If you have a passion for food and love spending time in the kitchen creating delicious foods, then having the best bakeware is a must. Bakeware offers versatility and allows you to create numerous tasty treats for yourself and your loved ones.
If you’re wondering what is the best baking pan set, I’ve reviewed a few for you in this bakeware buying guide.
Rachael Ray certainly isn’t the only choice. Here are my choices for the best bakeware sets of 2022:
- Rachael Ray 52410 Cucina Nonstick Bakeware Set (My favorite bakeware set!)
- Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Set, 6-Pieces (Most heavy-duty bakeware)
- OXO Good Grips 16-Piece Glass Bakeware Set (Best glass bakeware set)
- Nutrichef 8-Piece Carbon Steel Nonstick Bakeware Baking Tray Set (Runner Up for best bakeware)
- CorningWare Ceramic Bakeware, 12-Piece (Best ceramic bakeware set)
- Classic Cuisine Silicone Bakeware Set, 18-Piece (Best baking set on a budget)
Contents
How to Choose The Best Baking Pan Set
When shopping for the best non stick bakeware set, it helps to keep the following in mind:
Best Bakeware Material
When you’re baking or cooking, you want to make sure that the bakeware set’s material is a good heat conductor. This is important as you want your food to cook evenly.
I hate it when some cookies end up burnt while others are undercooked. The better the heat conductor of the material, the quicker it will react to the change in temperature, and the more evenly it will cook.
Oven Temperature
You also want to choose a bakeware set that’s oven-safe and can withstand oven temperatures of up to at least 232 degrees Celsius (450 degrees Fahrenheit) without warping.
When bakeware pieces are high-temp compatible, it means the baking pans won’t release any harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures. (As long as you stay below the recommended maximum temperature.)
Of course, a higher maximum oven temperature is always a good idea, yet it’s still worth checking your recipes. My favorite recipe has a baking temperature of just 177 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). So, I would consider buying a baking pan set with an oven-safe temperature around 205 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit), if it ticks all the other boxes.
Sometimes recipes have a much higher required temperature. In that case, make sure your baking dishes can take the heat!
Glass Pans
It’s more common to see glass baking sets than glass cookware, but how well do they work?
You can normally put glass bakeware pieces in a dishwasher.
What’s more it does let you keep an eye on your food to prevent overcooking.
While it’s not the best heat conductor, it does insulate and retain heat well.
Glass distributes heat evenly once it’s warmed up, and this will help cook your food as it absorbs more heat. Glass will stay warmer on the table for longer, which makes it great for casseroles, bread, and pies.
You do have to wait for the glass baking pans to cool down before washing it to prevent it from breaking.
Ceramic Pans
Ceramic has a soft and elegant appearance, and I can’t imagine a Crème brûlée being served in anything else. Like glass, ceramic doesn’t conduct heat well, but once s warmed up, ceramic baking pans will cook the food evenly and keep it warm for longer.
There are no chemicals in ceramic, which makes it oven-safe, and the non-porous surface won’t absorb odors from cooking. It won’t stain easily, and you can use the ceramic bakeware pieces in the microwave, freezer, oven, or refrigerator. It’s also safe enough to be washed in a dishwasher.
You’d have to be mindful not to put hot or warm bakeware into colder water as it can break. Ceramic bakeware is a fantastic option for lasagna, peach cobblers, and even bread.
Silicone Pans
Silicone bakeware sets have many benefits: Firstly, you don’t have to wait for them to cool down before removing the baked goods like you’d have to with metal, glass, or ceramic.
Silicone may not be a great heat conductor, but you’ll find it will cook your muffins evenly once it’s warmed. It’s also able to withstand higher temperatures without getting hot to the touch, and it won’t warp or lose its shape.
I find silicone bakeware makes it super easy to quickly turn out some nice muffins. If you’ve forgotten cupcakes for your child’s birthday party this can be a lifesaver. Believe me.
It’s also nice to have a silicone loaf pan for making quick breads as gifts. You can easily pop them out and wrap them up to give.
