Big Bakeries' Secret: Oiled Pans For Perfect Bread?

Greasing a pan is a common practice to prevent baked goods from sticking. While some recipes call for butter or cooking spray/oil, others recommend using parchment paper or a combination of greasing and flouring. The choice of method depends on the type of bread and the desired outcome. Large bakeries tend to use non-stick sprays or oils to grease their pans, as it is a quick and efficient method that ensures the bread releases cleanly from the pan.

Baker's Joy: A non-stick spray with flour to prevent cakes from sticking to pans

Baker's Joy: A Non-Stick Spray with Flour

Baker's Joy is a non-stick baking spray that helps cakes, breads, and pastries release from pans with ease. It is a flour-based formula that coats the pan, ensuring even browning and quick clean-up. The product is suitable for all types of baking and cooking, including cupcakes, brownies, and breads.

How to Use Baker's Joy

To use Baker's Joy, simply shake the can well and spray a light, even coating onto your pan. The spray reaches every nook and cranny of the pan, ensuring that your baked goods don't stick.

Benefits of Using Baker's Joy

Baker's Joy offers several advantages over traditional methods of greasing pans, such as butter or oil. Firstly, it is much easier and less messy to use, saving time and effort in the kitchen. Secondly, it provides superior non-stick performance, with cakes and breads sliding out of the pan effortlessly. Additionally, it leaves virtually no residue, making clean-up a breeze.

Customer Reviews

Baker's Joy has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers, who praise its ease of use and effectiveness in preventing sticking. Many customers have shared that it is particularly useful for Bundt cakes and pound cakes, which are known for their intricate designs and tendency to stick to pans.

Comparison with Other Baking Sprays

Baker's Joy stands out from other baking sprays, such as Pam, due to its flour-based formula. The flour enhances cake details in specialty pans, such as Bundt pans, and ensures that the cake releases cleanly from the pan.

In conclusion, Baker's Joy is a must-have product for anyone who wants to ensure that their cakes, breads, and pastries release from pans effortlessly. With its superior non-stick performance and ease of use, it is a trusted tool for both professional and home bakers alike.

Vegetable oil spray: A non-stick spray for cooking, not baking

Vegetable Oil Spray: A Non-Stick Solution for Cooking, Not Baking

Vegetable oil spray is a convenient and effective solution for cooks and bakers looking to prevent their creations from sticking to pans and trays. While it is a popular option for cooking, it is not the best choice for baking bread.

The Benefits of Vegetable Oil Spray

The non-stick properties of vegetable oil spray are well-known, and it is a versatile product that can be used to coat pans and trays before cooking. Its mild taste allows the flavours of the food to stand out, ensuring that your meal tastes as it should. It is also a quick and easy option, saving time in the kitchen.

When to Use Vegetable Oil Spray

Vegetable oil spray is ideal for cooking dishes where sticking is a concern. For example, when cooking eggs, vegetables, or meat, a light coating of vegetable oil spray can ensure that the food releases easily from the pan. This is especially useful when cooking delicate foods that are prone to breaking or sticking.

Why Vegetable Oil Spray May Not Be Ideal for Baking

While vegetable oil spray has its benefits, it may not be the best choice for baking bread. This is because bread dough can be more delicate than other baked goods, and the intense heat of the oven can cause the oil to smoke or impart an unpleasant flavour.

Alternative Options for Baking Bread

When it comes to baking bread, there are alternative options to vegetable oil spray that are worth considering. These include:

• Butter: Using butter to grease your bread pan can add a rich flavour to your bread and create a non-stick surface.
• Shortening: Shortening has a higher melting point than butter, so it can be a good choice for greasing bread pans. It creates a non-stick surface without adding additional flavour.
• Cooking Spray: While cooking spray is typically made with vegetable oil, there are some varieties specifically designed for baking. These sprays often contain flour or other ingredients that make them better suited for baking bread.

In conclusion, while vegetable oil spray is a convenient and effective option for cooking, it may not be the best choice for baking bread. By considering the alternatives and choosing the most suitable option, you can ensure that your bread releases easily from the pan and has the desired flavour and texture.

Pan coatings: Non-stick coatings on pans are not always foolproof

Pans with non-stick coatings are extremely popular because they make cooking and cleaning easier. However, these coatings are not foolproof and have some potential drawbacks and limitations.

