How to Find the Best Commercial Bakeware For Your Place

About
Latest Posts

Alice Smith was a head chef before she discovered her knack for writing. Her love of storytelling and wordplay led her to become a freelance writer, Content Marketing Specialist for the Saas company 10to8, and owner of the travel blog Adventures of Alice. Even though she no longer cooks as a profession, she still enjoys planning extensive 3-course dinner parties for her family and friends.

What is Commercial Bakeware?

Commercial bakeware is any type of baking equipment used for food preparation in a commercial kitchen. You might think that the only things you need to prepare your baked goods are a couple of baking trays and a cake tin, but there are all sorts of different tools and materials available on the market to help make your bakery run as smoothly as possible.

Whether you own a commercial bakery or a restaurant that makes some of its own baked products, you might need some commercial bakeware to help you get the job done.

The History Of Commercial Bakeware

Commercial bakeware is a relatively recent invention. The first Bundt pan was developed in 1950 and silicone bakeware wasn’t sold until 1982. Bakeware that we use today has come a long way from just simple metal pans with foil or other materials on top. There are now many different types of commercial bakeware to choose from.

What Are The Different Types Of Commercial Bakeware?

From basic baking sheets and muffin pans to more specialized tools like cake molds, there is a wide variety of options. Here are some of the different types:

Baking Trays

Baking trays are some of the most common types of commercial bakeware. They are typically made out of aluminum and come in a variety of sizes for different purposes, such as baking cookies, leaving bread to rise, or baking pastries like croissants or sausage rolls.

Baking Sheets

Another type that can be found in many kitchens is baking sheet pans. These are usually constructed from metal and are used for brownies, cookies, or other desserts.

Baking Pans

Deeper than a baking tray, baking pans are used for items such as brownies, or traybake cakes. They can be made out of a variety of materials, like aluminum or even ceramic, although ceramic versions are typically used to roast things. A baking pan is normally used for one specific item at a time.

Cake Tins

Cake tins are a type of baking pan that is usually used for making cakes. They come in various sizes, so you can make something as small as an individual cake or large enough to feed everyone at your restaurant. They also come in a variety of shapes. One of the most common is a circular cake tin, but you can also get large, rectangular traybake tins, and even custom-shaped tins for specialist bakeries.

Tart or Quiche Tins

Tart or quiche tins can be used for (obviously) tarts and quiches, but also desserts and savory pies. They are made out of metal and come in a variety of shapes, from rectangular to circular. They also typically have fluted edges, which can help make your desserts look even better.

Specialized Cake Molds

These can be made out of metal, plastic, silicone, or other materials and come in many different shapes. They are usually only good for one use because they need to be washed between uses with hot water. Some popular types include muffin pans and bundt pans.

Cake Boards

A cake board is a tray made out of wood or plastic that you can use to transport cakes and other desserts in. They are usually smaller than a baking tray and generally have handles on the side.

Biscuit Cutters

These are typically metal or plastic and come in a variety of shapes. They are used for cutting biscuits or dough. If you need help making biscuits that look perfect every time, then biscuit cutters might be the best option. They come in a range of shapes from simple stars to funky animals or classic seasonal designs. They can be used to create perfect biscuit or cookie shapes every time.

Cookie Stamps

Another tool that can be used for making biscuits is a cookie stamp. Cookie stamps come in various designs so you can make anything from simple round or square cookies to heart-shaped ones. A special type of biscuit cutter called a “cookie press” also exists.

Pastry Wheel

A pastry wheel is a metal tool with pointed edges that you can use to cut dough into shapes for things like croissants or dumplings. You can also use it for other sorts of yeast-raised bread, such as ciabatta.

Cupcake Tins

Cupcake tins come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can hold anything from 6 to 24 cupcakes. These are usually made out of metal or plastic and have a side that has divots in them. They are typically used for cupcakes, but can also be used to bake cookies or muffins if you don’t have a muffin pan.

Muffin Tins

You will likely need muffin trays in your kitchen if you plan on making any muffins. Typically made from metal or silicon, muffin tins make preparing baked goods like cupcakes and whoopie pies a breeze. They come in many different shapes and sizes and can fit anything from 6 muffins to 24 so you can find the perfect one to fit your needs. They can also be used for savory foods like pizza puffs or Yorkshire puddings.

