When it comes to cooking in a toaster oven, the type of pan you use is very important. Not all pans are suitable for use in a toaster oven due to differences in material types and sizes. Using the right pan allows you to cook your food properly and avoid any damage to the pans or toaster oven itself. This article will provide a quick overview of what pans are recommended for use in a toaster oven and why.
Metal Pans
Metal pans are the most common and recommended type of pan to use in a toaster oven. This includes:
- Aluminum pans – Lightweight and excellent conductors of heat, these allow food to cook evenly. Anodized aluminum is harder and more durable.
- Stainless steel pans – More durable than aluminum and resistant to corrosion and rust. Heavier than aluminum.
- Nonstick pans – Coated with a material like Teflon to prevent food from sticking. Best for baking.
The great heat conduction of metals allows them to work well in a toaster oven. Metals like aluminum and steel are designed to withstand high oven temperatures, making them ideal for toaster oven cooking. Just ensure any metal pans you choose are oven safe to the temperatures your toaster oven can reach (often 450°F to 500°F).
Recommended Metal Pan Types
For most standard toaster oven cooking, simple metal baking sheets, cake pans, loaf pans, muffin tins, grill pans, and pizza pans will all work excellently. Here are some specific metal pan recommendations for toaster ovens:
- Round cake pans – 6 to 8 inches work best.
- Square baking pans – Choose 8×8 or 9×9 inch sizes.
- Loaf pans – Mini loaf pans around 5×3 inches are ideal.
- Muffin tins – Standard size muffin cups and tins.
- Pizza pans – 10 to 12 inch round pans.
- Cookie sheets – Choose insulated if possible.
- Grill pans – Pick smaller pans with shallow sides.
Again, just confirm the metal pans you choose are rated oven safe for the temperatures your toaster oven can reach. Avoid any plastic parts or handles that may not be suitable for toaster ovens.
Glass and Ceramic
Glass and ceramic bakeware is another option that usually performs well in toaster ovens. Choices like:
- Glass baking dishes
- Glass pie plates
- Ceramic casserole dishes
- Ceramic pizza stones
Are all suitable for most toaster ovens. The thickness of the glass or ceramic material allows it to maintain and distribute heat effectively. Just confirm dishes are oven safe to the temperature your toaster oven reaches.
Tips for Glass and Ceramic
When choosing glass and ceramic for your toaster oven, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid very thin glass that may not withstand high heat.
- Make sure there are no plastic parts or decorations unsuitable for high temps.
- Use hot pads – glass and ceramic will get very hot!
- Avoid large dishes that take up too much interior space.
- Preheat well – glass/ceramic takes longer to heat up.
With proper care, glass and ceramic bakeware perform excellently in toaster ovens and provide an alternative to metal.
Silicone Pans
Silicone bakeware has become very popular in recent years due to its flexibility and nonstick properties. Many silicone pans are also oven safe to temperatures of 400°F or above, making them a potential toaster oven option.
Some examples of silicone pans that may work in your toaster oven include:
- Silicone baking mats (for cookies, biscuits, etc)
- Silicone muffin pans and cupcake liners
- Silicone loaf pans
- Silicone egg bite molds
Silicone is able to withstand high heat and makes removal of baked goods easy when nonstick properties are useful. Always check your silicone pans are rated oven safe for your toaster oven’s highest temperature.
Considerations for Silicone
Here are some useful tips when choosing silicone pans for your toaster oven:
- Pick rigid silicone over soft and flexible if possible.
- Avoid large silicone pans that take up interior oven space.
- Ensure silicone is not too thin and flimsy.
- Check there are no plastic or metal pieces unsuitable for high heat.
- Read manufacturer guidelines carefully.
While silicone can offer some benefits, it does have some drawbacks to consider compared to metal and glass wares. Follow guidelines carefully when using silicone in your toaster oven.
What Pans to Avoid
There are some pans that are not the best choices for use in your toaster oven. Pans to avoid include:
- Plastic – Can melt and cause damage at high temperatures.
- Disposable foil – Can overheat, catch fire or melt.
- Warped pans – May not sit level and cause uneven cooking.
- Extra-large pans – Won’t allow proper air circulation.
- Cast iron – Retains heat so much it can damage oven.
Always check your pans are rated oven safe for the highest temperature your toaster oven can reach. Avoid plastic parts, extra-large pans, and anything that could melt, catch fire or warp under high heat. Look for oven safe labels on bakeware before using in a toaster oven.
Tips for Choosing Pans
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when selecting pans to use for cooking in your toaster oven:
- Match pan sizes to the internal dimensions of your toaster oven.
- Darker pans may cook faster and more evenly vs. shiny pans.
- Include some pans with low or no sides for more direct heat exposure.
- Choose pan types suited to what you will cook most – muffins, cookies, pizzas etc.
- Ensure all handles are oven safe and can be easily removed if needed.
- Pick pans that will sit level and stable within the toaster oven.
Taking into account your specific toaster oven size and the types of dishes you will cook allows you to select the most suitable bakeware.
Common Toaster Oven Pan Materials
To summarize, here are some of the most common and recommended toaster oven pan materials:
| Material | Properties | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Lightweight, excellent conductor, affordable | Cake, muffin, pizza pans |
| Steel | Strong, durable, conducts heat evenly | Cookie sheets, grilling pans |
| Glass | Naturally nonstick, retains heat well | Baking dishes, pie plates |
| Ceramic | Withstands high heat, comes in various styles | Casserole dishes, pizza stones |
| Silicone | Flexible, nonstick properties | Baking mats, muffin molds |
Each material offers different benefits, so consider what your cooking needs are. Just ensure all pans chosen are specifically rated oven safe for the toaster oven.
Conclusion
From metal to glass to silicone designs, there are many pans that perform excellently in toaster ovens for all kinds of cooking. The key is choosing options specifically rated for toaster oven use in terms of their material, size, shape and maximum heat tolerance. Matching pan types with your specific toaster oven model and cooking needs will provide the best results. With so many pans designed today specifically to be multifunctional for all oven cooking, there are lots of suitable choices for creating delicious dishes in your toaster oven.