The Essentials - Baking Pans, Baking Sheets, Cooling Racks, Mixing Bowls
Having the right bakeware is essential for successful baking. There are four types of bakeware that every baker should have in their kitchen - baking pans, baking sheets, cooling racks, and mixing bowls.
Baking Pans
Baking pans come in a variety of shapes and sizes for baking different items. Here are some must-have baking pans:
- Round cake pans (8 or 9 inches) for baking layered cakes
- Square baking pans (8 or 9 inches) for brownies and bar cookies
- Loaf pans for baking breads and meatloaves
- Muffin tins for cupcakes and muffins
- Pie pans for baking pies and quiches
Opt for pans made of aluminized steel for even heating. Nonstick surfaces make release and cleanup easier.
Baking Sheets
Baking sheets, also called cookie sheets, are essential for baking cookies, scones, biscuits and other baked goods. Look for these features:
- Heavy gauge aluminized steel construction
- No sides for easy access
- Nonstick coating
- Standard half-sheet size (18x13 inches)
Rimmed baking sheets help contain juices and oven splatter. Insulated cookie sheets help prevent burning on the bottom.
Cooling Racks
Cooling racks allow air circulation under baked goods for even cooling. Useful features include:
- Stainless steel wire construction
- Grid design to allow air flow
- Feet to lift rack off counter
- Dishwasher safe
- Varying sizes and expandable options
Mixing Bowls
Mixing bowls are available in stainless steel, glass, ceramic and plastic. Here are helpful tips for choosing mixing bowls:
| Material | Features |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Durable, won't react with ingredients, nest for storage |
| Glass | Let you see mixture, won't absorb stains/odors |
| Ceramic | Attractive serving option, keep contents cold/hot |
| Plastic | Inexpensive, lightweight, microwave and dishwasher safe |
Get a selection of sizes for mixing small and large batches. Handles offer better grip and control.
With quality baking pans, baking sheets, cooling racks and mixing bowls, you'll have the essential bakeware for all your baking needs.
Baking Made Simple - Basic Tools, Helpful Tips, Recipe Ideas
Baking doesn't have to be difficult. With a few basic tools, some helpful tips, and simple recipe ideas, anyone can bake up sweet treats and baked goods at home.
Basic Baking Tools
Having these essential baking tools on hand will make the process easier:
- Stand mixer - for hands-free mixing
- Handheld mixer - for smaller tasks
- Measuring cups and spoons - for accurate ingredient amounts
- Mixing bowls - for combining ingredients
- Spatulas and whisks - for mixing and folding
- Baking pans - for baking cakes, cookies, and more
- Cooling racks - for cooling baked goods
Helpful Baking Tips
Follow these tips for baking success:
- Read the recipe fully before starting
- Preheat the oven fully before baking
- Measure ingredients accurately
- Cream butter and sugar thoroughly
- Don't overmix batters
- Check for doneness before removing from oven
- Let items cool completely before frosting or cutting
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Simple Baking Recipes
You don't need complex recipes to get started. Try these easy ideas:
Cookies
- Chocolate chip
- Oatmeal raisin
- Peanut butter
- Sugar
Cakes
- Box cake mix
- Sheet cake
- Pound cake
- Cupcakes
Breads
- Banana bread
- Pumpkin bread
- Zucchini bread
- Beer bread
Scones
- Blueberry scones
- Cinnamon chip scones
- Lemon poppyseed scones
Muffins
- Blueberry muffins
- Banana walnut muffins
- Corn muffins
- Bran muffins
With the right tools, helpful tips, and simple recipes, anyone can become a baker. So preheat that oven and get mixing!
Oven to Table - Bakeware for Baking and Serving
Quality bakeware serves double duty - baking your culinary creations and then bringing them beautifully to the table. Choosing versatile pieces that can go directly from oven to table saves time and dishes.
Cast Iron
Cast iron skillets and dutch ovens transition seamlessly from oven to table. Great for:
- Baking breads, cornbreads, and pizza
- Creating crispy edges on pot pies, casseroles, and brownies
- Serving stews, braises, and baked pasta dishes
Look for cast iron with stainless steel handles oven-safe to 500°F or more.
Stoneware
Stoneware bakers or casserole dishes do double duty. Excellent for:
- Baking mac and cheese, potatoes, chicken dishes
- Bringing food directly to the table for serving
Choose glazed stoneware for an impermeable and non-reactive surface. Sturdy handles help transport dishes.
Glass
Tempered glass baking dishes allow monitoring food while baking. They easily go from oven to table for:
- Roasted vegetables and baked pastas
- Pies, cobblers, crisps, and crumbles
- Baked desserts like custards, cakes, or brownies
Look for handles and/or dish safe for oven, freezer, and dishwasher use.
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Ceramic
Ceramic casserole dishes transition beautifully from oven to table. Excellent for:
- Baked egg dishes like stratas or frittatas
- Vegetable bakes like ratatouille
- Serving soups and stews
Choose ceramic safe at oven temperatures up to 550°F.
