Baking dish: types, choice and application

In our time, culinary (and especially confectionery) direction is very common. Practically in every family, on holidays or for no reason, various cakes, cakes, muffins and pies are baked. For some, this is just a hobby, but for others - a real vocation and professional activity. And in none of these options is it possible to bake beautiful and varied goodies without a properly chosen shape. Let us consider in more detail what types of baking dishes exist, what are their features, and also we will get acquainted with the rules for using each of them.

For many, baking is a real art, so cooking the same kind of muffins and cakes becomes simply boring. In such cases, it is very important to use a variety of forms. Moreover, such forms have a number of very attractive features. For example, almost every form with a non-stick surface, so you can easily remove your pastries when ready. And with the correct consistency of dough, cooled pastries, extracted from this form, will exactly repeat its shape. That is why the most popular products with decor, for example, in the form of flowers, animals and other unusual forms.

An interesting fact is that initially all baking dishes were made of ceramics and later other options began to appear. It is also worth noting that almost every material used to make this kitchen item is environmentally safebut there are still some exceptions, to which we will pay special attention. It is noteworthy that in the manufacture of some products, as an example, deep elements of cookware were taken for cooking. Thus, following the example of boilers, pans, and in some cases, clay pots, deep baking forms were used for muffins, Easter cakes and other types of baking with sufficient height.

There are many varieties of bakeware, made of various materials, which have both their advantages and significant drawbacks. For example, steel products that do not have a non-stick coating are characterized in that baking can strongly adhere to the side walls and the bottom of the mold. This is a definite disadvantage, since the burnt products look not very attractive outwardly, and can also slightly taste bitter. The disadvantages of such forms also include the fact that they are strictly prohibited to use in microwave ovens.

Among the advantages of steel forms can be noted 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. Very impressive weight and not quite attractive appearance of cast-iron products can be attributed to the minuses of these forms, but that's about it, because there are much more pluses. Uniform surface heating allows baked products to gradually set from the inside, which will lead to faster and more complete cooking.

Aluminum forms are characterized by rapid heating and, accordingly, fast cooking of any dishes.. In addition, these products are very practical, low cost, and also quite light weight. But unfortunately, these forms are short-lived, and very easy to damage. It should be noted that these forms are made of aluminum foil, and often the foiled products are disposable.

Ceramic forms, like cast iron, are quite heavy, but, unfortunately, do not have a high level of wear resistance. Ceramic products are characterized by the appearance of chips and scratches, 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 shortcomings, but there are also positive aspects of their operation. In addition to visual appeal, ceramics will also help to preserve all the useful properties of the dish, maintain its temperature for a longer time, and also be completely safe for health.

There are also very attractive in terms of characteristics, but having a high cost, Teflon forms. These products are equipped with a non-stick coating, so baking does not stick to the surfaces of the mold. And they are very resistant to high temperatures, which has a positive effect on the duration of their service life. The negative sides include susceptibility to damage, both mechanical and some chemical means. In addition, when using Teflon dishes sharp temperature drops are not allowed, therefore, the interaction of a hot object with a cold liquid is strictly prohibited.

At the moment, the most popular are rubber forms. But they are only called rubber, and in fact are made of high-strength, heat-resistant silicone. Although such forms are very susceptible to open flames and excessively high temperatures, they do not differ in high wear resistance, yet there are a number of advantages that far exceed the number of drawbacks.

For example, these forms are very easy to use and care; they are not susceptible to rust and other metal changes that may occur when in contact with chemicals and certain detergents. Silicone forms keep their shape perfectly when they cool, but they can deform when heated. In addition, the products have a very attractive cost, do not react to sudden temperature changes, and also have anti-burn 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, Heart shape, no matter what material it is made of, is most suitable for baking cupcakes and pies from liquid dough. A very original form will be an excellent option for preparing an edible surprise for its second half.

It is a fairly large metal element in the form of a figure, it can be flowers, stars, hearts, snowflakes and much more. This element is mounted on a long pin, which is equipped with a wooden handle. Thus, the principle of making brushwood is quite simple and safe:

• the form is dipped in the batter;
• the element with the dough is immersed in oil;
• It is necessary to get ready brushwood after it gets a beautiful golden shade.

The “Bear” form is much like the “Heart” in its characteristics. Most often, these forms are made in the soft version - from heat-resistant silicone, much less often they are found in metallic variations. This form is perfect for baking sweets for children's events. Large round shapes are very often used to bake cakes for cakes and high biscuits. The advantage of round metal molds with low sides is also that they can make pizza or any cake for which the dough is not liquid. In addition, there are split options and with high sides, which are suitable for the preparation of unusual confectionery, such as cotton cheesecake.

