What is the Difference Between Wax Paper and Parchment Paper?

The main difference between wax paper and parchment paper lies in their coatings and heat resistance. Here are the key differences:

• Coating: Wax paper is coated with wax, while parchment paper is coated with silicone.
• Heat Resistance: Parchment paper can withstand higher temperatures (up to 425° to 450°F) and is suitable for use in the oven. Wax paper, on the other hand, should not be exposed to heat as it can melt and catch fire.
• Non-stick: Both types of paper are non-stick, but parchment paper is more heat-resistant, making it more versatile for various cooking and baking tasks.
• Moisture Resistance: Wax paper is more moisture-resistant, while parchment paper is not.
• Uses: Parchment paper can be used for tasks like lining baking sheets, making soft lids for sauces, and lining pie crusts. Wax paper is useful for rolling out dough and wrapping leftovers.

In summary, parchment paper is more versatile due to its heat resistance and non-stick properties, while wax paper is more suitable for tasks that do not involve heat and require moisture resistance. When heat is not involved, parchment and wax paper can be used interchangeably.

Comparative Table: Wax Paper vs Parchment Paper

The main difference between wax paper and parchment paper lies in their coatings and heat resistance. Here is a table comparing the two:

Remember that wax paper should not be used in the oven, as the wax coating can melt and catch fire. Parchment paper is the better choice for baking and high-heat applications, while wax paper is suitable for non-baking uses like wrapping sandwiches or lining cake pans.