Aluminum/Steel Pans
Metal bakeware sets are likely to be more durable, quicker to heat, offer an even heat distribution and not crack with temperature changes.
Both aluminum and steel are great heat conductors, but they also have their differences. Aluminum is lightweight and is an excellent heat conductor. It can withstand high temperatures, and it will cook evenly, browning your baked goods.
Aluminum baking pans can warp, and the nonstick coating can wear off, which would then require you to replace the cookware.
Carbon steel bakeware sets are tough, naturally non stick, and oven safe.
A carbon steel baking pan will retain its shape, is effective at conducting heat, and is able to withstand heat. You’ll find it’ll brown the tops of your cakes.
Carbon steel, just like cast iron, does need to be treated more carefully though, unless it has a protective coating.
Cast iron is typically not used in bakeware sets. However if you like your cast iron then you may not need a bakeware set as you might just be able to use the pans you have already, since cast iron cookware is so flexible.
Nonstick Coating or Not
Even if you are keen on nonstick bakeware sets, you can look into buying cookware free from Bisphenol A (BPA) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
Non-stick pans aren’t made equally, and there are concerns about their safety. Although any pan has to meet strict standards, there can be concerns around the chemicals used..
While it’s not actually dangerous, unless over heated, some people do try to avoid Teflon bakeware sets. If you are in that category, be aware that Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the active ingredient of Teflon.
You shouldn’t expose your non-stick baking pan set to temperatures higher than the manufacturer recommends. This is normally 260 degrees Celcius (500 degrees Fahrenheit) or less.
I tend to use silicone or wooden utensils with non-stick. This helps preserve the non-stick coating and prevent chipping or peeling.
It’s also better to hand wash the non-stick baking set rather than putting it in the dishwasher as this helps maintain the integrity of the non-stick coating.
If you are keen on avoiding non-stick, another alternative is a baking sheet. This heat-proof parchment let’s you cook what you want, normally has some non-stick properties, and can be thrown away when finished with.
What are the 5 types of baking pans?
Most bakeware sets come with a good range of pieces. Not sure which bakings pans you need for what? Let me help.
Round Pan aka Cake Pan
A round cake pan is the most fundamental piece in a baking pan set. These baking pans have a round circular wall and a circular base. They are typically used for cooking cakes. A variation is the “spring form” pan which will let you remove the sides, allowing you to more easily remove the cake. I prefer springform pans when baking cheesecake.
Round cake pans are among the most common products in any good baking pan set–and with good reason. Even if you don’t use them daily, when you need, you really need them.
Square Cake Pan
A slight variation on the round cake pan, is the square cake pan. Not all cakes are round. Not all baking pan sets will have a square cake pan. There is also a rectangular pan version.
Square cake pans are best when you want to make something a little different without being too adventurous.
Sheet Pans, Cookie Pans, or Cookie Sheets
These, typically rectangular, baking pans have very low sides. This prevents any fat or liquid overflowing, but they are typically used for cooking several items that don’t need to hold their shape. Cookies are the classic example of this, and so they are sometimes called cookie sheets.
This sort of rectangular pan is normally the one included with an oven, though it’s always helpful to have spares–especially if you are cooking lots of cookies at the same time.
Loaf Pans
A loaf pan is, well, a loaf-shaped rectangular baking pan (i.e. roughly cuboid shaped, with high sides). It is, unsurprisingly, used mainly for loaves of bread.
There is a slight variation on the normal loaf pan; the meatloaf pan. This will have holes in the bottom to drain the fat from the meatloaf as it cooks. Just make sure you have something underneath to catch it!
Many people choose to use a cast iron Dutch oven instead of a loaf pan for bread. I explain more in my best Dutch oven for baking bread guide. However, I do like using a loaf pan for quick breads like banana bread.
Muffin Tins or Muffin Pans
Muffin tins are rectangular shaped baking pans with lots of circular “dents” to hold cupcakes or muffins. They slide into your oven like a sheet pan or shelve.
These are super convenient for baking muffins, but make sure to coat your muffin pan with plenty of butter before adding the batter. Otherwise you will struggle to remove your cupcakes.
