Best metal set for beginners: Nordic Ware 5-piece baking setBest stoneware set: Le Creuset Stoneware Heritage 4-piece Bakeware SetBest nonstick: Rachael Ray 52410 Cucina Nonstick Bakeware SetBest glass baking dishes: Pyrex Deep Baking Dish, 6-piece setBest budget: Farberware Nonstick Steel Bakeware 10-Piece Set
Be confident in your baking with the best bakeware sets
Setting up a kitchen with the proper bakeware involves more than collecting random pieces over the years from your parents and roommates. A bit of research helps you determine which pieces you need, which of these sets of baking essentials give you the most for your money, and which materials fit your style of baking the best. If you’ve looked online or in a store only to be overwhelmed by the hundreds of choices available, then it’s easy to give up and just go with whatever’s in stock. But doing so may not yield the best results for you—you might end up spending money on bakeware you really don’t need, or that doesn’t quite give you the results you want. When it comes to bakeware, there are two main categories to pay attention to: material and shape. The material is what the bakeware is made of, and this is often the place where many people get overwhelmed. Then you have the shape. The shape you buy depends on the function. For instance, loaf pans, cookie sheets, bundt pans, and cake pans all have different functions. Let’s take a look at the best bakeware sets so you don’t have to rely on leftover cake pans and baking tools, and can confidently bake your next masterpiece with the best bakeware.
How to select the right bakeware set
One of the reasons why choosing bakeware seems somewhat confusing is because of the sheer number of choices. Whether it’s glassware, ceramic, Pyrex—you get the idea—there are a variety of different materials to choose from. Each material has advantages, and some have disadvantages, too.
Why would you want an aluminum bakeware set?
Aluminum is preferred by a large number of bakers thanks to its superior heat transfer properties. This gives consistent baking results for the right browning. Look for thick, higher-quality aluminum for the best results. However, aluminum is a softer metal, so it’s more prone to scratching and is higher maintenance versus other metals. There are also safety concerns with too much aluminum, although more information is needed.
When is it better to use a nonstick bakeware set?
Made from heavy-gauge steel and covered with a coating to allow for easy release of foods, nonstick is the solution for perfect pop-outs. Bakeware coated with a nonstick material like Teflon still gives the consistent baking results of metal, but makes presentations easier since your foods slide out. The downside of nonstick is you need to hand wash in soapy water to avoid damaging the coating, which means more time for cleaning up. There are also concerns about using a chemical coating at high temperatures and the chemicals coming into contact with your food.
What advantages are there to using a glass bakeware set?
If you prefer to bake with BPA-free materials, then glass is another solid option for baking success. It can withstand high temperatures, and is freezer-, microwave-, dishwasher-, and oven-safe. Glass lets you easily see how your baked goods and casseroles are progressing too, all without absorbing odors. But there are downsides —glassware is temperamental if you take it from cold temperatures to a hot oven too quickly, and could even shatter. Glass easily chips if it’s not handled properly, and its weight makes it slightly cumbersome.
Why would you want a stoneware bakeware set?
Stoneware, such as ceramic and enameled cast iron, offers plenty of advantages. Not only does the excellent heat retention allow for amazing baking and cooking results, stoneware is easy to clean. Ceramic and enameled cast iron products don’t have the chemicals added to them, so some people prefer this health aspect. Plus, with the proper care, stoneware can literally be passed down from one generation to the next because it is so durable.
What are the benefits of silicone bakeware?
Silicone bakeware provides nonstick and dishwasher-safe products in one package. You can also transfer silicone from the oven to the freezer and to the refrigerator for multiple storage options. And you never have to worry about silicone rusting. The downside to baking with silicone is that the material is vulnerable to cuts and doesn’t always allow for easy pop out, despite the nonstick properties. Silicone doesn’t perform well in super high temperatures either.
The best bakeware sets
There are a variety of materials available for baking, and each offers its own unique pros and cons. Before choosing a bakeware set, make sure you are realistic about how important properties such as nonstick, added chemicals, durability, and clean-up are to your regular baking routines.
Best metal set for beginners: Nordic Ware 5-piece baking set
The Nordic ware 5-piece baking set supplies an array of high-quality bakeware in one set. The set includes everything you need to start baking the most popular baked goods: cakes, cookies, muffins, and a loaf pan. The aluminum is designed for even heat distribution to give you dependable results and beautiful browning color.
Best stoneware set: Le Creuset Stoneware Heritage 4-piece Bakeware Set
The Le Creuset bakeware set is an enameled version of stoneware. This means you achieve the durability of stoneware without the scratching and chips stoneware often gets. Stoneware can withstand exceptional heat, which makes this set perfect for casseroles or dishes which bake at the higher temps.
Best nonstick: Rachael Ray 52410 Cucina Nonstick Bakeware Set
If your baked goods wind up stuck to your pans instead of on your serving platters, then nonstick bakeware is a great option. This Rachael Ray bakeware set includes everything you need for delightful baked goods, from muffins to cookies and loaves. Plus, the silicon handles ensure you have a firm grip when you’re fumbling with bulky oven mitts.
Best glass baking dishes: Pyrex Deep Baking Dish, 6-piece set
These Pyrex baking dishes come in three sizes to cover several baking needs, and can handle your deep dish meals too. The extra capacity comes in handy and this glassware conveniently also goes from oven-to-freezer in a heartbeat. This glass bakeware is perfect for storing your food—not only is it odor-resistant, but it cleans up in a flash too.
Best budget: Farberware Nonstick Steel Bakeware 10-Piece Set
If you want nonstick without the heavy price tag, you’ll love the Farberware Nonstick 10-piece set. Food pops out easily with the nonstick coating, allowing you to confidently bake and serve your masterpieces in one budget-friendly set. The lighter color promotes even baking, while the nonstick coating keeps you from scraping.
The final word on how to choose the best bakeware sets
Choosing the best bakeware set is not only possible, but it’s a fun way to stock up your kitchen with high-quality products. If you want to ensure continued baking success—or want to learn how to start baking with the right products—then look for materials and sizes that best suit your baking goals. No matter what you choose, if you’re confident in what you serve because you have the right bakeware set, then it makes entertaining and everyday meals so much more enjoyable.
