Rachael Ray Long-Lasting Nonstick Bakeware Sheet Set, 3-Piece

Every kitchen needs a few basic items, whether you cook often or only occasionally. A good nonstick bakeware set will give you everything you need to make biscuits, cookies, vegetables and a host of other items. But there are a few things to consider as you start shopping around for bakeware.

Sure, you can pick up a bakeware set at the grocery store, but there are some extras that you’ll get if you spend a little more. Several of those extras contribute to the way your foods turn out when you pull them out of the oven. With the right design, your baking sheets and muffin tins will promote even cooking to avoid that underdone center with burned edges that we’ve all experienced at one time or another.

Another thing you’ll find with cheaper bakeware sets is that they easily rust. This is especially true if you toss them in the dishwasher after each use. Exposure to higher temperatures can also cause less well-built cookware to warp. Sure, you can buy a new set every few months when the old one wears out, but you may find it’s worth the investment to buy a cookware set that you can use for many years.

• Nonstick coatings have become increasingly popular in recent years but leave the cooking spray in the cabinet. Cooking sprays may be great for reducing sticking on traditional pans, but they can damage the nonstick coating on the cookware that is so popular today.
• Usually, bakeware is sold in sets, so you won’t be buying a solo baking sheet or bread pan. You may just need two or three baking sheets, at which point you can save money by limiting your search to those items. But you can also find sets that include everything you need to stock your kitchen. Items like muffin pans, cooling trays, bread pans and roasting pans will open up your cooking options.
• The design of the pad makes a big difference in how your concoctions turn out. The type of steel used can promote evenness during cooking. Some bakeware even includes an inner core geared toward ensuring heat is distributed evenly.
• Technically, most bakeware is dishwasher safe, which means it can withstand high temperatures. However, the nonstick coating is somewhat sensitive on many pots, pans, and baking sheets. The prolonged exposure to moisture, along with chemicals in many detergents, can break down the coating. You’re always better off washing your cookware by hand if you can.