A muffin pan is one of the hardest types of baking pan to substitute. The easiest way is to get individual muffin molds and put them on a tray in the oven. But why not just go the whole hog and buy a muffin pan?
As an added bonus, a muffin pan is great for baking anything you want in a small snackable size. For example, mini-meatloaf, tiny bread bowls, etc.
Other baking pans
I said 5 right? Surely they aren’t more baking dishes? Well, the five I listed are the most common. There are some other specialized baking pans I thought it worth mentioning:
Tube pans are like round cake pans but with a hole coming through the middle. Basically they are donut shaped.
Bundt pans are similar to tube pans but have more ridges and shapes, they are for making fancy bundt cakes.
Pie pans are similar to a round cake pan but have a lower side wall.
Pizza pans are not something I would normally class as “bakeware” but some people do, and I can see why. If you are after a pizza pan, check out my guide to deep dish pizza pans.
I’m sure there’s some other wonderful baking pan out there that I’ve missed! To be honest, I look forward to discovering it!
Best Bakeware Set Reviews
There are bakeware sets for all types of occasions; if you’ve wanted to indulge in a new baking pan set to add to your kitchen collection, you may be wondering what you should get.
I’ve reviewed bakeware sets that range from Carbon Steel to Glass and Ceramic so you can choose what would best suit your baking needs.
Here are my best bakeware sets for you to compare.
Rachael Ray 52410 Cucina Nonstick Bakeware Set- Best Bakeware Overall
This nonstick bakeware set has 10 pieces allowing you to bake tiered cakes, muffins, or bread. Each pan has silicone grips on the handles, which makes taking it out of the oven with mitts on easier.
Thanks to the carbon steel construction, these pans cook evenly and disperse heat quickly; this will allow you to easily turn the pan upside down for a quick release.
The carbon steel is lightweight and has a non-stick coating that unfortunately isn’t PTFE free. This baking pan set is oven safe and can withstand high temperatures of 232 degrees Celsius (450 degrees Fahrenheit) without warping
Be aware that if you go to temperatures higher than that, you run the risk of the baking pans warping, the non-stick coating emitting fumes, or the silicone handles melting.
This non-stick bakeware set comes with:
- Two cookie pans aka cookie sheets (12 cookies each)
- One 12-cup muffin / cupcake pan
- Two loaf pans
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- One 9 X 9-inch square cake pan, One 9 X 13 inch rectangular pan (with lid)
Each baking pan set comes with a quality assurance guarantee. They recommend you don’t use non-stick sprays as this can lead to an oily build-up that can damage the non-stick coating. The instructions also recommend hand washing the pans to maintain the integrity of the non-stick coating.
Two round cake pans is a nice touch, as it lets you more easily do layered cakes.
Yes I know you can do one big cake and cut it, but if it goes wrong you end up with a mess! This is easier, plus if you are happy to cut your cakes you can have even more layers.
I like this stylish baking set. It’s not the most durable nor the most affordable but it ticks all the boxes, looks nice, and performs well.
Pros:
- Can withstand up to 232 degrees Celsius (450 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Silicone handles
- Made from Carbon Steel
- Even heat distribution
- Quality assurance guarantee
- Non-stick bakeware set
Cons:
- You can’t put these products in the dishwasher
- Stick to temperature limit
- Nonstick coating contains PTFE (Teflon)
You can also find this nonstick bakeware set on Bed Bath and Beyond:
Calphalon 6 piece Nonstick Bakeware Set- Most Heavy-Duty
If you’re new to baking, this would be a great bakeware set to begin with, as it comes with everything that you’d need to start. You’ll whip up cookies, carrot cakes or even mix a batch of muffins with this set. Here’s what it includes:
- 2 8-inch round cake pans
- Medium loaf pan
- 9×13-inch cake pan
- 12-cup muffin pan
- 10×15-inch baking sheet
Plus the durable pans should last a long time, if treated correctly.
It’s lightweight and can withstand temperatures up to 230 degrees Celsius (450 degrees Fahrenheit), and you’ll find the pans distributing heat evenly, which will help brown your cakes and muffins.
