Cheesecake is delicious but can be difficult to prepare even if you have the perfect recipe. And if you want to bake that perfect cheesecake, then you need a good springform pan. Springform pans come in a variety of shapes, looks, sizes, materials, and qualities, not to mention prices. How can you know if you are getting the best springform pan for making your cheesecake? We’ve put in the research to help guide you through the things to consider when buying a springform pan for cheesecake, as well as explaining why you really do need one. Here you will find suggestions for some of the very best models available, what makes them great and their biggest disadvantages.
What should I look for in a springform pan for cheesecake?
The good news is that you can get a brand new springform pan that is good quality, even at reasonably cheap prices. Size is one thing to consider, as most recipes are designed for a nine-inch pan. However, seven-inch pans, or even smaller, are becoming more popular as many people are using smaller, toaster-type ovens or even pressure cooker machines to cook their cheesecakes.
Material, thickness, and even color can impact the end result of your baking. Metal pans are the most common and the most popular, but for cheesecake, it is important not to get one that is too flimsy and thin. Also, black pans are not good for cheesecake because they distribute heat too rapidly and result in uneven cooking of the edges and base before the center is set sufficiently.
Nonstick materials are perfect for a springform pan if you are making cheesecake, as they make both serving the cake and cleaning up a breeze. There are also silicone pans which won’t stick to anything and transfer heat at a good speed. However, nonstick pans can have a tendency to scratch easily, and so many bakers prefer to use a simple and plain can that has been lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. It is also very important that your springform pan will not warp or leak, so we’ve taken a good look at only the best.
Why buy a springform pan for cheesecake?
If you put a lot of hard work into preparing and cooking your perfect cheesecake recipe, you don’t want it ruined at the last second by a pan that has stuck to the cake. With a springform cake pan, it is easily possible to release the cake, delicate topping and all, without it sticking to the sides of the pan and resulting in a giant mess.
Your new springform pan will protect the soft topping part of your cheesecake, while at the same time promoting even cooking of the entire crust in the same amount of time as the filling to set. Homemade cheesecake will always taste better, be fresher and have more natural ingredients than those commercially produced cakes.
Farberware Nonstick Bakeware 9-Inch Round Springform Pan
More durable and thicker than most springforms on the market, this is a great quality product from a trusted company with a good reputation. Reviewers say that the nonstick surface works very well, even for notoriously sticky ingredients like cheesecake. The nonstick surface also makes the pan very easy to clean up.
See the Farberware Nonstick Bakeware 9-Inch Round Springform Pan at Amazon
While built sturdier than most springform pans, there are some people who found that the pan did leak water slightly when making cheesecake. Due to the nature of springform pans, even those marketed as leak proof will still sometimes leak. However, this is easily solved with a little bit of aluminum foil around the outside. Overall, this is a great product made to a high standard and has fantastic reviews.
Norpro Silicone 9 Inch Springform Pan with Glass Base
Relatively new to the world of baking equipment, silicone options like this are fast taking over. Silicone is nonstick and has great heating and cooling abilities. It also won’t warp or get dented like a cheap metal pan might. Apart from the silicone, the other thing that sets this springform pan aside is the glass base. Reviewers say it is a beautiful way to serve their cheesecake without having to mess around trying to transfer it onto a special serving plate. It also won’t scratch up like nonstick bases, while not sticking.
One downside is that the silicone can be tricky to open and close, but that can be easily learned. For something very unique and with some obvious benefits, the affordable price of this springform pan is fantastic.
See the Norpro Silicone 9 Inch Springform Pan with Glass Base at Amazon
Springform pans for baking cheesecakes
A springform pan is definitely the best cooking vessel for baking a wonderful cheesecake. They make cleanup and serving easier although some care is usually needed to avoid leaks. It is important to consider the materials used in your springform pan. The best pans are nonstick, made from either a coated metal that is not too flimsy or from silicone and tempered glass.
Be careful that the pan you choose will not warp, and try to choose one that is easy to clean and has a good reputation. Our top pick for the best springform pan for cheesecake is the Farberware Nonstick Bakeware 9-Inch Round Springform Pan. It fits all our criteria and is well reviewed by large numbers of people.
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Image credit via Flickr Creative Commons: Dustin G