Williams Sonoma Olivewood Bread Box Wins
The Williams Sonoma Olivewood Bread Box, priced at $200, was declared the best bread box after a test of 11 models. The test, conducted by Serious Eats, evaluated the boxes on capacity, storage, durability, and cleanup.
Test Overview
Serious Eats tested 11 bread boxes ranging from $15 to $200 to determine which design best preserves loaves. The evaluation included a capacity test, a two-week storage test for mold, a durability test where each box was struck with a metal spoon, and a cleanup test following the manufacturers’ instructions.
The goal was to see how well each box controlled airflow-enough to keep bread moist but not so much that anaerobic mold could grow.
Transparent Covers Shine
A clear or semi-transparent cover made it easy to see when a loaf was running low or past its prime. The Williams Sonoma Olivewood Bread Box has a fully clear acrylic door, while the Buddeez Bread Buddy, Oggi Stainless Steel Roll-Top, and ETMI Bamboo Bread Box feature semi-transparent panels. Opaque boxes like the Culinary Couture Extra Large and the black-colored models made it easy to forget what was inside.
The visibility advantage was noted as a key benefit in the review. The author also mentioned that the clear door of the Williams Sonoma model helped keep track of the bread’s freshness.
Size and Opening Matters
Most boxes were large countertop units, with the Brabantia Roll-Top measuring 18.3 inches in length. The Buddeez Bread Buddy was the only lightweight model that could be stored on a fridge or in a cabinet. Several boxes opened at the front-roll-top or mailbox style-making it convenient to access bread without removing items on top.
The review highlighted that front-opening designs were more user-friendly. Boxes with lids or hinged doors were harder to open when placed against a wall.
Top Picks and Specs
The following table summarizes the key specifications of the four best-selling models identified in the review:
| Item | Materials | Dimensions (in) | Care Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Williams Sonoma Olivewood Bread Box | Olivewood, acrylic | 15 x 9.5 x 7.5 | Wipe clean, condition wood with mineral oil |
| Oggi Stainless Steel Roll-Top Bread Box | Stainless steel, plexiglass | 14.88 x 10.25 x 7.38 | Hand-wash |
| Buddeez Sandwich Bread Buddy | BPA-free plastic | 5 x 5 x 13.5 | Hand-wash only |
| YAMAZAKI Home Tower Bread Box | Alloy steel | 13.58 x 15.75 x 9.45 | Clean with mild detergent and a soft sponge |
All four models performed well in the mold test, but the review noted that aluminum or steel boxes were harder to clean and more prone to denting. The Oggi and YAMAZAKI models, both made from stainless steel, fared better in the durability test.
The author also suggested that a wooden box offers both aesthetic appeal and durability, though it requires occasional conditioning with mineral oil.
For more kitchen gear, see our fixtures section. Our stats show how often bread goes stale when stored improperly.
The YAMAZAKI Home Tower Bread Box measures 13.58 x 15.75 x 9.45 inches.
