Finding the right baking trays for your needs (baking sheets, oven trays and more)

Along with mixing bowls and moulds, baking trays are an essential cookware item that no serious baker would be without. Baking trays can be used to create a wide range of sweet treats and savoury dishes, from decadent cakes and cookies to pies and roast chicken. They come in many different types, shapes and sizes. Here are some of the most common:

1. Baking pan. A baking pan is typically made out of metal and can be used to bake cakes, brownies, bread, roast veggies, meatloaf and more.

2. Baking dish. Baking dishes are typically made of glass or porcelain and are commonly used for baking casseroles, vegetables, pies and desserts like bread pudding.

3. Muffin pan. This tray has a series of round holes that are perfect for baking muffins and cupcakes.

4. Cake pan. A cake pan or cake tin is round with high sides to bake cakes and cheesecakes. Many come with a loose base to release the cake easily once baked.

5. Swiss roll pan. This tray is wide with shallow edges for baking a thin layer of sponge cake that is then rolled up into a cylinder with filling to make Swiss rolls.

6. Loaf pan. A loaf pan is long and rectangular with high sides for baking bread and loaf cakes.

7. Baking sheet. A baking sheet, also called a cookie sheet, has a flat rectangular base and shallow sides for everything from baking cookies to roasting meat and vegetables.

8. Pizza pan. A pizza pan, or pizza crisper tray, is circular for baking pizzas. It has holes in it to promote air circulation for a crispy, golden base.

9. Roasting pan. A roasting pan is large with deep sides and often comes with a roasting rack to cook meats in the oven at high temperatures.

Different shape and size considerations of baking trays

Discover a huge range of baking trays in every shape and size to suit your every need. We have cookie pans, Swiss roll pans and baking sheets by brands like Pyrex and Chef Inox with shallow sides for baking cookies, pavlovas, sheet cakes and more.

There's the Mondo Pro Lamington Pan for baking an Aussie favourite, Daily Bake Cup Doughnut Pan for homemade donuts or bagels and muffin pans for jumbo muffins, petite cupcakes and even madeleines, such as the Pyrex Platinum 12 Cup Muffin Pan.

We also have round or rectangular fluted quiche pans in various sizes, deep baking dishes and baking sets by Falcon Enamelware for diverse sweet and savoury dishes.

Understanding your materials when choosing a baking tray (metal, ceramic, glass and silicone etc)

The material of your baking tray will have a direct impact on your baking. The most common materials used to make baking trays include:

• Aluminium. Aluminium baking pans are the best heat conductor. They're also lightweight with even heat distribution.

• Ceramic. Ceramic baking dishes have excellent heat retention and are great for dishes like casseroles and pasta bakes.

• Glass. A glass baking dish is non-reactive with great heat retention. It also works well with casseroles, lasagnes, cobblers and more.

• Silicone. A silicone baking tray is flexible for easy removal of muffins and cupcakes.

Types of baking tray finish options to choose from (non-stick finishes, etc)

There are non-stick baking trays and baking trays that need to be greased before baking to prevent the food from sticking to the edges. A tray with a non-stick coating makes baking a breeze as your baked treat will slide easily out of the pan after it is cooked. A carbon steel baking tray has a natural non-stick coating that builds up each time you season it with oil.

Baking tray colour finish options and the benefits (light finish vs dark finish)

Did you know that the colour of your baking pan can affect your baking? A pan with a dark, matte finish will bake your goods faster while a pan with a light, shiny finish will bake the same goods more slowly.

Cooking tips when using a baking tray

If you're new to the exciting world of baking, we've put together a few handy tips to help you get the most out of the experience:

• Rest freshly baked goods such as cakes and muffins on a cooling rack where air can circulate beneath them and prevent sogginess.

• Avoid using aluminium baking trays with acidic ingredients as it is reactive.

• Baked goods bake faster in a thick metal pan than in a thinner one.

• Grease non-stick baking trays for extra insurance against sticking.

• Unless specified, always use baking trays at room temperature and place them into a preheated oven.

• Don't overfill pans to allow for rising.

Essential baking tray and bakeware kit recommendations for beginners

When you're just starting out, you'll want to stock up on the basics and add to your collection as your skills grow. Check out these fantastic products for beginners:

• Bakemaster Non-Stick Round Springform Cake Pan

• Chef Inox Baking Sheet Aluminium

• Falcon Enamelware Rectangle Baking Tray

• Daily Bake Silicone Muffin Pan 12 Cup Red

From Mastercraft to Le Creuset - brands we know and trust

Discover all of your favourite baking brands at amazing prices lower than RRP, including Le Creuset, Bakemaster, MasterPro, Pyrex, Baker's Secret, Mondo and Daily Bake.

Buying online with Kitchen Warehouse

From the finest tableware and drinkware to cookware, kitchenware, appliances and everything in between - you can find all you need to complete the heart of your home at Kitchen Warehouse. Add your favourites to a wishlist or checkout with free delivery over $100 to anywhere in Australia, including NSW, QLD and VIC. You can also choose Click & Collect and pick up your items from your nearest store. Left it to the last minute to buy a present? Surprise the cook in your life with a gift card for any special occasion!

FAQs:

What is the most important thing to do before using a baking tray?

Whether you buy non-stick bakeware or not, one of the best things you can do before baking is to line your tray with baking paper. This piece of parchment acts as a layer of insulation between the tray and your food which will prevent it from burning and ensure even cooking. Plus, it will help to keep your baking trays mess-free which makes them easier to clean!

What is a common use for a baking tray?

Baking trays are incredibly versatile and can be used to whip up both sweet and savoury masterpieces. They come in different types for baking different goods. Sheet pans are great for cookies, biscuits and pastries, baking pans are best for brownies and slices and an oven tray is excellent for casseroles and puddings. Use a muffin pan for muffins and cupcakes, a loaf pan for breads and loaf cakes and a round baking tray for cakes and cheesecakes.