Choosing bakeware can be confusing. There are many options available in discount stores, department stores and kitchen specialty shops. Bakeware ranges from cookie sheets to muffin pans, and your bakeware needs may depend upon how much and what kind of baking you do. With all the choices on the market, which is better? Should you move from classic metal to modern silicone bakeware or stick with the tried and true?
Types
You can find metal pans, metal pans with nonstick Teflon finishes, glass baking pans, classic enamel and cast iron choices, as well as modern and innovative silicone. Cake pans, Bundt cake pans, muffin pans and loaf pans are all available in any of these materials. Some types of bakeware, such as cookie sheets and jelly roll pans, are exclusively metal.
Features
Good quality bakeware should provide even cooking and browning. Durability and ease of care are other common priorities. Many people prefer nonstick bakeware, especially for cake pans. Turning a cake out of the pan, even with a well-greased and floured pan, can be quite challenging. Nonstick pan surfaces can reduce the risk of sticking, although they may not prevent it entirely.
Silicon Bakeware
Silicone bakeware is flexible, easy to care for and easily stored. It is, if not fully nonstick, quite stick resistant. Silicone pans are available in various shapes, including novelty pans for small shaped cakes and muffins. A cookie sheet, half sheet or jelly-roll pan must be used under silicone pans for stability. Some people are uncomfortable with the chemical questions posed by silicone; however, silicone rubber is inert and considered safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Metal Bakeware
Metal bakeware is available in both nonstick and standard versions, in a variety of weights. Heavier bakeware is typically better quality. Metal bakeware without a nonstick finish can last for years with basic care; however, nonstick finishes wear rather poorly and should be disposed of as soon as the finish shows damage. Turning out shaped cakes, muffins and detailed molds can be challenging when working with metal pans.
Benefits
Both metal and silicone bakeware have some benefits. Metal bakeware, especially pieces with a dark finish, offers better overall browning for cakes, breads and muffins. Silicone pieces offer the convenience of flexibility for interesting and detailed shapes and a nonstick surface that will wear and last longer than metal. Experiment with different types of baking pans to find the bakeware you prefer.
Tags: metal pans, bakeware especially, baking pans, cake pans, cakes muffins