Baking Bread in Ceramic, Glass, and Metal Loaf Pans
This is for all the novice bread bakers out there! You know the struggle of walking down the houseware aisles and seeing the multitude of loaf pans. There are multiple materials, sizes, depths, brands, etc. Lets discuss why we like baking bread in a ceramic loaf pan.
How do you know which material is best?
Does it even matter which loaf pan you choose?
Although it may make things difficult, each pan is different in its way. The individual materials yield different results.
Learn the difference between glass, metal, and ceramic loaf pans and why many are choosing ceramic pans.
Does Material Matter?
The material does matter! When baking bread, the most popular materials used are glass, metal, and ceramic. Depending on which material you use, baking bread can change the outcome completely.
Each material offers benefits and downfalls while baking bread.
GLASS
Loaf pans made of glass can be found in many homes, and for a good reason! Glass is a great heat insulator. With this being said, glass tends to hold heat long after it is taken out of the oven.
The contents of a glass loaf pan will continue to bake even after it is taken out of the oven because it has note-worthy insulation. Like many things with insulation, glass is slow to heat up. Bread baked in a glass loaf pan typically takes longer to bake.
If using a loaf pan made of glass, be aware of temperature changes. Glass bakeware is often a tad more sensitive than other loaf pans. Glass can not be moved from the refrigerator to the oven or vice versa. You run the risk of breaking the pan if dramatic temperature changes are introduced.
METALS
Contrarily to glass, metal heats up much quicker. Metal loaf pans are known for their fast bake times. So if you have a time crunch, metal may be the route to take. However, metal does not retain heat for very long.
Others choose a metal loaf pan because of its durability. Metal is not sensitive to temperature changes or mechanical shocks. It takes a lot more than a bump on the counter to hurt a metal loaf pan. Many people like the security that their metal loaf pan will last for many years.
CERAMICS
Ceramic loaf pans retain heat very well. Because of this heat retention, food stays warm in
the container for longer. Loaf pans made of ceramics also provide a consistent even bake when baking bread.
Ceramics are also non-stick and scratch-resistant, similar to glass loaf pans. While ceramics are more durable than glass loaf pans, they are not as durable as metal pans.
Baking Bread in a Ceramic Loaf Pan
Why would you choose a ceramic loaf pan rather than a glass or metal loaf pan?
Many choose ceramic loaf pans simply because of their looks. Ceramics come in many colors, designs, and shapes, which makes them perfect for serving. You don’t need to dirty up another dish for serving your bread.
Others choose ceramic loaf pans because of their non-stickiness and chip resistance. When baking bread in a ceramic loaf pan, bakers typically apply a coat of non-stick spray. With ceramic loaf pans, you should also do this, but be assured that it is non-stick!
Ceramic bakeware is also used because it is glazed with a ceramic coating. This ceramic coating creates a smooth surface that does not hold onto any flavors from past meals. When baking bread in a ceramic loaf pan, or any loaf, you don’t want any previous flavors to linger. The worst thing is baking a lemon loaf, but only tasting your cinnamon raisin loaf from last week.
Time to Start Baking!
Now that the three loaf pans have been broken down, which will you choose? While it is still a difficult decision to make, hopefully, this made it easier.
If there is one thing to remember, remember that materials make a difference when baking bread.
Glass requires a longer bake, but it insulates the heat; perfect if you want to serve a warm slice!
It takes a lot of force to put a dent in a metal loaf pan’s durability. It heats up quickly and cools down fast.
Ceramics guarantee even and uniform baked bread. And the colors, patterns, and shapes make it the ideal serving dish!
Have fun baking!
