What's the difference between cookware and bakeware

Bakeware—pie plates, baking sheets, cake pans, and more— are used to prepare dishes in the oven. Cookware—saucepans, frying pans, pots—are used to prepare food on the stovetop.

What's the best bakeware material?

That really depends on the baker. For instance, if you’re heavy-handed, glass and stoneware might not be the best choice for you. If you love to make intricately shaped baked goods, silicone may be the way to go. Each material (metal, glass, stoneware, silicone, cast iron) has its own pros and cons. Metal and glass are the most commonly used materials because they have a good reputation for being durable and yielding reliable results, but cast iron and stoneware are great for long-lasting heat distribution and oven-to-table charm.

What other baking tools are good to have on hand?

Utensils get overlooked a lot, but the right one can make your job so much easier. A set of silicone baking spatulas in a variety of sizes will serve you well as will a good rolling pin and baking mat. A set of sturdy mixing bowls are also essential, and a stand mixer is an investment you'll use for years to come.

The 10 Best Bakeware Sets and Items of 2023

Whether you’re a well-season baker or a novice, it’s essential to have good baking pans and cookie sheets at the ready. And if you're registering, it's the perfect time to replace those old bakeware pieces or to acquire the basics—you'll be making magazine cover-worthy cakes, pies, and cookies before you know it.

Looking for pieces that transition seamlessly from oven to table? Something made of a particular material (metal, stoneware, cast iron, silicon, or glass)? We’ve got you covered. Or, you might have a specific item that will make your next baking session that much more fun—think decorative pie plates, Bundt forms for coffee cakes, or springform pans for the perfect cheesecake. Needless to say, you’re definitely going to find something that stirs your interest here.

Read on for the best bakeware.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Calphalon 10-Piece Nonstick Bakeware Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget Set:

Chicago Metallics 6-Piece Commercial II Non-Stick Bakeware Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Metal Set:

All-Clad Pro-Release 10-Piece Bakeware Set at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Silicone Set:

Meichu Non-stick Bake Molds Silicone Bakeware Set of 6 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Glass Set:

Libbey Baker's Basics 6-Piece Glass Baking And Roasting Dish at Wayfair

Jump to Review

Best Sheet Pans:

Nordic Ware Naturals 3-Piece Baking Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Pie Plate:

Emile Henry Classic French Ceramic Pie Dish at Food52

Jump to Review

Best Cake Pans:

USA Pan 8-Inch Round Cake Pan at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Bundt Pan:

Nordic Ware 70th Anniversary Crown Bundt Pan at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Stoneware Set:

Le Creuset 5-Piece Stoneware Set at Crate & Barrel

Jump to Review

Calphalon 10-Piece Nonstick Bakeware Set

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond View On Bloomingdales

This 10-piece set of bakeware is a winner for sure. The steel cores ensure even heat distribution, and the interlocking layers of nonstick coating allow for quick and easy food release every time. All items are made of durable, heavy aluminum and are dishwasher and oven safe up to 500˚ F. Calphalon’s set is reasonably priced, excellent quality, and includes every piece of bakeware you’ll ever need.

Price at time of publish: $132

Chicago Metallics 6-Piece Commercial II Non-Stick Bakeware Set

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

Chicago Metallics’ 6-piece bakeware set is inexpensive, but it certainly isn’t cheap. The sheets and pans are made of heavy-weight aluminized steel for superior heat conduction, and the rims are reinforced with wire rods to keep them from warping. The dual-layer, diamond-quality, nonstick finish resists abrasion, allows for easy food release, and makes cleanup quick and simple, just how we like it.

Price at time of publish: $74

All-Clad Pro-Release 10-Piece Bakeware Set

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Nordstrom View On Bed Bath & Beyond View On Birchlane.com

There are many benefits to buying metal bakeware. It’s sleek and durable, and many metals (like aluminum) conduct heat especially well. All-Clad’s 10-piece set has these qualities, and then some. The pans and sheets in this collection are made of warp-resistant, commercial-grade aluminized steel, and they are coated with a nonstick material that resists scratches and stains. Their oversized, integrated handles offer a comfortable and safe grip as well.

Meichu Non-stick Bake Molds Silicone Bakeware Set of 6

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

Because of its flexibility, silicone is a perfect material for anyone who wants to create treats in fun shapes. Food release is easy as pie with even the most elaborate designs. The cleanup process is also super easy since they’re naturally nonstick and dishwasher safe. This particular set is made of BPA-free, food-grade silicone and comes in a cute confetti pattern. Baking has never been so festive!

