Welcome to the sweet world of baking! If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a wall of bakeware in a store, wondering what exactly each pan is for or if you even need it, then this is for you. We'll explore the different types of bakeware available so that you can choose the right tins or trays for your next baking project.
Types of bakeware
When it comes to baking, there is a wide range of baking trays and pans available, each designed to suit different baking needs and to achieve specific results. From classic round cake pans to trendy silicone baking moulds, there are countless options. The right pan can make all the difference in achieving your baked goods' perfect texture, shape, and taste. This guide lists some of the most common bakeware types bakers and pastry chefs use.
Baking Trays
Baking trays are versatile pieces of bakeware that can be used for various baked goods, from cookies to roasted vegetables. They come in different sizes and materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, and non-stick coatings. When selecting a baking tray, consider the type of food you will make and the size you need. A larger tray may be needed for roasting vegetables or cooking large batches of cookies, while smaller ones work well for individual portions.
Cooling Racks
Cooling racks allow baked goods to cool evenly and prevent them from getting soggy or overcooked on the bottom. Most cooling racks are made of metal wire, allowing air circulation beneath your baked goods. This helps them to cool down faster and prevents condensation from forming on the bottoms of cakes and cookies. And for those delicate little confections like meringues or macarons, some cooling racks even come with non-stick coatings, so you can remove them without fear of destroying their delicate structure.
Cake Tins
The humble cake tin is the workhorse of every baker's kitchen. Whether you're a master cake decorator or a newbie baker, a good cake tin is essential to creating delicious, show-stopping cakes. With their various shapes and sizes, cake tins (or cake pans) offer endless possibilities for cake design—from round to square, with removable bases or without. Size and shape matter! If you're making a layered cake, you'll need multiple identical tins so that each layer bakes evenly. And don't forget about the type of cake you're making. Whether you want a light and fluffy sponge cake or a rich chocolate cake, there is a cake tin out there will suit your needs perfectly.
Pie Tins
If you love baking pies and tarts, you'll want to invest in quality pie tins. Pie tins come in different sizes and materials, from aluminum to ceramic. When choosing the tin size, think about how much filling you'll use. A deeper tin is ideal for fruit pies with high fillings, while shallow ones work best for custard or quiche-type pies. When baking with pie tins, always brush them lightly with butter or oil before adding pastry dough or filling. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy removal once baked.
Baking Dishes
Whether you're whipping up a classic lasagna or a hearty casserole, a good baking dish is essential to getting that perfect bake. Baking dishes come in various sizes and shapes, making them perfect for baking various recipes, from casseroles to lasagnas. Baking dishes can even go straight from the oven to the table for easy serving. So whether you're feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at a dinner party, a good baking dish is the secret weapon to making almost any meal successful.
Bread Tins
Bread tins or loaf pans are essential bakeware for any home baker who loves to make homemade bread. These bread tins come in various sizes and shapes, including rectangular, round, and oval. They're typically made of either metal or silicone. Metal bread tins are the traditional choice for most bakers. These tins conduct heat evenly, producing a well-baked loaf with a crispy crust. Metal bread tins also come in non-stick varieties that require less grease when baking and make cleaning easier.
Silicone cake moulds
Silicone cake moulds are a popular alternative to traditional metal and glass bakeware. This type of cake mould is made of safe food-grade silicone, which is flexible, making it easy to remove your baked goods without damaging them. One of the advantages of using silicone cake moulds is that they are incredibly versatile. You can use them for baking anything from cakes to muffins, brownies, bread and more. Moreover, they come in different shapes and sizes allowing you to get creative with your baking. Silicone moulds do not rust or dent easily like metal pans or break like glass. You'll also find silicone moulds to be dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Muffin Tray
The mighty muffin tray is perfect for baking all sorts of treats, from blueberry muffins to chocolate cupcakes. Each muffin tray features individual cup-shaped depressions that keep your batter neat and tidy so you can bake up a storm without the mess. With most trays holding up to 6 or 12 cups in organized rows, creating perfectly portioned treats for your family and friends has never been easier. On the plus side, muffin trays often come equipped with handles or rims for easy transfer to the oven so you can get your bake on with minimal fuss.Next Read: Our Top 10 Kitchen Essentials
