Brod & Taylor Bread Steel Max

I genuinely love Brod & Taylor products and recommend them all the time, which is why I’m so disappointed to be writing this review. I own quite a few of their sourdough products, including their proofing boxes, Sourdough Home, bannetons, Sourdough Glass Container, Bread Shell, and Bread Steel. Most of my sourdough setup is from Brod & Taylor, and I’ve always been extremely happy with the quality of their products. The Bread Steel, however, has unfortunately been a different experience. I received it as a Christmas gift and have only used it about 2–3 times. Despite such limited use, it developed a significant orange/brown area that appears to be rust. I’ve tried cleaning it, but the discoloration will not come off. Even more disappointing, the orange residue transferred onto my Bread Shell and has permanently stained that as well. I’ve tried cleaning both pieces, and the orange discoloration will not come off either one. I’ve attached photos because this isn’t just normal discoloration from baking—the orange area is very noticeable. At this point, I’ve stopped using the Bread Steel and Bread Shell altogether and have gone back to baking my sourdough in my Dutch ovens. I’m genuinely disappointed because I love Brod & Taylor and have invested in so many of their products because of the quality I’ve experienced with them. I will absolutely continue recommending the products I’ve had great experiences with, but after only 2–3 uses, I didn’t expect my Bread Steel to look like this or for the issue to permanently stain my Bread Shell as well. Unfortunately, the Bread Steel is the one Brod & Taylor product I can’t recommend based on my experience.

My first bake of bread on the steel produced a loaf with a perfect bottom crust. No more dark bottom loaves for me!

The baking steel has helped with consistency in my oven and bakes! Thank you!

This steel is just the right size for my level of baking. Not too heavy and holds heat very well! Results in the pic.

I've thoroughly enjoyed sourdough in my Dutch Oven, but I like to see how it's baking and that's impossible. With the B&T Steel Max, I get great oven spring and I can see it! While it's heavy, its lighter than most, but has exceptional peformance.

dont hesitate this is one of the best tool in my kitchen. open bake method for the win!

Great material. Brod and Taylor is one of my favorite companies for baking. I have bought many items from them and love them all.

Very nice system with the lid. We got tired of replacing EH ceramic cloche. This gives excellent results.

This has been so easy to use and works amazing with the cover. I have gotten a perfect bake each time and the bottom of my bread is perfect!

Love this. I get tired of trying to lift heavy things. That being said, this isn't heavy, and it fits in my steam oven. Thank you.

wife enjoys here steel max , she has both thin and thick , both are great, likes it better than dealing with Dutch oven she enjoys the steels Scott

I love the baking shells! I am waiting for a larger baking sheet. A 14x16 is what I would like to see you offer next.

Love it but still learning how to perfect at what temp.

We made homemade pizzas on this and they turned out great! My wife was used to baking sourdough in her Dutch oven, but loves this as a lightweight alternative when paired with the baking shell.

my wife loves her steel was a Christmas gift a must for the sour dough cooks out there she loves her steel Scott

I loved the concept of not having to heat up cast enamel, I love the freedom of how much I could bake, but the bottoms of the bread burn before reaching inside temp.

Just used the pizza steel tonight to make sourdough pizza. It was delicious! Great product!

The tag kept me away for sooo long. I tried the Dome with all other things , went back and forth with my heavy but dependable work horses and then, on a whim, pulled the trigger. Why I waited so long alludes me. All I can say is Go For It!

Never made sourdough bread before. I do not have enough upper body strength to use a Dutch oven. Purchased your Bread steel and baking shell. You can see the results. Thankyou

This bread steel is superior in every way possible, bread comes out golden, and pizza curst is crisp and evenly baked. the construction is amazing love that added weight. it heats up evenly. this is another tool from a well trusted company that knows a thing or to about the tools needed for home bakers. I highly recommend any of their products.