My $400 proofing box was either a game-changer or a total waste

I bought it last fall to help with my sourdough during cold weather, and my loaves got way more consistent rise. But my friend says I could have just used my oven with the light on, which costs nothing. I feel like the precise temperature control is worth it, but maybe I got sold on a fancy solution. What do you all think, is a dedicated proofer a smart investment or an unnecessary gadget?

2 comments

2 Comments

avery62921d agoMost Upvoted

Honestly, I went the oven light route first and it was a pain. My results were all over the place because the temp kept swinging. The proofing box just works every single time without me babysitting it.

anna_carter5320d ago

Totally agree, the oven light method is so unreliable. I built a simple box with a seedling mat and a cheap thermostat controller, and it changed everything. My dough rises at the exact same speed now, which makes planning bakes way easier. It feels less like a guessing game and more like a real step in the recipe.