Pampered Chef 9" Square Baker - Vanilla Review

I reluctantly went to a Pampered Chef party thinking that there would be useless products for ridiculous prices but to my surprise, I found a couple of items that I really wanted.  One of them was the the Pampered Chef 9" Square Baker - Vanilla.  The hostess claimed that this stoneware baker made the best brownies she had ever had.  My kids love brownies and mine always come out hard around the edges and too moist in the middle.  I decided to give this baker a try.  It was a bit pricey at $33.50 but well worth it.

The Square Baker

According to The Pampered Chef, unglazed ceramic Stoneware guarantees great cooking success.  The Stoneware duplicates the effects of brick-lined ovens used in professional bakeries and restaurants by evenly distributing heat and absorbing moisture.  The results are crispier crusts, juicier roasts, and lighter, higher volume breads. 

This pan is made of clay tempered with heat of over 2000 degrees. The Square Baker is approximately 9"x 9" and has an 11-cup capacity.  Stoneware is freezer-safe, microwave-oven safe and convection oven safe.  There is a three-year guarantee.

My Experience

When I got ready to use this Stoneware baker, I followed the directions carefully because I never owned a stoneware baking product before.  I washed it with hot water; rinsed and dried it and then lightly sprayed the inside of the pan with nonstick cooking spray. After a couple of uses, you no longer need to use cooking spray.  The directions stated that the Stoneware needed to be first seasoned by baking a high-fat item so I baked some crescent rolls.  I actually overcooked them because apparently when cooking in the oven with stoneware, the oven settings and times need to be reduced.  After experimenting with several other foods, I finally got the knack of it and was able to make the brownies my kids love so much.  I have to admit, they came out awesome.  In fact, most of what I have cooked in this baker has come out great.  

Clean-up is pretty easy.  All I have to do is soak the baker in plain hot water, scrape off the excess food and then rinse.  No dishwashing liquid should ever be used to clean this because the soap can flavor the foods that you cook after that.  Blech ... doesn't sound appetizing to me.   

My Final Viewpoint       

I have owned this item for about two years now and have not had any problems with it.  The more I use it, the better the foods taste.  I recommend this product and give it a 4 star rating.  I would go with 5 but the baker is quite heavy, the handles are narrow and the cost is a bit steep.