Whether you are an accomplished professional baker, or just starting out at home, you want to make sure you have the right bakeware set for the job. A reliable and durable baking pan is one of the most important tools in any baker’s arsenal.
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If you are wondering where to start, we have provided a tried and tested list of the best baking pans on the market today. Stop wasting your money on flimsy baking pans that look and perform terribly after their first few uses. Step up your baking game with these high-quality trays.
Factors You Need To Consider When Buy A High-Quality Baking Pan
If you have ever tried to bake anything on a cheap baking pan, you will have noticed how much more difficult it is to have your baked goods come out of the oven looking the way they should.
Not only will cheap baking pans impact the quality of your baking, they will get worse every single time you use them! Here are the things you should consider:
- Heat Conductivity
- Pan Size
- Versatility
- Pan Performance
- Handle Design Of The Pan
- How Easy Is It To Clean?
- The Cost Of The Baking Pan
1. Heat Conductivity
Heat conductivity is one of the most important factors that separates a cheap baking pan from a higher quality one. The material your baking pan is made out of will determine its level of heat conductivity.
Manufacturers use different materials to make their bakeware. The most popular materials you will find are:
- Aluminum
- Aluminized Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Various Anodized Metals
- Carbon-based steel
Each of these materials has a different cost. More expensive pans will almost always use more expensive materials. When most people go shopping for a baking pan, they check the label of the base material but forget to check how thick and durable the cake pan actually is.
It is not enough to just be made from a strong material. A high quality baking pan will be made from enough of that material to withstand high oven temperatures without warping. It should distribute heat evenly across its surface evenly.
Aluminum Pans
An aluminum pan might seem like the perfect material for your bakeware set, as it is really lightweight and works well for heat distribution.
However, the problem is that an aluminum baking pan actually corrodes quite easily when it is exposed to acidic or alkaline foods, which are common ingredients in many baking recipes.
So, if a tray is made from aluminum, it needs to have a protective or nonstick coating, which many cheaper baking pans will not have.
Stainless Steel Pans
Stainless Steel has the ability to withstand extreme heat and is undoubtedly a really durable material, but it does have one noticeable downfall – it takes a really long time to heat up, which does not work well those that get impatient when their cookies are taking longer than they should, or professional bakers that are on tight deadlines.
Carbon Steel Baking Pans
Carbon Steel is a really impressive material when it comes to its heat conduction properties. It also has a great feature that few people consider buying a new bakeware set – it cools down really quickly once it is taken out of the oven.
This means you do not have to worry about accidental burns to yourself or others as your baked goods cool.
However, once again, there is a downside. Most carbon steel will warp over time. It is also susceptible to rust. So unless it is washed and dried correctly, it will not last long.
If you do choose a carbon steel pan, it needs to be really heavy duty and have a rust-resistant coating.
Aluminized Steel Pans
Aluminized Steel has great heat conductivity and when it is combined with an aluminum–silicon alloy coating, it is really resistant to rust damage.
It conducts heat evenly, which means your baked goods will bake evenly and in a uniform way. This is why it is a popular choice as a muffin pan, loaf pan or a cookie sheet.
The type of material a manufacturer uses will play a significant role in how well that particular baking tray will work.
Keep an eye out for aluminized steel trays, and try to avoid flimsy, basic aluminum trays.
2. Pan Size
Make sure you pay careful attention to the actual size of any baking pan you purchase. Obviously, you need the pan to be the correct size to handle the recipes you want to bake. For example, a larger pie pan will require not only more ingredients, but a longer bake time.
You need to factor in internal depth, as well as the actual length and width of the pan. It is no good buying a high-quality baking pan that is too small to fit your favorite baked goods, or too large to fit in your oven!
If you plan to bake for more than just yourself, you should probably opt for a larger baking tray. However, if you are the only one in your family with a sweet tooth, a smaller tray should do just fine.
3. Pan Versatility
If you are spending the money on a high quality baking pan, you want to make sure you will be able to use it in as many situations as possible.
Knowing the type of recipes you plan on baking will help you choose the right pan for your needs. Most baking pans will specifically list the types of recipes you can use the pan for right on the label.
Try to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations to make sure your brand new cake pan lasts the test of time.
4. Pan Performance
Look for baking pans that are not just a plain flat tray. You want your baking pan to perform well in terms of even heat conductivity, but it should also have a few specialized features.
Some of the best baking trays will have raised edges to prevent ingredients from spilling over the edge and making a mess inside of your oven. Given how difficult it can be to clean the inside of an over, a rimmed baking sheet is a really useful feature.
You also might want to choose a tray that has insulated handles, which will help prevent burns and allow you to move your still-warm pan over to your cooling rack safely.
Then there are baking trays that feature raised bottoms, which helps encourage airflow underneath the tray during the baking process. This helps ensure an even bake and perfect browning.
Double layered and insulated baking pans work much the same way and also make sure your baked goods have that perfect browned exterior.
5. The Handle Design of the Pan
Cheap baking trays sometimes lack handles, which obviously makes them much more difficult to work with.
