Emile Henry Crown Bread Baker Review: Artisan Bread at Home

There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. But achieving that bakery-quality crust and airy crumb at home often requires a Dutch oven or a specialty baker. Enter the Emile Henry Crown Bread Baker, a ceramic bread baker designed to mimic the steam-injected ovens of professional bakeries. In this review, we'll explore its design, performance, and how it compares to other bread baking methods.

Emile Henry is known for high-quality ceramic cookware and bakeware, and the Crown Bread Baker is no exception. Made in France from Burgundy clay, it promises even heat distribution and moisture retention. But does it live up to the hype? We put it to the test with several loaves of artisan bread to find out.

Design and Build Quality

The Emile Henry Crown Bread Baker features a classic round shape with a domed lid that resembles a baker's crown. It's made from high-fired Burgundy ceramic, which is known for its thermal properties. The ceramic is glazed in a variety of colors, including Cherry, Flame, and Licorice, making it a beautiful addition to any kitchen. The baker measures about 9 inches in diameter and 4.5 inches tall, perfect for a standard 1-2 pound loaf.

The lid has a small steam vent, which allows moisture to escape during baking, creating a crispy crust. The handles on both the base and lid are generously sized and easy to grip, even with oven mitts. One notable feature is the 'Bread Cloche' design: you preheat the baker, then place the dough inside and cover it with the lid. This traps steam from the dough, resulting in a glossy, crackling crust.

• Made in France from Burgundy clay
• Available in multiple colors
• Domed lid with steam vent for crispy crust
• Oven safe to 500°F (260°C)

Performance: Baking Artisan Bread

To test the Crown Bread Baker, we used a classic no-knead artisan bread recipe. After preheating the baker in a 450°F oven for 30 minutes, we carefully placed the dough inside and covered it with the lid. The result was a beautifully browned loaf with a crisp crust and open crumb. The ceramic material distributed heat evenly, preventing hot spots and ensuring consistent browning.

Compared to a standard Dutch oven, the Crown Bread Baker produced a slightly thinner, more delicate crust, which some bakers prefer. The steam retention was excellent, and the bread rose beautifully. Cleanup was also a breeze—the glazed ceramic releases baked-on residue easily with a soak and gentle scrub. We also tried baking sourdough and whole wheat loaves, all with great success.

• Preheat baker for 30 minutes before baking
• Use parchment paper for easy transfer
• Let bread cool completely before slicing

Versatility and Other Uses

While the Crown Bread Baker is designed for bread, it can also be used for other dishes. You can bake casseroles, cobblers, or even a small roast. The domed lid makes it ideal for braising meats or cooking rice. However, keep in mind that the baker is not intended for stovetop use—only oven and microwave safe. For those who love multi-purpose bakeware, Emile Henry also offers the The Right Dish Rectangular Baker, which is perfect for lasagnas and roasted vegetables.

If you're new to bread baking, you might also appreciate the Emile Henry Dough Cutter, which helps with scoring and shaping dough. And for storing your freshly baked bread, a Salt Pig can keep your salt handy for seasoning.

Pros and Cons

Like any product, the Crown Bread Baker has its strengths and weaknesses. Here's a quick summary:

• Pros: Beautiful design, excellent heat retention, produces crispy crust, easy to clean, made in France.
• Cons: Heavy (about 8 lbs), requires preheating, not stovetop safe, limited to smaller loaves.

How It Compares to Other Bread Bakers

The Crown Bread Baker competes with other ceramic cloches like the Le Creuset Bread Oven and the Breadtopia Bread Cloche. Compared to Le Creuset, the Emile Henry is lighter and more affordable, but Le Creuset offers a wider color selection. Breadtopia's clay cloche is unglazed, which can produce a chewier crust but requires seasoning. Overall, the Emile Henry strikes a great balance between performance and ease of use.

For those who prefer a rectangular shape, Emile Henry also makes the Modern Classics Rectangular Baker, which can be used for bread or other bakes. However, the Crown's domed lid is specifically optimized for artisan loaves.

Tips for Best Results

To get the most out of your Crown Bread Baker, follow these tips: Always preheat the baker with the lid on for at least 30 minutes. Use a well-floured banneton or a bowl to proof your dough. When transferring the dough, be careful not to burn yourself—the ceramic gets extremely hot. You can also sprinkle a little cornmeal or semolina on the bottom of the baker to prevent sticking. Finally, let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to maintain the crust.

The Emile Henry Crown Bread Baker is a fantastic investment for anyone who loves baking artisan bread at home. Its ceramic construction provides even heat and steam retention, resulting in professional-quality loaves with a crispy crust and soft interior. While it requires preheating and is a bit heavy, the results are well worth the effort. If you're ready to elevate your bread baking, check out the Emile Henry Crown Bread Baker and start creating delicious homemade bread today.