Bakeware

Home-baked goods invariably taste better than anything you could buy in a store. After all, finally sitting down to a warm muffin or a slice of cake after you've worked on it for an hour (or a few hours) is very rewarding! Making sure you have the right bakeware for the task is important. Don't forget, you'll also need plenty of mixing bowls measuring cups an apron and maybe even a hand mixer Get ready, get set, get baking!

Bakeware Materials

When it comes to bakeware there are a few different materials to choose from. Traditional choices like ceramic   and metal   are joined by relative newcomers like silicone   and glass (Of course, oven-safe glass isn't all that new - Pyrex   ® was introduced to the market in 1915.) How do they compare?





Ceramic  

  • Slow to warm, but holds heat for a while.
  • Often attractive enough for serving.
  • Can't be used on open flame.
  • Shares many properties with glass cookware, but unlike glass it may not be safe to use metal utensils on ceramic cookware
  • Unfinished stoneware   is a popular choice, but can be difficult to clean.

Metal (Non-stick)  

  • The quality of a metal   pan depends heavily on the finish.
  • Dark finishes will absorb heat better, making for better browning.
  • Some non-stick finishes are not safe for use with metal utensils .
  • Look out for pans with air insulation -- you may not get the browning results you want.

Glass  

  • Glass   is a great choice for baking finicky dishes since you can see how your food is progressing.
  • Glass heats slowly but retains heat well. It is also much easier to clean than unfinished stoneware, and is safe for metal utensils.
  • Cook's Illustrated (subscription required) is very fond of their Pyrex® 13"x9" baking dish.

Silicone  

  • Silicone   is the latest in bakeware technology.
  • Flexible pans mean that baked goods are easy to remove.
  • Silicone has the advantage of being more non-slip than other kinds of pans, but watch out -- a greased silicone pan can still be very slick!

Essentials

Jelly roll pans   are wide, shallow pans for making thin layers of cake.

Baking sheets   are flat and may or may not have a lip.

Muffin pans   usually make 12   or 15   muffins. Mini-muffin pans   make small muffins!

Tart pans   are like pie plates, but shallower.

Pie pans   or pie plates   are good for sweet and savory pies, as well as cheesecake!

Square cake pans   are handy to have around for casseroles as well.

Round Cake Pans   make layer cakes easy.

Springform pans   can open up when the cake has finished, allowing you to get it out of the pan without damage.

Loaf pans   are useful for breads, loaf cakes, and meatloaf.

Bundt® cake pans   make beautiful, dome-shaped cakes with ornate fluting.

Specialized Bakeware

Madeleine pans   sure bring back the memories.

Popover pans   allow plenty of air circulation so each popover is a perfect puff.

Ramekins   are great for individual custards or other pudding-like desserts.

Custard Cups   are similar to ramekins but are usually made of glass. (Also good for ice cream.) Custard Cups  

Pineapple upside-down cake pans   let you make this classic retro dessert with ease.

Baking Accessories

Mixing Bowls   in a variety of sizes are an absoulte must for any kitchen.

Rolling Pins   make even, flat sheets of dough or pastry.

Pastry Scrapers   are good for moving dough around on a surface.

Pastry Blenders   are necessary for the perfect pie crust.

Cookie Cutters   come in all kinds of shapes, from basic round   to complex, seasonal   patterns.

Pastry Brushes   allow you to delicately brush on a glaze or an egg wash.

Cooling Racks   represent the final stage in baking.

Cake Lifters   are like giant-sized spatulas and let you lift a cake or pie without damaging it.

Crème brûlée torches   are the finishing touch for this delicate custard. (They're also handy for roasting red peppers.)

Pastry bags   are meant to be filled with frosting or icing and attached to a pastry tip.

Pastry tips   allow you to decorate cakes with different shapes and sizes.

Related Buying Guides

Sifters

Kitchen Mixers

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Spatulas

Whisks