Baking Molds

These are typically made out of silicone and come in a variety of shapes. They can be used for making treats like cookies, cakes, or even ice cream. They can also be used for making cake decorations and can be used in a variety of ways.

Wire Cooling Racks

A wire cooling rack is a metal tray that you can put on top of your cookie sheet or baking pan to allow air to circulate around the baked goods as they cool down. They are typically made from aluminum, but other materials like stainless steel also exist.

Loaf Tins

Loaf tins are made out of metal or silicone and come in a variety of sizes. They have long, narrow shapes that will work for making things like loaves of bread or loaf cakes.

Cake Rings

Cake rings are a type of baking mold that you can use for making things like sponge cakes. They come in many different shapes and sizes. You might want to pick one with tall edges if you plan on filling the ring, or short edges if not.

Oven Grids

Oven grids are metal grids that you can put in your oven. They come with legs and wire racks, which can be used to hold food while it cooks. You might want to look for one made out of aluminum if you need something cheaper or stainless steel if durability is more important.

Oven Liners or Mats

Oven liners are made out of silicone or other materials and can be used to line your oven. These trays provide a non-stick surface for you to bake on in order to make cleanup easier.

Cake Turntables

A cake turntable is an essential piece of equipment when it comes to decorating cakes, bread, or other pastries. It can turn the product around on its own so you don’t need to worry about your arm getting tired.

Baking Beans

Baking beans are made out of metal and come in many different shapes. They provide weight to various types of dough that ensure it will rise evenly when chefs are baking blind. To use them, you’ll need to line your dough with a sheet of baking parchment, and then sprinkle the beans on top.

Measuring Jugs

A measuring jug is a tool that you can use to measure liquids. They come in many different sizes and shapes, from pitchers to cups with spouts or handles. You’ll want one made out of glass if you plan on using it for hot liquids, as they will be more durable. However, if not, or for measuring other ingredients, you can use a plastic jug.

Measuring Cups

A set of measuring cups is a necessary tool in any kitchen. They come with different measurements up to a cup, and this usually includes 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup, 1/8 cup, and occasionally other measurements like a pint or quart. They are typically made out of plastic, but some sets come with metal cups instead.

Measuring Spoons

A set of measuring spoons is similar to a set of cups but much smaller. It also has six measurements: teaspoons, tablespoons, half-teaspoons, quarter-teaspoons, and one-eighth teaspoons. These are made of metal or plastic, with a variety of different shapes available.

Dough Scrapers

A dough scraper is a tool that you can use to do things like cut your butter into cubes for baking cookies or pound cake. They come in many different sizes and materials, from wood to silicone.

Rubber Spatulas

A rubber spatula is a tool that you can use to mix your ingredients together. They come in many different shapes and sizes, from flexible ones with curved edges for mixing sauces or eggs, to stiffer ones with straight edges for scraping bowls clean. They can be made out of silicone or other materials like nylon.

Kitchen Scales

A kitchen scale is a tool that you can use to measure ingredients by weight. They come in many different shapes and sizes, and some are more accurate than others depending on their features.

Heavy-duty Oven Mitts

An oven mitt is an essential tool when it comes to baking. You’ll want one made out of fabric for durability, or one with a rubber grip for use when handling hot pans.

Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is used to line your baking sheets in order to stop things from sticking and make cleanup easier. You’ll want to look for this if you’re cooking something that’s likely to stick like cookies, pastries, or bread.

Piping Bags

A piping bag is a tool you can use to pipe frosting, whipped cream, or icing and decorate cakes. They come in many different shapes and sizes, from a small round one for decoration to larger ones that you can fill with whipped cream. They usually come in sets of two or three different size bags so you’ll want to make sure your set includes the right shape for what you need.

Mixing Bowls

A mixing bowl is a tool that you can use to blend your ingredients together. They come in many different sizes and materials, from glass or metal bowls for wet batters where heat isn’t an issue, to plastic ones for dry ingredients that need more protection from the elements.

Dough Cutters

A dough cutter is a tool that you can use to cut your bread or cake into slices. They come in many different shapes and sizes, from round ones with handles for big pieces of dough like pizza crusts, to more rectangular ones for cutting small cookies.

