why do my springform pans shrink in the heat?

January 10, 2022 4:21 PM

I have recently had 3 different springform pans, used to bake cake in an old-ish oven at temps ranging from 350 to 400, fail to "snap back" together (bottom to springform). The springform latch is riveted, not screwed. Two of the pans were 7x3" (one = Wilton). Aside from why this happened, is there a brand that reliably does NOT do this?
posted by mmiddle to Food & Drink (4 answers total)

Response by poster: edit either the bottom shrank, or the springform expanded.
posted by mmiddle at 4:29 PM on January 10, 2022

I have several springform pans with glass bottoms. They seem to work as well as metal, and I think maybe the glass helps spread the heat better. There's no danger of shrinkage or warping with glass, and they snap together perfectly every time. The bottoms can go in the dishwasher. I don't know the manufacturer - I think they came from TK Maxx (TJ Maxx). They look very much like pans from WMF, which I spotted on Amazon.
posted by pipeski at 4:40 PM on January 10, 2022

Best answer: Based on recommendations of cake decorating instructors, cake store owners, and experience, the default for good quality cake pans is Fat Daddio's. They make a springform pan, which you could buy at a cake shop or Amazon. If someone allowed me to buy a new cake pan, that's what I would get.

The springform pan I own is something I picked up at a garage sale long time ago - no brand or label...

If you're concerned about the oven. Buy an oven thermometer... I have an older version of this one by CDN.
posted by skunk pig at 6:02 PM on January 10, 2022

Response by poster: Thanks!! I notice in your link to the company that hand wash is recommended, and “not microwave-safe.” The distortion must have come from putting it in the dishwasher. Lesson learned (once again).
posted by mmiddle at 7:52 PM on January 10, 2022