Baking dish: types, selection and application

Nowadays, culinary (and especially confectionery) direction is very common. In almost every family, on holidays or without reason, various cakes, cakes, muffins and pies are baked. For some, it’s just a hobby, but for others it’s a real vocation and professional activity. And in none of these options it is impossible to bake beautiful and varied delicacies without a properly selected form. Let us consider in more detail what varieties of baking dishes exist, what are their features, and also get acquainted with the rules for using each of them.

For many, baking is a real art, so it is simply boring to cook uniform cupcakes and cakes in the same dish. In such cases, the use of various forms is very important. In addition, such forms have a number of very attractive features. For instance, almost every mold has a non-stick surface, so you can easily remove your baked goods. And with the correct consistency of the dough, the cooled pastry, extracted from this form, will exactly repeat its shape. That is why products with decor, for example, in the form of flowers, animals and other unusual forms, are very popular.

An interesting fact is that initially all baking dishes were made of ceramics and later other options began to appear. It is also worth noting that almost every material used to make this kitchen item is environmentally friendly, but there are still some exceptions to which we will pay special attention. It is noteworthy that in the manufacture of some products, deep elements of cookware intended for cooking were taken as an example. Thus, following the example of boilers, pans, and in some cases clay pots, deep baking dishes were created that are used for muffins, cakes, and other types of baking with a sufficient height.

There are many varieties of baking dishes made of various materials, which have both their advantages and significant disadvantages. For instance, steel products that do not have a non-stick coating are distinguished by the fact that baking can adhere strongly to the side walls and the bottom of the mold. This is a definite minus, since burnt products do not look very attractive in appearance, and can also slightly bitter in taste. The disadvantages of such forms include the fact that they are strictly forbidden to use in microwave ovens.

Among the advantages of steel forms can be noted stainless properties and resistance to oxidizing components. In addition, they have a very attractive cost and are absolutely safe even when heated at the highest temperatures. Very impressive weight and not very attractive appearance of cast-iron products can be attributed to the minuses of these forms, but that's all, since there are much more advantages. Uniform heating of the surface allows the baked products to gradually set on the inside, which will lead to faster and more complete cooking.

For aluminum forms characterized by rapid heating and, accordingly, the rapid preparation of any dishes. In addition, these products are very practical, have a low cost, and also quite light weight. But unfortunately, these forms are short-lived and very easy to damage. It is worth noting that these forms are made of aluminum foil, and often foil products are disposable.

Ceramic forms, like cast iron, are quite heavy, but, unfortunately, do not have a high level of wear resistance. For ceramic products, the appearance of chips and scratches, as well as intolerance to open flame, is characteristic. Therefore, the use of such forms in gas stoves is not recommended. Despite the high cost, ceramic products have quite a few disadvantages, but there are also positive aspects to their operation. In addition to the external attractiveness, ceramics will also help preserve all the useful properties of the dish, maintain its temperature for a longer time, and will also be absolutely safe for health.

There are also very attractive in terms of characteristics, but having a high cost, Teflon forms. These products are equipped with a non-stick coating, so baking does not stick to the surfaces of the mold. And also they are very resistant to high temperatures, which positively affects the duration of their operation. The negative aspects include susceptibility to damage as a mechanical nature, and some chemical means. In addition, when using Teflon cookware, sudden temperature changes are unacceptable, therefore, the interaction of a hot object with a cold liquid is strictly prohibited.

At the moment, the most popular are rubber forms. But they are only called rubber, but in fact they are made of high-strength, heat-resistant silicone. Although such forms are very susceptible to open flames and excessively high temperatures, and they do not differ in high wear resistance, there are still a number of advantages that significantly exceed the number of disadvantages.

For example, these forms are very easy to use and care, not susceptible to rust and other metal changes that may occur in contact with chemical and some detergents. Silicone molds keep the mold perfectly when cooling, but can be deformed when heated. In addition, the products have a very attractive cost, do not respond to sudden changes in temperature, and also have non-stick properties, without having a special coating.

In addition to the distinctive properties of materials, there are also differences in appearance that directly affect the purpose of a product. For instance, the "Heart" shape, regardless of what material it is made of, is most suitable for baking muffins and pies from batter. A very original form will be a great option for making an edible surprise for your soulmate.

It is a fairly large metal element in the form of a figure, it can be flowers, stars, hearts, snowflakes and much more. This element is attached to a long pin, which is equipped with a wooden handle. Thus, the principle of cooking brushwood is quite simple and safe:

• the form is dipped in batter;
• the dough element is immersed in oil;
• You need to get the finished brushwood after it acquires a beautiful golden hue.

The “Bear” shape is in many respects similar to the “Heart”. Most often, such forms are made in a soft version - from heat-resistant silicone, much less often they are found in metal variations. This form is perfect for baking sweets for children's events. Large round shapes are very often used for baking cakes for cakes and high biscuits. The advantage of round metal molds with low sides also lies in the fact that they can cook pizza or any pie for which the dough is not liquid. In addition, there are detachable options with high sides, which are suitable for the preparation of unusual confectionery products, such as cotton cheesecake.

Cupcakes with various fillings and decor are very popular among confectionery and pastries. Cooking them is quite simple, since there are many variations of forms. For example, small aluminum and paper forms are separate elements intended for each individual cupcake, and large metal forms are intended for baking sweets, usually in the amount of 6, 9 or 12 pieces.

