Muffin tins come in various materials, including non-stick, stoneware, cast iron, and silicone. Non-stick options are worth the extra cost, while stoneware and cast iron pans provide unique textures and flavors. Silicone pans are microwave, oven, toaster, dishwasher, and freezer safe.
The term muffin tin is reminiscent of old-fashioned muffin pans made of tin. Some vintage pans are still available, often at auction sites or antique stores, and there are reproductions as well. Vintage reproduction pans and pans often have patterns on the bottom of each muffin cup.
Besides tin or aluminum, there are various other finishes currently available. These include non-stick, stoneware, cast iron and even silicone cans. In addition to being available in a variety of materials, muffin tins also come in many different shapes and sizes.
Muffin tins treated with a nonstick coating are helpful, because the muffins slide out easily and you don’t need paper muffin cups or nonstick cooking spray. Nonstick options tend to cost a bit more, but are worth the extra cost, especially for the serious baker. The muffin tins can also be used for other recipes besides muffins or cupcakes, and the nonstick options are perfect for foods like cinnamon rolls, egg dishes like mini quiches, and even individual servings of meatloaf. We recommend reserving separate muffin pans for baking muffins, rather than using the same pans you use to prepare meats or similar dishes.
Stoneware cans give the texture and flavor of items cooked over a stone hearth or brick oven. The more you use these muffin cups, the better your baking will be. They will darken and season with use and foods will achieve a richer flavor and won’t stick to the pan.
Cast iron muffin pans also mimic the pans of yesteryear. These used to be placed directly above a campfire or fireplace and many people enjoy the flair, texture and flavor achieved by cooking or baking in weathered cast iron cookware. Cast iron muffin tins also come in different shapes. Probably the two most popular are the cactus and corn on the cob shapes, often used to bake corn muffins.
Silicone Muffin Boxes are unique. They look and feel like rubber, and you might assume they’re intended for making muffins in the microwave. However, silicone muffin pans and other baking pans can withstand oven temperatures and are also dishwasher safe. One downside to silicone muffin tins is that they’re quite flexible and you may need to slide a baking sheet underneath them when you transfer them in or out of the oven. The high-quality silicone pans are microwave, oven, toaster, dishwasher and freezer safe without damage and are non-stick and easy to clean.
Most muffin tins are very affordable, and all of the great options listed above will help make baking a breeze.
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