container for bulk fermentation/proofing

Question

It happens to me quite often that I make small batches of bread/pizza/focaccia dough that need to spend several hours in the fridge or at room temperature in a container with a lid

I've seen that many use containers in which the dough covers already the bottom and, in case of proofing, the dough rises in the vertical direction.

This definitely facilitates drawing volume markings to keep track of the rise. Is there a specific reason why to avoid containers that are too wide? Assuming of course that the container volume is enough to avoid overflowing.

Answer 1

Surface area. If the container is too wide, larger surface of the dough gets into contact with air. Dough can dry out, yeast/sourdough culture can behave differently (during aerobic fermentation the cells multiply, during anaerobic fermentation the yeast cells produce alcohol instead of multiplying).

Answer 2

Apart from the ease of tracking rise, I see two reasons why wider containers can have disadvantages.

1. Increased surface area.
   While a lid will largely prevent drying out, there still can be some drying and. oxidation caused by the air in the container.
2. Refrigerator space.
   A narrower container will use up less shelf space for the same volume, which many users prefer. Piling other items in top of the dough container isn’t always feasible.