Commercial bakeware coatings come in many formulations. Many are proprietary; each with its own claims about coating release, durability, and longevity. So how should an operator choose? This guide covers the factors to weigh before you buy.
How to Assess Coating Performance
Look for a coating built to release cleanly over many bake cycles. Silicone resin-based coatings are designed for exactly this, which is why release life is the performance measure to compare. General claims are easy to make, so stick with brands that provide release-cycle data, so you really know what to expect.
Ease of cleaning
A coating that releases cleanly leaves less residue behind, and that reduces both staining and carbon transfer to baked goods. Less residue also means less time spent cleaning pans between runs.
Durability and pan life
Coatings wear over time, so it helps to consider what happens when it does. For that reason, look for a pan program that includes professional recoating. Cleaning and reapplying coating can extend pan life, support sustainability, and keep release performance consistent.
Release agent requirements
A well-formulated release coating reduces the pan oil needed to keep product from sticking. Since lower oil use cuts both ingredient and labor costs, look for a reference to a reduction in secondary release agents.
Coating formulation and material considerations
Silicone resin-based coatings are formulated specifically for bakeware, but formulation alone isn’t enough. Look for confirmed food-contact approval and a clearly identified base metal, with each one backed by documentation.
Find the Right Pans for Your Operation
For your commercial baking needs, Chicago Metallic offers a large assortment of stock bakeware, including sheet pans, cupcake and muffin pans, pizza pans, and more. The best pan choice depends on the application, the pan dimensions needed, the construction, and the production requirements of the operation.
Chicago Metallic’s AMERICOAT® ePlus silicone release coating is built to deliver. It is used on all Chicago Metallic glazed and pre-seasoned pans and is the industry’s leading silicone coating technology.
- Performance: AMERICOAT ePlus offers long-lasting release, with approximately 300 to 600 releases before recoating is required. The actual number depends on the product being baked and how well the pans are cared for.
- Ease of use: This clear glaze reduces the need for secondary release agents, such as oil, spray, or parchment, by up to 50%.
- Durability: When a pan does need attention, the Pan Glo® process, offered through Chicago Metallic’s sister company, cleans and reglazes it, returning it to productivity with improved release characteristics. Refurbishment costs less than buying new pans, and the lower use of release agents saves money.
- Formulation: AMERICOAT is a silicone-based, non-stick, non-toxic coating derived from naturally occurring minerals. It complies with FDA, EU, and other known food-contact regulations.
All Chicago Metallic pans are manufactured in the United States with global materials, in options that include aluminized steel, aluminum, anodized and hardcoat anodized aluminum, carbon steel, and high-strength aluminum alloy.
A Dependable Option for Foodservice
For foodservice operations seeking a balance of performance and versatility, Chicago Metallic’s range of AMERICOAT ePlus-coated pans is a tried-and-true choice.
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Partnered With 
For more than 120 years, the Chicago Metallic name has been synonymous with innovative products, superior quality, and exceptional service. Today, we manufacture more than 300 different baking pans and ship to customers worldwide. As a Bundy Baking Solutions brand, we share expert resources with well-known top brands including American Pan, Pan Glo, and USA PAN. Our pans are manufactured in the United States with global materials. Our knowledgeable and experienced teams allow us to control the entire pan manufacturing process, from design to manufacture to coating to refurbishment. Chicago Metallic is located in Humboldt, Tennessee.
