Choosing Bakeware Is More Than Cookies, Cakes and Pies



When choosing bakeware we normally think of choosing cooking containers for baking cookies, cakes and pies, but bakeware is used for cooking casseroles as well. Just as when choosing cookware, choosing bakeware has many considerations.

Some basic considerations are:

1. Choosing the correct size for the item being baked
2. Choosing a piece that heats efficiently and transfers heat evenly to the item being baked
3. Durability of the pan, will it stand up to high temperatures without warping
4. Easy removal of the item after baking
5. Easy cleaning
6. Storage without rust or corrosion

When choosing bakeware there are many styles, sizes and materials to choose from. There are however some basic bakeware items that are key to any kitchen. As starter items bakeware that should be on hand are:



Basic Bakeware

10 x 15 inches to 12 x 18 inches baking sheet
8 or 9 inch round cake pan
8 or 9 inch square cake pan
9 inch pie pan
9 x 5 inch loaf pan
13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan
13 x 9 inch baking pan
3 quart baking dish
12 cup muffin pan

Other Add On Bakeware

Baking sheets of different sizes (generally used for cookies and breads)
10 inch fluted tube pan
9 or 10 inch springform pan
10 inch tube pan
10 inch bundt pan
Other assorted sized baking dishes (1/2 quart, 1 quart and 2 quart)
Other assorted sized loaf pans
Miniature muffin pan
6 and 24 cup muffin pans
15 x 10 inch jelly roll pan or half baking sheet
9 or 10 inch tart/quiche pan with removable bottom
½ cup to 2 cup ramekins (for custards, mousses and soufflés)
Cast iron corn bread or scone skillet
Cooling racks

Just as when choosing cookware there are various materials choices when choosing bakeware, and it pays to buy quality right from the start.

Materials Choices

Aluminum

Although aluminum is a good heat conductor and heats up quickly and evenly; however due to the light weight material pans constructed of aluminum may warp under high heat and may corrode over time, as a result aluminum that has been coated or anodized may work best.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is a very heavy material that heats up slowly and may not be a good choice for some baking tasks, but for a dish that requires a long cooking time, cast iron may work well.

Ceramic

Ceramics work well for casseroles and due to its ovenproof nature can go from oven to serving to refrigerator for food storage.

Glass

Bakeware made of tempered glass conducts heat well and is excellent for pies, lasagna, casseroles and brownies, and can be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

Nonstick

Nonstick bakeware can save time since the nonstick coating makes removing baked items easier and is easier to clean; however nonstick coated with traditional materials wear off over time and metal utensils can’t be used with nonstick since metal will scratch the nonstick coating and cause it to deteriorate quicker, newer materials such as Thermalon which is a ceramic based material make nonstick surfaces more durable and conduct heat better for baking than traditional nonstick materials.

Silicone

Silicone is a marvelous new invention that is lightweight and flexible, you would almost believe that you can’t cook in anything that has a much give as silicone bakeware, but it works well for those baking pieces that it is currently available for such as muffin pans, cake pans, and bread pans. Baked items are easy to remove because of its nonstick properties, and are easy to clean. Silicone also tolerates heat well up to 675 degrees Fahrenheit.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is the fan favorite for bakeware since most recipes are designed with cooking times and temperatures of stainless steel in mind. Stainless steel pans do however require oiling before use since materials do stick to stainless steel and can be difficult to remove if the pan hasn’t been previously oiled. Stainless can be difficult to clean if not previously oiled, but does resist rust and corrosion.


For some tips on what to look for when choosing bakeware click on ehow.com


For some great sections on choosing bakeware some great references are:

• The Taste of Home Cookbook – All New Edition from Taste of Home Books, Reiman Media Group

• The All New Good Housekeeping Cook Book, Edited by Susan Westmoreland, Hearst Books, New York

• Betty Crocker Cookbook – New Edition, by Wiley Publishing, Inc.

• The Food Encyclopedia by Jacques L. Rolland and Carol Sherman with other contributors

• The Complete America’s Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook 2001-2010 by The Editors of America’s Test Kitchen



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Bakeware Variety


Aluminum Nonstick

Aluminum Nonstick Bakeware


Ceramic Bakeware

Ceramic Bakeware


Glass Bakeware

Glass Bakeware


Nonstick Bakeware

Nonstick Bakeware Set


Silicone Bakeware

Silicone Bakeware


Stainless Steel Bakeware

Stainless Steel Bakeware


Individual Choices


4.8 Qt Glass Baking Dish

4.8 Quart Glass Baking Dish

10 inch Bundt Pan

10 inch Bundt Pan

10 inch Springform Pan

10 inch Springform Pan

12 Cup Muffin Pan

12 Cup Muffin Pan

13x9 Inch Baking Pan

13x9 Inch Oblong Cake Pan

17inch Jellyroll Pan

17 Inch Jellyroll Pan

30x30cm Baking Sheet

30x30cm Baking Sheet

Ramekins

Ramekins