The right bakeware can affect your baking experience in unexpected ways.
You may be led to believe your skills require honing, or you’re just not meant for the kitchen. However, it’s all about knowing how to handle the cookware.
Each material and utensil has its purpose. So, it’s crucial to understand that no bakeware is superior to another. It all depends on your needs.
Do you want to learn more? Keep reading to know the different types of bakeware and learn how to pick the right one for your kitchen.
1 – Cast Iron
Cast Iron is one of the most popular bakeware for professional chefs. The solid material is ideal for heat retention—it bakes perfect creations every time.
Heat retention aside, cast iron is pretty sturdy and versatile. If you purchase one of these pans, you’ll find yourself using it for everything, forever!
Many people are wary of cast iron because it tends to cause some sticking. However, if you properly season your pan, you’ll never face this issue.
- Best for: Bread, Pies, Cookies, Pizza
2 – Aluminum
If you’re a beginner baker or chef, your best bet would be to start with aluminum.
The material distributes heat evenly throughout your baked goods, preventing underbarked or burnt goodies.
Aluminum utensils are also durable, yet lightweight. This makes storing and handling them a breeze, especially if you have a smaller kitchen. I wouldn’t say the same about cast iron.
Here’s one more thing I wouldn’t say about cast iron: it’s affordable.
Aluminum is more budget-friendly than most other materials, and considering its benefits, it offers decent value for money.
The only thing to keep in mind when baking with aluminum is to properly coat your pan with a thin layer of vegetable oil. This makes clean-up significantly easier and prevents sticking.
- Best for: Cakes, Bread, Muffin, Roasts
3 – Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is similar to aluminum. It offers even heating and comes in a variety of shapes. The main difference between the two materials is the reactivity—and the fact that stainless steel is more expensive.
Highly acidic food might damage aluminum bakeware and cause leaching, unlike stainless steel. Moreover, many stainless steel utensils come coated, so the food doesn’t stick, accounting for easy maintenance.
If your stainless steel bakeware doesn’t have a coating, there’s no need to worry. A piece of parchment paper or a thin layer of vegetable oil will do the trick.
- Best for: Cakes, Pies, Cookies, Biscuits
4 – Silicone Molds
Silicone molds have to be one of the most convenient options on our list. Not only are they non-stick, but they’re also flexible, allowing you to simply pop out the baked goods without breaking anything.
Most silicone molds are also dishwasher-safe, making clean-up effortless. Not to mention, they come in a huge variety of different shapes. You can get festive and creative, baking all sorts of shapes through these molds.
You should be careful when dealing with silicone bakeware, though.
Knives and sharp utensils are a no-no, as they’ll perforate the mold. On top of that, you should let the mold cool completely before attempting to remove your baked goods.
- Best for: Muffins, Cupcakes, Cookies
5 – Glass
Glass might not be the most popular bakeware, but it’s definitely among the most stylish! This is the bakeware to whip out if you want to look professional and impress your guests.
Using glass is rather challenging. While it evenly bakes your treats, it can take a while to heat.
What’s more, this material is delicate and prone to thermal shock.
To avoid your glass bakeware cracking, make sure not to place the hot utensils on a cold surface and vice versa.
- Best for: Brownies, Pie, Cakes, Casseroles
6 – Stoneware
Stoneware will have you eager to unleash your creative side in the kitchen. This aesthetically pleasing utensil is efficient and durable, meaning it’s also beginner-friendly.
The main issue with stoneware is that it’s bulky. Additionally, stoneware is a highly efficient heat conductor, so it might not give cakes enough time to rise.
- Best for: Bread, Pizza, Muffins, Brownies
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.