Is the Emile Henry Bread Cloche worth it over a Dutch oven?

Buyers say yes if you want lighter bakeware and a bottom crust that isn't too hard. A cast iron Dutch oven costs less and browns the base harder.

What size loaves fit in the oval cloche?

The base is about 10 inches across and the dome is 4.5 inches high inside, so it suits oval batards and medium round loaves. It is not built for very large boules.

How much flour does it hold?

Listings say 3 cups of flour, but the included recipe booklet calls for 4.5 cups. Start with a recipe you know and adjust to the dough, not the cup count.

Can it go from the freezer to the oven?

Yes. Emile Henry rates the ceramic for -20°C to 270°C and says it can go straight from freezer to hot oven.

Is it dishwasher-safe?

The base is dishwasher-safe and buyers say it cleans up easily. The glaze resists fading from heat and detergents.

When is the price lowest?

The best new price is $195.00 at Breadtopia as of November 5, 2026, with 5 stores selling it new. Watch for holiday kitchenware sales for a lower price.

Where is the Emile Henry Oval Bread Cloche cheapest?

At Breadtopia, for $195.00, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Emile Henry Oval Bread Cloche?

Rated 5 out of 5 from 9 ratings. Buyers like: Produces a gorgeous crust and crumb consistently; No need to add steam or fuss; Bottom crust comes out just right, not too hard like in a Dutch oven. Common complaints: Dough stuck in a couple of places when flour was used on the baking surface; Confusion over capacity: advertised for 3 cups of flour but recipe booklet calls for 4-1/2 cups.

Where can I buy the Emile Henry Oval Bread Cloche?

5 stores we checked sell it, including Breadtopia, Target, Nordstrom, Toque Blanche, Cooks on Main.

Emile Henry Oval Bread Cloche

Best price now

$195.00at BreadtopiaObserved at 10:59 AM

Compared across 5 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Our take on the Emile Henry Oval Bread Cloche

The Emile Henry Oval Bread Cloche is a Burgundy clay stoneware baker with a domed lid that traps steam around the loaf, mimicking a traditional domed bread oven. It holds up to 4.5 L, tolerates -20°C to 270°C, and goes from freezer to oven, microwave and dishwasher. The oval shape fits batards and longer loaves that round Dutch ovens can't. At $195.00 at Breadtopia as of November 5, 2026, it sits at the top of its recent range, with 5 stores selling it new.

What reviewers say

Buyers rate it 5 out of 5 across 9 ratings and praise the consistent crust and crumb it produces without added steam. They also like that the bottom crust comes out just right, not too hard as with a Dutch oven. A few mention dough sticking and confusion over the flour capacity.

Pros

Gorgeous, consistent crust and crumb
No need to add steam or fuss
Bottom crust comes out just right, not too hard like in a Dutch oven
Easy to use and clean; base is dishwasher-safe

Cons

Dough stuck in a couple of places despite flouring the surface
Advertised for 3 cups of flour, but the recipe booklet calls for 4.5 cups

What people mention

Crust: PraisedBuyers say it delivers a crisp, even crust and open crumb every time.
Steam: PraisedThe domed lid traps humidity, so no water pan or added steam is needed.
Bottom crust: PraisedOwners say the base bakes the bottom just right, softer than a Dutch oven's.
Ease of use: PraisedLow sides, a top knob and bottom handles make loading and lifting easy.
Sticking: CriticisedA few buyers had dough stick to the base even after flouring it.
Capacity: MixedThe stated 3-cup flour capacity conflicts with the recipe booklet's 4.5 cups.

About the Emile Henry Oval Bread Cloche

Inside dimensions: Base — 10" dia., dome — 4.5" high

Outside dimensions: 13.25"W (handle tip to tip) x 6.75"H

The result of two years of development, the Emile Henry Bread Cloche will quickly become your favorite bread baking assistant. The rounded shape of the cloche replicates a traditional domed bread oven, to ensure that your bread has the required level of humidity during the cooking process. Rediscover the pleasures of making artisan quality home baked bread using the finest products.

Emile Henry's ceramic bakeware is made in Marcigny France since 1850 from high fired Burgundy clay. The natural clay is unsurpassed for conducting and retaining heat. Emile Henry's Oven Ceramic is made with an exclusive process to produce strong and durable ceramic bakeware for everyday use.

Resistance Against Mechanical Shocks: During everyday use, there are many opportunities to bang a dish or a set of plates. Particularly resistant to shocks, Emile Henry ceramic is even used in restaurants.

Resistance Against Temperature Changes: Will withstand wide variations in temperature. Emile Henry ceramic products can be taken directly from the freezer to the hot oven (+250°C/500°F).

Resistance Against Fading Colors: Heat, the dishwasher or sharp instruments will all have an aging effect on a product. However, Emile Henry glazes are particularly resistant to the dishwasher and strong detergents.

Emile Henry is proud to offer products made from very high quality ceramic, which pass rigorous quality controls. They offer a 10 year guarantee on all Emile Henry products. The warranty covers any production fault or quality problem with the product when used in a normal domestic environment, and respecting the care and use instructions. Any variation in the finish of the item is due to the handiwork carried out in their workshops and does not alter in any way the culinary qualities of their products.

What buyers say

Buyers like

Produces a gorgeous crust and crumb consistently
No need to add steam or fuss
Bottom crust comes out just right, not too hard like in a Dutch oven
Easy to use: low sides, knob on top, handles on bottom
Lighter and easier to load than a cast iron Dutch oven
Cleans up easily; base can go in the dishwasher

Buyers complain about

Dough stuck in a couple of places when flour was used on the baking surface
Confusion over capacity: advertised for 3 cups of flour but recipe booklet calls for 4-1/2 cups