What is an antique Dough Box? Well, it is often referred to as a kneading table or kneading trough. Dough Boxes originated in Europe.
Until recently, I had not seen an antique dough box. On a thrifting trip I found this odd table at a local antique shop.
I stood there for a few minutes looking inquisitive at the table. There was no information on the tag except for a price of $125. Honestly, I had never seen anything like this table.
I took the lid off to peek inside. Then I was looking under it for any markings.
The store owner indicated that it was a Dough Box or Kneading Table. The Dough Box was acquire by the store owner from woman who had it in her family a long time.
The baker inside of me smile. I was giddy with excitement. What a treasure for $110! No, I did not buy it for the price tag amount.
I looked at my mother and said that this unique piece was coming home with me. In my mind, I already knew it was a treasure long before doing any research about it.
Once I got home it was time to hit the internet to search about Dough Boxes!
History about Antique Kneading tables
Here is what I found out about kneading tables or dough boxes.
Somewhere in the late 1700s, the Pennsylvania Dutch brought them to the United States. Many of the Dough Boxes that we come across in local antique shops were made in the 1800s by cabinetmakers.
Dough Boxes use to be a staple in homes for proofing bread dough. You can see from my photograph; the lid is removable. The lid would come off and flour, water and yeast would be put in the dough box. You would mix the ingredients right in the box. The dough would be kneaded several times, punched down and left to rise sometimes overnight.
The lid of the Dough Box served several purposes: 1) to keep the dough warm and to let rise inside of the box; 2) to keep small critters and insects from getting into the dough; and 3) the dough kneading took place on top of the lid to shape in loaves. Families would keep the Dough Box near the stove or fireplace to keep it warm. The warmth would help the dough to rise.
Where to find them
Look for dough box at a vintage markets, antique stores, yard sales or thrift stores. Sometimes people get rid of items from family not knowing what it is or the value.
Antique Dough Boxes for sale online will range anywhere from as low as $250 to as high as $3,495.
Sometimes you come across something unique and know it’s perfect for your home. It is exactly how I felt the minute seeing this Dough Box. It’s one of my favorite antique finds yet. Yes, I plan to use it to make bread!
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Have a great day, sweet friend.
KariAnne Wood says
That is THE COOLEST! I’ve seen those before and had no idea what they were!
And what a great deal for you!!!
Happy day friend!
KariAnne
Tammy says
Thank you, KariAnne. I absolutely love this bargain of a find. I always love finding a great deal!
Have a wonderful day, sweet friend!
Tammy
Laura says
I’m picking one up tomorrow for a steal!! I had never heard of them either and this one’s small and redone but cute as can be!!! Love the history and quality pieces from years’ past
Tammy says
Laura, I would love to see a photo of your dough box. I hope you do a post about it. They are so unique. I really love mine.
Laura Ellison says
Are all dough bowl tables dovetail? Does the dovetail make it older? I found a nice one like yours but
it’s not dovetail. My friend who also collects antiques but not primitives suggested
not to purchase it.
Tammy says
Laura, this is a great question. No, not all Dough Box Tables are dovetail. The dovetail and apron on the front tells you it is newer than the 1700 Dough Box Tables. My particular one is in the later part of the 1800. Some of these tables can be the early 1900. The retail is $1,200-$1,800 for my particular table. The ones from the 1700s were brought over here from Europe. Ethan Allen made Dough Box Tables in the 1900s. If you see a table that has handles and hinges on it, you can assume it is later 1900s. Hope this helps you out. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog.
Amy says
This is awesome. My husband asked what he should make for me for Christmas this year, and after the lovely walnut charcuterie board he made me last year’s Christmas, I honestly had no idea except for a sewing or cutting table. Now, I have even a better idea! Ideally, I would love to find an antique one, and I will keep my eyes wide open, but we live in such a small town, I will bet I will never see one. I try to bake all my bread products at home, so this would be awesome, and in our future forever home, I hope we will have a wood stove, so this is perfect.
Just curious, if my husband makes this, should the wood inside be stained or varnished at all or left raw except for sanding smooth and maybe using some mineral oil? Also, in your experience since I assume you are using this as you said, how do you go about cleaning this piece-inside and outside? Do you treat the wood at all? I know we oil our wooden spoons, but I did not know if this would affect the yeast or bread? Thanks so much!
Tammy says
Amy, isn’t this dough box awesome! How wonderful that your husband is talented to make one for you. Honestly, that makes it even better than an antique one. To have a treasure crafted by your husband, is a wonderful and special gift. I would not stain the inside of the box. The wood should remain raw and free of chemicals. You will be proof your bread in it. I read that for wood that you are using food to use a food grade mineral oil. Thank you for stopping by my blog, Amy.