Wax paper and parchment paper are placed side by side in every kitchen, looking the same. But both are totally different. Accidentally using the wrong paper during cooking can ruin the recipe or make it worse.
Parchment paper is a silicone-coated paper on both sides that is made to handle high temperatures. That makes it the best choice for air fryer lining, baking and roasting.
Wax paper is coated with paraffin wax. It melts at high temperatures. That makes it a standard paper for cold food storage.
In this guide you will learn the key differences, benefits, and downsides of wax paper and parchment paper.
What Is Wax Paper?
Wax paper is a thin sheet of paper coated with paraffin on both sides. But to make wax paper eco-friendly it is coated with soybean wax. It is made for cold and room temperature use because the wax coating is not heat resistant, but a moisture resistant and non-stick. In short, wax paper can’t handle heat. Because wax melts with heat, smoke and may catch fire. But if you want to store food for a longer period of time then you should choose customized freezer paper.
What Is Parchment Paper?
Parchment paper is silicon coated on both side cellulose based paper. This paper is heat resistant and smooth because of the silicone coating. Unlike wax paper, it does not melt at high temperatures and also does not stick to food while cooking. It is also available in different varieties like bleached and unbleached, cut sheets and rolls according to the need. This is why parchment paper is more costly than wax paper.
Wax Paper Vs Parchment Paper: Coating
Wax paper is coated on both sides with a thin layer of soy or paraffin wax. Due to this coating it melts at high temperatures, but it also makes wax paper resistant and non-stick. That is why wax paper is best for freezing and wrapping cold food.
personalized parchment paper is coated with a thin layer of silicone instead of wax on both sides. That makes it heat-resistant and built to be used in the oven and other heat sources without melting during baking and roasting. Parchment paper is more expensive than wax paper due to its versatility.
Differences Between Wax Paper and Parchment Paper
Key differences between these custom food paper sheets are based on their coating and uses in the kitchen and come down to heat resistance, moisture resistance, nonstick, and cost.
Heat Resistance:
Wax paper is coated with paraffin that melts at high temperatures, making it unsafe for any source of heat. Parchment paper coated with silicone can withstand high temperatures without melting and sticking to food that makes it safe for the oven and other heat sources.
Moisture Resistance:
Wax paper is more moisture resistant than parchment paper and a good choice to wrap meat and cheese. On the other hand, parchment is also a little moisture resistant but it is good for heat resistance rather than moisture.
Non-Stick
Wax paper and parchment paper are both non-stick but in different tasks. Wax paper does not stick during cold prep and wrapping. While Parchment paper does not stick when working under high heat.
Cost
Parchment paper is more costly than wax paper. The parchment paper’s multiple use and heat resistance make it more expensive than wax paper.
Benefits Of Wax Paper And Parchment Paper
Wax paper is cheaper than parchment paper and is budget-friendly, with strong moisture resistance that is the best choice for wrapping meat and cheese items. Its non-stick coating is also a plus that helps to remain the countertop clean while using the kitchen. If you want to learn more about the uses of wax paper then check our blog on top 10 uses of wax paper in the food industry for a better understanding.
Due to its silicon coating, parchment paper is heat resistant. So, it is perfect for cooking under heat without sticking and melting. Parchment paper reduces the need for oil during cooking. Unbleached type of parchment paper is also eco-friendly.
Disadvantages Of Wax Paper And Parchment Paper
The biggest downside of wax paper is that it is heat-sensitive and melts at high temperatures. That makes it unsafe for any heat source. Accidentally using it at heat can even cause a fire.
Parchment paper is more versatile but costly than wax paper and also has low moisture resistance. Some people avoid its bleached version as it has chlorine treatment but the unbleached version is eco-friendly.
Conclusion
In short, wax paper and parchment paper are not used interchangeably with each other. Both have totally different jobs. Wax paper should be your first choice for wrapping, storage and cold prep. While parchment is safe to use with heat sources and also offers more versatility, whenever heat is involved, pick parchment paper. This guide is not about the difference between wax paper and parchment paper, it is about safety. Use both wax paper and parchment paper for what they are exactly good for. If you are looking for good quality paper then Wax Paper Hub is the best option
FAQs
Can I Use Wax Paper In The Oven If I Don’t Have Parchment Paper?
No, wax paper is not heat resistant; its coating melts at high temperatures. That can ruin your recipe, can also cause smoke and may catch fire. So using wax paper in the oven can be dangerous.
What Are The Cons Of Wax Paper?
The main disadvantage of wax paper is that it is not heat resistant and limited to cold tasks. Wax paper could not be recycled or reused like parchment paper.
Can We Reuse Parchment Paper?
Yes, parchment paper can be reused more than two to three times until it is torn or damaged because the silicone coating makes parchment paper heat-resistant, so the same sheet could be used again.