Baking dish: types, selection and application

Nowadays, the culinary (and especially confectionery) direction is very common. In almost every family, on holidays or for no reason, various pastries, cakes, muffins and pies are baked. For some it is just a hobby, while for others it is a real vocation and professional activity. And in none of these options is it possible to bake beautiful and varied delicacies without a properly selected form. Let's take a closer look at what types 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 cooking monotonous muffins and cakes in the same dish becomes simply boring. In such cases, it is very important to use a variety of forms. In addition, such forms have a number of very attractive features. For example, almost every dish has a non-stick surface, so you can easily remove your baked goods when done... And with the correct consistency of the dough, cooled baked goods taken out of such a form will exactly repeat its shape. That is why products with decor, for example, in the form of flowers, animals and other unusual shapes, are very popular.

An interesting fact is that initially all bakeware was made of ceramics and only 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, which we will pay special attention to. It is noteworthy that in the manufacture of some products, the deep elements of the dishes intended for cooking were taken as an example. Thus, following the example of cauldrons, pots, and in some cases earthen pots, deep baking dishes were created, used for muffins, cakes and other types of baked goods with sufficient height.

There are many varieties of bakeware, made from different materials, which have their own advantages and significant disadvantages. For example, steel products that do not have a non-stick coating are distinguished by the fact that baked goods can strongly adhere to the side walls and bottom of the mold... This is an undoubted disadvantage, since burnt products do not look very attractive outwardly, and can also taste slightly bitter. The disadvantages of such forms also include the fact that they are strictly prohibited from using in microwave ovens.

Among the advantages of steel molds are 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. A very impressive weight and not quite attractive appearance of cast iron products can be counted among the disadvantages of these forms, but that's all, since there are much more advantages. The uniform heating of the surface allows the baked goods to gradually set from the inside, which will lead to faster and more complete cooking.

Fast heating is characteristic of aluminum molds and, accordingly, fast preparation of any food... In addition, these products are very practical, have a low cost, and are quite light in weight. Unfortunately, these forms are short-lived and very easily damaged. It should be noted that these forms are made of aluminum foil, and often foil products are disposable.

Ceramic molds, like cast iron, are quite heavy, but, unfortunately, do not have a high level of wear resistance. The appearance of chips and scratches is characteristic of ceramic products, as well as intolerance to open fire. 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 of their operation. In addition to visual appeal, ceramics will also help preserve all the useful properties of the dish, keep its temperature for a longer time, and will also be absolutely safe for health.

There are also very attractive in characteristics, but at a high cost, Teflon molds. These products are equipped with a non-stick coating, so that the baked goods do not stick to the surfaces of the mold. And also they are very resistant to high temperatures, which has a positive effect on their durability. The negative aspects include susceptibility to damage, both mechanical in nature and some chemical agents. In addition, when using Teflon dishes, sharp temperature drops are unacceptable, therefore, the interaction of a hot object with a cold liquid is strictly prohibited.

Currently, the most popular are rubber molds. 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 maintain, they are not susceptible to rust and other metal changes that can occur in contact with chemicals and some detergents. Silicone molds hold their shape perfectly when cooled, but can deform when heated. In addition, the products have a very attractive cost, do not react to sudden temperature changes, 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 particular product. For example, the "Heart" shape, no matter what material it is made of, is the most suitable for baking muffins and pies from batter... A very original form will be an excellent option for preparing an edible surprise for your soulmate.

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

• the form is dipped in batter;
• the element with the dough is immersed in oil;
• you need to get ready-made brushwood after it acquires a beautiful golden hue.

The shape of the "Bear" is similar in characteristics to the "Heart". Most often, such forms are made in a soft version - from heat-resistant silicone, much less often they are found in a metal version. This form is perfect for baking sweets for children's events. Large round tins are very often used for baking cake tins and tall biscuits. The advantage of round metal molds with low sides is also that they can be used to prepare pizza or any cake for which the dough is not runny. In addition, there are split options and high sides that are suitable for preparing unusual pastries such as cotton cheesecake.

Cupcakes with various fillings and decor are very popular among confectionery and baked goods. Preparing them is quite simple, as there are many variations of the shape. For example, small aluminum and paper molds are separate elements for each individual cupcake, while large metal molds are used for baking sweets, usually in an amount of 6, 9 or 12 pieces.

