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These tried-and-true pieces are a baker's dream
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, you'll always be glad to have good baking pans, cookie sheets, and muffin tins at the ready. And if you're registering for your upcoming wedding, it's the perfect time to replace those old bakeware pieces or acquire the basics—you'll be making magazine cover-worthy cakes, pies, and cookies before you know it.
Looking for pieces that transition seamlessly from oven to table or something made of a particular material, like non-stick metal, stone, cast iron, silicon, or glass)? Or you might have a specific item in mind that'll make your next baking session that much more fun—think decorative pie plates, bundt forms for coffee cakes, or springform pans for the perfect cheesecake.
In any case, we've got you covered. We researched the best bakeware sets and pieces, evaluating each based on material, price, quality, and whether it's available for an online registry.
Read on for the best bakeware.
This 10-piece set of bakeware is a winner for sure. The steel cores ensure even heat distribution, and the interlocking layers of nonstick coating allow for quick and easy food release every time. All items are made of durable, heavy aluminum and are dishwasher and oven safe up to 500 degrees. Calphalon's set is reasonably priced, excellent quality, and includes every piece of bakeware you'll ever need.
Price at time of publish: $97
Chicago Metallic's six-piece bakeware set is inexpensive, but it certainly isn't cheap. The sheets and pans are made of heavy-weight aluminized steel for superior heat conduction, and the rims are reinforced with wire rods to keep them from warping. The dual-layer, diamond-quality, nonstick finish resists abrasion, allows for easy food release, and makes cleanup quick and simple, just how we like it.
Price at time of publish: $47
There are many benefits to buying metal bakeware. It's sleek and durable, and many metals (like aluminum) conduct heat especially well. All-Clad's 10-piece set has these qualities, and then some. The pans and sheets in this collection are made of warp-resistant, commercial-grade aluminized steel, and they're coated with a nonstick material that resists scratches and stains. Their oversized, integrated handles offer a comfortable and safe grip as well.
Price at time of publish: $200
Because of its flexibility, silicone is a perfect material for anyone who wants to create treats in fun shapes. Food release is easy as pie with even the most elaborate designs. The cleanup process is also super easy since they're naturally nonstick and dishwasher safe. This particular set is made of BPA-free, food-grade silicone and comes in a cute confetti pattern. Baking has never been so festive!
Price at time of publish: $35
Glass pans are simple and classic—and they also retain heat longer than bakeware made of most other materials. For these reasons, they're perfect not only for cooking and baking but for serving dishes at the table. For top-notch glass bakeware, Libbey's Bakers's Basics Set is a great option. It's well-made and has all the essentials: a mixing bowl, a pie plate, two bake dishes, and a covered casserole dish perfect for storing leftovers.
Price at time of publish: $40
If you're serious about your cookies or one-pan meals, this pair of sheets pans is a must. These premium pans are made of heavy-duty aluminum, and their rims are reinforced with galvanized steel to prevent warping and ensure durability. Their half-sheet size is also super convenient, allowing you to cook more recipes at once without overcrowding your oven.
Price at time of publish: $52
This isn't just any pie plate. Artfully handcrafted out of French clay, it diffuses heat evenly and resists scratches. It can withstand temperatures up to 520 degrees and is microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe. This pie plate is also simply a gorgeous gift for any foodie. The scalloped edges cut an elegant silhouette, and it comes in the most beautiful shades, from bright red to a soft, subtle green.
Price at time of publish: $50
If you're a cake baker, your search for "the one" is finally over. Available in seven sizes, this cake pan is made of heavy-duty, commercial-gauge aluminized steel to promote uniform heat conduction and even baking and browning. It has a unique ridged surface that allows for increased airflow, and its extra-thick rolled edges make it durable and warp-resistant. The pan's nonstick silicone coating ensures that your baked goods release easily and makes cleanup, well…a piece of cake.
Price at time of publish: $22
Nordic Ware's Crown Bundt Pan yields a cake that truly is fit for a queen. Its ornate design has been updated for a modern look, leaving you with an end product that is both elegant and unique. On a more practical note, the pan's ribbon detailing ensures that your cake will effortlessly catch glaze and ganache for a consistently flawless presentation. The pan is made of durable cast aluminum, heats evenly, and releases perfectly.
