Hi Dorse, we wouldn't want you to risk breaking your clay baker. We'd only recommend soaking before baking if that's something that the manufacturer recommends doing with the piece. If you're unsure, it's best to play it safe and stick with a method like the cold oven start shown here. If you're intrigued by baking with steam, see if you can get your hands on a cast iron Dutch oven — they're practically indestructible! Good luck. Kye@KAF

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