Baking
 

I'm in the process of getting rid of my non-stick loaf pans and sheets. What are good loaf/baking pans that would not release any harmful fumes when heated? I've been looking at the cast iron loaf pans to bake bread.

Re: Baking
 

It's tough to find baking pans that are made of something totally safe. I have been searching for a while and the best thing I can find are some heavy gauge aluminum ones that they make for pies or muffins or flat sheets. But since it is aluminum I dont cook directly on the surface but instead keep the food separated with a sheet of parchment paper. Is the silicon in parchment paper any safer? I don't know... but it makes me 'feel' safer. Wish I knew more facts about it though.

Re: Baking
 

glass or that old anchor hocking green jadeware stuff. try antique stores, they still have them. i use my great grand mother's, they work awesome.

Re: Baking
 

I bake a lot of bread. I prefer stoneware, it heats very evenly and makes a great crust. Pampered Chef makes a great loaf -type pan, they're pricey new but if you can find a used one they're cheaper and preseasoned.

If you don't mind forming the loaf (rather than using the loaf pan) any stoneware baking sheet will work -you know, the flat ones they usually sell for pizza. My favorite is the large rectangular bar pan sold by PC, I use it all the time.

Re: Baking
 

I bake about everything in clayware, in my opinion, nothing else compares. Glazed or unglazed, take your pick.

Re: Baking
 

My favorite bread loaf pan is Pyrex. Easy to clean (with Comet cleanser if there is baked on oil or shortening.) My loaves don't stick to it.

Re: Baking
 

Is baking directly on unglazed firebrick safe? I've been reading that glazed contains lead. I'm thinking about putting split firebricks into my oven.

Re: Baking
 

The older generation is passing this stuff straight through to Goodwill and such. I've got scads of Anchor loaf pans. Can't seem to pass them up....though I have bought ahead in cast iron and related for my 6yo daughter. Good cast iron just isn't around much (new).

Re: Baking
 

Cast iron bread pans are readily available. Do a search. There are several available via Amazon.

I may try one, but I have so much heavy cast iron cookware already (a huge amount) that I hesitate to add anything else to my collection. Anyway, my nonstick heavy gauge aluminum pans work great.

Stoneware and glass and clay loaf pans are moderately heavy compared to heavy gauge aluminum, and they are breakable. Cast iron pans are heavier, and very durable. I think the aluminum pans are the best of all, though. They are light and durable.