Can I let my bread dough rise in the mixer bowl?
When I bake bread, I often let the dough rise in the metal mixer bowl. I was wondering if this is a good idea, as the metal is probably colder than a regular bowl and may inhibit rising. Would it be better to transfer the dough to a glass or plastic bowl to rise instead?
(Note: I've done this often and my dough does rise, I just wondered if it might rise more if it wasn't in a metal bowl.)
Best Answer
Your metal bowl sitting in your 70°F room is 70°F (at least, if its been sitting there for a bit). Your plastic bowl, or glass bowl, or ceramic bowl, or any other bowl sitting in the same room is also 70°F. They're all actually the same temperature.
Now, given, when you touch the metal bowl, it feels cooler than the plastic one. This is because your finger isn't 70°F, and your body heat is transferred away quicker by metal than (say) plastic.
If the dough is room temperature, it won't matter—heat isn't flowing out of it. The dough itself doesn't generate much heat. If your dough started above room temperature, it will cool a little quicker in a metal bowl. But, if you wanted to keep it from cooling, putting it in a warm place is much more effective.
A stainless steel bowl is fine. I'd avoid aluminum (and copper, if anyone makes a mixer with such a thing) due to them being reactive, especially if you're making sourdough.
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Quick Answer about "Can I let my bread dough rise in the mixer bowl?"
It is just fine that you let your dough rise in your mixer bowl as long as you keep it in a dry, warm place so that it would rise faster. While a fast rise is more convenient, a slow rise is actually more desirable as it allows for more flavour development.Does dough have to rise in a glass bowl?
If you're having a hard time getting your yeast to bubble, add a little sugar. Allow dough to rise in a metal or glass bowl. They retain heat better than plastic bowls and you'll get a better rise.Can you let bread rise in a plastic bowl?
It really shouldn't be a problem. A thick-walled bowl is usually preferred to help maintain an even rising temperature. As long as it is food-safe, you keep it in a draft-free area, and it remains at a consistent temperature, you should be fine.Can you mix bread dough in metal bowl?
Stainless steel is non-reactive, and stainless steel bowls are perfectly safe for mixing and rising your bread dough. It is more important to make sure your bowl is large enough to allow your dough to increase in size as it rises.How long should you leave bread dough to rise for?
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Answer 2
Personally, I always use my stainless steel mixer bowl. Warmth, and in my experience, moisture, are the keys. Steps I add to any bread recipe I prepare:
- I prewarm the mixer bowl in the oven for a few minutes while my yeast is blooming.
- Once I am done kneading the dough I turn it out, wipe out the bowl, add oil, and turn the dough in it to make sure it and the bowl are both coated.
- I then put the bowl in the oven along with a pan of hot water.
- Turn the oven on "warm" and crack the door open. This creates a wonderful, moist womb for the dough to rise in.
I've never had this method fail me. Give it a shot :)
Answer 3
It is just fine that you let your dough rise in your mixer bowl as long as you keep it in a dry, warm place so that it would rise faster.
Answer 4
Another alternative to transferring the dough to a second bowl and making a bigger mess is letting the dough rise in a white garbage bag. I've tried this a couple of times and it was super successful!
Answer 5
The steel bowl gives you a precise ability to heat or cool the dough as necessary. If you have an infra red thermometer you can just find places in the house that are warmer or cooler. Us the fridge or a warming mat if necessary.
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