Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the minimum order requirement for a custom production run?
A. Our minimum is 200 sets or pieces. The 200 set quantity pertains to the number of sets produced, not the number of pans per set. For example a 200 minimum order for a 4-on (strap) bread set is 200 sets. Not 50 sets of 4-on = 200.
Custom order for loose pans or covers are 200 pieces. Quantity minimum for special & logo'd pie plates is 10 gross.
Q. What are the quantity breaks for Custom orders?
A. Quantity breaks are 200, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, and so on. Some items have a quantity break at 750.
Q. What are the lead times for a Custom made order?
A. Typical lead times run 6 to 8 weeks after receipt of order. If new tooling is required, tooling lead time can add another 4 to 6 weeks.
Q. What is the over / under policy on Custom orders?
A. All custom made order shipping quantities vary 5% over / under the actual quantity ordered. For further information on this consult our terms and conditions section on the order acknowledgement or invoice.
Q. I have an old pan or pans that I need more of. I'm not sure who made it or when. Can you make this?
A. Yes, most likely. Chicago Metallic has been making baking pans since 1898. We purchased another bakeware manufacturer several years ago that had been in business since 1888. With these combined manufacturing assets we have an almost unlimited amount of tooling to produce various shapes and sizes for baking. Contact us and we can walk you through the process of buying match in pans. (We do a lot of this.)
Q. I have one of your stock pans but I need it configured differently to work on my ovens, depositors, or conveyors. Can you do this?
A. We generally do not reconfigure used pans. We can produce Custom made pans similar to the stock pans but designed to work with your exact specifications.
Q. Can I / We buy direct?
A. The Custom Products division sells direct to wholesale and commercial bakeries. We also sell direct to original equipment manufactures (OEM accounts) and equipment dealers and distributors.
Q. Do you have sales representatives?
A. The Custom Products division has a network of sales representatives and agent throughout the world. To find the representative closest to you, please see our Sales Representatives World Map.
Q. Why are some products made of aluminized steel and some of aluminum?
A. Aluminum is a fine conductor of heat. It's ability to heat and cool quickly makes it a preferred material by some bakers. Aluminized steel is steel that has an aluminum coating. Aluminized steel is preferred by some bakers because it can withstand the daily wear and tear of commercial baking.
Q. I have a object that kind of looks like a baking pan, but we use it for other purposes. Can you custom make more of these for me?
A. Usually Yes. Chicago Metallic will custom fabricate many different types of metal parts and objects. We have a custom fab business unit that produces parts and / or components for many different industries such as, industrial adhesive moulds, parts containers, paint cups, drip pans, wax moulds, frames chassis's for telecommunications, and military type boxes. For more information on custom made metal parts or components click on www.chicagometallic.net.
Q. What is Sure Bake and Glaze?
A. Please see the section on Sure Bake and Glaze in our Custom Pan Buying Guide or Bun & Roll Pan-A-Log.
Q. How long does Sure Bake and Glaze last?
A. A typical glaze lasts 300 to 500 cycles. Glaze can be attacked in a matter of minutes by steam, sugar, or acidic dough. Please be sure to follow the care and use instructions for Sure Bake and Glaze.
Q. Can Sure Bake and Glaze pans be recoated?
A. Yes. Commercial businesses specializing in reglazing pans are located throughout the USA, Canada, and in some other countries. Contact us for a listing of commercial reglazing facilities to find the one located nearest you.
Q. What is Bakalon Non-Stick?
A. Please see the section on Bakalon Non-Stick in our Custom Pan Buying Guide or Bun & Roll Pan-A-Log.
Q. How long does Bakalon Non-Stick last?
A. Bakalon Non-Stick can give a commercial baker thousands of releases without the use of pan oil. Results may vary due to products baked and the care taken.
Q. What is the proper care for Bakalon Non-stick?
A. You must protect the coating from scratches, abuse, byproduct buildup, nesting interference, and burning.
Key details :
  • careful stacking and unstacking
  • no abusive top indexing
  • no pans with missed cavities baked in oven
  • recommend 5/8” band in rim for nest clearance
  • seeds, onions, raisins, crumb, and flour must be blown or carefully removed from the baking surface
  • coating cannot be exposed to oven jams or excessive heat
  • using a cornmeal coating on buns will cause non-stick coating abrasion and greatly reduce it’s life-span.
Q. Are pans with Bakalon Non-Stick coated all over?
A. No. Only the top baking surface is coated. The bottoms are left uncoated.
Q. What happens if scratches occur on pans or pan rims coated with Bakalon Non-Stick?
A. Usually nothing. Bakalon Non-stick is a four coat system that can handle a chip or two and still release properly.
Q. Will the pans need to be washed?
A. No. The pans are ready for baking when they arrive at the bakery. But all byproduct must be blown off or carefully removed from the baking surface. Be careful when using a brushing system. Some brushes are very abrasive to coatings. See also our care and use tips.
Q. Will the pans need to be straightened?
A. Yes. Periodic pan straightening is recommended to increase the life of the pans. Pans that stack poorly cause nesting interference which could harm the coatings. See also our care and use tips.
Q. Can Bakalon Non-Stick be recoated?
A. Yes. Recoating takes two to three weeks plus shipping. Recoating may require a second or spare set of pans. You can check out www.bakewarecoating.com or www.dupont.com/teflon/bakeware/.
Q. What is the price comparison of Sure Bake and Glaze Vs. Bakalon Non-Stick?
A. Bakalon Non-Stick is more expensive but it can last up to 10 times longer than silicone glaze. For a general price comparison click on http://www.dupont.com/teflon/bakeware/calculat.html