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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 |
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| Loaf Pan |
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| Round Cake Pan |
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| Square/Rectangle Cake Pan |
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| Casserole Pan |
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| Pie Pan |
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| Springform Pan |
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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 |
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| Stainless Steel |
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| Aluminized Steel |
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| Carbon Steel |
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| Silicone |
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| Cast Iron |
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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.
Kelsey Moriarty is a Content Specialist at Central Restaurant Products. Her focus at Central is in the Food Prep and Furniture areas. Kelsey’s background is in technology and marketing with particular experience in SEO and E-Commerce. She enjoys helping customers make better decisions as well as working on her copywriting skills!
