Most sets include two round pans of the same size but you can also purchase a variety pack for extravagant cakes with more tiers. Material: Many baking pans are made of aluminum or aluminized steel, which is valued for being lightweight, conducting heat evenly and working with many different types of food. The temperature can be read from every angle, and the fine probe we found to be excellent for checking food in the air-fryer.

Expect to find racks for cooking different foods, skewers and skewer racks, cake, muffin, tart and doughnut tins. The sustainability of the accessory is reusable, of a quality to be used repeatably, and fit for purpose. This 5-piece version includes the same pans plus a 1-pound loaf pan, perfect for your favorite zucchini bread recipe. Most utensils are heatproof, with some pieces, such as spatulas and tongs, withstanding higher heat than their regular counterparts.When we tested this set in our Lab, the resulting cake baked very well — although the left side was slightly higher (less than 1/4 inch). From there, rub a few drops of vegetable oil on the inner surface with a paper towel and place a paper plate on top to absorb moisture. We considered sets that were dishwasher safe, had rims on all four sides, and included use and care instructions. It rated highly in our performance tests, and we love that the sharp corners and straight sides produce professional-looking cakes, brownies and bars.

The one drawback is that the textured pattern becomes imprinted on the bottom of your cakes; if you'd like to avoid that, we recommend lining the pans with parchment first. Since these pans are uncoated, Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou says it's best to grease and flour the pans and to use parchment paper to ensure the cakes release effortlessly. While ceramic pans can be on the pricier side, we're fans of the sleek, seamless design and how foods easily release from the surface. Best of all, if you season cast iron and maintain it properly, it can develop a nonstick surface over time. The casserole baked bread pudding nicely and cooked down apples and onions beautifully, but it was heavy and hard to clean.

The cooling rack is an added bonus that can be used to cool cookies or serve as a trivet or roasting rack. Thermapen is used by professional cooks and chefs but works well in home cooking because of its accuracy. In terms of performance, the one difference was that the cookies took a little longer to bake than the manufacturer's instructions. If the pan is uncoated, you'll want to prep each cavity with cupcake liners or grease so the baked goods will pop out easily. Though cast iron is heavy, it provides even heating and optimal temperature retention, which comes in handy for making quiche or casseroles that benefit from gentle cooking to nail a perfectly browned crust with a fluffy (not overcooked) interior.

This is, in part, not least, for its highly desirable low-energy rating and an untapped versatility which has come to light. These pans browned foods faster than other sets we tested in our Lab, which makes them ideal for roasting.Removable silicone grips like the ones included in the Lodge Baker's Delight Set protect your hands when handling pans that have a high heat retention (such as cast iron). These dishes were always in the recipe leaflets tucked alongside the instructions and often ignored, but now are found everywhere in cookbooks, magazines and online. Cake and cookies came out evenly browned and had a fine texture with few air pockets, and broccoli roasted up nicely with consistently crisp results.

Be sure to grease or line the pans with parchment before use since they are not coated with a nonstick material. This set delivers on all the basics for new bakers, including three nylon utensils that help prevent scratching. Overall, the pans are lightweight yet sturdy and will last you a long time, especially if you skip the dishwasher, which causes aluminum to discolor. So, rather than drizzling, an oil mister helps by evenly distributing oil and thus saves you washing up, as food can be coated in the fryer rather than a separate bowl. Baking sets include different types of bakeware, and you'll want to choose a set that matches your needs.

The kit also comes with a kid-sized apron with a large front pocket and several recipes to get them started. This story was originally written by Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou, based on testing conducted by Nancy Kochan, a trained cook and contributing analyst. Unlike a half-sheet tray, this sheet has only one handle and doesn't have rimmed edges so air can circulate around the food better. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.