Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, everyone needs at least one high-quality baking pan. So, if you’re looking for the best bakeware for all your baking needs, you’ve come to the right place. Therefore, keep reading to learn about the best bakeware so you can make the most phenomenal baked goods!
Best Overall: All-Clad Pro Nonstick
Most Durable: Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Set
Best 13-Piece Set: Nordic Ware Naturals Set
Most Stylish: Wilton Texturra Performance
For Long-Lasting Nonstick: Rachael Ray Cucina
Best Alloy Steel: Chicago Metallic Non-Stick Bakeware Set
Best Value: Circulon Nonstick Bakeware Set
For Quality: USA Pan Bakeware
Table of Contents
What type of bakeware is best?
There are so many different types of bakeware material, it can be hard to decipher which kind you should be using. For example, when you’re shopping for bakeware, you need to think about all of your cooking needs. Are you wanting a pan that is quick to heat up? Or, one that will fit in aesthetic-wise with your other bakeware sets?
Let’s take a look at the different types of bakeware.
Firstly, glass bakeware is a pretty common baking dish. While they stay hot longer, they do take more time to heat up compared to ceramic or metal dishes. Personally, I like having at least one glass piece bakeware set because it looks great when hosting guests.
Secondly, metal bakeware is very common for baking brownies or cupcakes. It’s convenient because it heats up quickly and also cools down quickly. So, if you’re trying to bake something in a short amount of time, then metal should be your go-to material. However, metal pans rust quickly and are harder to clean. Therefore, try and look for non-stick metal bakeware so the cleanup is easier.
Thirdly, ceramic bakeware is great for casseroles or lasagna. Why? Because they have an enamel finish, which is really easy to clean.
Fourthly, think about stainless steel bakeware because it’s dishwasher safe and heavy-duty! While stainless steel does take longer to heat up (and doesn’t always heat up evenly), it’s inexpensive.
Lastly, stoneware is a material in some of the best bakeware sets out there. It’s made from heavy clay, so it’s extremely durable. It stays extremely warm after taking it out of the oven, so much so that food can still cook in it after being taken out.
What pans do professional bakers use?
Typically, professional bakers recommend baking in anodized aluminum pans. It has a nonstick coating that heats up and cools down quickly. Furthermore, these pans cook more evenly than other glass bakeware.
What are some benefits of using good bakeware?
Let’s be honest, it can be really easy to buy that $10 cookware set because it’s so inexpensive. However, we all know that any baker, experienced or a beginner, will suffer the repercussions as soon as it hits the oven. Therefore, it’s really important that you use good bakeware. Here’s why:
Firstly, when you purchase good bakeware, the heat distribution is going to be more even. That means that your brownies are going to be cooked all the way through, instead of one side being gooey and the other chewier.
Secondly, investing in bakeware means that your pans are going to be more versatile. If you buy a cheap cake pan, chances are, you can only use it for that specific recipe you’re making. However, if you invest in a nicer silicone pan, you can use it for almost everything you need to bake.
Thirdly, good bakeware has a guarantee of being oven-safe! And we all know you don’t want to catch your house on fire from cooking muffins.
Lastly, well-made bakeware can withstand high temperatures (which is vital when baking) and it’s easier to clean-up! We all know there is nothing worse than baking your favorite cookies, only to be met by an impossible pan to clean.
What is the best brand of bakeware?
Ugh, buying a new baking pan set can be so hard…there are just so many options! Here are our favorite brands for all of your baking needs:
- Calphalon
- All-Clad
- Le Creuset
- Nordic Ware
- Williams-Sonoma
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of bakeware?
Stainless Steel Baking Pans
Pros:
Non-reactive
Dishwasher-safe
Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
Can distribute heat unevenly
Aluminum Baking Pans
Pros:
Heats up & cools down quickly
Long-lasting & durable
Lightweight and affordable
Promotes even browning
Cons:
Can react with acidic food
Glass Baking Pans
Pros:
Non-reactive
Distributes heat evenly
Cons:
Susceptible to thermal shock
Can cause browning
Carbon Steel Pans
Pros:
Long-lasting when cared for properly
Great heat conductor
Great versatility (both low and high temperatures)
Naturally non-stick
Cons:
Can rust if not cared for properly
Ceramic/Stone Baking Dishes
Pros:
Non-reactive
Conducts heat slowly and evenly
Cons:
Can cause browning
Susceptible to thermal shock and possible breakage
Can be heavy to lift
So, on the best bakeware…
Best Overall: All-Clad Pro Nonstick
Made from commercial grade aluminized steel, these pants are warp resistant and coated with food-safe PFOA-free coating. Plus, they’re built with oversized integrated handles for safe grip.
Most Durable: Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Set
This bakeware set is made of heavy-gauge steel, which heats the pan evenly and won’t warp! Furthermore, the interior piece of this set has interlocking non-stick layers that are designed to deliver high-performance, long-lasting release.
Best 13-Piece Set: Nordic Ware Naturals Set
This set comes with two cake pans, a half-sheet pan, muffin pan and more! Plus, most of these aluminum pans come with lids, which is extremely convenient.
Most Stylish: Wilton Texturra Performance
How cute is this light blue 7-piece nonstick bakeware set!? Plus, this set has a unique texture to boost airflow and structural rigidity. Personally, I love these nonstick pans (especially the loaf pan)!
For Long-Lasting Nonstick: Rachael Ray Cucina
The best for everyday durability and long-lasting nonstick! Plus, this set boasts silicone grips on the bakeware pan handles so you can have a safe, comfortable grip. I find myself using the square pan from this set all the time!
Best Alloy Steel: Chicago Metallic Non-Stick Bakeware Set
This 6-piece set is oven-safe up to 450 degrees fahrenheit! And comes with a 12-cup muffin pan, I mean…you need to gift yourself this bakeware set for the New Year!
Best Value: Circulon Nonstick Bakeware Set
This 10-piece set boasts a great value, only $99.99! In that set comes lids, 2 cookie sheets, 4 cake pans, 1 muffin pan, 1 loaf pan, and 1 cooling rack. What a deal!
For Quality: USA Pan Bakeware
This 6-piece aluminized steel set is perfect for even baking and quick release. Plus, it’s coated with Americoat, which is a silicone that is PTFE, PFOA, and BPA-Free.
In conclusion…
Well, these are our choices for the best bakeware sets. Let us know if you found something down below in the comment section!