Chef Blow Torches

A chef blow torch is a tool you can use for finishing your desserts or making crème brûlée. They come in many different shapes and sizes, but the most important thing to look at is how powerful it is – more power will give you faster heat-up time.

Pastry Brushes

A pastry brush is a tool that you can use to apply liquid ingredients like oil or melted butter on dough or other types of baked goods. They come in many different sizes and materials, from natural bristles for use with wet ingredients, to silicone brushes that are great with dryer ones.

Commercial Bakeware Materials

Commercial bakeware is made from a range of materials, but the most common types are stainless steel and aluminum. However, here are a few of the most popular types of material used to make commercial bakeware:

Porcelain

Porcelain is a popular material because it’s non-reactive, meaning that any ingredients you put into the pan won’t react with the metal in the bakeware. It also has a natural heat distribution so your food will cook evenly and quickly.

Glass

This is one of my favorite materials for commercial bakeware because glass can be used for both wet and dry ingredients. It’s also easy to clean, although it can break easily if you drop or hit it against another hard surface.

Silicone

You might not think of silicone as a material that could be used in commercial bakeware because it doesn’t conduct heat very well – but this is actually one of its benefits. Silicone has a coating on the inside that protects your food from heat and makes it resistant to scratches.

Nylon

This is another material you might not think of when shopping for commercial bakeware, but nylon can be used in many different shapes depending on what you’re cooking. It’s also easy to clean and won’t break easily like porcelain.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a great choice for its durability and non-reactivity with acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar in your recipes. It can also be coated to resist scratches so that you don’t have to worry about rusting from chips when mixing doughs on the countertop.

Aluminum

This material is a good choice if you’re looking for something lightweight. It conducts heat well and isn’t easily scratched, but it’s not as durable or strong as stainless steel so it can bend more easily when exposed to high temperatures.

Carbon steel

This material is great for those who are looking to save money. It’s affordable and doesn’t react with ingredients. However, it does occasionally require that you season it before using it. But once you’ve done this, it’s non-stick which makes it much easier to clean, and easier to remove various baked goods from this type of bakeware.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is another popular choice for those looking for a sturdy type of bakeware. It’s non-stick and it conducts heat well, but it won’t be the best option if you want something that will last – over time cast iron can start to rust or break down into flakes of metal.

Insulated Bakeware

Insulated bakeware is made of a material that has insulation on the inside to keep your food warm. It’s perfect for those who want something they can take with them while out and about, or use as their main kitchen tool.

Stoneware

Stoneware is a great material for those who like finishing their baked goods with a nice, even brown crust. It’s also non-reactive, easy to clean, and built to last.

Coatings

As well as materials, there is also a range of coatings that are added to commercial bakeware. Here is a couple of them:

Non-stick

Non-stick bakeware is perfect for those who are worried about their ingredients sticking to the pan or not cooking thoroughly. It can be coated on both stainless steel and aluminum, as well as nylon and silicone materials.

Textured non-stick

A variant of standard non-stick, this coating can be applied to commercial bakeware and will make it much easier to remove your baked goods and clean the surface. You’ll still need to use oil or butter in order for whatever you’re cooking not to stick, but this type of non-stick material does reduce how often you have to do so!

The Major Differences Between Commercial And Household Bakeware

When it comes to commercial and household bakeware, there are a few main differences.

Commercial bakeware is usually made of metal and has deeper pans so that it can hold more ingredients. It’s also heavier than household brands, which means you’ll need to be careful when using them because they’re difficult to balance.

In general, commercial bakeware is designed to be stronger, more durable, and is generally larger than household brands. This means that it’s ideal for restaurants and ideal when cooking more substantial batches of food.

Household bakeware can be made of a variety of materials from glass to tin – but they’re typically not as durable or heavy-duty as commercial options. They also come with smaller compartments so that they take up less countertop space. But, of course, this means that they don’t hold as much. They also usually don’t last as long either, and will typically need replacing every few years.

Buying Commercial Bakeware

What should you consider when buying new pieces of commercial ovenware? There are lots of different factors worth considering before investing in new pieces, such as: what size items do you plan on making (small cookies or large loaves), how often will you be using your new bakeware (once a week or every day), and what type of material is best for the dish that you’re making.

Here are a few things to consider:

Size

Commercial bakeware is usually larger than household brands because it’s designed to cook more substantial batches. If you’re cooking small items like cookies to go alongside coffees, then smaller commercial pans might be a better fit for your kitchen. But either way, you’ll need to consider the size of the bakeware before you purchase.

