Bakeware

At the Cookcraft Kitchen Shop we swear by our anodised aluminium (rather than swear at it, which is what you do with cheap nonstick bakeware). Silverwood bakeware is simply the best around for lots of very good reasons. First and foremost it is a British product. Conceived, developed and made in Britain, by Brits, for British cooks, for over 40 years. Non British cooks can use it too - as long as they are discerning and respectful.

All Silverwood bakeware is made from an aluminium alloy which gives fast, even heat distribution. Silver anodising seals the aluminium in (so no worries about the aluminium reacting with your food) and gives a smooth, easy to clean surface. This surface seasons over time and becomes more and more 'easy-release' (we can't call it nonstick because it's not an applied coating.) It is efficient, lightweight and won't warp or rust.

Hard anodising creates a really hard surface, which is scratch resistant as well as being smooth and a beautiful soft grey finish. But it is more expensive, so be prepared to pay a little extra. Most Mermaid bakeware and roasting tins are hard-anodised – and they are also a British product.

The truly fab thing about anodised aluminium is that it HATES to be overcleaned. Clearly you want to wipe off any actual food residue, but scrub it back to shop-bought newness at your peril. Should your inlaws come to lunch and zealously wash up (as mine have now been banned from doing), a little groundnut oil or butter wiped round before the next use will help the surface build up again.

If Silverwood is not for you, Chicago Metallic is an American heavy duty product, either nonstick (Professional) or uncoated (Commercial). This stuff is for people who like weighty materials and large portions. For specialist patisserie pieces (like madeleines, panettones, bundts or guglehofs), Gobel and Kaiser are always trustworthy names.

Cheap non-stick is not for us. Nor those flimsy baking trays that you put in the oven and go 'ping' immediately as they curl up at the corners. For traditional and affordable, you can't beat tinplate, which is another good British bakeware stalwart.

Silicone we will stock, and advise as best we can, but it's a personal thing, really.