By utilizing bakeware that goes from oven to table, you can easily bake and serve, saving time and dishes. Look for durable, high-quality materials suitable for the oven and table.
Quality Materials - Benefits of Ceramic, Glass, Metal, Silicone
When selecting bakeware, consider the benefits of these top materials:
Ceramic
Ceramic bakeware offers several advantages:
- Withstands high heat - safe for oven and broiler
- Distributes heat evenly for consistent baking
- Nonstick surface releases foods easily
- Resistant to stains, odors and scratches
- Durable and long-lasting
Look for ceramic bakeware without PTFE or PFOA. Oven-safe options available.
Glass
Glass baking dishes provide these benefits:
- Non-reactive surface won't react with acidic foods
- Allows you to see food while baking
- Can go directly from oven to table
- Doesn't absorb stains, odors or flavors
- Affordable option safe for oven, microwave, fridge and freezer
Tempered glass is thermal shock resistant. Handle with care to prevent breakage.
Metal
Metal bakeware like aluminum and stainless steel offers:
- Durability and longevity
- Even and consistent heating
- Prevents hotspots and burnt edges
- Can go to high oven temperatures
- Easy cleanup
Avoid thin metal pans that warp. Look for heavy gauge steel and aluminum core constructions.
Silicone
Silicone bakeware provides these perks:
- Extremely nonstick for quick food release
- Heat resistant up to 500°F
- Flexible for easy handling and storage
- Dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer safe
- Won't warp, rust or dent
Avoid silicone with fillers. Food-grade silicone withstands high heat.
Consider the advantages of each material to select the right bakeware for your needs.
Specialized Bakeware - Muffin Tins, Loaf Pans, Pizza Stones, Ramekins
In addition to basic pans, specialized bakeware makes specific baking tasks easier. Consider adding these items to your bakeware collection.
Muffin Tins
Muffin tins with cups are perfect for baking:
- Muffins
- Cupcakes
- Mini quiches or frittatas
- Individual servings of bread pudding or custard
Look for heavy gauge steel with a nonstick coating. Standard size tins have 12 cups.
Loaf Pans
Loaf pans allow you to bake breads and meat loaves conveniently. Handy for:
- Banana bread, pumpkin bread, zucchini bread
- Meatloaves, nut loaves, bread stuffing
- Terrines or soaked bread dishes
Choose light metal or ceramic loaf pans. Standard size is 9x5 inches.
Pizza Stones
Pizza stones help create crisp crusts by mimicking brick oven conditions. Great for:
- Homemade pizza
- Flatbreads like naan, focaccia or lavash
- Pizza bagels, paninis or open-faced sandwiches
Select thick ceramic stones that won't crack. Round or rectangular shapes available.
Ramekins
Ramekins are individual baking dishes perfect for:
- Soufflés, bread puddings or crème brûlée
- Pot pies, mac and cheese or ramekin eggs
- Dessert trifles and parfaits
Choose oven-safe ceramic, glass or porcelain ramekins with 4-6 ounce capacity.
Expand your bakeware selection with specialized pans and dishes for convenient baking tasks.
What is the Use of Amazon Prime for Bakeware Buyers?
For regular buyers of bakeware, an Amazon Prime membership provides numerous benefits that can improve the shopping experience.
Free Two-Day Shipping
One of the biggest perks of Amazon Prime is free two-day shipping on thousands of items. This means bakeware purchases arrive quickly, which is useful for replacing a broken baking sheet or picking up a new muffin tin before the weekend.
Prime eliminates the need to meet order minimums to qualify for free shipping. Single pans or small items ship just as fast as large orders.
Free Same-Day Delivery
In select areas, Prime offers free same-day delivery on qualifying orders placed in the morning. This is extremely convenient for last-minute bakeware needs, like realizing early in the day that you don’t have a pie dish for the evening’s dessert.
Access to Deals
Amazon Prime members get 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals and other sales. This allows prime buyers to snap up discounted or hard-to-find bakeware before non-members.
There are also Prime-exclusive deals across all categories, including kitchen and dining. Prime members may find bakeware at lower prices compared to non-members.
Streamlined Returns
Returning unwanted or ill-fitting bakeware is easier with Prime. Items can be dropped at Kohl’s or UPS locations for free returns. Bakeware is eligible for extended holiday return windows.
Overall, a Prime membership takes the hassle out of buying bakeware regularly on Amazon. From fast free shipping to exclusive access to deals, it makes stocking your kitchen with quality bakeware more convenient.
The Best Half Sheet Pans For Baking
The best half sheet pans for baking are essential for every kitchen. Here are the top picks from experts and testers:
- Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet
- Chicago Metallic Commercial II Traditional Uncoated Large Jelly Roll Pan
- USA Pan Bakeware Half-Sheet Pan
- Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half-Sheet
- Nordic Ware Naturals Aluminum Half Sheet
- Great Jones Holy Sheet Pan
- Chicago Metallic Elite Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Sheet
When looking for the best half sheet pan, select one made from a heavier gauge material, like uncoated aluminum or aluminized steel. These pans conduct heat evenly, release food easily, and are resistant to warping. Rolled edges are also preferred.
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