The better baking pans will feature convenient handles that are easy to grab, even with a thick oven mitt covering your hands. The last thing you want to do is drop your freshly baked loaf because you could not get a firm grip on the tray.
Some of the best trays will even have heat resistant silicone handles, which will help keep your hands safe while the rest of the tray is too hot to touch.
Silicone is a great feature of almost any bakeware set to keep an eye out for. If you’re looking for an alternative to parchment paper, a silicone baking mat is a great option.
6. How Easy is it to Clean the Baking Pan?
The best pans are not just easy to bake with, they are also really simple to clean. Cheaper baking trays are almost impossible to clean, which helps explain why you see so many baking trays that are stained almost completely brown and black.
You do not want to take the fun out of baking because the clean up process is unbearably time consuming and frustrating.
Choose a tray that specifically explains why it is easy to clean and has a nonstick coating. You do not want to invest in a baking pan that has no mention of how easily you will be able to clean it.
Look for stain-resistant baking pans that you will not have to use harsh chemicals on.
7. The Cost of the Baking Pan
Again, this should go without saying, but make sure you take your own budget into consideration. There are plenty of high quality baking pans out there that are still affordable.
You do not have to spend extra money just because a baking pan is made by one of the expensive brands. Nobody likes paying just for the name; after all, you will probably be the only one that actually sees your baking trays, so why pay just for a recognizable brand name?
Stick to a budget, but make sure to take the above tips into consideration. That way you will have a baking tray that produces excellent results, is easy to clean, versatile, and affordable!
THE BEST BAKING PANS
FRIGIDAIRE READY COOK 3 PIECE CARBON STEEL BAKING PANS
These high quality carbon steel baking pans are exactly what you need for your kitchen. You get three well-made baking pans in three handy sizes. Each can be used to bake a variety of recipes. You will be able to roast vegetables for dinner on the large tray and bake a tasty dessert on one of the two smaller trays. They are oven safe up to 450 degrees F, which is more than enough for just about any baking recipe you will come across. The nonstick surface also comes in handy during clean up. They are dishwasher safe, but we would recommend hand washing them with dish soap and water.
JOHO NON STICK 2 PIECE GOLD BAKING SHEETS
These durable baking pans are exactly what you need for your next baking recipe. They come in a really eye catching rose gold color, which is a nice touch. These pans use a unique nonstick coating, which is made to last throughout the lifespan of the baking pans.
They also have an impressive thickness, which helps keep them from warping during high temperatures and they are incredibly easy to clean after you are finished. Both baking pans are a convenient 13 inches wide, which is just about the perfect size, especially for a cookie sheet. Choose this stunning baking sheet and add a little bit of style to your bakeware set.
NUTRICHEF NON STICK PROFESSIONAL QUALITY METAL BAKING PAN
You get two high-quality pans that both feature nonstick coating and a handy rimmed baking sheet. They have a much deeper dish than you get with most baking pans, which is super helpful for preventing spills within your oven.
They have an excellent heat distribution, so count on your baked goods coming out evenly cooked and perfectly browned. You can rest assured that these pans will not rust if they are properly cared for, which usually ends up being why the majority of baking pans find their way into the trash.
CIRCULON NON STICK 2 PIECE COOKIE BAKING PANS
These practical baking pans are made from a heavy-duty blend of steel that ensures even heat distribution and helps prevent warping during heat exposure. One of the most unique features of these baking pans is they are even resistant to scratches when cleaned with metal utensils (we still would not recommend it).
The raised surface of the pans makes sure heat can flow underneath your baking food, which is super helpful. They come in an attractive chocolate brown color, which helps them standout from all of the plain metal pan surfaces you usually see on the market. This is probably one of the most durable bakeware sets we have ever come across, so they are an excellent choice for those that have a heavy hand when it comes time to clean.
YESLAND 3 PIECE MULTI PURPOSE PROFESSIONAL SQUARE BAKING PANS
This handy nonstick pan come in three sizes. They all feature a high quality nonstick coating that helps keep the pans scratch and rust resistant. The coating also makes it much easier to clean the pans, however, you should still avoid putting them in the dishwasher so the coating stays in place.
They feature handy tapered sides, which make them much easier to store and stack. These are great for those that have limited space, as they take up much less room than a typical set of baking pans. There is a reason why many professional bakers choose to use Yesland baking pans in their bakeries.
WILTON PERFECT RESULTS PREMIUM NON STICK BAKING SHEET SET
This charcoal colored sheet pan is made from a treated type of steel that has impressive nonstick qualities. They are designed for even heat distribution and quick cleanup. You get a larger baking pan that measures 15.25” x 10.25” and a smaller 17” x 11.5” baking sheet.
This gives you plenty of flexibility when it comes time to bake. Both baking sheets feature oversized handles. This will help you handle the pans while wearing oven mitts. They are so durable that you can even place them directly into the dishwasher without worry that the nonstick coating will be damaged. Best of all, both pans come with an impressive 5 year limited warranty.
