Doughmakers Gourmet Bakeware is made of solid aluminum so it heats evenly, and it isn’t coated, so there are no worries about scratching it. What’s unique about this bakeware is that the surface of each pan is embossed with a patented pebble pattern, which creates tiny channels that let hot air flow under foods for excellent browning.

To test the bakeware, I did a few side-by-side tests, pitting my trusty old bakeware against Doughmakers. My results proved that the Doughmakers pans do brown foods beautifully, but then, so did my old pans. The real difference showed itself when I unmolded some round cake layers. Because the pebble pattern seemed to hold on to more of the butter and flour coating I’d applied to the pans, removing the cakes from the Doughmakers pans was a snap. (The big, easy-to-grip handles helped, too.) I also noticed that these pans don’t warp, even at very high temperatures.

The line includes baking sheets, jellyroll pans, and pie pans, as well as square, round, and rectangular cake pans; prices range from $13 to $25. Call the Baker’s Catalogue at 800-827-6836 or order atwww.bakerscatalogue.com.