A nice CI baker for bread

[RonB]

I like this CI, but it's a bit pricy:

https://challengerbreadware.com/product/challenger-bread-pan/

[CHNeal]

Ouch! You need to get a bunch of use outa a specialized piece of equipment to cover that price.
Looks very interesting though. I’ll run it by my spoiled daughter and see what she has to say.

thanks for the info.

[CandySueQ]

Interesting! Great shape and handles.

Made me think that I could turn over my Lodge and get a similar setup (without the handles). I have the set where the lid is a frying pan.

[RonB]

Yes you can. I use the one below upside down:

https://smile.amazon.com/Lodge-L8DD3-Cast-Iron-Dutch/dp/B000LEXR0K/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3DKCRUR44CFNJ&keywords=lodge+double+dutch+oven&qid=1675777831&sprefix=%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-3

[CandySueQ]

This is the one I have. https://www.lodgecastiron.com/produc...ooker?sku=LCC3

[RichieB]

Same here CandySueQ

[HawkerXP]

"heirloom quality cast iron"

[jfmorris]

Too rich for my blood! I will keep using my much cheaper Lodge dutch oven! . Or a $5 bread pan...

[Washblue]

Price always enters in the fray…
I think it’s worth a look…
The shallow bottom with a deep top, may trap more moisture… but it may not contain settling doughs of certain volumes…
It’s probably a good baker…
For those who do not use CI, I suggest you consider it…
Nothing is cheap these days… but it doesn’t stop us from improvising…
Years ago, when I was looking for Griswold CI pieces, I found an auction for a #5 Oval Roaster…
I knew something was wrong when it had been up a few days and nobody was bidding… Peaking my interest, I read it had a crack…
I kept watch, made a bid… and bought it for a baker…
I assumed I might later buy a lid-less roaster or sell the lid to someone who needs it…
It bakes a mean loaf… and makes me look cool…
I don’t advertise it’s defect at serving time… so ya’ll don’t rat me out for this confession…
My roaster is just as specialty a piece as this new model… and probably takes more storage room… but my cracked roaster is stored on the fireplace hearth…

[Washblue]

I'm with you Oak Smoke on putting together a collection that covers my wishes but has been limited by practicality...

I did go a little overboard with #10 campfire DO's... I was paying $75 to $150 at auction... and I was paying $5 to $15 for skillets...

Oval roasters were already pricey as I was adding to my iron... So, I didn't jump into that arena to get others...

As for the Old Hickory... they stay on the board and are used all the time... #lovethem...

[Oak Smoke]

Washblue I just checked, there are two Griswold oval roasters on Ebay. The number 7 is $748 and the number 3 is $700. I didn’t see a Wagner in the short look I took. I can’t see me paying that much.

[bordercollie]

Oooh !! That is a beautiful piece !! I'm a addict of old ironware and I admit it. I have a collection that I'm finally cleaning up from the old days of having an antique shop with my Mama and Daddy but not one of these.

[Richard Chrz]

I still think a baking steel is the best “basic” option for bread, there are a few learning curves maybe, but more versatile, or so I think. I looked at the challenger, it’s expensive, it’s heavy, and big to store. The baking steel is heavy, not sure on pricing anymore, and I leave it in my oven 95 percent of all indoor cooking. So it self stores, and is only heavy once a month or so when I season it.

[jfmorris]

Yeah if I had a baking steel, it would probably live in the oven too, and I would just transfer bread and pizzas onto it using parchment paper...

[Richard Chrz]

jfmorris exactly, I use a pizza peel to load bread and pizza, and any pans I may bake with for meals just get set on top of it.