Bakeware Buying Guide

When online shopping for bakeware try to remember what you plan to use it for. What type of baker are you? How large is your family? These are important points when deciding type and quantity. The type of material the bakeware is made of will also affect your cooking. Read on to find out how to buy bakeware in all materials.

Glass bakeware

Glass bakeware is made of low-expansion glass which can move from freezer to oven and back again. Glass bakeware doesn't retain food odors or stains, it is easy to clean, and you can serve from your glass bakeware. You can also gauge the doneness of your food better, just by looking at the bottom of the pan. Glass bakeware absorbs the heat instead of reflecting it, which means that glass bakeware cooks food faster, so be sure you adjust your baking times accordingly. Glass bakeware comes in every possible bakeware shape except cookie sheets.

Non-stick bakeware

Non-stick bakeware is a very popular timesaver! This bakeware is coated with a non-stick substance such as Teflon that keeps the food from sticking. They are easier to clean than most other types of bakeware and, unless the cook is absent, your food usually won't burn. Since non-stick coatings come off over time this bakeware will eventually need to be replaced; however, not anytime soon if you take care of it. Remember a few tips and your non-stick bakeware will last longer:

• Never use metal utensils or metal scouring pads; metal will scratch the surface. This invites rust and degrades the coating faster.
• Avoid citrus cleaners when cleaning since the acidity can degrade the coating.
• Never cook on high heat. Be a little patient and cook on medium. (Meats are juicier when cooked low and slow!)
• Non-stick sprays will degrade the coating of your non-stick bakeware faster. Use instead light oils or water.
• If possible, hand wash. Non-stick bakeware is dishwasher safe, but hand washing is gentler.

Non-stick bakeware comes in every type; non-stick cookie sheets are very handy. Because non-stick bakeware is a darker color, you'll need to make adjustments to your baking time so food doesn't become too dark.

Cast iron bakeware

Cast iron bakeware is absolutely wonderful. If you've ever used a Dutch oven then you appreciate how evenly food cooks in cast iron. Unlike Dutch ovens, most cast iron bakeware is enameled. The enamel coating prevents rust and eliminates the need to season the cast iron. It also makes clean up much easier. Cast iron is energy efficient; once hot, it requires only a low heat setting to continue its cooking performance. Enameled cast iron bakeware can be used on all heat sources, including induction. The enamel pigments can be very bright and vibrant colors, making enameled cast iron bakeware fun and functional! It is also the favorite bakeware of many professional chefs.

Silicone bakeware

Silicone bakeware is growing rapidly in popularity. Although you may be a bit reluctant to give silicone bakeware a try, you needn't be; you're probably already using spatulas made from silicone. This bakeware is light and flexible, and easily withstands up to 675 degrees Fahrenheit. Its flexibility makes removing baked goods easier, and it isn't hard to clean. Silicone bakeware comes in many shapes and bright colors which are fun in the kitchen! Although you won't find any cookie sheets or jelly roll pans, you can find silicone liners; these will make any pan non-stick and easy to clean.

Ceramic bakeware

Ceramic bakeware is a bit like enameled bakeware but instead of cast iron it is made from kiln-fired clay and then glazed with a porcelain-like coating that makes cleaning up a snap. Ceramic bakeware is beautiful and when you're making a casserole that warms the home and body, reaching for ceramic bakeware won't steer you wrong. Buy at least two different ceramic bakeware casserole dish sizes, as well as pie plates.

There is ceramic bakeware that is unglazed. This is really stoneware with the most popular example being a pizza stone. This will make the bottom crisp without making the whole crust crisp by accident.

Metal bakeware

Metal will always be popular as bakeware. It gives the perfect brown on the bottom of cakes, pies and breads. If you are unsure of your baking ability, or if you're looking for a gift for someone, metal bakeware will always be a good choice. Remember that most recipes are made using cooking times and temperatures for metal bakeware.

If you do decide on metal kitchen bakeware, avoid buying flimsy bakeware. Stainless steel and coated non-stick bakeware will be your best bet since both types of bakeware are designed to resist rusting. You will find many more metal bakeware options in the home store.

Specialty bakeware

Specialty bakeware includes your fancy bakeware pans, such as bundt, fluted, angel food cake pans and pizza stones. These pans are made especially for these types of foods. Although you can bake angel food cake in bread loaf pans and cake pans, your cake will be lighter and better when baked in a specialty bakeware angel food cake pan. Angel food cake pans are designed to allow the cake to be able to rest upside down.

If you love to bake pizza, homemade or store bought, a pizza stone will give that crust perfect color. Also, you will find another benefit of a pizza stone to be that you can cut your pizza right on this bakeware without worrying about damaging it, unlike non-stick pans which will be scratched by the metal of the pizza cutter.

Bakeware tips and care

• To save you the most time, buy more than one of each piece. If you love to make pies, remember that the pie crust recipe will make a top and bottom crust. If you're making chocolate silk pie you'll have an extra shell left, and if you're making such a yummy pie, you might as well make two! This is also true for bread loaf pans.
• Another helpful tip to remember is that when you bake with darker metal pans, like non-stick bakeware, you will want to reduce your oven temperature by about 25 degrees.
• Always season your cast-iron bakeware if it isn't enameled. Seasoning protects your cast iron bakeware from rusting and provides a non-stick surface for cooking.

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