure you can find better quality ones out there. But honestly? They are all good quality, and for a first time sourdough baker who isn't sure exactly what style/feel they prefer quite yet? This kit is perfect and has everything (except the jar.) that they need to get started. My mother ended up buying a different banneton that didn't include everything in this kit, and I think she regrets it. 10/10, would, and have, referred others to this.
✔ Verified Purchase
Successful Sourdough!
My bread rose and came right out of the banneton! Just started making bread and this was recommended for a successful loaf. I think it really made a difference! I wish the bread knife wasn’t wood. Metal or plastic would be easier to clean. The bowl scraper and lame work well. Honestly, bought this for the baskets and I’m very happy with their construction and quality of the linen covering. The reusable covers were a pleasant surprise. Loaves are perfect sized for a 5.5qt Dutch oven.Don’t forget to dust the inside with rice flour!
✔ Verified Purchase
The Smell
Are they supposed to smell?The bannetons are great in size and functional. The basket covers are easy to remove and wash. But are the rattan bannetons baskets supposed to smell? They have a strong rancid sour odor that I just cannot remove.Everything else is great and easy to use. It is a great set for those of us starting our sourdough bread journey.It would get a 5 star if it was not for that smell.
✔ Verified Purchase
