Silicone vs. Metal Bakeware?

[mymeowzer]

Hi,
I am going to make individual brownies using a pan with 6 wells for baking them. I am trying to decide whether silicone or metal would be best to work with. I am concerned about too done edges and bottom that's why I was thinking silicone. Any advise you could offer would be great.
Thanks

[John E.]

Just based on the number of silicone baking 'pans' that show up at Goodwill and various thrift stores I would not recommend them. There is a reason people donate them instead of hanging on to them.

[Sid Post]

While not scientific, that is certainly a valid observation.

With time and temperature control, people all over the world have been using uncoated metal bakeware successfully.

[Chemicalkinetics]

I have never used the individual brownies pans, but I know what you are talking about.

http://www.funkymuffin.co.uk/uploads/images_products_extralarge/1658.jpg

When you said silicone bakeware, do you mean the full blown silicone bakeware or the silicone coated bakeware?

http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-2105-4923-24-Cavity-Silicone-Brownie-Squares/dp/B001T4URXG

vs

http://www.amazon.com/USA-Pans-Browni...

I am leaning toward the metal based (coated or not) bakeware. I just do not like the concept of full silicone bakware.

If you are concern about the brownies being "too crusty" or "too done" near the bakeware surface, then there are two options. One method is to refine/retune the baking temperature -- usually lower the temperature but lengthen the time. Another method is simply buy a shiny surface bakeware instead of the dark color bakeware. Shiny surface bakeware absorb infrared photons slower and therefore heat up slower.

[mymeowzer]

Thanks Chemicalkinetics!!! You are so helpful. Great info. You sound very smart.

[Chemicalkinetics]

My pleasure. Good luck for selecting your pan(s).

[mymeowzer]

Do you have anymore great tips about baking and equipment? May sound too general but you seem to know a lot!

[Sid Post]

Chemicalkinetics has helped me many times with great posts in various threads too.

On a related note, I have been buying Chicago Metallics bake ware on-line and find it works well. It seems to have similar quality to the better bakeware brands at a discounted price.

[John Francis]

I just bought a Chicago Metallic Betterbake Non-Stick 8-Inch Square Cake Pan from amazon.com, to replace a Gourmetware pan that lost its nonstick-ability very quickly. Used the new pan twice, and so far, so good. Very good, actually.