Hi Lisa! Adding ice cubes or h2o towards your oven can really assist with crust enhancement (particularly when baking sourdoughs!). Although It's not at all Definitely required, it will help make a good looking loaf. Here is a little more info on the process: Baking bread with steam Delighted Baking! https://bangkokwax92467.mybjjblog.com/the-single-best-strategy-to-use-for-sourdough-pizza-dough-41732823