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

Often baking forms are used with a lid, which are divided into two types: for some, the lid is plastic and is needed only to cover the dish after cooking it for storage in the refrigerator, while for 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 need to be thoroughly roasted from the inside, and after that you can open the lid and let the pie redden on top.

The ring is a rather unusual baking dish., because it represents only the walls, not equipped with a bottom and top. This element is most often used for making cakes from various thick types of dough. When baking, the form is simply put on parchment paper and on a baking sheet, so that the cake will not burn. There is a wide variety of ring shapes that differ in the presence or absence of a detachable mechanism in height, diameter and size, so each housewife can choose for himself the right one.

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

We should also highlight the forms for making tartlets, because they can easily be confused with items designed to make cupcakes. Products of this type can be represented both in the form of individual single elements and in the form of a tray with recesses, and their main difference will be that they are less deep than the forms for cupcakes. Products may also vary in diameter, edge shape and size. In addition, there are large options for making tartes and quiches.

There are only two options for baking tubes - cylinders and cones. In either case, a thin rolled dough strip is wrapped around the mold, then placed in a preheated oven for a certain amount of time. These attributes are great for making dessert, known to us since childhood - puff pastry tubes and cream filling. For baking donuts, forms similar to the attributes for cupcakes and tartlets are used., but characterized by the fact that they are equipped with a small detail in the middle, thanks to which a traditional hole is made in the middle of the donut. It also attracts the fact that thanks to certain 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 dishes for baking. Some of them have worldwide fame and a lot of positive reviews, speaking about the quality and reliability of products, while others are just widely advertised brands whose forms can withstand just a couple of uses. Let us consider in more detail which manufacturers are the best and, indeed, deserve attention and recognition.

The brand Tefal although it is of European origin, it has long been known around the world, which is not surprising at all. Cookware from this manufacturer has a fairly high cost, but it is absolutely justified, since the high quality of 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 appearance of its collections. The products of this manufacturer are made of high-strength steel alloys, as well as of heat-resistant silicone, which allows operating forms at high temperatures in both electric heated ovens and gas equipment.

Taller is an international manufacturer and has factories in several locations around the world. Cookware of this brand is very popular not only due to its 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, whose popularity is widespread throughout the world. The manufacturer is famous for the manufacture of dishes from heat-resistant glass for ovens and ceramic electric stoves.

Surely every housewife wants to have in her kitchen a baking dish, or even more than one. But in order to choose a truly high-quality product that will last you for many years, you need to take into account a number of simple rules.

• When choosing, you should not be guided by low cost. Very often, under an attractive price or a stunning action, there is a poor-quality or damaged product.
• We should also mention the damage.Very often inadvertently or in a hurry, you can purchase a damaged baking dish. Most often among the damages there are chips of ceramics and barely noticeable scratches on the non-stick coating, so when choosing, it is necessary to carefully examine the external state of the object.
• If you have conceived the preparation of any particular dish, you must choose the appropriate form for it in size and parameters.
• Nevertheless, it is worth paying attention to the elements with a non-stick coating, since it will be possible to easily make baking of any kind in them without the use of a huge amount of butter.
• It is not recommended to get too heavy forms, because in the process of cooking, filled with something, they will become even harder, which can seriously impede the movement of the object.
• Very often, you can run into a fake quality dishes of famous brands. When in doubt, you should carefully examine the documentation that is attached to absolutely any expensive dishes, and also pay attention to the cost - if it is too low, it is likely that you have a fake.
• In addition, very often under the guise of non-stick coating issued ordinary paint, which does not withstand a constant load in the form of high temperatures. Non-stick coating remains on the surface of the dish almost forever, while the paint will begin to go after just a few uses.

It is not enough just to know the purpose of a particular subject, as well as the rules for choosing it. It is also necessary to properly use the various baking dishes, only then they can serve you for many years.

• First of all, Teflon and other metal products with a non-stick coating it is strictly forbidden to wash using solid brushes and metal sponges. Mechanical impact may damage the coating, which will lead to loss of functionality of this dish.
• In addition, the coating can be damaged by sudden changes in temperature. Therefore, it is not recommended to start washing the form immediately after baking one or another product; it is necessary to allow this form to cool.
• When using silicone forms it is strictly forbidden to use sharp cutting objects. Silicone, although it is heat-resistant, is still unstable to the mechanical effects of this kind, and when deep scratches and cuts appear, it will simply become unsuitable.
• About abrasive dishwashing detergents should be forgotten, since their components adversely affect the condition of the coating of such dishes.
• When using certain types of forms, additional lubrication with oil may be necessary, but manufacturers, as a rule, mention this in the instructions.
• If your dish is still burnt, it is strictly forbidden to scrub it with metal objects. It is recommended to use a wooden, plastic or silicone spatula, and after cooling down, soak the form in water and allow the burnt particles to stand on their own.

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