Types of baking trays: how to choose the right one

To cook real culinary masterpieces in the oven, you need to use special utensils. It's definitely worth purchasing a baking tray. It's better if there are several of them. There are different types that differ in some characteristics. Therefore, it is recommended to study in more detail the issue of choosing baking trays.

Using a baking tray

A baking tray is necessary for baking and baking various dishes in the oven. The shape of the product can be rectangular or square, the edges are curved. For smaller dishes, a special sheet resembling a stand is used. On a baking sheet you can not only bake food, but also fry it.

For each category of dishes, including meat, vegetables, and baked goods, you must use a specific baking sheet. They differ in shape and depth. There are also differences in the material from which the item is made. Certain heating properties depend on this. Therefore, it is better to have several different types of baking sheets at home in order to prepare the desired dish correctly and tasty.

Forms

In addition to baking, the pan is suitable for baking bread, pizza, pies and pies, and can be used as a barbecue. Therefore, if you do not want to purchase several products, you should decide in advance what exactly you plan to cook. The shape of the baking sheet affects the possibility of preparing a particular dish.

Reference! If the edge is low around the entire perimeter, there will be problems with cooking baked goods or food with sauce. Everything will just flow out.High walls are more suitable for such dishes.

Some models are equipped with a lid. Among the main forms of opposition it is worth noting:

1. Standard. Suitable for any dish. The bottom is flat and the height of the walls is average.

2. Flat. There are no sides. May have a low side. Used for dry biscuits. Can serve as a stand for other forms.

3. Deep. Suitable for main courses and baking. The edge is high, so nothing leaks out during the cooking process.

4. With grill. The product is equipped with a grill surface that allows you to retain juice during the cooking process. Features a relief bottom.

5. Perforated. There are holes in the bottom, thanks to which an appetizing, golden-brown crust appears on the surface of the food on all sides. Often used for baking and drying foods.

6. Round (oval). Suitable for pizza, yeast dough and butter dough.

Dimensions

In addition to the shape, you should also consider the size of the pan.

Common sizes include:

1. 18 by 25 inches. Considered full size. Used when using commercial ovens.

2. 18 by 13 inches. It's called half. Refers to a universal type. More often, such a baking sheet can be found in a professional kitchen than in the home of an ordinary housewife.

3. 9 by 13 inches. Such quartered products are common in everyday life. They are great for preparing small amounts of food, so they are practically not used for commercial purposes. But they are popular with housewives.

Materials

In addition to the differences described above, baking sheets differ in material. The parameter is quite important, and therefore the choice should be taken seriously. After all, the raw materials from which the product is made affect the properties of the dishes.On store shelves you can find the following options:

1. Made of glass. The appearance is beautiful, but the durability characteristics leave much to be desired. It may break if hit or dropped. It is necessary to preheat the glass pan before placing it in the oven. Doesn't cope well with temperature changes. The advantage is the ability to maintain the temperature of cooked food for a long time.

2. Stainless steel. Carbon steel is used, making the material environmentally friendly and safe. Such sheets are the most common in everyday life. Metal does not affect the taste of products. Models may have an enamel or non-stick coating.

3. Made of aluminum. A non-stick coating is required. Aluminum heats up quickly and well, allowing food to cook faster. The product is lightweight, which is its advantage.

4. Silicone. A modern version of a baking tray that can withstand high temperatures. The material is compact, safe, and prevents you from getting burned when removing the pan from the oven. Warming up occurs evenly. If used correctly, there is no need to pre-apply oil to the mold.

5. Made of cast iron. It is rare to see cast iron products due to the fact that manufacturers have practically abandoned it, preferring more modern raw materials. The pan is heavy, but will last for many years. It maintains the temperature for a long time, heating is uniform, but it takes a lot of time.

6. Ceramic. They allow you to achieve a simmering effect, which preserves many useful elements in products.

7. Teflon. It has a non-stick coating to prevent food from sticking. Requires careful care.Does not tolerate metal objects or mechanical damage.

Tips for choosing

It is recommended to select a baking tray based on the size of the oven. Remember that non-stick coating significantly affects the comfort of cooking. Therefore, it is worth deciding in advance what characteristics the baking sheet will have.

Reference! An important factor is the choice of manufacturer. It is better to give preference to reliable brands that have proven themselves well.

The plate in which the baking sheet will be placed also matters. Thin aluminum baking sheets are not suitable for gas ovens. They will not heat up evenly.

Choosing a baking tray is not difficult. It is necessary to decide in advance on the parameters, including options for the dishes that you plan to prepare. This will allow you to choose a baking tray that is suitable in size, shape and material.