Proofing box build

[Chef Odin]

Good day all and happy December 31st.

I have started baking again so I felt that to do it right, I needed a proofing box. I am making a simple one to start with and if I like this design, I will likely rebuild it with more durable materials.

This what I have so far.

The pictures I have here are front view, top view and the floor and electronics I have put together so far.

White blocks on the bottom are for supporting the floor and providing space for the electronics. There is a small circulation fan and return duct in the floor panel. The temperature will be controlled by an STC-1000 controller. I am going to try and modify the controller to drive an SSR instead of the onboard relay that the controller comes with.

I also have some LED cabinet lights that I am going to install. Will add updates as they happen.

Chef Odin

 

[blissful]

That is awesome that you know how to do that. How did you learn about electronics enough to set up heat and a fan? Can you buy a kit to do that or did you pick pieces to make it?

 

[pictonguy]

Good on you Odin. Have you factored in humidity? a container of water at a temp of around 110 degrees is probably something to think about but suspect to probably have that covered.

 

[Chef Odin]

That is awesome that you know how to do that. How did you learn about electronics enough to set up heat and a fan? Can you buy a kit to do that or did you pick pieces to make it?

Electronics is my job. Food is my passion. I went to tech school after I got out of the Army and I have been working as an engineering tech for years. I have a good deal of experience with electronics control systems and air handling. I put this together mostly with scrap parts. I bought a thermal controller and an 80 watt heater off of AliExpress. (Still waiting for these to arrive) This setup can be used for bread proofing, brewing, incubating chicks, etc...

Thanks for reading.

Chef Odin

 

[Chef Odin]

Good on you Odin. Have you factored in humidity? a container of water at a temp of around 110 degrees is probably something to think about but suspect to probably have that covered.

Yes I have. I am thinking of using a bowl of water near the fan to maintain humidity in dry conditions. If all else fails, I can add a humidity controller but that seems like overkill at this point. Thanks for the suggestion.

Chef Odin

 

[In A Pickle]

Nice. I like the ingenuity

 

[dragnlaw]

On the farm proofing was never a problem, but here in my chilly basement - another story -
I did finally use my dehydrator the other day - with monstrous growing results LOL. Yes, although covered it still developed a skin.
Was thinking I'm sorry I sold my egg incubator - I had to jury-rig that to accommodate goose eggs and I could have done the same for bread.

But seeing yours I think I will do a box to put up against the dehydrator. This will allow me to place a dish of water inside in front of the fan and the dough outside in the box.

Thanks Chef Odin!

 

[grumpyoldman]

hell i'm impressed

 

[blissful]

hell i'm impressed

I'm impressed too!

 

[Chef Odin]

Here is a progress update on the proofing box. I got all the wiring finished. Made a rookie mistake on one of the connectors but it won't really affect the operation so I left it alone. I also was a bit generous on the wire lengths I used. Ah the joys of prototyping. I am just waiting for the heater module to arrive so I can complete the electronics part of the box. I have the thermocouple mounted. Working on the box lights. Not 100% sure about placement of those. Powered up the unit and all is working as expected. Good news. Now I need to mount the door and I will be ready to give it a test.

Chef Odin

 

[Chef Odin]

Got the lights mounted. They look pretty nice. IMHO.. Will mount the switch when the door is installed.

Chef Odin

 

[Katie H]

I have been using our microwave as a proofing box for years. The oven is very spacious. Enough to fit 2 standard loaves of bread or 2 baguettes or a bunch of rolls.

I simply put a cereal-sized bowl full of water in just before I'm ready to add the bread item(s) and set the oven on HIGH for 4 minutes.

I usually prepare my "proofing" box just before I shape whatever dough I'm working with so that the inside is nice and warm and moist by the time I'm ready to use it.

The environment stays perfect for at least an hour, which is usually enough for most of my yeast goodies.

The extra benefit is that the steam cleans the inside of the microwave, and it gets a wipe down when I'm through. I also don't have to store anything by making the microwave being a multi-tasker. Alton Brown would be proud of me.

Win! Win!

 

[dragnlaw]

As much as I love how you do it, and I have tried it, I could only fit a small loaf in mine. But the time I did use it I also found that it didn't stay warm very long. If it is just the matter of a cardboard box in front of the dehydrator it will work perfectly for me. No biggy to fold up and slide a collapsed box down the side of the cupboard.

 

[Chef Odin]

I have been using our microwave as a proofing box for years. The oven is very spacious. Enough to fit 2 standard loaves of bread or 2 baguettes or a bunch of rolls.

I simply put a cereal-sized bowl full of water in just before I'm ready to add the bread item(s) and set the oven on HIGH for 4 minutes.

I usually prepare my "proofing" box just before I shape whatever dough I'm working with so that the inside is nice and warm and moist by the time I'm ready to use it.

The environment stays perfect for at least an hour, which is usually enough for most of my yeast goodies.

The extra benefit is that the steam cleans the inside of the microwave, and it gets a wipe down when I'm through. I also don't have to store anything by making the microwave being a multi-tasker. Alton Brown would be proud of me.

Win! Win!

A micro-wave? What is this of which you speak? I haven't owned a microwave oven for over 20 years. The only thing I miss it for is melting butter. If I did have one, it would make a great proofing box.

Chef Odin

 

[Chef Odin]

Update on the proofing box I have been working on. I received the last 2 parts I needed so I went to work. I have completed the project and am ready to get to proofing. Finished the electronics wiring to the heater module. I put some shelf paper in the bottom to help protect from moisture and give it a more inviting look. I framed out the door and added the hinges. Added heatsink and frame to the heater for safety. Test run has the temp holding at a comfy 80 degrees F. I can't wait to see the results I get baking with this bad boy. Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Chef Odin

 

[HeyItsSara]

I bake but never made anything like this

 

[Kathleen]

I cannot wait to hear how it works for you! Nice job MacGuyveuring!!!!

 

[dragnlaw]

Well done! I'm waiting to see that first loaf risen!

 

[Katie H]

Wonderful job! Happy baking!!!

 

[Chef Odin]

Thank you