What is the Difference Between Wax Paper and Baking Paper?

The main difference between wax paper and baking paper (also known as parchment paper) lies in their heat resistance and composition:

• Wax Paper:
• Coated with wax, making it non-stick and water-resistant.
• Not heat-resistant, and should not be used in the oven.
• Useful for tasks that don't involve heat, such as rolling out dough and wrapping leftovers.
• Baking Paper (Parchment Paper):
• Coated with silicone, making it heat-resistant and non-stick.
• Can be used in the oven at temperatures up to 425° to 450°F.
• Multipurpose, used for various baking and cooking tasks, such as lining baking sheets, wrapping dough, and baking en papillote.

While both wax paper and baking paper can be used interchangeably when heat is not involved, it is essential to choose the correct type of paper for tasks that require heat. Wax paper is more suitable for non-heated activities like rolling out dough, while baking paper is versatile and can be used in various applications, including those involving high temperatures.

Comparative Table: Wax Paper vs Baking Paper

Here is a table comparing the differences between wax paper and baking paper:

In summary, wax paper has a wax coating that makes it non-stick and water-resistant, but it is not heat-resistant and should not be used in the oven. On the other hand, baking paper, also known as parchment paper, is greaseproof and can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for baking and cooking applications.