Enjoy bakery-quality bread at home with the Baking Shell, which creates the ideal conditions for p...Enjoy bakery-quality bread at home with the Baking Shell, which creates the ideal conditions for professional-style loaves by trapping steam and evenly distributing heat for a crispy, golden crust and light, airy interior. Unlike a Dutch oven, no preheating is required, simply place your dough on a flat baking surface and cover it with the shell, eliminating the need to handle hot cookware; it also cools quickly and wont crack. The ultralight design weighs just 0.48 kg compared to a typical 78 kg Dutch oven, and cleanup is effortless with a simple wipe- no scrubbing or re-seasoning needed-making bread baking faster and easier. Baking is simple in three steps: preheat your oven with a steel or stone, place your risen dough on the hot surface, and cover with the shell; after 20 minutes, remove the shell and finish baking uncovered to brown the crust. Designed for both gas and electric home ovens, it works on stones, steels, or baking sheets and is made from food-safe aluminium that withstands up to 288 C, contains no chemical coatings like PTFE or PFOA, and measures 203 140 318 mm. This Brod & Taylor baking shell traps steam and distributes heat evenly for crispy, golden crusts. It doesn't require preheating so it's safer to handle and lets you get started right away. It naturally traps moisture from the dough, so there's no need to add extra water or ice for steam. Enjoy healthy, safe baking - it's PTFE and PFOA-free and FDA-tested.
The BROD & TAYLOR Baking Shell is designed for home bakers seeking professional-quality bread with minimal effort. It creates an optimal environment for crust development by trapping steam and evenly distributing heat, resulting in a crispy, golden crust and a light interior. Unlike a Dutch oven, it requires no preheating, making it safer and faster to use. Its lightweight and easy-to-clean design simplifies the bread-baking process.
All features
Model Part Number
0856805005524
Brand
BROD & TAYLOR
Extended Product Information
FAQs
Do I need to preheat the Baking Shell?
No, preheating the Baking Shell is not required. You place it over your dough on a preheated baking surface.
How do I clean the Baking Shell?
Wipe the shell clean with a damp cloth. Use mild soap if necessary, but avoid abrasive cleaners or placing it in the dishwasher.
What is the maximum temperature the Baking Shell can withstand?
The Baking Shell is made from food-safe aluminum that can withstand temperatures up to 288°C (550°F).
Can I use this on a baking sheet instead of a stone or steel?
Yes, it works effectively on baking stones, steels, or sturdy baking sheets.
Do I need to add water or ice for steam?
No, the Baking Shell naturally traps the moisture released from the dough, creating sufficient steam without additional water or ice.
What are the dimensions of the Baking Shell?
The dimensions are 203 mm x 140 mm x 318 mm.
Is the material safe for food contact?
Yes, it is made from food-safe aluminum and is FDA-tested, containing no chemical coatings like PTFE or PFOA.
Troubleshooting
Bread crust is not crispy enough.
Ensure the baking shell is fully covering the dough to trap steam effectively. Increase oven temperature slightly or extend the uncovered baking time after removing the shell.
Bread is browning too quickly.
Lower the oven temperature by 10-15°C (25-30°F). Reduce the uncovered baking time after removing the shell.
Bread sticks to the shell.
Ensure the shell is properly seasoned (if applicable, though not required for this product) or lightly greased before placing dough inside if dough is particularly sticky. Check that the shell is clean and free from residue.
Uneven browning.
Rotate the baking sheet or stone halfway through the covered baking period. Ensure the oven's heating elements are functioning correctly and distributing heat evenly.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Achieves bakery-quality crusts and crumb.
Significantly lighter and safer to handle than Dutch ovens.
No preheating or seasoning required, saving time and effort.
Easy to clean with a simple wipe-down.
Promotes healthy baking with food-safe, chemical-free materials.
Cons
Requires a separate baking stone, steel, or sheet for use.
Dimensions may limit the size of loaves it can accommodate.
Not designed for stovetop use.
Aluminum construction can be prone to scratching if abrasive cleaners are used.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Preheat your oven with a baking stone, steel, or baking sheet to your desired temperature (typically between 230°C - 288°C or 450°F - 550°F).
Once the oven and baking surface are hot, carefully place your risen dough onto the hot surface.
Immediately place the BROD & TAYLOR Baking Shell over the dough, ensuring it is fully covered.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
Carefully remove the baking shell and continue baking the loaf uncovered until it reaches your desired level of browning and internal temperature.
Compatibility:
Works with standard home gas and electric ovens.
Suitable for use with baking stones, baking steels, and sturdy baking sheets.
Maximum oven temperature: 288°C (550°F).
Care:
Allow the shell to cool completely before cleaning.
Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Mild soap can be used if necessary.
Avoid abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or harsh detergents, as these can damage the aluminum surface.
Do not place in a dishwasher.
Ensure the shell is completely dry before storing to prevent oxidation.