This six-piece nonstick bakeware set is designed to last a lifetime and comes with a full 10-year warranty. You will need to read the care instructions that come with it, as you can only use wooden or silicone utensils, which will not damage the non stick layer.
You may notice some rust around the edges after many washes, and the nonstick coating could peel off after prolonged use.
Yet, if you look after it, the Calphalon nonstick bakeware set should last longer than any of the others reviewed. I recommend hand washing, immediately drying and not stacking with other cookware.
Pros
- Full 10-year warranty
- Durable and lightweight
- Non stick layer makes it easy to clean
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-stick bakeware
Cons
- Pans may warp in high temperatures
- Contains PTFE (Teflon)
- Take care – reports of rusting and nonstick coating peeling
OXO Good Grips 16-Piece Glass Bakeware Set-Best Bakeware with Borosilicate Glass
This 16 piece bakeware set is made from borosilicate glass, which makes it versatile as it can be used in the freezer as well as in the oven. If you’re pre-cooking meals, then these glass pans will be nifty as they have locking tabs on the lids for a secure seal, and you won’t have to worry about freezer burn.
All you have to do is defrost your meal and then pop it in the oven or the microwave. The glass bakeware will cook the meal evenly, and the glass retains heat, so it will take the food longer to cool down; this is great for Sunday lunches when loved ones may want a second helping.
The longer handles extending out of the sides make it easy to remove from the oven and put on the table even with oven mitts. You can put the glass pans into the dishwasher, but make sure it’s packed in gently so it won’t break.
Some customers have reported spontaneous breaking due to cooling in the air too quickly. The best way to avoid this is to let the cookware cool slowly in the still hot oven.
Pros
- From freezer to oven to table
- Containers nest together
- Extended handles
- Lids have locking tabs
Cons
- Reports of glass may spontaneously breaking
- Lids have sizable vents making food storage difficult
- Lids may not have a tight fit to cover the dish securely
Nutrichef 8-Piece Carbon Steel Nonstick Bakeware Set- Runner-Up Best Bakeware
If you’re worried about not having enough space in your kitchen for all the bakeware, then this nonstick bakeware set could be right for you. Its design allows you to stack the pans on top of each other for easy storage. It comes with:
- Baking pa
- Pizza pan
- 2 round cake pans
- Square pan
- Loaf pan
- Cookie sheet
- 12-cup muffin tin
They’re made from Bisphenol A (BPA) free, lightweight carbon steel metal; this will warm up and distribute the heat evenly so that your cakes brown nicely. It can safely withstand temperatures of 230 degrees Celsius (446 degrees Fahrenheit) without burning food or staining.
You should know that at very high temperatures, the pan could warp, and the silicone grips could melt. It’s advisable not to exceed the maximum recommended temperature.
Once you’re ready to clean your pans, all you’ll need is some warm soapy water, and you’ll find it will be clean in a few seconds after use. It’s best to use wooden or silicone utensils as metal utensils can damage the non stick surface.
Pros:
- Stackable design for easy storage
- Made from BPA-free carbon steel metal
- Stain-resistant material
- Heat safe up to 230 degrees Celsius (446 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Non-stick bakeware
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- Can’t use metal utensils on the pans as it will damage the non-stick surface
- Non-stick coating could bubble and peel off
- Silicone grips can melt in the oven
- Reports of pans warping
CorningWare 12 piece Ceramic Bakeware- Best Ceramic Bakeware Set
Is there anything better than a peach cobbler on a Sunday afternoon? This ceramic bakeware set will give you an excuse to use it every day of the week. It will allow you to prepare a meal ahead of time, freeze it, and pop it into the oven when you want that particular meal.
There are no harmful chemicals when you cook with ceramic, it may take a while to warm up, but once it does, it’ll retain the heat and keep the food warmer for longer on the table.
The downside is that there are no handles, which makes moving it around slightly difficult. The glass covers may also not fit as tightly as other sets.
This bakeware set is dishwasher safe, but you’d have to make that the pans not dropped or incorrectly stacked as they will break.