Often, baking dishes are used with a lid, which are divided into two types: in some, the lid is plastic and is only needed to cover the dish after cooking 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 thoroughly baked from the inside, and after that you can open the lid and let the pie brown on top.

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

There is also a great variety of rectangular and square shapes, which can be used not only for baking, but also for other types of dishes. Such shapes differ in size, in the form of a rectangle, as well as in the material from which they are made. There are also models without a bottom, disposable aluminum foil and products with a rack for cooking meat.

Separately, it is worth highlighting the forms for the preparation of tartlets., since outwardly they can be easily 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 is that they are less deep than molds for cupcakes. Products can 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 baking tubes - cylinders and cones. In both cases, a thin rolled strip of dough is wrapped around the mold, then placed in a preheated oven for a certain amount of time. These attributes are perfect for making a dessert that we have known since childhood - puff pastry tubes and cream filling. Donuts are baked using molds similar to those used for cupcakes and tartlets., but different in that they are equipped with a small detail in the middle, which creates the traditional hole in the middle of the donut. And it is also attractive 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 bakeware. Some of them have worldwide fame and a lot of positive reviews, talking about the quality and reliability of products, while others are just widely advertised brands, the forms of which can withstand only a couple of uses. Let's take a closer look at which manufacturers are the best and, indeed, deserve attention and recognition.

Brand name Tefal although it is of European origin, it has long been known throughout the world, which is not at all surprising. The dishes of this manufacturer have a rather high cost, but this is absolutely justified, since the high quality of the 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 tableware collections.Products of this manufacturer are made from high-strength steel alloys, as well as from heat-resistant silicone, which allows the mold to be used at high temperatures both in electric ovens and with gas equipment.

Taller is an international manufacturer with factories in several locations around the world. The dishes of this brand are very popular not only due to their high quality, but also due to the fact that 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. Pyrex, the popularity of which is spread all over the world. The manufacturer is famous for the manufacture of cookware made of heat-resistant glass for ovens and ceramic electric stoves.

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

• When choosing, do not be guided by low cost. Very often, a low-quality or damaged product is hidden under an attractive price or stunning promotion.
• We should also mention the damage separately. Very often, inadvertently or in a hurry, you can get a damaged baking dish. Most often, among the damages there are ceramic chips and barely noticeable scratches on the non-stick coating, so when choosing, you must carefully study the external condition of the object.
• If you are planning to cook a particular dish, you need to choose a form that is suitable for it in terms of size and parameters.
• Still, it is worth paying attention to the elements with non-stick coating, since they can easily cook any kind of baked goods without using a huge amount of oil.
• It is not recommended to take on too heavy forms, because during the cooking process, filled with something, they will become even heavier, which can seriously complicate the movement of the object.
• Very often you can run into a fake of high-quality dishes of well-known brands. If in doubt, you need to carefully study the documentation that is attached to absolutely any expensive dishes, and also pay attention to the cost - if it is greatly underestimated, it is highly likely that you have a fake in front of you.
• In addition, very often ordinary paint is issued under the guise of a non-stick coating, which does not withstand constant stress in the form of high temperatures. The non-stick coating stays on the surface of the cookware almost forever, while the paint will begin to peel off after a few uses.

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

• First of all, it is strictly forbidden to wash Teflon and other metal products with a non-stick coating using hard brushes and metal sponges. Mechanical impact can damage the coating, which will lead to the loss of functionality of this cookware.
• 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 this or that product; it is necessary to let this mold cool down.
• When using silicone molds, it is strictly forbidden to use sharp cutting objects. Although silicone is heat-resistant, it is still unstable to mechanical stress of this kind, and when deep scratches and cuts appear, it will simply become unusable.
• Forget about abrasive dishwashing detergents, as their components negatively affect the coating condition of such dishes.
• When using some types of forms, additional lubrication with oil may be required, but, as a rule, manufacturers mention this in the instructions.
• If, nevertheless, your dish is burnt, it is strictly forbidden to scrape it off with metal objects. It is recommended to use a wooden, plastic or silicone spatula, and after cooling down, soak the mold in water and let the burnt particles separate themselves.

For information on how to correctly choose a baking dish, see the next video.