Growing up, my mom always preferred cooking to baking, but I'm forever grateful that she decided to invest in one of the best bread makers as there are few things more inviting than the smell of coming home to a freshly baked loaf, and it's a memory that I'm determined to recreate. I just can't gatekeep ALDI's Crofton artisan bread making kit any longer.
It might not spring to mind when you think of essential home cooking tools, but after experiencing the magic of a homemade loaf, a bread-making kit has made it onto my list of things every home cook should have in their kitchens. And at just $14.99, ALDI's handy kit is the most affordable option I've seen by far.
Containing a proofing basket, dough whisk and dough scraper, plus a bread lame and a replacement blade, this kit really does have everything you need to start your bread-making journey. It even comes with a recipe book, to get you started.
Unlike my mom, I'd say that my heart lies with baking, and I love to make myself a loaf of sourdough or an indulgent brioche. Yet baking can require some specialist utensils – and it's easy to view bread-making tools as just another kitchen item that's not worth spending money on.
This, however, is where starter kits come in. ALDI's bread-making kit contains all the essentials, from a rustic proofing basket (plus a handy liner and a lid) to a bench scraper (to help you handle sticky dough without creating chaos on your countertops).
Avid bakers might have invested in one of the best stand mixers (I'm currently dreaming about the latest KitchenAid stand mixer with a walnut wood bowl), but you can whisk and knead dough with just a few simple tools. I love that ALDI's bread-making kit contains a Danish bread whisk, which is specially designed to fold and mix dough by hand.
In fact, bread-making kits like ALDI's are a brilliant reminder that traditional tools can get the job done. It even comes with a bread lame for scoring loaves before they go into the oven, helping to create that bakery-worthy look.
So, whether you're an eager beginner or a bread-making enthusiast, I'd say that ALDI's affordable kit is worth snapping up before it sells out. If you're looking for alternatives, I've hunted around for the best options.
Shop more bread-making kits
My interest was piqued by this extensive set as it contains two different-sized proofing baskets. It also provides a bread sling (which is ideal for transferring loaves from basket to oven) plus a lame, whisk, scrapers, brush, and linen bread bag.
With a bamboo proofing basket, a beech wood bench scraper and an oak-handled lame, this kit will make you feel like a sourdough expert. It also contains a dough scraper and 5 replacement lame blades.
This 9-piece kit provides a basket, scraper, whisk, lame and dough cutter, not to mention a useful cleaning brush and a recipe guide. It would make a great gift for the bakers in your life.
Shop bread-making accessories
Don't fancy diving into the entire bread-making setup? Start with a set of dough whisks – they'll make the process feel so much easier.
This beauty might be one of my favorite pieces in Joanna Gaines' fall 2025 collection at Target. It's an oven-to-table staple that's guaranteed to wow your guests.
Proofing baskets are another bread-making essential, but they're also multifunctional; from storing fruit to serving breakfast rolls, you'll find plenty of uses for them.
Investing in a bread-making kit means I'm one step closer to transforming my kitchen into a home bakery – especially since I've learnt about Joanna Gaines' bread slicer, which really does bring that artisanal feel into your home.