Durability

Durability is also important. Commercial ovenware is designed to be stronger and more durable than household brands. This means that they’re less likely to break, rust, or crack, which is especially important for restaurants with commercial ovens.

Price

You’ll need to consider how much money you have available before making a purchase. Commercial bakeware can be quite expensive. So it’s worth considering what your budget is before you make a decision.

Material

There are lots of different materials to choose from. But make sure that you’re looking for something with a non-reactive surface because most commercial kitchens use metal ovens. For example, stainless steel is great because it’s durable and won’t react to acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice while cooking in the kitchen.

Commercial bakeware best use tips

Do you know the best way to take care of your commercial bakeware? It’s important that they’re properly cared for so that they last and don’t get damaged.

Here are a few tips:

Always use oven mitts when handling hot pieces because it can be difficult to balance them without being burned or hurting yourself – especially if you have a heavy piece with no handles.
Never clean metal pans in an automatic dishwasher as this will cause corrosion build-up on the surface which makes it more likely to break/crack, causing expensive repairs.
Don’t overcook food because this is one of the fastest ways to wear down your cookware! This means cooking things at lower temperatures and shorter baking times, then removing them from the oven.
Always allow your cookware to cool before cleaning. If you try to clean it while it’s still hot, then this will cause stains and make any food stuck on very difficult to remove.
Grease pans before use, or use baking parchment which will stop foods from sticking.
Don’t put nonstick spray on a nonstick pan or baking mat! Over time, they create an invisible buildup that actually causes your ingredients to stick to the bakeware.
Silicone bakeware is freezer, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe.
It’s best to get a range of bakeware sizes. This way you’ll always have the right size for what you’re cooking.
Store your bakeware in a dry place with towels between them to avoid scratching.
Always allow your bakeware to cool before washing — if you put a hot pan in water, it can buckle and warp.
Dishwashers weaken most nonstick coatings so hand-washing in warm soapy water is recommended, even if the bakeware says that it’s dishwasher safe.

My Top Commercial Bakeware Recommendations

All-Clad Pro-Release 10 Piece Bakeware Set

All-Clad Pro-Release pans are made of heavy gauge aluminum and are solid and sturdy. They performed well for both baking and roasting foods, but be aware that some foods can cause staining that can linger even with the proper care. As such, the cleaning process requires a little elbow grease at times.

Nonetheless, there are plenty of redeemable features. The oversized handles on the pans made them easy to pick up. The assortment and quality of the pans in this set are also excellent. The setup includes two round cake pans, a half-sheet baking pan, a rectangular sheet pan, and a square pan. Along with the pans, you’ll be surprised to find a number of other helpful tools like the cookie sheet and cooling rack.

The set is coated with a food-safe PFOA-free, reinforced (and scratch-resistant) non-stick coating. The set can be heated up to 450°F and is ideal for a range of commercial baking tasks.

Key Features:

Reinforced non-stick coating prevents damage to baked goods
Oversized handles help to move the trays easily
Wide assortment of pans in the set

Eddingtons Spring Form Round Cake Tin 280mm

Bake cakes that you can be proud of with Eddington’s springform round cake tin. This tin is ideal for large bakes. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or other occasion cakes, this pan can do the job.

The tin coating helps the pans maintain even heat distribution and makes for a more durable cooking surface that won’t scratch. More importantly though, tin holds its shape well at high heat. The tin has an embossed base, which helps it to keep its shape.

After your cakes are fully baked, the tin can easily be opened by using the clip. These cake molds also protect the side of the cake from bending or being damaged, while saving considerable time during preparation when compared to cutting your cakes out of more traditional baking trays.

Key Features:

Embossed base to preserve the shape of the cake tin
Non-scratch coating, dishwasher safe, and durable at high heat
Large enough to bake a cake for an occasion
Springform rack opens easily, allowing easy removal of baked goods.

OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro 10-Piece Bakeware Set

Easily one of the best catering brands on the market is OXO. And this commercial-grade bakeware set just goes further to prove that.

Suitable for both commercial and home chefs, this set is made of heavy-gauge aluminized steel. It has a Swiss-engineered, two-layer coating that has been reinforced with non-stick. This makes food slide out easily while protecting against scratching, staining, and corrosion.

