You’re about to whip up a batch of tangy lemon bars, and the recipe calls for preparing a 9×13 baking pan. Should you be baking with a glass pan or a metal one? Is one type better than the other for that recipe? The answer is yes, and we’ll explain the difference between a glass and metal baking dish (besides the material they’re made with, obviously). Here’s what you need to know before you make your next chocolate cake.
Test Kitchen Tip: In all the recipes developed by the Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen, a baking dish means an oven-safe glass or ceramic vessel while a baking pan refers to one made of metal.
When to Use Baking Pans (Metal)
Aluminum (nonstick or not) is an excellent choice for baking pans. They’re lightweight and conduct heat well for even baking, and results will be better than baking with a glass pan because of this. Pale or shiny metal pans, such as heavy-gauge aluminum, deliver a tender, delicate crust for breads and cookies. They’re also handy for easy sheet pan dinners. Dark metal pans, which conduct, retain, and distribute heat well, are for items that require more crispness or browning. Here are some instances when you should use metal baking pans.
- For nicely browned baked goods.
- For broiling. Do not use glass dishes or casseroles in the broiler because the high temperatures may cause the glass to shatter. Therefore, when broiling, use only metal pans or bakeware suitable for broiling.
- For roasting vegetables.
When to Use Baking Dishes (Glass or Ceramic)
Use baking dishes when a 2- or 3-quart baking dish is called for, specifically when baking egg dishes and acidic foods, including meat and citrus recipes, tomato-based dishes, and fruit-based crisps and cobblers. You don’t want to use glass or ceramic in temperatures higher than 425ºF. So, if you’re in a pinch and need to use glass or ceramic cookware for recipes that call for baking pans, reduce the baking temperature by about 25ºF.
It’s also important to note some glassware, such as Pyrex, can be prone to thermal shock, meaning rapid temperature change could cause your bakeware to shatter. Make sure your dishes are completely cool before refrigerating or freezing them. Or if you’ve got a breakfast casserole chilling overnight, allow it to come closer to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Now you know whenever you’re making our classic lasagna or peach cobbler recipe, and it says to prepare your rectangular baking dish, you’ll reach for one that’s glass or ceramic. And when you’re utilizing those ripe bananas to make some banana bread, prepare your metal baking pan for a perfect loaf.
