Joybuy Insights

Buying baking tins: materials, sizes and the right options for every kitchen

Whether you’re baking cakes, bread, quiches or savoury casseroles, baking tins affect the shape of your bake, cooking time, ease of use and cleaning. Many disappointing purchases aren’t down to the recipe, but to unclear information about the coating, the wrong measurements or using a tin for something it wasn’t designed for.

Common mistakes when buying baking tins

1. ‘Non-stick’ doesn’t mean maintenance-free

A non-stick baking tin can make it easier to remove cakes and pastries. Even so, it’s often a good idea to grease it lightly. Metal knives, sharp-edged utensils and scouring pads can damage the surface. Several coated models are also intended for hand-washing, even if they seem easy to clean at first.

2. The outside dimensions are mistaken for the usable area

A cake tin with an external diameter of 24 cm doesn’t necessarily offer 24 cm of usable baking space. The height of the sides and the shape of the base affect its capacity. Height is particularly important for layer cakes, bread and casseroles. A deep model that’s 90 mm high will suit different quantities of mixture from a shallow baking tray.

3. Every baking tin is suitable for the oven

Not every tin can be used on the hob, under the grill or at very high temperatures. An oven-safe baking tin should come with a specific temperature rating and clear instructions for use. Coated tins generally shouldn’t be used over an open flame. A baking tin set may also contain different tins that aren’t suitable for the microwave, induction hob or grill.

The most important things to consider

Material: steel, carbon steel or stainless steel

A steel baking tin distributes heat evenly, depending on its construction, and is often lighter than cast iron. Carbon steel is used in many baking tins because it’s relatively lightweight and conducts heat well. A coating can make it easier to remove your bake, but it needs to be cleaned gently.

304 stainless steel is rust- and corrosion-resistant and can be cleaned with a soft sponge. According to the product information, the Maxcook product is made from 304 stainless steel and is suitable for conventional ovens, steam ovens and induction hobs. When using it on a hob, follow the relevant safety instructions, such as using medium to low heat and avoiding boiling it dry.

Coating and cleaning

Look out for the following information:

  • Type of coating: PTFE or other non-stick coatings shouldn’t be used with metal utensils.
  • Cleaning: Several coated tins are specifically intended for hand-washing.
  • Temperature limit: The maximum oven temperature must be suitable for what you’re preparing.
  • Resistance to warping: Reinforced edges or a sturdy body can make a tin easier to handle.
  • Storage: Stackable baking tins save space, but take care not to let them rub against each other and damage the coating.

Size and intended use

A baking tray is useful for flat bakes, biscuits and larger portions. A deep cake tin is better suited to sponge cakes, bread and casseroles. A tartlet tin with several wells is designed for individual tarts, mini quiches and small desserts. If you’re making savoury shortcrust recipes, choose a quiche tin based on its depth and the layout of its wells, not just its appearance.

If you make a variety of recipes, a baking tin set may be more cost-effective than buying several tins separately. Check whether it really includes different sizes, and whether all the tins have the same temperature and care instructions.

Our picks for different needs

Ideal for: budget-conscious beginners
Baking Form Steel 230x230x90mm

Baking Form Steel 230x230x90mm

Why it’s a good fit: Measuring 230 × 230 × 90 mm, this square tin is suitable for cakes, bread and casseroles, making it a versatile choice for a basic baking collection.

How this product helps you avoid common pitfalls

The product information specifies the material, dimensions, non-stick coating and recommended hand-washing. This makes it easier to assess how much storage space it will need and how to care for it before you buy.

Key benefits and features

Steel construction, a square shape and a stated non-stick surface; soft cleaning utensils are recommended.

Ideal for: quality-conscious buyers
Le Creuset 6-Cup Non-Stick Tartlet Molds Baking Tools - 38.7x26.9x3.35 cm

Le Creuset 6-Cup Non-Stick Tartlet Molds Baking Tools - 38.7x26.9x3.35 cm

Why it’s a good fit: The six fluted wells are designed for individual tarts, quiches and mini pastries, making this tin ideal for baking individual portions.

How this product helps you avoid common pitfalls

The product information gives a maximum oven temperature of 240 °C and specifies hand-washing. These clear limits help prevent you from accidentally putting the tin in the dishwasher or using it at an unsuitable temperature.

Key benefits and features

Carbon steel body, fluted wells, reinforced rim with silicone inserts, and a stated oven-safe temperature of up to 240 °C.

Ideal for: specialist uses and frequent bakers
PURECOOK Carbon-Steel Non-Stick Baking-Pans-Set 8-Piece

PURECOOK Carbon-Steel Non-Stick Baking-Pans-Set 8-Piece

Why it’s a good fit: This eight-piece set includes a range of square and rectangular tins. It’s suited to households, baking classes and small dessert businesses working with a variety of recipes.

How this product helps you avoid common pitfalls

The product description clearly defines how the tins can be used: in an oven only, not in a microwave, over an open flame or on an induction hob. They should be washed by hand.

Key benefits and features

An eight-piece set made from carbon steel, with a non-stick coating and stackable tins in a range of shapes for sweet and savoury bakes.

Ideal for: fans of specialist cooking ideas
Takoyaki Octopus Croquettes Baking Tray - 27.5 x 18 x 1.5cm

Takoyaki Octopus Croquettes Baking Tray - 27.5 x 18 x 1.5cm

Why it’s a good fit: This takoyaki pan is designed for cooking Japanese batter balls on the hob. It’s a space-saving specialist option to complement your traditional baking tins.

How this product helps you avoid common pitfalls

The product information clearly states that it’s for hob use and should be washed by hand and dried thoroughly after use. Don’t soak the wooden handle.

Key benefits and features

Cast iron body, wooden handle and dimensions of 27,5 × 18 × 1,5 cm; depending on its condition, it may need seasoning before first use.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.

Care tips to help your baking tins last longer

  • Before first use, wash tins in warm water with mild washing-up liquid.
  • Don’t use metal cutlery or abrasive sponges on coated surfaces.
  • Handle hot tins only with suitable oven gloves.
  • Allow baking tins to cool completely before removing your bake.
  • Dry steel and cast iron tins after washing.
  • Follow the temperature limits, hob suitability and instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions about baking tins

Which baking tin is best for beginners?

For beginners, a tin with clear dimensions, a moderate depth and straightforward care instructions is a good choice. A non-stick cake tin or a compact baking tin set can accommodate a range of recipes. The key is to choose a tin that suits your oven and the amount of mixture you usually make.

Are steel or stainless steel baking tins better?

It depends on the recipe and how you want to care for the tin. Steel and carbon steel conduct heat well and are often lightweight. 304 stainless steel is rust-resistant, durable and usually easy to clean. A coating can make it easier to remove your bake, but calls for more careful handling.

How long do non-stick baking tins last?

There’s no single answer, as lifespan depends on temperature, cleaning, storage and the utensils you use. Avoiding overheating, metal utensils and ignoring the care instructions will help reduce the risk of premature damage to the surface.