When cooking or baking, there is very little flexibility in ensuring that the food is baked thoroughly and evenly without burning. Although most recipes can be made in either a metal or a glass-baking pan, the cooking instructions generally must be adjusted to ensure the right texture and consistency.
Features
Glass and metal pans derive their name from the product they are made. Generally, glass pans are rectangular or square in shape, while metal plans may be circular, rectangular, square or made up of a series of shapes, as in cupcake and muffin trays.
Availability
Both glass and metal baking pans are available in kitchen and cooking supply stores nationwide. They are also available online, and are often included in baking sets.
Food Items Cooked in Pans
Although any food product can be cooked or baked in a metal or glass pan, items that commonly require these types of pans are brownies, cakes and cupcakes. Larger meat products, including roast chicken, ham and roast beef, are also commonly cooked in metal or glass pans.
Altering a Recipe
Generally, recipes made in a glass dish require a 25 degree reduction in oven temperature to ensure the product is not burned, and this is especially true with desserts, including brownies, cupcakes and cakes. Refusing to alter the oven temperature may result in overcooked, undercooked or burnt food.
Preparing a Pan
Both glass and metal pans must be prepared ahead of time when baking and often when cooking products. Usually, the pan must be sprayed with oil or greased using margarine, butter or a butter substitute. This ensures the food product will not stick to the pan or burn. When baking in a glass or metal pan, the pan must often be floured after it is greased to ensure the product does not stick to the pan once cooled.
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