Price at time of publish: $30

Libbey Baker's Basics 6-Piece Glass Baking And Roasting Dish

Courtesy of Wayfair

View On Wayfair

Glass pans are simple and classic—and they also retain heat longer than bakeware made of most other materials. For these reasons, they’re perfect not only for cooking and baking but for serving dishes at the table. For top-notch glass bakeware, Libbey’s Bakers’s Basics set is a great option. It’s well made and has all the essentials: a mixing bowl, a pie plate, two bake dishes, and a covered casserole dish perfect for storing leftovers.

Price at time of publish: $40

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Kohls.com View On Walmart

If you’re serious about your cookies or one-pan meals, this pair of sheets pans is a must. These premium pans are made of heavy-duty aluminum, and their rims are reinforced with galvanized steel to prevent warping and ensure durability. Their half-sheet size is also super convenient, allowing you to cook more recipes at once without overcrowding your oven.

Price at time of publish: $40

Emile Henry

View On Food52

This isn’t just any pie plate. It’s artfully crafted with French Burgundy clay so that it diffuses heat evenly and resists scratches. It can withstand temperatures up to 520˚ F and is microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. This pie plate is also simply gorgeous. The scalloped edges cut an elegant silhouette, and it comes in the most beautiful shades, from bright red to a soft, subtle green.

Price at time of publish: $55

Amazon

View On Amazon

If you’re a cake baker, your search for "the one" is finally over. This 8” cake pan is made of heavy-duty, commercial-gauge aluminized steel to promote uniform heat conduction and even baking and browning. It has a unique ridged surface that allows for increased airflow, and its extra-thick rolled edges make it durable and warp-resistant. The pan’s nonstick, silicone coating ensures that your baked goods release easily and makes cleanup—well—a piece of cake.

Price at time of publish: $22

Nordic Ware 70th Anniversary Crown Bundt Pan

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Hsn.com View On Macy's

Nordic Ware’s Crown Bundt pan yields a cake that truly is fit for a queen. Its ornate design has been updated for a modern look, leaving you with an end product that is both elegant and unique. On a more practical note, the pan’s ribbon detailing ensures that your cake will effortlessly catch glaze and ganache for a consistently flawless presentation. The pan is made of durable cast aluminum, heats evenly, and releases perfectly.

Price at time of publish: $72

Courtesy of Le Creuset

View On Crate & Barrel

If you’re baking at high temperatures, stone bakeware is your best bet as it can usually withstand much higher heat than other materials. And if you’re going to get stoneware, Le Creuset is the way to go. This 3-piece set of enamel-glazed stoneware is gorgeous in Caribbean blue, cerise, white, and graphite. It works well in the oven and looks fantastic on the table—whether you're serving up lasagna or freshly baked brownies. It’s also ideal for storing leftovers and reheating them in the microwave.

Price at time of publish: $295

What to look for in bakeware

Material is the most important thing to consider when buying bakeware. Look for heavy-duty, heat- conducting elements like aluminum, cast iron, copper and stoneware for even baking and perfect results, every time.

FAQ

What's the difference between cookware and bakeware

Bakeware—pie plates, baking sheets, cake pans, and more— are used to prepare dishes in the oven. Cookware—saucepans, frying pans, pots—are used to prepare food on the stovetop.
What's the best bakeware material?

That really depends on the baker. For instance, if you’re heavy-handed, glass and stoneware might not be the best choice for you. If you love to make intricately shaped baked goods, silicone may be the way to go. Each material (metal, glass, stoneware, silicone, cast iron) has its own pros and cons. Metal and glass are the most commonly used materials because they have a good reputation for being durable and yielding reliable results, but cast iron and stoneware are great for long-lasting heat distribution and oven-to-table charm.
What other baking tools are good to have on hand?

Utensils get overlooked a lot, but the right one can make your job so much easier. A set of silicone baking spatulas in a variety of sizes will serve you well as will a good rolling pin and baking mat. A set of sturdy mixing bowls are also essential, and a stand mixer is an investment you'll use for years to come.

Why Trust Brides?

Mckenzie Eggers has been baking for as long as she can remember, and has seen quite a few cake, cupcake, and cookie mishaps—some caused by sub-par sheets and pans and some caused by…Mckenzie. Now that she’s older, she knows what excellent bakeware looks like, and she’s happy to share that information with anyone who will listen.

Gift Ideas