Buy commercial cake pans in sets for utility and value

Commercial cake pans are sold independently, but they also often come in sets of 5 or more pans. These sets include multiple pans with the same shape but different sizes, giving you a range of pans to choose from that all conform to the same style.

I recommend: Buy commercial cake pans in sets, which are ideal for tiered cakes and other professional cakes, and are also a useful resource if you want to have a unique signature shape for all of the cakes you sell. Also remember when you buy cake pans to check for a removable bottom or springform sides for easy removal if desired.

Buy commercial baking sheets that double as roasting pans

Many restaurant baking pans are combination pans; aluminum pans that are as large as a cookie sheet but have sides so that you can use them for roasting as well. Some of these pans even have removable bottoms to allow for easy removal of food or use as a sheet cake pan.

I recommend: Take advantage of the versatility of combination pans to get professional baking pans that double up as commercial cookie sheets and roasting pans. Remember to buy more than one combination pan, however, in case you need to bake and roast at the same time.

Compare prices on professional baking pans for the best deals

Aluminum baking pans and other professional cookware are very popular among consumers, so it's easy to find comparisons of prices and features. Read about individual products offered by different brands and shop online.

I recommend: Use a comparison shopping site anytime you're purchasing an item for the first time, but don't be fooled by the lowest prices. If you're starting a restaurant with limited capital, you may need to buy cheap initially, but remember that the best industrial baking pans that last the longest will likely require a greater financial investment.