Buying guide
Baking Paper, Greaseproof and Tin Liners: Which to Use
Baking paper, greaseproof paper, pre-cut liners and reusable sheets compared. Which one stops cakes sticking, which needs greasing, and lining a deep fruit cake tin.
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Lining the tin is the easiest way to make sure a cake comes out whole. But the rolls on the supermarket shelf are not all the same: some are non-stick, some need greasing, and some can be washed and reused for years.
Our shortlist
Shortlist in progress
We only list products once their specifications have been checked against the manufacturer or retailer. Until then, use the criteria in this guide to compare what's available.
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Types
| Liner | Non-stick? | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Baking paper (parchment) | Yes | Cakes, biscuits, meringues, lining trays |
| Greaseproof paper | No: grease it first | Wrapping and lining when greased |
| Pre-cut circles and loaf liners | Yes | Quick, neat lining for standard tins |
| Reusable sheets (PTFE or silicone) | Yes | Trays and tins you use every week; wash and reuse |
What to check
- Size: pre-cut liners must match your tin; check the diameter.
- Maximum temperature for reusable sheets.
- Width of the roll: wider rolls line large trays and deep cake tins without joins.
Lining a deep fruit cake tin
For a Christmas cake or Dundee cake, grease the tin, then line the base and sides with a double layer of baking paper, with the side strip standing a few centimetres above the rim. The double layer protects the edge of the cake during a long bake.
For tins, see deep cake tins, sandwich tins and loaf tins.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between baking paper and greaseproof paper?
Baking paper (parchment) has a non-stick coating, so cakes release without greasing. Greaseproof paper resists grease but is not non-stick, so grease it first.
Are reusable tin liners worth it?
If you bake every week, yes: a PTFE or silicone sheet can be washed and reused many times. Check the maximum temperature.
Do I still need to grease a lined tin?
Greasing the tin first helps the paper stay in place. With baking paper, you do not need to grease the paper itself.
How we choose
BeneRecipes compares tools using manufacturer specifications and retailer listings. We have not tested these products ourselves and don't publish star ratings. We explain which type suits which cook and why.
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Recipes to go with it
Recipe · 1 hr 15 min
Victoria Sponge
The classic two-layer sponge with jam and buttercream, named after Queen Victoria.
Recipe · 4 hr 30 min
Traditional Christmas Cake
A rich, dark fruit cake baked weeks ahead and fed with brandy until Christmas.
Recipe · 3 hr 50 min
Selkirk Bannock
A round, buttery yeasted loaf packed with sultanas, from Selkirk in the Scottish Borders. Lovely sliced and buttered with tea, and a fine gift at Hogmanay.