Bakeware comes in all shapes, sizes, and materials for your bakery or restaurant. The type of bakeware that you choose can set you up for success and make it easier to bake delicious treats. Ensure your customers taste the very best version of your product by using quality bakeware that’s designed for commercial use. We’ve laid out the basics of buying bakeware to make it easier to find the right fit.

Types of Bakeware

If you operate a bakery or restaurant, you’ve likely seen many kinds of bakeware around. There are a variety of pans from loaf and sheet to cake and quiche – all serving their own purpose in the kitchen. While some pans are specially designed for certain types of baking, others can be used in a variety of ways.

Metal Cake Pan

Cake Pans

Cake pans can come in round and square/rectangle shapes depending on your preference. They feature a flat bottom and straight sides for even baking. Round pans are perfect for creating layers on a tiered cake, and square/rectangle pans can be used for more than just cakes. These pans are all-purpose in a commercial kitchen.

Metal Pie Pan

Pie Pans

A pie pan is typically shallow (around 1-½”H) and has rounded sides to give the pie its distinct shape and allow for quicker baking. Use a pie pan to create homemade dessert pies, cheesecakes, or even savory pies.

Metal Bread Loaf Pan

Loaf Pans 

Loaf pans are great for baking things like dessert, savory, or breakfast bread. They can also be used to create small batches of your favorite recipes like meatloaf, cookies, or pound cakes. Use a loaf pan to create different daily offerings of sweet and savory in your bakery.

Metal muffin pan

Muffin/Cupcake Pans 

This staple pan is versatile and offers large batch cooking of muffins, cupcakes, or even eggs. Consider several muffin/cupcake pans in your bakery for high-volume baking needs. A typical commercial muffin pan has 24 cups with 3-5 oz. capacity in each cup.

Springform Pan

Springform Pans 

The springform pan is designed for easy transfer from baking to serving without ruining the product. Walls of a springform pan are removable, leaving the bottom for serving your baked goods. This pan will help save on waste due to the easily removable sides.

Metal bundt pan

Bundt Pans 

These pans boast their unique shape and can be used to create delicious Bundt cakes. While this pan isn’t as versatile as some other bakeware, it will create beautiful cakes that make for a great presentation in a display case.

Metal sheet pan

Sheet Pans 

The sheet pan is reliable and is ideal for large batch baking of everything from cookies to bacon. Kitchens and bakeries keep dozens of these pans on hand for large-volume baking. These pans are essential for business both small and large!

Quiche Pan

Quiche Pans 

Brunch isn’t complete without a tasty quiche. A quiche pan is like a pie pan, but is typically shallower and has straight, crimped sides. Add a savory option to your bakery’s menu and let this pan prove its worth in your kitchen.

Casserole Pan

Casserole Dishes/Pans 

A casserole pan is ideal for making plated dishes but can be utilized in your bakery as well. Consider this pan for creating things like cinnamon rolls, bread puddings, and more. A casserole dish can be used for almost any recipe.

Common Pan Sizes 

Specialty-sized pans are often available from top bakeware manufacturers. We’ve laid out the most common sizes for popular pan types for reference to help you get started. 

Pan Type  Common Sizes  Typical Pan Depth 
Sheet Pan 
  • Full (18”W x 26”L) 
  • Half (13”W x 18”L) 
  • 1” 
Loaf Pan 
  • 8”L x 4”W 
  • 9”L x 4.5”W 
  • 10”L x 5”W 
  • 12.25”L x 4.5”W 
  • 3” 
Round Cake Pan 
  • 6” dia. 
  • 8” dia. 
  • 9” dia. 
  • 10” dia. 
  • 1.5”-3” 
Square/Rectangle Cake Pan 
  • 8”W x 12”L 
  • 8” Square 
  • 9”W x 13”L 
  • 9” Square 
  • 12”W x 18”L 
  • 2”-3” 
Casserole Pan 
  • 1.5 quarts 
  • 3 quarts 
  • 4 quarts 
  • 7 quarts 
  • 10 quarts 
  • 15 quarts 
  • 3.5”-5/5” 
Pie Pan 
  • 7” dia. 
  • 9” dia. 
  • 9.5” dia. 
  • 10” dia. 
  • 1.25” 
Springform Pan 
  • 6” dia. 
  • 8” dia. 
  • 9” dia. 
  • 10” dia. 
  • 12” dia. 

  • 2.5”-3” 

Bakeware Construction Material Pros and Cons 

It can be confusing to sort through all the types of pans and what material they’re made of. Some materials are better for certain types of cooking, and others require more maintenance for upkeep. Below we’ve listed top materials used in bakeware and their advantages and disadvantages in a professional bakery. 

Material  Pros  Cons 
Aluminum 
  • Good conductor of heat 
  • Can be coated with nonstick 
  • Less durable 
  • More likely to bend/warp 
Stainless Steel 
  • Durable against warping/bending 
  • Many are dishwasher safe 
  • Inexpensive 
  • Less conductive of heat 
Aluminized Steel 
  • Good conductor of heat 
  • Durable and tough to heavy use 
  • Many are coated with nonstick/other coatings 
  • Nonstick coating can be scratched without proper care 
Carbon Steel 
  • Quick and high heating 
  • Very durable 
  • Less conductive of heat 
  • Can rust easily without proper seasoning 
Silicone 
  • Even heat distribution 
  • Baked items come free easily 
  • Withstands high temperatures 
  • Cannot be placed near open flame 
  • Can be pierced by sharp utensils 
Cast Iron 
  • Retains heat and bakes evenly 
  • Can be coated for easy cleanup 
  • Heavy 
  • Uncoated is high-maintenance for upkeep 

 

Note: Different materials will return different results in your baked goods. Check out this article on why the material of your pan matters to see a helpful visual of baking in different materials.

Essential Bakeware for Bakeries

Shop these essential pans for your professional (or semi-professional) bakery. Check out the Bakery Equipment and Supplies and Bakery Tools and Utensils sections on our site for more supplies! 

Essential Bakeware for Restaurants

Not running a bakery but do a lot of baking in your kitchen? Shop essential bakeware for restaurants, or shop other Commercial Food Prep Supplies

More on Bakery and Restaurant Supplies

If you’re looking to supply your restaurant or bakery with the best tools and supplies, read more in our Resource Center. 

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