Non-stick coatings are designed to prevent food from bonding to the surface of the pan, reducing the need for oil or butter during cooking. The most common type of non-stick coating is made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon. PTFE has excellent corrosion resistance and an extremely low coefficient of friction, making it ideal for non-stick applications.

One issue with non-stick coatings is that they can be susceptible to flaking and scratching. Using metal utensils with non-stick pans can scratch the coating, making it more likely to flake and reducing its effectiveness. Additionally, some non-stick coatings may contain potentially harmful substances, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has been phased out by many manufacturers due to health and environmental concerns.

Another limitation of non-stick pans is that they may not be suitable for certain types of cooking. For example, according to writer Tony Polombo, non-stick pans are not ideal for producing pan gravy because the fond, or caramelized drippings, do not stick to the pan as easily.

Furthermore, non-stick coatings have a temperature limit beyond which they can begin to break down and release toxic fumes. PTFE-coated pans, for example, should not be heated beyond approximately 260°C (500°F), as this can cause the coating to dissociate, releasing hydrofluoric acid and organofluorine compounds that are dangerous to humans and lethal to birds.

To address these limitations, alternative non-stick coatings have been developed, such as ceramic coatings, anodized aluminium, silica, enameled cast iron, and seasoned cookware. These options offer non-stick properties without the potential drawbacks of PTFE coatings.

In summary, while non-stick coatings on pans offer convenience and ease of cleaning, they are not always foolproof and have certain limitations and potential health risks. It is important to use non-stick pans properly, avoid overheating, and consider alternative coatings to minimize any potential drawbacks.

Parchment paper: Lining pans with paper prevents sticking, but doesn't work for all pan shapes

Lining pans with parchment paper is a great way to prevent bread from sticking. However, this method doesn't work for all pan shapes. While parchment paper is effective in preventing sticking, it's important to ensure that the paper is of good quality and suitable for the temperature you're baking at. Some cheaper brands may not be able to withstand higher temperatures, leading to sticking issues.

In addition to using parchment paper, you can also apply a thin layer of oil to the paper to further prevent sticking. This can be done by hand or with a spray. If you're averse to using oil, a light dusting of semolina or rice flour on the paper can also do the trick.

It's worth noting that some bakers prefer to use alternatives to parchment paper, such as silicone mats or baking sprays. These options can provide similar non-stick properties and may be better suited for certain pan shapes or baking methods.

For example, if you're baking in a Dutch oven, you may not need parchment paper at all. A well-seasoned Dutch oven can release bread easily without the need for any additional lining. However, if you do use parchment paper in a Dutch oven, it's important to use a good-quality paper that can withstand the temperature.

In summary, while parchment paper is a great option for preventing bread from sticking to pans, it's not the only solution. The best method may depend on the shape of your pan, the type of bread you're baking, and your personal preferences. It's always a good idea to have a few tricks up your sleeve to ensure your bread releases perfectly every time!

Bread machine pans: These pans may need lubrication to prevent strange noises

Bread Machine Pans: Lubrication for Quieter Operation

If your bread machine is making strange noises, it may be time to lubricate the bread spindle shaft on the underside of the pan. Even if your machine is running quietly, regular lubrication can extend its lifespan and improve performance. Lubrication is not mentioned in manufacturer manuals, but many owners find it beneficial to perform this maintenance routine every six months or more frequently if the machine is used often.

Choosing the Right Lubricant

It is crucial to select the appropriate lubricant for your bread machine to prevent damage and ensure food safety. Oils such as cooking oil, mineral oil, and WD-40 should be avoided as they can cause issues such as gumming, rust formation, and damage to rubber seals. The recommended lubricants for bread machine pans are 3-in-1 oil or sewing machine oil. These oils are generally poisonous, so it is important to only apply them to the outside of the pan, following the manufacturer's instructions. Always wash your hands after handling these oils, and use a paper towel if you need to touch the oiled areas in the future.

Oiling Procedure

To oil your bread machine pan, start by turning the pan over. You will see the kneading shaft, wing nut, and retaining clip. Apply a drop or two of the recommended oil between the shaft and the retaining ring. Then, turn the wing nut a few times to distribute the oil evenly. If your machine has two kneading blades, repeat the process for the second shaft.

By following these simple lubrication steps, you can keep your bread machine running smoothly and quietly for years to come.

Frequently asked questions