How to Choose the Right Baking Tins and Ovenware: Sizes, Materials and Styles

Whether you’re making cake, bread, a savoury bake or dessert, baking tins and ovenware are essentials in many British kitchens. There’s plenty to choose from, including classic cake tins, springform tins, glass baking dishes and small ceramic ramekins. But with so much choice, it’s easy to end up with the wrong thing.

Common pitfalls when buying baking tins and ovenware

1. Choosing a “non-stick coating” without checking the care instructions

A non-stick baking tin can make it easier to remove your bake. However, that doesn’t automatically mean it’s suitable for metal utensils, harsh cleaners or the dishwasher. For several coated metal tins in the range, hand-washing with a soft sponge is specifically recommended.

Before you buy, check:

• Is the tin dishwasher-safe?
• What cleaning method does the manufacturer recommend?
• Should you avoid sharp or metal kitchen utensils?
• Is there a maximum temperature?

2. Assuming oven-safe means suitable for every use

“Oven-safe” only tells you that a dish or tin is suitable for use in the oven. For example, according to its product details, a coated carbon steel bread tin isn’t suitable for the microwave, hob, induction hob, open flame or charcoal barbecue. A glass baking dish, on the other hand, may also be suitable for the microwave and freezer, if this is explicitly stated.

So, check the specific details for:

• maximum oven temperature,
• microwave suitability,
• freezer use,
• hob and induction compatibility,
• how it handles sudden temperature changes.

3. Choosing a size that doesn’t suit your recipe or oven

A 26 cm cake tin is a common size in Germany, but it won’t work as a direct substitute in every recipe. Changing from a 20 cm to a 26 cm tin affects the depth of the mixture and therefore the baking time. For a casserole dish, you’ll also need to consider the internal dimensions, depth and capacity. Make sure the dish fits in your oven, with enough space between it and the heating elements and oven walls.

The key things to consider when buying

Material: metal, glass or ceramic?

Metal and carbon steel conduct heat relatively directly and are common materials for cake tins, springform tins and bread tins. Coated versions can make it easier to remove your bake, but need to be cleaned gently to protect the surface.

Glass is handy if you want to bake, serve and store a dish in the same container. According to the product descriptions, the Secret de Gourmet glass baking dishes are suitable for the oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher, and can be used at temperatures up to 300 °C. Glass is fragile, though, and shouldn’t be exposed to sudden temperature changes.

Ceramic is well suited to individual desserts, soufflés, crème brûlée and small savoury dishes. According to the supplier, the DAFUCERAMIC ramekins are made from lead-free, food-safe ceramic. They’re described as oven-safe, dishwasher-safe and suitable for the freezer. Even so, you should avoid exposing them to extreme temperature changes.

Coating and cleaning

For a coated tin, check the cleaning instructions as well as the temperature guidance. Some products are oven-safe but not dishwasher-safe. A soft brush or sponge will protect the surface better than abrasive cleaners or scourers.

Uncoated tins may need to be lined with baking paper, greased or dusted with flour or breadcrumbs. This is particularly important for bread tins and Bundt tins with lots of ridges.

Type of tin and what you’ll use it for

• Springform tin: ideal for cheesecakes, cakes and delicate bakes; the side can be released using a clasp.
• Cake tin: suited to sponge cakes and straightforward baking recipes.
• Bundt tin: the central hole helps shape the bake evenly and gives many mixtures their distinctive pattern.
• Muffin tin: handy for individual portions and evenly timed baking.
• Bread tin: usually long and deep; the internal dimensions and coating are important for removing the loaf afterwards.
• Casserole dish: choose a size to suit your household and the number of portions you need.
• Ceramic ramekins: practical for individual desserts and small oven-baked dishes.
• Baking tin set: offers a range of sizes, but takes up more storage space and is only worthwhile if you’ll use the different sizes regularly.

Our picks for different needs

Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners

5five Cake Tin – Metal, 26 cm

Why this product suits you: This round cake tin, with a diameter of 26 cm, is designed for everyday home baking and requires no special assembly.

How this product helps you avoid a pitfall

The care instructions are clear: it isn’t dishwasher-safe, and hand-washing is recommended. This makes it easier to plan realistically for cleaning before you buy.

Key benefits and features

26 cm diameter, metal body and stated non-stick coating; the product details give the weight as approximately 300 g.

Ideal for: Buyers with high quality standards

Le Creuset Non-Stick Carbon Steel Springform Cake Tin, 20 cm

Why this product suits you: This smaller springform tin is ideal for households that often bake smaller cakes, gateaux or cheesecakes and value clear product specifications.

How this product helps you avoid a pitfall

The product details specify a maximum oven temperature of 240 °C and recommend hand-washing. The tin isn’t suitable for the dishwasher or direct heat.

Key benefits and features

20 cm diameter, carbon steel body, side clasp and removable base; the product description also states that it comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Ideal for: Special uses and frequent baking

Keepeat Oval Glass Dish with Lid, 32 × 21 cm

Why this product suits you: This glass baking dish lets you bake, serve and store food in the same container, making it a practical choice for family meals and batch cooking.

How this product helps you avoid a pitfall

The product details specifically state that the dish is suitable for the oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher. The lid, however, is only rated up to 120 °C and shouldn’t go in a hot oven.

Key benefits and features

Borosilicate glass, 3.8 l capacity, and a dish described as dishwasher-, microwave-, oven- and freezer-safe.

FAQs about baking tins and ovenware

Which baking tin is best for cakes and gateaux?

A round 26 cm cake tin is suitable for many classic cakes. For cheesecakes, gateaux and delicate bases, a springform tin with a removable side is a good choice. Make sure the diameter and depth match the recipe.

What should I bear in mind when using oven-safe glass ovenware?

Check the maximum temperature and avoid sudden temperature changes. For example, don’t put a glass dish straight from the freezer into a very hot oven unless the manufacturer specifically says it’s safe to do so. Plastic lids generally shouldn’t go in the oven.

How long do non-stick baking tins last?

There’s no reliable way to give a set lifespan. It depends on the temperature, cleaning, storage and how you treat the coating. Use soft cleaning utensils, avoid sharp tools and follow the care instructions for your tin. If you notice scratches or damage to the coating, stop using the tin.