Types of baking pans
There are many baking pans, and it can be hard to know which ones to buy. Professional chefs say the most common pans you’ll want to stock in your kitchen are a baking sheet, a rimmed baking sheet, and cake pans.
Baking sheets come in different sizes and shapes. Some are square or rectangular, while others are round. They are made of either aluminum or silicone and have a nonstick coating. Baking sheets are used for cookies, biscuits, pastries, and other baked goods.
Rimmed baking sheets have sides that rise about an inch high. This type is better than a regular baking sheet because the sides prevent the food sliding off while it cooks. A rimmed baking sheet is also great for roasting vegetables or chicken because the juices from the food won’t drip onto the oven floor. Cake pans come in different sizes, but typically they are round and have straight sides. They are made of metal (aluminum or copper) or silicone rubber. Cake pans are used for layer cakes, Bundt cakes, angel food cake, chiffon cake, devil’s food cake, pound cake…the list goes on!
There are also specialty pans available that aren’t as commonly used but can come in handy. These include pans for making tiered cakes, casseroles, and bars. They are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Another specialty pan is the loaf pan. It is designed to hold a large amount of dough comfortably without stretching out the bottom layer too much before the top layer sets up properly. This type of pan is great for banana bread or lasagna that serves two people at once.
So, as you can see, there are many types of baking pans available, and they all have different purposes. Deciding which ones to buy can be overwhelming, but hopefully, this article has helped make the process easier!
Bun / Sheet Pans
They range in size from about 9×13 inches to 18×26 inches. Sheet pans are often used for baking items such as cookies, brownies, and cakes. They can also be used for roasting vegetables or chicken.
They are typically used for baking buns, muffins, or cupcakes.
Bread and Loaf Pans
The size of the pan will determine how big your loaf of bread turns out. For example, a 9×5-inch pan will make a loaf about 9 inches long and 5 inches wide, while an 8×4-inch pan will yield an 8-inch loaf.
Metal pans conduct heat better and produce a crisper crust, while silicone pans are nonstick and easier to clean.
Pizza Pans & Pizza Screens
They can be made from aluminum, steel, cast iron, or copper. Some pizza lovers argue that using a baking stone produces the best results, but a pizza screen is a cheaper option that also works well.
This helps to create a crispier crust. Because the screens are fairly large, they can also be used for other things such as cookies and pastries.
Cake Pans
But which one should you use for your next cake?
If you’re baking a standard layer cake, a 9-inch round pan will do the trick. For Bundt cakes and other tube-style cakes, use a ten or 12-cup Bundt pan. If baking a sheet cake, use an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch pan. And if you’re making a 3D cake, like a castle or gingerbread house, get yourself some specialized pans!
This will help ensure that your cake comes out of the pan cleanly.
Muffin and Cupcake Pans
Muffin pans come in various sizes to make mini, standard, or large muffins. The size you choose will depend on how many muffins you want to make and the size of your pan.
Commercial Roasting Pans
They have a thick gauge aluminum construction that allows for even heat distribution and prevents the formation of hot spots. Additionally, the sides of the pan are high, which keeps food from sticking and allows for easy turning. The roasting pan also has a nonstick coating that makes cleanup a breeze.
These pans are available in various sizes, so you can find one that’s perfect for your needs. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe, so cleanup is easy breezy.
Pie Pans
There are many different types of pie pans today, but the most common are aluminum foil pie pans and glass pie pans.
They come in various sizes, but the most common size is 9 inches. Glass pie pans can be reused multiple times, and they come in both round and square shapes. However, the most popular size for glass pie pans is 9 inches.
Quiche / Tart Pans and Molds
Quiche/tart pans have straight sides and a removable bottom, ideal for single-serving quiches or tarts. If you’re looking to make a larger quiche or tart, go with a mold instead – it has fluted sides, which give your pastry more height and help it hold its shape better.
And if you’re not sure which type of pan to use, don’t worry – both will work just fine!
Baking / Pastry Molds
The most common are cake pans made from metal and have a nonstick coating. They come in various shapes and sizes, including round, square, or heart-shaped. Another type of pan is the Bundt pan. This deep, cylindrical pan with a fluted bottom gives cakes a distinctive shape. There are also several pastry molds available, such as tart pans (which have removable bottoms) and pie plates.
Silicone Baking Molds
Silicone baking molds are a popular choice for many bakers because they are durable, flexible, and easy to clean. They can be used for various baked goods and are often easier to remove food from than traditional metal molds.
How we test baking pans
Testing baking pans is evaluating how well a pan can bake a cake. The evaluation measures the evenness of heat distribution, how well the cake releases from the pan, and how evenly the cake cooks.
To test baking pans, we use a variety of methods. First, we measure how evenly they cook food and whether or not they produce a fine texture. Additionally, we assess how easy they are to clean and whether or not they can tolerate multiple washings without warping or bending. Finally, we look at the overall value of the set.
