Many people dismiss the importance of baking sets because purchasing baked goods in the grocery store is more convenient. But there is something about the aroma of freshly baked cookies, cakes, and other treats wafting through the house that makes us completely nostalgic. Baking sets can end up saving you money, and you have better control over ingredients.
We will review the top baking sets designed for today’s modern kitchen and discuss what options are best suited for you. These will include:
- The Pioneer Woman Cookware Set with Baker
- Rachael Ray Cucina Bakeware Set
- Duerer Silicone Bakeware Set
- Elbee Home Eight Piece Baking Set
- Tovla Jr Kids Cooking Set
Baking sets tend to come with anywhere between five to ten pans. These pans will aid with baking, roasting, and some include a cooling rack. The best types of baking pans to look for include:
- A loaf pan used for two-person lasagnas or the ever-popular banana bread
- Six or twelve count muffin tins for mini muffins or regular size
- Half sheet tray designed for cookies but can additionally be used at higher temperatures for roasting meats and veggies
- 8” x 8” or 9” x 9” square pan, which you can use for bars and brownies
- 9” x 13” rectangular pans for casseroles
- Eight- or nine-inch cake pans
What to Look For
Not all baking pans are equal. Nothing is more frustrating than having to pry your food out of a pan, having it burn on the bottom, or when it scratches easily. A good pan will allow your food to easily slide out for the perfect presentation because, after all the hard work and love that goes into baking it, it deserves to be perfect.
- Variety: Find a set suited to the types of foods that you cook the most. You want to get the most use out of your set. The depth of the pans should also be a consideration.
- Noncoated or Non-stick: Non-stick coatings do not require individuals to grease the pan. However, over time they begin to lose their effectiveness. Non-coated pans last longer, but they will require you to either line them with parchment paper or grease them so the cookies don’t stick.
The browning in a non-stick pan will not be as robust as non-coated, which may be desirable when it comes to desserts, but not as great for savory foods.
Please note that non-stick pans don’t handle higher temperatures well, so don’t use them for broiling.
- Material. Baking pans tend to be aluminized steel or aluminum. These are great conductors of heat and heat food evenly, and they are lightweight. The thicker, durable pans tend to cost more but perform well and are durable.
Ceramic is a common material for pie pans because it heats food gently and retains heat. Glass is preferred for savory dishes like casseroles.
When looking for your baking set, consider all these features and what type of oven you have. You can’t use all materials in all ovens, and if you aren’t mindful, you may end up damaging your set.
Pioneer Woman Cookware Set with Baker
Vintage and antique designs are making a comeback in terms of decoration. The best part of these decors is that while they have that old-school feel, they are completely functional when it comes to baking. Also, sometimes the things that our grandparents used still provide the same superior results many years later. The Pioneer Woman Cookware Set with Baker is a ten-piece cookware set that is both charming and functional. It comes complete with two saucepans/lids, a frying pan, and a ceramic baker. This cookware set is durable enamel aluminum, which heats quickly and cooks food evenly.
The non-stick interior is easy to remove food from when it is done. The design also turns this cookware into an elegant centerpiece for entertaining.
Pros:
- Sturdy
- Cooks evenly
- Food doesn’t stick
Cons:
- May warp after two years
- Not designed for electric stoves
Ultimate Baker Set
When considering a baker gift set, you can purchase one as mentioned above. The design is very elegant and looks great when serving. Here are some others to consider:
Best Overall: Rachael Ray Cucina Bakeware Set
The set comes with two 10” x 15” cookie pans, a nine-inch square cake pan, two nine-inch round cake pans, 2 loaf pans, a 9” x 13” rectangular cake pan/lid, and a 12-cup muffin pan. This baking set is durable enough to be used daily and has heavy gauge steel with rolled rim pan edges.
It is a non-stick set providing quick release and easy cleanup.
Pros:
- Silicone grips provide a comfortable grasp
- Safe to bake at 450°F
- Versatile pans make it ideal for dishes on the go
Cons:
- Best to use with silicone, wooden, or nylon tools
- Hand wash only
Best Budget: Duerer Silicone Bakeware Set
Duerer makes a 40-piece bakeware set with high-quality materials at an affordable price. The molds are food-grade silicone with a strong steel structure. The strong handles and crimping design resists warping, provide superior grip, and create a long-lasting performance.
The bottom mesh design allows the food to be heated evenly and quickly over other brands. It can withstand temperatures between 104°-446°F, making it safe to use in microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, freezers, and refrigerators.
Pros:
- Comes with a round cake pan, eight-cup muffin pan, loaf pan, multifunction tiramisu pan, baguette pan, silicone baking cups, silicone dough scrapers, baking manual, and pastry brush
- Non-stick pans make it easy to clean and provide quick food release
- Baking pans are multifunctional
- BPS-free food grade silicone bakeware set
Cons:
- French bread and roll trays have bottom holes for venting, meaning they are not ideal for anything other than solid dough
- Some people find the set too small
Gift Baker Sets
Baker sets make great gifts for newlyweds, someone who just moved out on their own, or over the holidays. If the person loves baking, this gift becomes extra special because it will be something that they use and appreciate daily.
As a gift, it is practical and easy to add to. For instance, if the person loves to bake cakes, cookies, and bread, next year, you can add a complete decorating set with a mixer.
Best for Small Spaces: Elbee Home Eight Piece Baking Set
This is an eight-in-one baking set with a stack-and-store feature. It has everything a person needs in their kitchen like a roasting pan, an eight-inch square cake tin, two muffin pans, a large roasting pan, eight-inch round cake tins, and a large oven tray.
This makes the perfect gift if someone is short on space as all the bakeware stacks neatly together. They all fit nicely into a box.
Pros:
- Dishwasher-safe
- Made from high-end carbon steel
- Heat resistant up to 450°F
Cons:
- Bottom may burn easily
- May rust
Best Kids Baking Set: Tovla Jr Kids Cooking Set
It’s not only adults that enjoy baking, but kids as well. Kick off their culinary journey with this baking and cooking set that’s safe for children to use. All these accessories are non-toxic, food-grade materials.
The colors are gender-neutral, and it comes with recipe cards.
Pros:
- Reusable, portable toolbox for easy storage
- Comes with cutting board, cookie cutters, spatula, spoon, nylon knives, rolling pin, tongs, kitchen timer, measuring spoons, apron, and recipe cards
- Easy to wash
- Durable
Cons:
- Good for beginners, but may lack in quality
- Timer doesn’t always work
Whether you are a beginner or master chef, there is a baking set perfect for your kitchen. Ensure that you select the best material and pans for the types of food you will be cooking in it.
The best types of sets are those that are non-stick for their quick release and easy cleanup. However, there are disadvantages to this as well.
If you want that perfect gift, there are many baker sets available. Even if the person appears to have everything, there are always those outside-the-box gifts as well. Also, age is not a limiting factor when it comes to baking. Children are starting to learn how to cook and bake at younger ages. You may end up sparking their creativity in the kitchen and a love of food.
No matter what your age, there is something for you. The best part is that many sets can build upon each other. So, if your friend or family member is a foodie, there are many possibilities when it comes to a present. New things are being invented all the time to make cooking easy. You will never run out of options.