Often for baking, forms with a lid are used, which are divided into two types: in some, the lid is plastic and is needed only to cover the dish after it has been prepared for storage in the refrigerator, while in others the lid is directly involved in the cooking process.The second option is especially relevant if thick pies are baked in the form, which must be well baked from the inside, and after that you can open the lid and let the cake brown on top.

The ring is a rather unusual baking dish., since it is only walls that are not equipped with a bottom and top. This element is most often used for making cakes from various thick types of dough. When baking, the mold is simply placed on parchment paper and on a baking sheet, so the cake will not burn. There is a wide variety of ring shapes, differing in the presence or absence of a detachable mechanism, in height, diameter and size, so each housewife will be able to choose the right one for herself.

A great variety is also rectangular and square shapes that can be used not only for baking, but also for other varieties of dishes. Such shapes vary in size, in the appearance of the rectangle, and also in the material from which they are made. There are also models without a bottom, disposable aluminum foil and items with a grill designed for cooking meat.

Separately, it is worth highlighting the forms for the preparation of tartlets, since they can easily be confused with objects intended for making cupcakes. Products of this type can be presented both in the form of individual single elements, and in the form of a baking sheet with recesses, and their main difference will be that they are less deep than the forms for cupcakes. Products may also vary in diameter, edge shape and size. In addition, there are great options for making tarts and quiches.

There are only two options for molds for baking tubules - these are cylinders and cones. In both cases, a thin rolled strip of dough is wrapped around a mold, then placed in a preheated oven for a certain amount of time. These attributes are perfect for making desserts, which we have known since childhood - tubes of puff pastry and cream filling. For baking donuts, forms similar to the attributes for cupcakes and tartlets are used., but characterized in that they are equipped with a small part in the middle, due to which a traditional hole in the middle of the donut is obtained. And also attracted by the fact that thanks to some types of shapes, donuts can be made not only round, but also in the form of flowers or with a decorative ribbed surface.

There are many manufacturers of baking utensils. Some of them have worldwide fame and many positive reviews that speak about the quality and reliability of products, while others are just widely publicized brands whose forms withstand only a couple of uses. Let us consider in more detail which manufacturers are the best and, indeed, deserve attention and recognition.

The brand Tefal although it has a European origin, it has long been known throughout the world, which is not surprising. The dishes of this manufacturer have a rather high cost, but this is absolutely justified, since the high quality of products will allow you to bake and cook various dishes for many years with complete safety for health.

German brand Rondell It is famous not only for the excellent quality of its products, but also for the very stylish exterior design of the cookware collections.Products of this manufacturer are made of high-strength steel alloys, as well as of heat-resistant silicone, which makes it possible to operate molds at high temperatures both in electric ovens and gas equipment.

Taller is an international manufacturer and has factories in several parts of the world. The dishes of this brand are very popular not only due to their high quality, but also because only environmentally friendly materials are used in the manufacture of baking dishes and other heat-resistant dishes.

It is also worth paying special attention to the European brand. Pyrexwhich is popular all over the world. The manufacturer is famous for the manufacture of heat-resistant glassware for ovens and ceramic electric stoves.

Surely every housewife wants to have a baking dish in her kitchen, or even more than one. But in order to choose a truly high-quality product that will last you for many years, you need to consider a number of simple rules.

• When choosing, you should not be guided by low cost. Very often a low-quality or damaged product is hidden under an attractive price or a stunning action.
• Separately, it is worth mentioning the damage. Very often, through carelessness or in a hurry, you can get a damaged baking dish. Most often, among the damages there are chips of ceramics and barely noticeable scratches on the non-stick coating, therefore, when choosing, it is necessary to carefully examine the external state of the object.
• If you are planning on preparing a particular dish, you must choose the right shape for it in size and parameters.
• Nevertheless, it is worth paying attention to the non-stick coating elements, since it will be possible to easily bake any kind of baked goods without using a huge amount of oil.
• It is not recommended to get too heavy forms, because during the cooking process, filled with something, they will become even heavier, which can seriously complicate the movement of the subject.
• Very often you can run into a fake of high-quality cookware of famous brands. If in doubt, you need to carefully study the documentation that comes with absolutely any expensive dishes, and also pay attention to the cost - if it is very underestimated, it is likely that you have a fake.
• In addition, very often under the guise of non-stick coating issued ordinary paint, which does not withstand a constant load in the form of high temperatures. The non-stick coating remains on the surface of the dishes almost forever, while the paint will begin to disappear after a few uses.

It is not enough just to know the purpose of a particular subject, as well as the rules for its selection. It is also necessary to correctly use various baking dishes, only then they can serve you for many years.

• First of all, Teflon and other non-stick coated metal products are strictly forbidden to be washed with hard brushes and metal sponges. Mechanical exposure can damage the coating, resulting in loss of functionality of this dish.
• In addition, the coating can be damaged by sudden changes in temperature. Therefore, it is not recommended to start washing the mold immediately after baking a particular product, it is necessary to allow this mold to cool.
• When using silicone molds, sharp cutting objects are strictly prohibited. Silicone, although it is heat-resistant, is still unstable to mechanical influences of this kind, and with the appearance of deep scratches and incisions, it simply becomes unsuitable.
• Abrasive dishwashing detergents should be forgotten, since their components adversely affect the coating condition of such dishes.
• When using some types of forms, additional lubrication with oil may be necessary, but manufacturers usually mention this in the instructions.
• If your dish is still burnt, it is strictly forbidden to scrape it with metal objects. It is recommended to use a wooden, plastic or silicone spatula, and after cooling, soak the mold in water and let the burnt particles leave by themselves.

See how to choose the right baking dish in the next video.