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 wipeno scrubbing or re-seasoning neededmaking 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 bakery-quality bread with minimal effort. Its primary benefit is creating an ideal environment for crust development by trapping steam and distributing heat evenly, leading to crispy, golden loaves. A minor caveat is that it requires an oven preheated with a baking stone or steel for optimal results. Key features include its ultralight design, no-preheating requirement for the shell itself, and effortless cleanup.
All features
Model Part Number
0856805005661
Brand
BROD & TAYLOR
Extended Product Information
FAQs
Do I need to preheat the Baking Shell itself?
No, the BROD & TAYLOR Baking Shell does not require preheating. You only need to preheat your oven with the baking surface (stone, steel, or sheet).
How does this differ from a Dutch oven?
The Baking Shell is significantly lighter, does not require preheating, and is easier to clean. It creates a steamy environment similarly to a Dutch oven but without the heavy cast iron.
Can I use this on an open fire or grill?
No, the Baking Shell is designed specifically for use in standard home ovens (gas and electric only).
What material is the Baking Shell made of?
It is made from food-safe aluminum and is free from PTFE and PFOA chemical coatings.
What are the dimensions of the Baking Shell?
The exterior dimensions are approximately 203mm x 140mm x 318mm (8" x 5.5" x 12.5").
How do I clean the Baking Shell?
Allow it to cool completely, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or dishwashers.
What is the maximum temperature the shell can withstand?
The Baking Shell is safe to use in ovens up to 288°C (550°F).
Troubleshooting
Loaf crust is not crispy enough.
Ensure your oven and baking surface were fully preheated. Try baking uncovered for a longer duration after removing the shell to achieve desired crispness.
Bottom crust is too dark or burnt.
Consider placing your baking stone or steel higher in the oven, or use a baking sheet instead of a stone/steel if excessive heat is coming from the bottom.
Shell is difficult to place over the dough.
Ensure the dough has been shaped appropriately for the shell size. Practice placing the shell carefully to avoid deflating the loaf.
Aluminum shell seems to be warping.
Ensure the shell is placed on a stable baking surface and is not subjected to uneven heating. Allow to cool completely before moving. Extreme temperature shock can cause warping.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Achieves professional-quality crusts with a crispy, golden finish.
Significantly lighter and easier to handle than a cast iron Dutch oven.
Simplifies the bread-baking process by eliminating the need for preheating the vessel and extra steaming techniques.
Easy to clean, saving time and effort.
Made from safe, non-toxic materials.
Works efficiently on baking stones, steels, or sheets in most home ovens.
Cons
Requires the oven to be preheated with a baking stone or steel.
The shell dimensions may limit the size of loaves that can be baked.
Made from aluminum, which may not be preferred by all bakers.
Does not retain heat as long as a cast iron Dutch oven once removed from the oven.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Preheat your oven along with a baking stone, baking steel, or baking sheet to your desired temperature (typically 230-260°C / 450-500°F).
Place your risen loaf directly onto the hot surface in the oven.
Carefully cover the loaf with the BROD & TAYLOR Baking Shell.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes with the shell on.
Remove the shell and continue baking uncovered until the crust reaches your desired color and crispness.
Compatibility:
Suitable for use in standard home ovens (gas and electric).
Works with baking stones, baking steels, and standard baking sheets.
Designed for bread doughs and other yeasted baked goods.
Oven safe up to 288°C (550°F).
Care:
Allow the shell to cool completely before handling or cleaning.