What is an Antique Dough Box

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.