Exploring Key Differences Between Wax Paper and Parchment Paper: A Guide

Wax paper has a wax coating and is not heat safe, while parchment paper is silicone-coated and safe for baking.

Wax paper

• Coated with wax.
• Not heat safe. Wax melts and can smoke.
• For wrapping, cold use and lining counters.

Parchment paper

• Silicone coated.
• Safe to about 420 to 450°F.
• For baking, roasting and lining pans.

Swap

Don’t use wax paper in the oven.

Nonstick

Both are nonstick, but parchment handles heat.

Heat limits and typical uses

Parchment paper is coated with silicone and is rated oven safe to about 420 to 450 F (215 to 230 C) depending on the brand. Wax paper is coated with paraffin or soy wax and will melt and smoke in the oven. Wax paper works for wrapping sandwiches, separating layers of candy and rolling dough at room temperature.

• Use parchment for baking cookies, roasting vegetables and lining cake pans.
• Use wax paper for cold storage, microwaving under a lid as a splatter guard at low heat, and as a work-surface liner.
• Unbleached parchment is brown and has no chlorine bleaching, while bleached parchment is white.
• Do not use parchment paper over an open flame or under the broiler, because it can ignite.

Parchment alternatives

A silicone baking mat reusable for years is a good substitute for parchment on baking sheets. Greased foil works for roasting but can stick to sticky foods. Freezer paper has a plastic coating on one side and also should not go in the oven. Parchment can be reused several times at low baking temperatures if it is not browned or brittle.

Temperature and use

Parchment paper is coated with silicone and generally safe in ovens up to about 420 to 450 F (215 to 230 C) depending on brand. Wax paper is coated with paraffin or soybean wax, is not heat safe and can melt or smoke in an oven, so use it for wrapping, lining counters and cold uses. Never put wax paper in an oven or microwave under high heat.

Substitutes

Silicone baking mats work as reusable parchment alternatives. Aluminum foil can replace parchment for roasting but foods may stick unless greased. Wax paper can substitute for parchment in no heat steps such as separating burger patties or rolling dough between sheets. Unbleached parchment is available for those wanting to avoid chlorine bleaching.

Everyday uses

Parchment paper suits baking cookies, roasting vegetables, lining cake pans and cooking en papillote at oven temperatures. Wax paper suits wrapping sandwiches, layering cookies and candy, rolling out dough, and microwaving for short periods as a splatter cover at low heat. It should not be used under a broiler or on a hot pan.

Safety and sourcing

Parchment is made by treating paper with sulfuric acid or coating it with silicone for a non stick, heat resistant surface. Brands list limits near 400 to 450 F (205 to 230 C). Wax paper wax melts around 130 to 150 F (54 to 66 C). Freezer paper has plastic on one side and is also unsuitable for the oven. The FDA regulates food contact papers for safety.

Based on data from the US Food and Drug Administration and King Arthur Baking