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Just like any other food, there is a right and improper way to store pizza dough during proofing. Not all containers can store pizza dough balls properly and allow them to rise completely. Fortunately, a pizza proofing tray or box can come in handy for storing your pizza dough correctly and preventing it from drying during proofing. This handy yet simple item can also offer space efficiency and convenient transfer of the dough.
If you are new to pizza baking and are looking forward to taking it seriously, then a pizza proofing tray is definitely a must-have in your kitchen. In this article, we will be discussing what a pizza proofing tray is and the reasons why you should buy one for yourself. To help you make the right purchase decision, we have also included the things that make a good pizza proofing box.
What Is a Pizza Proofing Tray?
A pizza proofing tray is a proofing container that has an airtight design and sufficient space to proof multiple pizza dough balls at a time. Depending on the size of the dough balls and the tray, you can store and proof about 4 to 12 dough balls at a time.
They are commonly made with food-grade plastic or glass. They also come in different sizes depending on your need and preference. Most pizza proofing trays are stackable as well so you would only need a small space to proof multiple pizza dough balls.
Why Buy a Pizza Proofing Tray?
Having a pizza proofing tray for baking pizza definitely has its perks. So whether you are baking at your home or in a professional environment, you definitely need to have this kitchen item.
Below we’ve listed down all the reasons why you should buy a pizza proofing tray.
Provides the most convenient way to store pizza dough balls
A pizza proofing tray offers sufficient space that can keep all your pizza dough balls in one place. With this kitchen item, you won’t need to use many containers like Tupperware or bowls for proofing your dough balls.
In addition, the sufficient space in the pizza proofing trays prevents the dough from touching each other or the edges of the tray so they can rise properly. Moreover, you will be able to easily remove the dough balls when it’s time to bake.
Offers space efficiency
Many models of pizza proofing trays are stackable so you can easily stack the trays on top of each other. This will allow you to proof more pizza dough balls as well as save space in your kitchen.
Helps transport pizza dough balls easily
If you are proofing and baking your pizza in two different places, then a pizza proofing tray can definitely help you out. With a pizza proofing tray, you can transport all your pizza dough balls at one time. It is both convenient and time-saving and perfect if you are baking large batches of pizzas.
Prevents the dough from drying out
Because a pizza proofing tray is airtight, it can keep the dough from drying out. This advantage of the pizza proofing tray is particularly helpful because if the dough dries up during proofing, chances are it will not be able to rise properly. This is because the dried-up surface tends to be hard, preventing the dough from rising. If the dough doesn’t rise properly, your pizza base can be too dense and hard to chew.
Lessens the need for disposable plastics that harm the environment
A pizza-proofing box is reusable and made of durable materials that are built to last. By using this kitchen item, you can eliminate the need to use disposable items like plastic wrap or plastic bags that take years to decompose.
The Best Pizza Proofing Tray
To save you a little bit of time and money we’ve listed below what in our opinion is the best pizza proofing tray. Although there are many available from Amazon, they tend to vary greatly in price and some have been given shocking reviews with the trays turning up either broken or dirty.
Ooni Pizza Proofing Tray
So here it is, the Ooni pizza proofing tray. Each set includes two stackable trays that can comfortably fit 6 dough balls in each tray meaning you can easily store up to 12 dough balls. The pack also includes a lid to keep your dough from drying out no matter where it’s proofing.
These well-made, handy trays are made of food-grade plastic that is fridge, freezer, and dishwasher safe. This means you can store your dough where you like and cleaning the trays is quick, easy, and effortless.
Each tray is 40 cm long, 30 cm wide, and 7.5 cm high, so even when stacked, they’ll fit on the shelves of most refrigerators.
The cost of the trays is just £29.99 which is similar or even cheaper than many elsewhere and the great thing is with Ooni you know you’re getting a great product.
Buy NowWhat Makes a Good Pizza Proofing Box?
Although pizza proofing boxes offer an advantage in proofing pizza dough balls, not all pizza proofing boxes can offer the same results. So before you spend money on any proofing box, check out these things first so you can make the best purchase decision.
Airtight
It is important that your pizza proofing box is airtight so your dough won’t dry out, especially during a longer fermentation. As we have discussed above, hydration is important for the dough to complete rising. Additionally, an airtight container can keep out all insects than can possibly contaminate your dough or affect its taste.
Stackable
The stackable design of the pizza proofing box is essential for space efficiency. The stackable design basically allows you to stack a pizza proofing box on top of each other securely. Because they are secured to each other, you can move your pizza dough balls easily and quickly. This is particularly a helpful feature for people working in small spaces or kitchens. The stackable design also allows for proofing of multiple pizza dough balls at one time so you can save more time when making large batches of pizza.
Durable material
A good pizza proofing box should be made with food-grade material that is safe and non-toxic. Pizza proofing boxes are often made with glass and plastic. Both are viable options as they are easy to clean, durable, and dishwasher safe. However, if you are looking for a pizza proofing box that will last you a long time of usage and can handle low temperatures for freezing pizza dough balls, then a glass pizza proofing box might be a better option for you.
Sufficient size for your need
The size matters when it comes to pizza proofing boxes. When proofing pizza dough balls, you have to make sure that there is enough space for them to rise and not touch each other or the box edges. You should choose a pizza proofing box that has the right size for the amount of pizza dough balls you want to proof.
Pizza proofing boxes come in different sizes depending on the brand and the size variation you choose. Generally, large pizza proofing boxes can fit up to 12 pizza dough balls. This is perfect for people who like to have big pizza parties and gatherings. On the other hand, small pizza proofing boxes can only store up to 8 pizza dough balls making it a better option for making pizzas for a few people.
In addition to the size, a good proofing box should have enough height to allow the pizza dough to rise fully. If you are baking pizzas with a thin crust like Neapolitan or New York-style pizza, 3-inch tall pizza proofing boxes are enough. However, if you like baking pizzas with thicker crusts, we recommend looking for a taller pizza proofing box.
Finally
Finally, don’t forget that your pizza will only be as good as the ingredients you use!
If you plan on making pizzas regularly you need to ensure you use 00 Flour and store it properly. If you’re unsure what 00 flour is, we suggest you check out our What is 00 Flour and Why Use It? article and don’t forget to also take a look at our Can You Freeze Pizza Dough? if you plan to make large batches of dough.