Foil Pan Types
When choosing the size and type of disposable aluminum foil pan you will need, determine the specific use for the pan, whether it's baking, roasting, or serving. Once you've narrowed in on the application, you can then choose which size you will need based on the ingredients it will be holding.
Aluminum Steam Table Pans
Featuring a heavy-duty, thick construction, aluminum steam table pans are commonly used for holding and presenting food items in buffet lines, catering events, or self-service settings. Many steam table pans have deep depths that make them perfect for use as roasting pans, and their curled rims prevent spills while cooking and in transport.
- Steam Tabe Pan Sizes:Full, half, and third
- Steam Table Pan Applications:Cooking, roasting, food storage, and food display
Aluminum Loaf Pans
Disposable loaf pans are rectangular and commonly used for baking bread, meatloaf, or cakes. They feature full curl rims, which makes it easy towrapwithplasticand aluminum foil wrapor compatible lids for merchandising. Aluminum foil loafpan sizes are measured by their capacity, with 2 lb. being the standard loaf pan size. A 1 lb. loaf pan is ideal for mini loaves and individual servings of your popular menu items, and larger sizes can be used for catered events or entrees.
- Loaf Pan Sizes: 1 - 5 lb.
- LoafPan Applications:Baking,cooking, andmerchandising
Aluminum Cake Pans
Similar to traditionalsheet cake sizes, disposablealuminum foil cake pans come in full, half, and quarter sizes and have a shallow depth.They also come in square, round, and heart shapes. Aluminum foil cake pans are ideal for any bakery or market that serves housemade sheet cakes, cinnamon rolls, pies, or brownies and allow operators to bake, serve, and display baked goods in one convenient container.
- Cake Pan Sizes: Full, half, andquarter
- CakePan Applications: Baking, cooking, and merchandising
Aluminum Pie Pans
Ideal for baking various types of pies, including quiches, fruit, custard, and savory pies, aluminum pie pans come in a variety of sizes and depths for your foodservice needs. They featurea full curl rim to aid in crust formation and provide extra stability. Disposable aluminum pie pans area convenient option for bakeries, markets, and cafes that bake a high volume of pies for in-house sales.
Pie Pan Diameters:5" - 12"
Pie Pan Depths: 3/4" - 1 13/16"
Pie Pan Applications:Baking, cooking, and merchandising
How Thick Are Aluminum Foil Pans?
Disposable aluminum foil pans come in a range of thicknesses, which are measured in gauge. The thickness of the foil affects the pans' sturdiness and weight capacity. Typically, a commercial foil pan will be labeled as either standard-duty or heavy-duty depending on its thickness.
Standard-Duty Aluminum Foil Pans
These foil pans provide the durability needed for most everyday cooking and baking applications and are more affordable.
- Gauge: 35 - 55 gauge
- Application: Small meat cuts, baked goods, pasta, and vegetables
Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil Pans
These pans offer increased strength and durability, making them better suited for heavier dishes or when extra sturdiness is required, such as with offsite catering events or selling retail items. They will also resist warping and can handle higher temperatures.
- Gauge: 58 - 70 gauge
- Application: Roasts, turkey, and heavy casseroles
Tips For Baking in Disposable Aluminum Pans
While baking in disposable aluminum pans is relatively hassle-free, here are a few tips to follow to make sure you get the perfect bake.
- Coat the Pan to Prevent Sticking.Just like traditional aluminum bakeware, disposable aluminum foil pans are not non-stick.Before pouring in your batter or dough,grease the pan with oil or cooking spray, making sure to coat the corners well. Alternatively, if you will not be serving your goods in the foil pan, you can also use parchment paper.
- Put the Disposable Aluminum Pans Directly on a Preheated Baking Sheet.This will ensure your baked goods brownevenly as well as make it easier to transfer the pans in and out of the oven.
- Choose the Right Pan Thickness.Aluminum foil pans witha thinner gauge will crisp up faster, so be mindful of this when choosing your pans. For example,thinner gauge pans are great for cookies with short bake times, allowing them to still achieve a crispy, browned bottom. However, theymay not be as suitable for bread with longer bake times, since you don't want them tobrown faster than they bake.
Aluminum Foil Pans FAQ
If you're still looking for answers, check out some common questions below about aluminum foil pans:
Are Disposable Aluminum Foil Pans Safe?
Yes, food-grade disposable aluminum foil pans are considered non-toxic and safe to use. They are oven- and freezer-safe and can be used to cook, hold, and serve foods.
What Is the Maximum Temperature for Aluminum Foil Pans?
Most aluminum foil pans are designed to withstand high temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do You Have to Adjust the Bake Time When Using Disposable Aluminum Foil Pans?
No, you shouldn't need to adjust the bake time if using a disposable aluminum pan.