The round baking dish is intended for the preparation of cakes, pies, casseroles, pizza. It can have a different volume, be one-piece or detachable, made of various materials. The most commonly used are aluminum, ceramics, glass and silicone.
Metal molds
Round detachable baking dishes are made only of metal. The most commonly used steel. This option is notable for its affordable price, practicality and reliability, and the heating speed depends on the type of material: dark steel heats up faster, and light stainless steel takes longer to heat up. The inner surface is usually coated with Teflon to avoid sticking and burning of the product. Steel forms are resistant to aggressive detergents, the material is absolutely safe for humans, does not emit any harmful substances when heated. There is only one drawback for steel products - they cannot be put in the microwave.
Round aluminum baking dishes are cheaper, lightweight and heat up quickly. The disadvantages of such products include fragility: aluminum is extremely susceptible to mechanical damage. Dishes can stick to the surface, so aluminum molds must be carefully lubricated with cooking oil. Round cake molds have high sides up to 7 cm, and a pizza dish is no higher than 2 cm.
Ceramics and Glass
Ceramic and glass molds heat up slowly and are able to provide the highest quality baking. Ceramics is absolutely universal, can be used in gas, electric ovens and microwave ovens. Walls with minute pores evenly distribute heat, so dishes do not burn. Ceramic baking dishes are used to prepare casseroles, pies, pizza. Such products look beautiful, do not emit harmful substances, but are not very convenient to use.
The disadvantages of ceramics include high weight, high price and fragility: the material breaks easily, chips and cracks quickly appear on the surface. Forms are not recommended to be placed on a hot baking sheet, otherwise they may crack. It is necessary to place the mold on a cold baking sheet, and then put it in a heated oven. But it is better to put it in a cold oven for gradual heating.
Silicone
Silicone products are extremely convenient to use. Silicone can easily cope with temperatures from -40 to + 230 degrees, so it is suitable for baking and for freezing dishes. To get the finished treat from a round silicone baking dish, just turn the sides out. There is no need to lubricate the surface before baking, the dough does not stick anyway. Silicone is characterized by low cost, ease of use, durability, practicality and safety.
The disadvantages include susceptibility to aggressive detergents, sensitivity to open flames and sharp-cutting objects.
Disposable forms
For those who do not bake too often, disposable forms are ideal. They are inexpensive, easy to use, do not take up space in the kitchen cabinet. For casseroles, meat and fish dishes, as well as some types of pies, aluminum molds are best suited, and for pastries made of batter - paper.
Round- shaped paper baking dishes can be of different sizes: the diameter varies from 2 to 30 cm. The former are used for making muffins, and the latter are ideal for cakes. Such containers hold their shape well, do not interfere with uniform heating of products, do not require lubrication and are easily removed.
Which material is better
When choosing a suitable round baking dish, the maximum allowable temperature must be taken into account. Glass and Teflon can withstand no more than 200 degrees, silicone - up to 230, and metal and ceramics - up to 280. Cakes and cupcakes cannot be cut in silicone form, otherwise the surface will irreversibly deteriorate. However, baking does not stick to silicone and is easily removed. This is especially important for delicate biscuits and fragile shortbread cookies.
Glass and ceramics are capricious and short-lived, therefore suitable for patient and most accurate housewives. The most universal options include steel: it is durable, practical, easy to care for. Metal does not absorb odors, therefore it is suitable for preparing any treats: meat, fish, cakes, muffins, casseroles.