Ever tried to use wax paper instead of parchment paper, as parchment paper is an expensive item? Perhaps, you tried but it didn’t work!
That might force you to think, is wax paper the same as parchment paper?
The wax paper and parchment paper are two awesome kitchen papers used for various purposes in the kitchen. The main purpose of these kitchen papers is to keep the food separated from your utensils.
But, the wax paper and the parchment paper don’t work the same for all kitchen purposes. There’re tons of dissimilarities between parchment and wax paper although they look similar.
We’ll disclose some of those differences through our article below.
Is Wax Paper Same as The Parchment Paper?
If you’re involved with cooking and baking, wax paper and parchment paper will definitely be a real lifesaver. Both the wax paper and parchment paper are nonstick and effective to use for multiple kitchen purposes.
But you cannot use them interchangeably, although they look the same. Not at least for all types of baking!
Wax paper is incompatible to use instead of parchment paper when it comes to baking cookies. Cookies are baked into the high temperature up to 450-degree Fahrenheit. Furthermore, cookies don’t cover the whole space on the baking sheet.
Consequently, during the full exposure of heat in the oven, the wax paper on the baking sheet ignites or melts.
Contrarily, when it comes to storing something in the freezer, you cannot use parchment paper. The parchment paper isn’t moisture-resistant like the wax paper. So, it cannot provide full protection from moisture.
Wax Paper Vs. Parchment Paper – Similarities and Differences
Will You Use Wax Paper Instead of Parchment paper?
Except for baking, you can use wax paper for other kitchen purposes that need parchment paper. This means wax paper and parchment paper have both similarities and differences.
Let’s identify them!
Similarities
- The wax paper and parchment paper – both look the same externally. By the look, you might mix up the wax and parchment paper, although they’ve individual characteristics.
- Both the wax and parchment papers are nonstick and moisture-resistant.
- When it comes to fridge and countertop application, both the wax and parchment paper fits there perfectly.
Differences
- Coating difference is the primary difference between wax and parchment paper. The wax paper is treated with paraffin or soybean, whereas the parchment paper is treated with non-absorbing silicone.
- The silicone makes the parchment paper nonstick and heat-resistant. And the paraffin or soybean makes the wax paper nonstick and moisture-resistant.
- The thermal conductivity of the wax is lower than the parchment paper. Consequently, the wax paper ignites or melts when it comes in contact with a high temperature of more than 120-degree Fahrenheit.
- The parchment paper is comparatively more expensive than wax paper. So, for coating and storing the foods at room temperature, the housewives.
- The parchment paper features a rougher and more porous surface compared to wax paper. Consequently, parchment paper is better for wrapping the dough and tortillas.
What Will You Use If You Don’t Have Parchment Paper? (Parchment Paper Substitute)
Although parchment paper is an effective kitchen paper, it’s expensive. Besides baking, the main purpose of parchment paper is to store foods. But due to its over expenses, people look for alternatives to parchment papers.
Today, we’re going to explore some parchment paper alternatives.
Wax Paper
The wax paper stands first when it comes to the alternatives of parchment paper. Although you cannot use wax paper for baking, still, you can use it for wrapping dough at room temperature.
Furthermore, the paper has a good capacity for locking the moisture that’s important for storing foods in the fridge.
However, wax paper is allowed to be used as baking paper if it’s fully covered with food ingredients. But, it should avoid baking food items more than 120-degree Fahrenheit.
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil offers a tight seal to food, whether you’re baking or storing it in the fridge. That’s because the foil paper can withstand both high and low temperatures. So, it’s a suitable alternative to parchment and wax paper.
Moreover, the aluminum foil makes the baked cookies crispier and darker than the parchment paper.
Cling Film
The cling film is almost like the foil paper that tightly seals the food and protects from moisture. The plastic film is thin but it’s used for storing the foods tightly at room temperature.
Silpat
Silpat is another silicone baking mat that can withstand 480 to 500-degree Fahrenheit. This clarifies that you can use the silicone baking paper in the microwave and standard oven.
However, the silicone-made Silpat is also moisture-resistant, making the baking paper freezer safe.
Greased Baking Sheet
If you want a parchment paper substitute good for baking, the Greased baking sheet is another suitable option. Until you bake sticky ingredients, the greased baking sheet offers flawless baking at 400-500-degree Fahrenheit temperature.
But, the greased baking sheet doesn’t offer crispier and slightly darker cookies like parchment paper.
Is Parchment Paper Same as Freezer Paper?
No, the parchment paper and freezer paper aren’t the same things, although, somehow, they look similar. Both the kitchen papers have some major differences.
The purpose of uses is the key differences between parchment and freezer paper. The freezer paper offers a good coating to the food when stored in the freezer like the wax paper, but the parchment paper cannot do that.
The parchment paper doesn’t include the coating that locks the moisture and protects the frozen food.
Afterward, the freezer paper has low heat resistance compared to the parchment paper. It’s coated with plastic that causes fire when baking into the oven.
Read also: Is Wax Paper Oven-Safe for Cookies
FAQs
Is Parchment Paper Oven-Safe?
Indeed, parchment paper is oven-safe paper as it can withstand the high-temperature up to 450-degree Fahrenheit. That’s the reason you can also use parchment paper when baking something into the microwave or air-fryers besides the microwave.
Although the parchment paper makes the cookie slightly darker and crispier at high-temperature, still, it won’t burn out.
Is Parchment Paper Non-Stick or Sticky?
Parchment paper creates a nonstick surface when you place it on a cookie sheet. So obviously, the parchment paper is a non-sticky, durable, and heat-resistant material.
Sometimes the paper becomes so dry after placing it onto the cookie sheet that you need to grease or oil the sheet.
Will You Use Wax Paper Instead of Parchment Paper?
In many cases, you can use wax paper instead of parchment paper, even for baking also. But, exposure to the wax paper within the extreme heat isn’t good.
The wax paper starts to melt at high temperatures and even catch fire. Contrarily, it never happens in the case of parchment paper.
What Is Wax Paper Used For?
Lining the countertops and tables is the best use of wax paper to prevent messiness. The papers are also used on the serving dishes before serving the baked foods. Besides, it prevents the food from getting adulterated while stored in the fridge.
Can I Use Parchment Paper for Baking?
Indeed, you can use parchment paper for baking, whether it’s a standard oven or microwave. The parchment paper is completely heat-proof and withstands heat up to 450-degree Fahrenheit.
Is Parchment Paper the Same as Baking Paper?
The parchment paper is alternatively known as baking paper, so both cooking papers are the same.
Is Wax Paper Heat-Resistant?
No, the wax paper isn’t completely heat-resistant, so don’t even try out baking with the wax paper.
The Sum Up!
Parchment paper is effective for almost all cooking purposes, but unfortunately, they’re expensive. So, the users look for alternatives to parchment paper, like wax paper.
But is wax paper the same as parchment paper?
After our discussion above, you should learn they’re not the same; and that’s why we’ve introduced some alternatives to parchment paper.