The baking set includes two quarter-sheet trays, a half sheet pan, and four pans – a cookie sheet, jelly roll pan, pizza pan. Quarter sheet trays offer the same quality as half sheet trays but are also easy to clean and can be placed in the dishwasher.

The bottom of each pan is textured to increase airflow for even cooking. This baking set is oven-safe, up to 425°F. And thanks to the square-rolled edges which add strength and offer a secure grip for easy transfer to and from the oven, each pan is easy to move around your kitchen.

Key Features:

Made of heavy-gauge aluminized steel
The two-layer non-stick coating is reinforced with a textured bottom to promote even cooking
Oven-safe up to 425°F, dishwasher safe, and easy to clean
Square rolled edges for a secure grip

Vogue Aluminium Non-Stick Muffin Tray 24 Cup

Thanks to the Vogue Nonstick 24-Cup Muffin Tray, you can bake flawless cupcakes and Yorkshire puddings with ease. This coated non-stick resin tray allows you to effortlessly remove your freshly baked goods, ensuring they are always the shape and size desired.

This incredible 24-cup muffin pan is perfect for those who want to bake a lot of food at once. With its large size, this tray is ideal for use in any commercial kitchen or bakeries. For high-quality commercial aluminum that will stand up to daily use and the demands of a fast-paced commercial kitchen, look no further than this tray.

Key features:

Eliminates the need to grease and flour pans for baking
The non-stick coating makes it easy to remove baked goods.
Ideal for baking a lot of food at once with its large size.

fAQs

Question: What’s the difference between cookware & bakeware?

Answer: Cookware is the type of equipment that you use to cook your food. It can be used on a stovetop or in an oven. Bakeware, on the other hand, is specifically for cooking baked goods such as bread, cakes, pastries, and other bakery products.

Question: What kind of bakeware do professionals use?

Answer: Different pieces of commercial bakeware are used for different types of food. For example, if you’re making pizzas or pastries then a pizza pan might be the best fit because it’s designed to get crispy and brown on the bottom – perfect for an Italian dish.
But whatever you choose to make in your restaurant kitchens should depend on what your customers are ordering. If you have a lot of cake orders, then bundt pans or loaf pans might be the best fit for what you need!

Question: What are some ways to take care of my bakeware?

Answer: This is important because it will help them last longer and stop any damages from happening which can cost quite a lot to repair.
It’s important to clean bakeware after every use, but ensure it cools down fully before sticking it in the dishwasher. If your bakeware has non-stick properties, it makes it really easy to clean up afterward too. Just make sure you don’t accidentally scrape away all of the coatings or get any scratches on your pans.
Lastly, remember to grease pans before use, or use baking parchment, particularly on pans without a non-stick coating, as this will stop foods from sticking too.

Question: Why do chefs prefer stainless steel?

Answer: As a professional cook, you want to make sure that your equipment is durable and won’t react with acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice. Stainless steel can be used in any type of kitchen because it’s not reactive. It also does well at conducting heat which means food cooks quicker, and it’s easy to clean, which is why chefs prefer it.

Question: What type of pan is best for baking cakes or cookies?

Answer: If you’re baking cakes or cookies, then look for pans that have a lip around all four sides. This will help the cake not slide off and also helps to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides. It’s okay if there are some raised edges too because these will make sure everything doesn’t spill out of the pan while it’s being baked.

Question: Is it better to use darker pans or lighter pans?

Answer: Darker pans are better for browning and crisping up your food. They also have a shinier exterior, which means they’re easier to keep clean, and the dark color absorbs heat better which generally means they get hotter than paler colored pans. On the other hand, lighter colored pans will help you see how well your food is cooking on top so that it doesn’t burn or turn too dark without realizing it.

Conclusion…

Now that you know what to look for when buying commercial bakeware, you’ll be ready to find the best equipment for your restaurant. This article has covered a lot of important information about the best material for cookware and bakeware, as well as some other tips on how to care for it, and many of the different types of bakeware available for commercial establishments.

I hope this blog post has helped you to learn more about the best commercial bakeware. But ultimately, the type of bakeware you need will depend on what your customers order most often or what dish you’re making. Keep these tips in mind, good luck, and let’s get baking!