BAKEWARE: MATERIAL OPTIONS
There are a variety of baking materials and all of them have pros and cons. Choosing the one that works for you comes down to what you will be baking and the cooking time - all of which will have an influence on your baking experience.
.png?cache=always)
Let's explore some of the different types of baking materials:
Stainless Steel
.png?cache=always)
-(1536x1024).png?cache=always)
Some Pros:
* Durable And Long Lasting: These pans are known for being able to withstand, as they say: "the test of time". They are resistant to rust, corrosion and stains.
* Unlike Aluminium, Stainless Steel doesn't react with acidic ingredients, which will ensure and preserve the taste of your food.
* It can withstand high temperatures and it's perfect for baking at those extreme heat levels. Great for baking bread and roasting - Heat resistant to perfection.
Some Cons:
* Sadly, these pans have poor heat conduction. They tend to heat unevenly, which will cause your baked goods to bake inconsistently, unless they consist of an Aluminium or Copper core that will help with better heat distribution.
* Some pans can be very heavy and that means you won't be able to make certain recipes like cookies or cakes.
* Durable And Long Lasting: These pans are known for being able to withstand, as they say: "the test of time". They are resistant to rust, corrosion and stains.
* Unlike Aluminium, Stainless Steel doesn't react with acidic ingredients, which will ensure and preserve the taste of your food.
* It can withstand high temperatures and it's perfect for baking at those extreme heat levels. Great for baking bread and roasting - Heat resistant to perfection.
Some Cons:
* Sadly, these pans have poor heat conduction. They tend to heat unevenly, which will cause your baked goods to bake inconsistently, unless they consist of an Aluminium or Copper core that will help with better heat distribution.
* Some pans can be very heavy and that means you won't be able to make certain recipes like cookies or cakes.
Aluminium
-(1536x1024).png?cache=always)
-(1536x1024).png?cache=always)
The most common type used for baking as it is lightweight, highly effective for distributing heat and perfect for a variety of different baking. Ideal for baking cakes, cookies and even pastries.
Some Pros:
* These pans heat up quickly and cook evenly.
* It's more affordable than other materials, which is why most bakers choose to use Aluminium.
* A very important feature, the non-stick coating. This helps a lot when you need to remove your baked goods. You don't want to have to worry about your desserts sticking to the pan.
Some Cons:
* Under intensive heat (high heat), these pans can warp and when exposed to temperature changes, for example, when you take out your baked goods from the hot oven and place it on a cold countertop.
* Aluminium will react with acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus, which will alter the taste and cause strain over time. The non-stick coating can become less effctive overtime.
Some Pros:
* These pans heat up quickly and cook evenly.
* It's more affordable than other materials, which is why most bakers choose to use Aluminium.
* A very important feature, the non-stick coating. This helps a lot when you need to remove your baked goods. You don't want to have to worry about your desserts sticking to the pan.
Some Cons:
* Under intensive heat (high heat), these pans can warp and when exposed to temperature changes, for example, when you take out your baked goods from the hot oven and place it on a cold countertop.
* Aluminium will react with acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus, which will alter the taste and cause strain over time. The non-stick coating can become less effctive overtime.
Stoneware / Ceramic
.png?cache=always)
.png?cache=always)
These dishes are made from high-quality clay, which is thick and retains heat very well.
Some Pros:
* Great for baking those delicious cakes or casseroles, as it provides even heat distribution.
* Like the Stainless Steel, these pans are non-reactive and won't affect the taste of acidic foods.
Some Cons:
* If exposed to sudden temperature changes, they are likely to crack.
* Much heavier than Aluminum and can make them harder to handle, especially when it comes to larger dishes.
* Ceramic pans take longer to heat up and will require a longer preheating time.
Some Pros:
* Great for baking those delicious cakes or casseroles, as it provides even heat distribution.
* Like the Stainless Steel, these pans are non-reactive and won't affect the taste of acidic foods.
Some Cons:
* If exposed to sudden temperature changes, they are likely to crack.
* Much heavier than Aluminum and can make them harder to handle, especially when it comes to larger dishes.
* Ceramic pans take longer to heat up and will require a longer preheating time.
Carbon Steel
-(1558x1009).png?cache=always)
-(1558x1009).png?cache=always)
This material is another type of metal pan that is known for its ability to heat up quickly and bake evenly like the Aluminium plans. Some characteristics are similar to the Stainless Steel. Carbon Steel pans are made from carbon-infused steel and are designed to have a non-stick surface.
Some Pros:
* They distribute heat much more evenly than Stainless Steel and will bake your goods thoroughly.
* Durable and is manufactured to withstand wear and tear.
* These pans are ideal for recipes that require a crisp bottom like your pizzas or if you're roasting vegetables.
Some Cons:
* Oiling and heating are necessary to maintain its non-stick properties and to prevent rust.
* It does take time to heat up.
Some Pros:
* They distribute heat much more evenly than Stainless Steel and will bake your goods thoroughly.
* Durable and is manufactured to withstand wear and tear.
* These pans are ideal for recipes that require a crisp bottom like your pizzas or if you're roasting vegetables.
Some Cons:
* Oiling and heating are necessary to maintain its non-stick properties and to prevent rust.
* It does take time to heat up.
Glass
-(1558x1009).png?cache=always)
-(1558x1009).png?cache=always)
Some Pros:
* Glass doesn't interact with your food, so you can rest assured all the flavours will be preserved.
* Because you have a clear view, you can monitor the baking progress and to avoid over-baking or burning.
* Perfect for cakes, lasagnes or roasting vegetables.
* Provides even heat distribution, which will offer even cooking and it retains heat very well. This will help prevent your baked goods from cooling too quickly once removed from the oven.
Some Cons:
* This might sound obvious, but glass is fragile and can break, shatter or chip.
* Most glass dishes are thick, so it is slow to heat up.
* Glass doesn't interact with your food, so you can rest assured all the flavours will be preserved.
* Because you have a clear view, you can monitor the baking progress and to avoid over-baking or burning.
* Perfect for cakes, lasagnes or roasting vegetables.
* Provides even heat distribution, which will offer even cooking and it retains heat very well. This will help prevent your baked goods from cooling too quickly once removed from the oven.
Some Cons:
* This might sound obvious, but glass is fragile and can break, shatter or chip.
* Most glass dishes are thick, so it is slow to heat up.
Silicone
.png?cache=always)
-(1536x1024).png?cache=always)
Some Pros:
* They are flexible and naturally non-stick.
* The silicone molds are very easy to clean.
* It is heat-resistant and is suitable for oven baking.
Some Cons:
* It may offer poor heat conduction.
* Because it's a flexible material, it can flop and fold over, even with your batter inside.
* May lack in browning.
* They are flexible and naturally non-stick.
* The silicone molds are very easy to clean.
* It is heat-resistant and is suitable for oven baking.
Some Cons:
* It may offer poor heat conduction.
* Because it's a flexible material, it can flop and fold over, even with your batter inside.
* May lack in browning.
.png?cache=always)
Have a look on our website at the variety of baking scales, dishes, trays, measuring cups and all the baking essentials you need to bake your desired treats.