Price at time of publish: $72
If you're baking at high temperatures, stone bakeware is your best bet as it can usually withstand much higher heat than other materials. And if you're going to get stoneware, Le Creuset is the way to go. This three-piece set of enamel-glazed stoneware is gorgeous in Caribbean blue, cerise, white, and graphite. It works well in the oven and looks fantastic on the table—whether you're serving up lasagna or freshly baked brownies. It's also ideal for storing leftovers and reheating them in the microwave.
Price at time of publish: $295
If you're looking for a bigger-ticket item to add to your wedding registry, consider this splurge-worthy bakeware set from Caraway. It comes with two baking sheets, a cooling rack, a rectangular pan, a square pan, a muffin tin, a bread pan, two circular cake pans, and two storage caddies for keeping everything organized. Each thoughtfully designed piece is made of high-quality aluminized steel with a nonstick ceramic coating and stainless steel handles.
Price at time of publish: $395
These mixing bowls might look basic to the untrained eye, but they're actually a baker's dream—and the perfect wedding gift. Whether you're whipping up cake batter, cookie dough, pie crust, brownie batter, or frosting, you'll always have the perfect size on hand. Beyond baking, you can use them for salads, sliced bread, dips, dressing—you name it. The five bowls nest into each other for easy-peasy storage, and the durable stainless steel is dishwasher-safe and freezer-friendly.
Price at time of publish: $60
Want to try your hand at homemade bread? The Pro Loaf Pan from Sur La Table is just the thing. Made of thick aluminized steel, the commercial-quality design promises exceptional durability and rust resistance while transferring heat like a champ. It also features steel wire on the rims to prevent warping and denting while the textured surface encourages airflow for more even baking and an effortless release every time.
Price at time of publish: $30
Type and Purpose: here's a wide range of bakeware out there, so you'll want to have an idea of what pieces you want before beginning your search. The basics include sheet pans, muffin tins, bread pans, cake pans, and cooling racks, which you can get as a starter set, like the Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Set. You'll also find these as individual pieces, along with specialty items, such as covered casserole dishes, dutch ovens, pie plates, and bundt cake pans, like the Nordic Ware Crown Bundt Pan.
Material: The type of material used is perhaps the most important thing to consider when buying bakeware. Look for heavy-duty, heat-conducting elements like aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, copper, or stone for even baking and perfect results, every time. If you prefer metal, we recommend the aluminized steel All-Clad Pro-Release Bakeware Set. But if you're interested in stoneware, you can't go wrong with the Le Creuset 5-Piece Ceramic Bakeware Set.
Retailer and Registry: Pay attention to the retailer, too, as some online bakeware sellers make it easier to add items to your wedding registry than others. A few of the best places to register for bakeware include Amazon, Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Target, Bloomingdale's, and Food52. There are also sites like Zola that allow you to add items from multiple other retailers.
Bakeware—pie plates, baking sheets, cake pans, muffin tins, etc.—is used to prepare dishes in the oven. Cookware—like saucepans, frying pans, and pots—are used to prepare food on the stovetop.
That really depends on the baker. For instance, if you're heavy-handed, glass and stoneware might not be the best choice for you. If you love to make intricately shaped baked goods, silicone may be the way to go. Each material (metal, glass, stoneware, silicone, cast iron) has its own pros and cons. Metal and glass are the most commonly used materials because they have a good reputation for being durable and yielding reliable results, but cast iron and stoneware are great for long-lasting heat distribution and oven-to-table charm.
Utensils get overlooked a lot, but the right one can make your job so much easier. A set of silicone baking spatulas in a variety of sizes will serve you well as will a good rolling pin and baking mat. A set of sturdy mixing bowls are also essential, and a stand mixer is an investment you'll use for years to come.
Mckenzie Eggers has been baking for as long as she can remember, and has seen quite a few cake, cupcake, and cookie mishaps—some caused by sub-par sheets and pans and some caused by…Mckenzie. Now that she's older, she knows what excellent bakeware looks like, and she's happy to share that information with anyone who will listen. This story was updated with additional products and insights by Theresa Holland, a freelance commerce writer specializing in home goods, weddings, and lifestyle.
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