This is undoubtedly a stylish baking pan set, and is very tempting. I’m just a little worried that I wouldn’t take enough care and these could get chipped or cracked. If you treat your cookware and bakeware well, consider this CorningWare French white bakeware set.
Pros:
- Has a non-porous surface
- Doesn’t contain PTFE or PFOA.
- From oven-to-table bakeware
- Versatile
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Ceramic is easily breakable compared to other bakeware sets
- Glass covers don’t fit as securely
- Bakeware doesn’t have handles to hold onto when removing it from the oven
Classic Cuisine 18-Piece Silicone Bakeware Set- Best Bakeware Set on a Budget
If you’re looking for an alternative to non stick coatings, then consider silicone bakeware sets.
This bakeware set is made from food-grade silicone, which is non-toxic and contains no chemical byproducts. It’s also oven safe and can withstand temperatures up to 230 degrees Celsius (450 degrees Fahrenheit.)
There’s no mess, no fuss, as you can put the silicone into the dishwasher without it losing its shape or color. This 18 piece bakeware set also includes a bundt pan, cupcake molds, and a pie pan.
You may want to place your batter filled molds onto a sturdy baking sheet as silicone is flexible, and you don’t want to drop the batter before you reach the oven. Although the flexibility helps get food out, they may not always hold their shape well, and in some cases, the food may have a slightly rubbery taste.
Pros
- Versatile bakeware set
- Made from food-grade silicone
- Dishwasher safe
- 18 piece set
Cons
- Silicone can feel flimsy, and you may need to place the silicone mold on a baking tray
- Some may find the bakeware set to be too small
- Food may have a rubber taste to it
- Silicone molds may not hold their shape
FAQs
Are bakeware sets really necessary?
Bakeware sets contain many useful pieces, but they cost money and take up room in the kitchen. Do you really need that many baking dishes?
I think some of the baking pans are essential, mainly the sheet pan and the round cake pan. At some point you will absolutely need these, and they are hard to substitute.
If you are regularly baking cake, you may need two round cake pans, of the same size, as this will help you with layered and tiered cakes.
However not every baking pan is needed, the loaf pan is a good example of this. If you are comfortable with cast iron a Dutch oven can substitute for a loaf pan. Plus most people don’t bake their own bread anyway.
Can you put baking sheets in the oven?
Don’t let the paper-like appearance fool you: Baking or parchment sheets are designed for oven use. Use them to cover the surface of any oven-safe pan; they contain the mess, reduce stickiness and allow instant clean up. They’re even helpful with baking pans!
Are baking sheets necessary?
If you have a decent non-stick baking pan set, you probably don’t need baking sheets, also known as parchment paper. They are ideal for preventing sticking and minimizing clean up time.
If you don’t have a non-stick bakeware set, either use parchment paper or coat the inside of your baking pans with butter to prevent sticking.
Do you need a cooling rack for baking?
No. The cooling rack can help heat and cool the baked product evenly. Yet I’ve not noticed a difference when using them vs not using them. It can also be a bit messier to use them.
If you do want to use a cooling rack: The wire metal removable shelves in your oven can normally server as cooling racks (as long as they have some sort of feet to stand off the ground.)
In my experience most ovens already come with these cooling racks.
Best Bakeware Sets: The Winner
The Rachael Ray 52410 Cucina Nonstick Bakeware Set is my favorite bakeware set overall. It’s a complete bakeware set that will have you preparing delicious treats for your family while making sure that they’re kept safe from any chemicals.
The steel construction will make sure that the treats bake evenly, and with the pan being oven-safe, you won’t have to worry that it will warp at high temperatures. This 10 piece set will be the reason that you’re baking every day, trying new and different foods.
I would prefer it to be dishwasher safe, but, it’s so easy to clean that I don’t really mind. Way take up dishwasher space with a large bakeware set you can wipe down?
It’s rare to find durable non-stick, but this is a set that should last.
Convenient, tough, stylish and easy to use – just what I need.
This set is also available on Bed Bath and Beyond.
And, you can find this bakeware set, with a slightly different coloring on Canadian Best Seller.
CBS ships to all of North America, and can sometimes have good offers on cookware.