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The Best Clay Baker

Last updated on June 5, 2023

We looked at the top 11 Clay Bakers and dug through the reviews from 12 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Clay Bakers.

Best Clay Baker

Our Review Process

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Clay bakers are not only stylish, but they also produce dishes that are full of flavor. They can be used to prepare just about any recipe, including stew, roasted chicken and vegetables, homemade biscuits and banana nut bread. If you’re in the market for clay bakeware, keep the following features in mind as you shop.

Determine exactly what you want to cook in the clay baker. There are casserole-type dishes that can bake just about anything, as well as bakeware items that are designed for a specific purpose. For example, the Norpro 1157 Garlic Clay Baker is made for roasting garlic. It comes with a lid that has a tiny air vent and a cute garlic-shaped handle for easy gripping.

When opting for a clay baker that can handle bread, you want to make sure that you won’t need to add any unnecessary grease. For example, the USA Pan Stoneware Loaf Clay Baker features a nonstick silicone coating that is PFOA and PTFE-free. The bread will slide right out of the clay baker without the bottom or sides sticking to the pan.

Review the size of the clay baker to ensure it can hold enough to serve your family. Some models come in six different sizes, so whether you are a newly married couple or a family of six, you’re sure to find a baker that meets your needs. As an added bonus, some options are even made from an attractive red clay that is then hand-painted.

Take a look at the clay baker’s craftsmanship and any extra features that it may have that make it more functional than another model. For example, many clay bakers are handcrafted in Germany and include a matching lid, handles for easy carrying and a safety rating that makes it ideal for use in both ovens and microwaves.

Our Picks For The Top Clay Bakers

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Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Norpro 1157 Terra Cotta Garlic Clay Baker

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Norpro

Terra Cotta Garlic Clay Baker

Garlic lovers are sure to appreciate this natural terra cotta clay baker, which is able to roast several bulbs of garlic at once. The lid is made with a garlic-shaped handle and features an air vent to allow steam to escape. The base is even glazed to keep the garlic from sticking to the baker.

Overall Take

Garlic DesignThis clay baker is specifically designed to roast multiple cloves of garlic to perfection for enjoyment in your favorite dishes.

Pros
" Cute garlic-shaped handle with vents at the top. Oven and microwave safe. Draws out the sweet flavor of garlic to enhance your favorite recipes."
 Runner Up

Fox Run 3921 Traditional Garlic Clay Baker

Fox Run

Traditional Garlic Clay Baker

Roast garlic to perfection in this handy garlic clay baker. It works great in both convection and microwave ovens and even comes with a set of recipes. Since the baker is made from terra cotta and features a unique garlic-shaped handle, you'll need to hand wash it carefully.

Overall Take

Recipes IncludedIf garlic happens to be one of your favorite foods, you'll want to go with this attractive clay baker.

Pros
" One of the best ways to roast garlic is in a domed terra cotta cooker, such as the large Garlic Baker made by Fox Run Craftsmen. The glazed base is 7 inches in diameter, which means that you can roast..."
 Strong Contender

Sassafras Unglazed Covered Clay Baker

Sassafras

Unglazed Covered Clay Baker

If you want your loaves of bread to taste like they've just emerged from a brick-lined oven, then this clay baker is the way to go. It's constructed using a natural stone and sold with a matching lid. The lid features a built-in handle for your convenience.

Overall Take

All-Natural PickThis clay baker comes in at 5 pounds and 2 ounces.

 #4

USA Pan 1140LF-SW-W Stoneware Loaf Clay Baker

USA Pan

Stoneware Loaf Clay Baker

Whether you enjoy making banana, cinnamon raisin or cranberry bread, this clay baker is a must-have. It is heat safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and comes with a nonstick silicone coating to keep break from becoming stuck to the pan. The baker itself is handcrafted from clay mined in the state of Tennessee.

Overall Take

Nonstick Silicone CoatingYou won't have any trouble getting bread out of this clay baker, as it features a nonstick silicone coating that is PFOA and PTFE-free.

Pros
" It’s the most even-heating pan on our whole list, consistently producing perfectly golden-brown loaves of bread with perfect texture. It’s truly the Rolls Royce of loaf pans."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
18

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the clay bakers available to purchase.
11

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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12

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Seriously Smoked, spicelines, Williams Sonoma, Food & Wine, Village Bakery.

7,831

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 11 Clay Bakers and also dug through the reviews from 12 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Clay Bakers.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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What to Look For

  • Review the cleaning instructions on the clay baker’s product packaging. Half are listed as dishwasher safe, as they are able to withstand high heat. The other half must be hand-washed. If they have a glaze, you can wash them with dish soap, water and a non-abrasive sponge. Natural clay pots, on the other hand, will absorb the soap, so you’ll need to wash them with hot water and use a brush to clean away any food particles. Baking soda can be added if you notice the clay baker has a bit of an odor.
  • Many clay bakers are designed to be soaked in water before use. The chef then adds the ingredients to the baker and places the dish in the oven while the oven is still cold. The temperature is then set and as the baker heats up, steam is produced. This unique steaming process results in some of the most delicious flavors you’ve ever tasted.
  • After removing a clay baker from the oven, you’ll need to set it on a heat resistant mat or a wood, metal or silicone trivet. If you try to place it directly on a cool surface, the clay may crack.
  • Do not use your clay baker on a stovetop. Clay bakers are also not safe to place in a freezer.
  • Clay bakers come in a wide range of sizes and intended uses. As a result, the price for a clay baker varies greatly. You’ll pay the least amount for the Norpro 1157 Garlic Clay Baker, as it is only big enough to roast garlic.  You’ll pay the most for glazed clay bakers that have a large capacity and come with a matching lid.

Clay Baker Rankings

1. Norpro 1157 Terra Cotta Garlic Clay Baker

Overall Score: 9.8
Reviews Included: 4

2. Fox Run 3921 Traditional Garlic Clay Baker

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 5

3. Sassafras Unglazed Covered Clay Baker

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 1

4. USA Pan 1140LF-SW-W Stoneware Loaf Clay Baker

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 2

5. Reston Lloyd Unglazed Terracota Clay Baker

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 1

6. Ceramica Edgar Pinto Terracotta Roasting Tray Clay Baker

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 1

7. Emile Henry Made In France Bread Clay Baker

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 8

8. Römertopf Der Standard Clay Baker

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 5

9. Romertopf By Reston Lloyd Dishwasher Safe Clay Baker

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 1

10. Römertopf 99119 Rustico Series Glazed Clay Baker

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 1

11. Rachael Ray 54277 Cucina Stoneware Garlic Clay Baker

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 5

More to Explore

Humans have been using clay to create pottery as far back as 6500 B.C. Even today clay bakers have remained a popular choice when cooking everything from mouth-watering roasts to delicious breads. Did you know, however, that there are actually a lot of health benefits associated with clay cooking? Here are just a few:

  • Lower in fat: Since clay bakers use steam to cook their foods, chefs don’t need to add any fat or oil to the dish.
  • Higher in nutrients: Foods are cooked slower in clay pots, which allows them to retain the nutrients that are often lost during faster cooking methods.
  • Reduced sweeteners: Clay actually works to neutralize the pH in your foods. That means acidic foods become sweet naturally without the need to add any sugar.

More to explore