MIHEROM CARBON STEEL CHAMPAGNE GOLD NON STICK BAKING TRAYS
This high-quality baking tray set from MiHerom is made from a durable gauge carbon steel. It is incredibly resistant to warping. They come in a beautiful champagne gold color. The thick carbon steel has excellent heat distribution and will not cause hot spots or uneven browning.
They have extra-wide handles, which make the pans much easier to handle while wearing oven mitts. These pans have a nonstick surface that ensures quick release of food and oil. This means they require less time and effort to clean. They are really made to last and will perform well for many years.
RACHAEL RAY YUM – O NON STICK BAKEWARE CAKE PAN
This top-quality baking pan is designed to be a cake pan, but it is actually quite versatile. You could easily use this baking pan to cook lasagna, or to roast vegetables and meat. It is made from heavy-duty gauge steel. It is designed to last and be completely resistant against warping and rusting.
The entire surface of the pan has been treated with an effective non-stick coating. This makes it much easier to clean than a standard baking sheet. The pan has gripped handles. It is really easy to safely pull it out of a hot oven.
| Images | Features | Price | |
| Frigidaire Ready Cook | - Three Piece Set - Non Stick - Oven Safe to 450 Degrees - Easy to Clean | Buy Now | |
| Joho | - Two Piece Set - Non Stick - Unique Rose Gold Color - Oven Safe to 450 Degrees - Easy to Clean | Buy Now | |
| Nutrichef | - Two Piece Set - Non Stick - Oven Safe to 450 Degrees - Easy to Clean | Buy Now | |
Circulon | - Two Piece Set - Circle for Premium Non Stick Surface - Resistant to Scratching - Oven Safe to 450 Degrees | Buy Now | |
Yesland  | - Three Piece Set - Non Stick - Space Saving Design - Easy to Clean | Buy Now | |
Wilton Perfect Results | - Two Piece Set - Non Stick - Space Saving Design - Easy to Clean | Buy Now | |
| Mihiron | - Two Piece Set - Non Stick - Oven Safe to 536 Degrees - Dishwasher Safe | Buy Now | |
Rachel Ray Yum-O | - Versatile Use - Non Stick - Oven Safe to 500 Degrees - Easy to Clean | Buy Now |
HOW TO CARE AND MAINTAIN YOUR BAKING PANS
There is no sense in buying a high quality baking sheet pan if it is only going to deteriorate over time because it was not properly cared for. The way you maintain your baking pans will play a significant role in deciding how long you will be able to use them for.
Tips And Tricks For Caring For Your Baking Pans
- Make sure you apply appropriate lubricants onto the surface of your baking dish every time you use it. This will make sure your baked goods do not stick to the pan. This is especially important when using deeper dishes, such as a pie pan or muffin pan.
- After you pull your freshly baked goods out of the oven, make sure you remove them from the baking pan. Then transfer them to a new surface, such as a cooling rack, as quickly as possible. Many people make the mistake of letting their baked goods cool on the baking pan. This unfortunately causes most types of baking pans to bend and distort.
- You should avoid scrubbing your dirty baking pan with anything other than an appropriate scrubbing tool. I personally love the Skoy scrubber which I have reviewed here. Avoid using metal forks and spatulas to try and scrape stuck food off of a baking pan.
- Once you scratch the protective coating off the surface of your pan, you have permanently damaged it. Scratches make the pan perform much worse. It will also make it more difficult to clean the next time you use it.
- Try to avoid soaking your baking pans. Even when they are really dirty. Baking pans are made out of metal, so prolonged exposure to water can eventually lead to corrosion and rust. This is true even when they do have a protective coating. Any flaws in the coating could cause rust to spread throughout the pan if it is left sitting in water on a regular basis.
- Let your baking pans cool before you clean them. Not only is this a safe way to avoid burns, washing bakeware while it is still hot can deteriorate its overall performance over time. Let the tray properly cool and then clean it with the right scrubbing tools and a light detergent.
- Make sure your baking tray is completely dry before you put it away. Again, wet baking pans can become susceptible to rusting over time. Even when they have rust-proof coatings. One quick tip is to take advantage of your still-warm oven.
- Place the tray face down in the oven and let that warm air evaporate any water off of the surface of your freshly cleaned baking pan.
Would I Buy This? Which Baking Pan Would I Choose?
Choosing the best baking pan will depend largely upon your own needs. Choose the right size pan for your needs, but rest assured that any of the baking pans listed above will have excellent heat distribution and non stick qualities.
After you have used a high end baking pan, you will realize what your baking has been missing all of these years. A good baking pan will help your baking come out of the oven looking and tasting its best. A good baking pan with a high quality non stick surface will also save you plenty of time and frustrating during clean up.
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Looking for the perfect dish to make in your new nonstick baking pan? Try these Keto Stuffed Mushrooms!
All of the baking pans we selected met our high standards. Whether you are just getting into baking and plan to use your new baking pan in your home kitchen, or you are a seasoned professional baker that needs a reliable set of pans for your bakery, you will find a high-quality product by choosing any of those we have highlighted above. They are all durable, reliable, safe, and easy to use and clean. Save yourself the frustration of replacing your baking pans every year and purchase one that will last!
Originally Published September 24, 2020
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