5 types of baking mats: must-know for new bakers!

Stop buying random things for baking! Save some money! We have all experienced the shopping phase when we were newbies, and we have also made many mistakes, buying a lot of useless tools that are gathering dust and wasting money. Here we will reveal practical and cost-saving baking materials and tools.

Baking paper

Baking paper is a common baking tool. It is placed on the baking tray to prevent our food from sticking to the baking tray.

Advantages: cheap and versatile! It can be cut to the appropriate size as needed.

Disadvantages: the bottom is easy to burn, it cannot be reused, it cannot withstand high temperatures, and high temperatures will catch fire.

Silicone baking mat

Silicone baking mat prevents food from sticking to the baking tray. It is suitable for making macarons, cookies, puffs, etc., because it has a reference scale line, which can help us accurately position when squeezing the batter. It can also be used as a kneading mat at ordinary times, which is very convenient.

Advantages: durable, helps novice bakers accurately distribute dough, can be used for kneading dough, reduces the possibility of burning, and is easy to operate

Disadvantages: cannot be cut to size

Aluminum foil

Aluminum foil is used to prevent excessive coloring, discoloration or cracking during baking, and is often used for barbecue.

Advantages: High temperature resistance

Disadvantages: Not suitable for microwave ovens, can keep food moist, not suitable for baking bread directly on a baking tray.

Oilcloth

Oilcloth is used to prevent food from sticking to the baking tray. Its anti-sticking effect is better than that of oil paper. It is often used to make cake rolls, but it cannot be folded, which will leave creases; cleaning must be timely after baking, soak in water and then scrub.

Advantages: Can be cut and reused

Disadvantages: Cannot be folded, and has a shorter service life than silicone pads.