Are you fond of using a springform pan for baking? Even if you have never used it, give it a try. Springform pans are an easy way to make your baking more accessible and pleasant. If you choose the right springform pan, then it will turn out to be highly durable and functional. If you are wondering how to buy the best springform pan, here is your answer:
Type of Material
The most important thing to consider while buying a springform pan is its material. There are various materials available in the market; metal like stainless steel or anodized aluminium, silicon, or glass. Furthermore, you can get different bases for the pan, like glass bases and metal base pans. To decide what type of pan you need, you need to know how you will use it.
Silicon pans are the best option for those who want a springform pan for runny batter because they are leak proof. However, if you plan to make cheesecakes, tarts, or any other kind of dessert that has a crumbled crust at the bottom, you should not opt for silicone pans.
People mostly buy metal pans because they are cheaper than the rest of the materials and can be used for diverse cuisines. However, metal pans are not very durable and get scratched easily. If you want to avoid getting the metallic taste in your desserts, change your metal pans when it gets scratches.
Both the pans mentioned above, metallic and silicon, can have a glass base. However, bakers prefer a metal base because glass pans can take a little longer time baking due to their thickness. If you still want to opt for a glass base, you will get durability and scratch resistance advantages.
The Most Important Factor
No one would need a pan that leaks from the bottom. Thus, the essential factor in choosing a springform pan is ensuring that it is leakproof. Imagine putting your batter in the pan and pushing it in the oven to see your entire oven covered with floury sugary batter.
Sometimes while baking, you need to put your pan in a water bath or steam bath. In such cases, you need to ensure that the water does not get in your batter because of the leaking pan. Thus, to avoid the hassle of wrapping the bottom of your pan with aluminium, choose a leak proof pan.
What are Other Factors to Consider?
Apart from checking the leakage and type of material, there are some other minor factors to consider:
Nonstick
A springform pan ensures that you don't have a battered cake, so it is vital to buy a non-stick pan.
Size
The size of springform pans varies from 8 inches to 11 inches mostly. The most commonly used size is 9 inches, as it is ideal for a variety of baking. If you don't have a precise plan to buy, you can buy a set of different sizes. If you are creative with your baking, you can choose many different shapes as well.
Safety
Your utensils and crockery are essential to maintain fitness. The material of your pan defines its safety as well. It would be best if you bought a non-toxic springform pan. Some non-stick pans are made of such quality material that they release fumes when exposed to high heat in the oven. Thus, it can be dangerous for your health.
Easy to Clean
All the bakers would agree on how tiresome it is to bake. Once your energy is drained by baking the whole day, you would not be in the mood to put extra strength into cleaning the pan. Thus, to avoid the hassle of cleaning the pans, you should opt for an easy to clean pan. Non-stick pans are mostly easy to clean as the crumbles and crust do not fuse to its base.
Dark or Light
People tend to overlook this point, but it is vital to choose the colour of your pan. Why does it matter? A dark pan is suitable for slow baking desserts and pastries because it absorbs heat and shortens cooking time. On the other hand, a light-coloured pan will reflect the heat, so it will take a longer time for the dish to bake.
Tips for Using Springform Pans
Follow these tiny tips and tricks to make the best out of your springform pan:
Removing Cake from the Pan
Don’t rush into removing your cake from the pan. Let it rest for at least five minutes before removing it from the pan. If you buy a good non-stick pan, the ring will slide out smoothly without any issue.
Washing and Storing the Pan
It is essential to wash your springform properly with warm soap water. It is best if you don't use a harsh cloth to clean it as it will leave scratches on it. You will also find dishwasher safe springform pans, but they take a lot of space, and the results are not very clean.
Springform pan FAQs
Q. Are springform pans worth buying?
Ans. If you love baking, then a springform pan is a must-have as it eliminates the risk of removing the cake with damages. The best springform pans would slide off the cake and tarts easily, leaving you with a seamless and flawless cake, crust, pastries, and much more.
Q. Is the springform pan the same as the cheesecake pan?
Ans. Springform pans are two-piece pans as they consist of a base and a ring. The ring has a buckled latch attached to it. Cheesecake pan usually consists of removable bottom pans, and they are also two-piece sets but different from springform pan.
Q. Do you need to grease a springform pan?
Ans. Usually, you do not have to grease the side of a springform pan and especially if it is non-stick. The delicate batters can rise better in an ungreased pan. However, you can follow the instructions in your recipe because sometimes they guide the users to grease the pan slightly.