Wax Paper vs Baking Paper
Wax paper and baking paper, also known as parchment paper, have different uses and purposes in cooking and baking. While both types of paper are used as plate covers and food wrappers, and are suitable for refrigerator storage, they differ in their composition and nature.
What is Wax Paper?
Wax paper, also known as paraffin paper, is used in baking and cooking. It is coated with paraffin wax, making it less resistant to heat compared to baking paper. As a result, using wax paper in an oven can cause smoke and affect the taste of the food. However, it can be used successfully in microwaves to cover dishes, as it is more suitable than plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Wax paper is not non-stick in nature due to the sticky property of wax, but it is used for smudging grease equally onto a pan. It is also less expensive than baking paper.
What is Baking Paper?
Baking paper is coated with silicone, making it more resistant to heat than wax paper. Bakers often prefer baking paper due to its non-stick characteristic, which is preferable in baking and cooking. The non-stick nature of baking paper is attributed to the presence of silicone. Baking paper is more expensive than wax paper.
Key Takeaways
- Wax paper is less resistant to heat than baking paper, making it less suitable for oven use but suitable for microwaves.
- Wax paper is coated with paraffin wax, while baking paper is coated with silicone, which gives it a non-stick characteristic.
- Baking paper is generally more expensive than wax paper.