Finding the right bread tin for your needs

Bread tins, also known as loaf pans, are a type of cake tin that is rectangular in shape and has deep walls that allow for rising. Used by both home cooks and professional bakers, they were made specifically for baking bread but can also be used to bake a wide range of other foods, including banana bread and other loaf cakes, meat loaf and terrines. When buying one, consider these factors:

• Size. There are large loaf pans for baking impressive high-domed breads, longer-style bread tins for baking baguettes, mini loaf pans for bread rolls and more.

• Material. Bread tins are commonly made from aluminium, glass, cast iron, silicone, ceramic and stainless steel.

• Features. A non-stick finish will help your baked goods slip easily out of the tin, perforated holes improve air circulation for crunchier crusts and a lid will keep the bread nice and square-shaped.

From silicone to carbon steel - understanding your materials when choosing a bread tin

A bread tin can be made out of a number of different materials, each with their own unique benefits. The most common you will find include:

1. Silicone - A silicone loaf pan is flexible which makes removing the finish product easy. They are also oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher-safe. Silicone is not a strong conductor of heat which means bread and cakes will have lighter sides.

2. Glass - A glass bread pan is slow to heat but has excellent heat retention. The transparency of the material is great for observation during the baking process.

3. Ceramic - Like glass, ceramic loaf pans heat slowly and retain heat well. They are also rustic and typically available in a variety of cheerful colours. They're especially great for baking meat loafs and casseroles.

4. Cast iron - Cast iron bread tins come in enamelled cast iron or raw cast iron that needs to be seasoned before each use to make it non-stick. It has superior heat retention and will give your bread a golden crust.

5. Stainless steel - Stainless steel is non-stick and heats evenly. It's also rust-proof and easy to clean.

6. Aluminised steel - This bread tin is made from steel but has an aluminium coating which makes it non-stick. It's strong, durable and has great heat conductivity properties.

Different types, sizes and shapes of loaf pan to choose from

Our baking tins for bread come in all shapes and sizes to accomodate any baking need. We have medium and large bread tins, as well as bread roll trays for baking mini baguettes and loaf cakes. The stunning Emile Henry Round Bread Baker will give you a large rounded bread shape that's great for bruschetta and garlic bread! Make traditional artisan bread in a tin with round edges or choose straight edges for a sharply squared bread, such as the Bakemaster Non-Stick Box Sided Loaf Pan.

If you're after a golden crust, the Bakemaster Non-Stick Perfect Crust Box Sided Loaf Pan is perforated to allow air to circulate the dough during baking and form an even and crispy crust.

Bread tins available with a lid

A bread tin with a lid is handy if you want to bake a bread loaf that is square-shaped. The lid prevents the dough from rising above the edges of the pan and forming a dome shape and also stops air bubbles so that the bread has a consistent texture. Shop the Brunswick Bakers Seasoned Cast Iron Bread Baking Pan with a lid and two handles for easily removing the lid when needed. There's also an Emile Henry Large Bread Loaf Baker in vibrant red that can bake bread up to 1.5kg.

Find the perfect tin for making bread rolls

A mini loaf pan will give you the option to make small bread rolls or loaf cakes that are the perfect size for fitting into lunch boxes. Shop Pyrex Platinum Petite Loaf Pan with a non-stick surface for easily baking up to 8 bread rolls or cakes. There's also the Bakemaster Silicone 12 Cup Mini Loaf Pan which is great when you want to bake a bigger batch.

Cooking tips for baking a cake or bread loaf in a bread tin

Before you dive in to baking your homemade bread, check out these handy tips to help you get the most out of the experience:

• Line the bread tin with baking paper, even if you have a non-stick loaf pan, to ensure the bread comes out easily.

• Fill your pan two thirds full with batter.

• Always bake your breads and cakes long and slow.

• Bake your cake in the centre of the oven.

• To avoid over browning the top of a cake, cover it with aluminium halfway through baking.

• An oven thermometer can help you to bake at a more precise temperature.

Cleaning, maintaining and storing your bread tin

While some bread tins are dishwasher-safe, it is generally recommended to wash them by hand and towel dry. Remember to season cast iron bread tins after washing. Check your individual product details for specific care instructions.

Other accessories to consider when purchasing a loaf tin

Add to your new loaf tin with these bakeware and baking accessories to make cooking sweet and savoury delights even easier!

• Cookie cutters

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Spatula

• Piping bag

• Pastry mat

• Rolling pin

Brands we know and trust

At Kitchen Warehouse, you can find all of the baking brands you know and love at amazing prices lower than RRP, including MasterPro, Daily Bake, Bakemaster, Emile Henry, Mondo, Baker's Secret and Pyrex.

Buying your bread tin online with Kitchen Warehouse

Browse our new arrivals and specials right from the comfort of your own home! We have the latest cookware, tableware, kitchenware and more available online for you to add to your wish lists or checkout now using flexible payment methods, including AfterPay. We also offer e-gift cards for spoiling someone special and free delivery when you spend over $100 Australia-wide.

FAQs:

What is the best tin for baking bread?
Bread making requires the right cake pan to ensure it cooks evenly and develops a wonderful outer crust. A bread tin is made specifically to bake bread with high sides that enable the bread to rise. Choose a non-stick bread tin made out of aluminised steel for even heating and easy removal. A perforated loaf pan helps create a rich golden crust, while a loaf pan with a lid will keep your bread from rising for a square-shaped bread loaf with consistent texture.

What sizes of bread tins are available?
The size of the bread tin you choose will depend on what you are baking and the amount of batter. At Kitchen Warehouse, you can find pans in a wide range of sizes, from medium tins measuring 25.4cm x 13cm x 5.8cm to large cast iron pans for artisan breads measuring 39cm x 26cm. We also have baguette trays for baking small baguettes and mini loaf pans, such as the Bakemaster Silicone 12 Cup Mini Loaf Pan that makes up to 12 small bread rolls measuring 9cm x 5cm x 2.5cm.