Parchment Paper vs Wax Paper: Know The Differences

Parchment paper is oven-safe and heat-resistant because it’s coated with silicone whereas wax paper has a wax coating that makes it suitable for wrapping sandwiches or separating foods in the freezer.

In Canada when it comes to baking and food preparation. Parchment paper and wax paper are two kitchen essentials that often get confused. There is constant debate among many people. Some suggest that parchment is the best while some give their votes in favor of wax paper.

It is necessary to comprehend the common difference between them. They both look very similar but they have different coatings and uses. So let’s clear all the doubts and explore parchment paper and wax paper in detail.

Parchment Paper for Baking and Cooking Purposes

Parchment paper is a special paper made for cooking and baking that can resist heat. It has a thin layer of silicone on it which makes it non-stick and stops moisture from getting through.

If you are going to bake something then look no further as parchment paper is the best choice. It helps keep cookies from sticking to the baking tray and stops cakes from sticking to the pans. Many bakers in Canada also use parchment paper to roll out dough and to separate layers of pastry because it doesn’t stick and is safe to use in the oven.

Parchment Paper Coating and Uses

Custom parchment paper comes with the silicone coating. This coating is what makes it so effective. The silicone can withstand heat up to 420–450°F. This means you can safely use it. Some common uses of parchment paper include:

• It is used for lining baking sheets for cookies and pastries.
• It is used for wrapping food for steaming or roasting.
• It is used for rolling out sticky doughs without extra flour.
• It is used for preventing sticking in cake pans.
• It is used for layering treats like brownies or candies for storage.

Because it resists both grease and moisture, parchment paper is versatile in both hot and cold applications.

Wax Paper for Cooking and Storage Purposes

Wax paper is regular paper coated with a thin layer of paraffin or soybean wax. It’s up to you which type of coating you prefer and you can also choose whether the coating is applied on one side or both sides. The wax gives it a moisture-resistant surface that’s excellent for wrapping food and preventing sticking. However wax paper is not heat-resistant and it is also not edible.

When exposed to high oven temperatures the wax melts and the paper can even catch fire. However wax paper can be used for wrapping food and placing it in the freezer but only for a short period typically a few weeks as it is not suitable for long-term storage.

Wax Paper Coating and Uses

The paraffin or soy wax coating makes custom wax paper grease-resistant and non-stick. It’s often used for:

• It is used for wrapping sandwiches and snacks.
• It is used for covering countertops when rolling dough or working with messy foods.
• It is used for separating burger patties, cookies, or cheese slices before freezing.
• It is used for lining containers for candies or baked goods (when they won’t be baked further).

Wax paper is inexpensive and handy but it should always stay away from direct heat or ovens.

Important Distinctions Between Wax Paper and Parchment Paper

Both these papers look the the same physically. But some of the factors that make them different from each other are:

• Coating
• Heat resistance
• Uses
• Cost

Can You Substitute Wax Paper for Parchment Paper?

In some situations yes but not in the oven. Wax paper can be used instead of parchment paper for rolling out dough, wrapping food or separating frozen items. However if you are on the edge of baking or cooking then parchment paper is the only option.

Conclusion

Parchment paper and wax paper are valuable food papers that are used in the kitchen but they both serve different purposes. Understanding the difference saves you and keeps your cooking safe. So next time you’re reaching for paper in the kitchen remember this parchment for the oven and wax for wrapping.