Emilie Meyer
Baking pans come in a variety of materials, including metal, glass, ceramic, stoneware, and silicone. Metal pans, for example, are made of stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, or aluminum, each with unique properties like heat conduction, distribution, and retention. Glass pans are slower to heat up but retain heat, while silicone pans are flexible, non-stick, and stain-resistant. Knowing the material of your baking pan is crucial as it directly impacts the quality of your baked goods and the baking time required.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, aluminium steel, anodized aluminium, glass, ceramic, stoneware, silicone, exoglass |
| Durability | Stainless steel, anodized aluminium, and aluminium steel are durable |
| Ease of cleaning | Stainless steel, anodized aluminium, and aluminium steel are easy to clean |
| Rust-resistance | Stainless steel, anodized aluminium, and aluminium steel are rust-resistant |
| Oven-safe | Stainless steel and cast iron are oven-safe |
| Broiler-safe | Stainless steel is broiler-safe |
| Heat distribution | Aluminium steel, anodized aluminium, carbon steel, and aluminium distribute heat evenly |
| Heat retention | Glass retains heat longer than metal |
| Colour | Darker pans conduct heat better than lighter pans |
| Non-stick | Silicone, exoglass, and anodized aluminium have non-stick properties |
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What You'll Learn
Metal pans
Stainless steel is an iron alloy, meaning it is made from a mixture of metals and other non-metal materials. It is a popular choice for baking pans because it is easy to clean, durable, oven-safe, broiler-safe, rust-resistant, and dishwasher-safe. However, it is not a great conductor of heat, and its shiny finish may prevent browning.
Carbon steel baking pans are made by pressing raw, heavy-gauge steel, resulting in a durable material. They require regular seasoning and maintenance but will last long with proper care. Carbon steel pans are superior heat conductors and have non-stick properties, ensuring even baking.
Cast iron is another option for metal pans. It is excellent at retaining heat and producing evenly browned bakes. However, cast iron requires more maintenance as it is not dishwasher-safe, and the seasoning may need to be replaced occasionally.
Aluminium is a popular choice for metal baking pans due to its excellent heat reactivity and distribution. It is lightweight and ideal for delicate goods like cakes, brownies, and cheesecakes. Anodized aluminium, which has been treated through a chemical bath and electrification, is more durable, scratch-resistant, and has a duller colour, preventing excessive browning. However, aluminium is reactive to acidic foods and can pit, discolour, or scratch.
When choosing a metal baking pan, consider the type of metal, its heat distribution and conduction properties, durability, and maintenance requirements. Additionally, the shape and size of the pan should correspond to the type of bake you are creating. For example, a springform pan is ideal for delicate cakes that need to be removed from the pan, while a square metal pan is commonly used for sheet cakes.
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Non-stick coating
Some non-stick pans are made from PTFE-free ceramic materials, which are often advertised as green or eco-friendly. These pans have the same usage considerations as PTFE-coated pans, but their non-stick properties may not last as long. Another option for a non-stick coating is Exoglass®, a proprietary composite material that can withstand temperatures from -40 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit without warping. Exoglass® pans are known for their exceptional durability but are more expensive than other options.
When identifying if a baking pan has a non-stick coating, it can be challenging to find a definitive method. Visual inspection may provide some clues, as non-stick pans often have a distinctive grey colour. Additionally, some brands, such as Nordic Ware and Wilton, are known for their non-stick lines, so checking the manufacturer's information can be helpful. If you are concerned about the safety of an old non-stick pan, it is recommended to replace it, as non-stick coatings can degrade over time and may not function properly.
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Glass pans
Advantages of Glass Pans
Maintenance and Care
Adjusting Baking Temperatures
When using glass pans, it's important to note that they may require adjustments to baking temperatures and times compared to metal pans. Glass is a poor heat conductor, so your food may take longer to bake. However, once you understand how glass pans affect your baking, you can make the necessary adjustments like a pro.
Glass Pan Options
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Silicone pans
Silicone baking pans are flexible, non-stick, and great for baking delicate foods that may easily break apart. They are also stain-resistant and odour-absorbent, promoting long-lasting use and easy cleaning. While silicone baking pans have excellent heat resistance, they are poor heat conductors, which means that food may take longer to bake compared to other pans. Silicone is an insulator, which means it is not good at conducting heat to your cakes and cookies.
Silicone baking pans are available in a variety of colours, such as navy blue, and can be purchased as a set with baking pans, baking sheets, cookie sheets, and cake pans. They are also available as muffin baking cups or large moulds for English muffins, sandwiches, and egg cloud bread.
Some popular brands that sell silicone bakeware include Trudeau, Jetcloudlive, Aschef, Katbite, Amazon Basics, Walfos, Caraway, NutriChef, USA Pan, OXO, and Freshware.
If you are unsure whether your baking pan is made of silicone, you can try checking the product description or packaging for details about the material. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer or retailer for more information.
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Anodized aluminum
When considering purchasing anodized aluminum bakeware, it is important to keep in mind that due to their unique properties, you may need to adjust your recipes or expected bake time. This is because the anodization process not only enhances the durability of the aluminum but also improves its heat distribution capabilities, resulting in consistent baking results.
In summary, anodized aluminum bakeware offers a durable, versatile, and convenient option for baking enthusiasts. With its excellent heat distribution, nonstick surface, and scratch-resistant properties, it ensures consistent baking results and hassle-free cleanup. When choosing anodized aluminum bakeware, be prepared to adjust your recipes slightly to account for the unique heat conduction properties of this exceptional material.
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Frequently asked questions
Baking pans are typically made of metal, glass, ceramic, or silicone. Metal pans are usually made of stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, or aluminum, which may be anodized or aluminized. If your pan is non-stick, it may be coated with silicone.
Metal pans are usually silver or grey in colour, though they can also be black or dark grey. They are often heavy and may have a shiny surface.
Glass, ceramic, and stoneware pans are usually transparent or light-coloured. They are also typically heavier than metal pans.
Silicone pans are usually flexible and naturally non-stick. They are also known for their stain resistance and odour absorption.
