Many baking mats are available online, but one should keep an eye out while buying the best baking mats that are functional, durable, and easy to use. You don’t want to buy a mat made of low-quality materials and waste your money buying them again and again. Many find baking to be a fun activity and your kitchen deserves the best tools to make your hobbies, like baking, more enjoyable. We have created this guide to make it easier for you to choose the best baking mats. Take a look at the features to look for and helpful tips to keep in mind.
What are the key considerations to make while buying the best baking mats?
Easy to clean
The mat should be easy to clean. It should be easily cleaned by hand or with the help of a dishwasher. All the products mentioned in the list above can be washed in the dishwasher. This decreases your work when you can just throw the mat in the dishwasher and do other things.
Non-stick
The mat should be non-stick. The non-stick property of the mat allows one to bake without worrying about your goods burning or sticking to the pan. If you are a beginner, there is a high chance that your food may not be cooked properly, so using a silicone mat can give you some peace of mind that it won't stick to the pan. If you have a mat that makes any surface into a non-stick surface, you have less to worry about.
Durability
You should make sure that the mat that you are buying is durable. High-quality baking mats can be used numerous times in the oven without losing shape or form. This durability also helps you get the most out of your money.
Consistent result
The baking mat should be able to provide consistent and convenient results. It shouldn’t work well a few times, only for your food to stick on the fourth use. Make sure to check the reviews before buying one.
Baking mats can also help you achieve consistent, evenly-baked items. The heat distribution helps cook every item to perfection, and you want to make sure that your new purchase can consistently bake your items evenly.
What are features to look for in the best baking mats?
Plastic-free taste
The baking mat should never transfer a plastic taste to your food. Some mats are not entirely made up of silicone, hence they give off an unplesant odor or taste and ruin your food. This can have severe effects on your health as well. Check the product’s manufacturing details thoroughly before buying it. 100% silicone will give you the best, most reliable results.
Even heat distribution
The even heat distribution of the mats should be given the highest priority. If the heat is not evenly distributed, then your baking will suffer. The food would remain uncooked at some places and burned at others. To bake with professional-like results, buy the baking mats that have been proven to spread out the heat evenly across the baking pans.
Easy to store
Some of the baking mats can be rolled while others cannot. We suggest prioritizing the ones that can roll but it is ultimately a pesonal choice.
Versatility
Baking mats should be versatile in that they can be used in multiple settings, whether that is in the oven, the microwave, or the freezer. Each product will be able to handle different situations, so be aware when selecting a product. Some are only suitable for oven use, some can only withstand temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit whereas some can withstand 480 degrees Fahrenheit, and others may not be dishwasher safe. If you get the most versatile mats out there, they will help you in making a variety of dishes, not just baked goods.
What are the benefits of baking mats?
Eco-friendly
The baking mat is highly eco-friendly. In today’s world, where there is constant waste, buying something eco-friendly is a great initiative to take up. Since these mats can be used many times over, it makes them highly environmentally-friendly. If you use aluminum foil or parchment paper sheets, you have to discard them after every use. Baking mats help cut down on waste and unnecessary spending.
Saves time
Baking mats help you save time in the kitchen. You don't have to worry about cutting the perfect size of foil or parchment, uneven baking, and very minimal clean up.
Easy to clean
The baking mats are easy to clean because they are non-stick. The non-stick properties of these mats make them easy to wash, especially when they can be thrown in the dishwasher.
Professional baking
These mats can even make a beginner feel like a professional baker. With even heat distribution, you get consistent results every time and the food won't cling to the pan. All of these things make these mats ideal for baking, whether that be professionally or at home.
What is the price range for baking mats?
The baking mats range from $2 to $40. The expensive ones are made of 100% silicone and don’t add a taste of plastic to the food. On the other hand, the cheap ones are not pure silicone and can seep toxic materials in your food. Buying a baking mat depends on your budget, but we would recommend buying mid-range to expensive ones. The cheap ones are not worth the low price with their poor materials and sub-par results.
Baking Mat FAQ
Q: Are baking mats an alternative to aluminum sheets?
A: Yes, baking mats are a great alternative to aluminum sheets or foil. Aluminum sheets require measuring and cutting, whereas the baking mats are reusable and are ready for your pan. Be sure to measure your pans first before purchasing silicone baking mats.
Q: Are baking mats durable?
A: Yes, they are incredibly durable. They can be used countless times without breaking down and can withstand high heat from the oven as well as the dishwasher.
Q: Are baking mats non-stick?
A: Yes, the high-quality baking mats are non-stick. The non-stick properties makes it easy to clean and prevents your baked goods from getting burned onto the pan or the baking mat. Keep the mat clean to prevent new food from sticking to the old food.
Q: Which size of baking mat should I buy?
A: You should check the dimensions of your baking tray or pan you use most often. Then, look for the baking mats with the exact measurements. You can also buy packs of varying sizes to fit your other trays.