Tala Performance Non-Stick 12 Cup Bun Tray
Tala Performance Non-Stick 12 Cup Bun Tray
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Tala Performance Non-Stick 12 Cup Bun Tray
The Tala Performance 12 Cup Bun Tray is a kitchen essential that elevates everyday baking from frustrating releases and uneven results to consistent, professional-quality outcomes. Whether creating classic fairy cakes for children's parties, homemade mince pies for Christmas, or perfectly risen Yorkshire puddings for Sunday lunch, this versatile tin delivers outstanding results backed by 120+ years of British baking expertise. The heavy-duty 1.0mm thick carbon steel with Whitford Eclipse double-layered non-stick coating ensures food releases flawlessly and intact, batch after batch.
Measuring 37.2 x 28.8 x 3.5cm with 12 standard-sized cups, this tray accommodates regular cupcake cases whilst providing the robust construction and even heat distribution that separate professional bakeware from budget alternatives. The beautifully rolled edges will never warp, even after extreme use and high oven temperatures up to 240°C—essential for Yorkshire puddings requiring intense heat for proper rise. Tried, tested, and trusted by technical consultants and food technologists, this tin provides confidence whether you're a seasoned baker or just beginning.
Key features:
- Versatile 12-cup design: Perfect for fairy cakes, cupcakes, mince pies, Yorkshire puddings, savoury tarts
- Whitford Eclipse coating: World-leading double-layered non-stick that outperforms conventional coatings
- Heavy-duty construction: 1.0mm thick carbon steel that will never warp
- Rolled edges: Extra strength and rust resistance through beautiful edge finishing
- Even heat distribution: Durable carbon steel ensures consistent baking across all 12 cups
- Flawless release: Bakes turn out intact without sticking, even without paper cases
- Healthier baking: Cook with little or no added grease or oil
- Safety assured: PFOA and BPA free coating
- High temperature capability: Safe to 240°C for Yorkshire puddings and high-heat applications
- Versatile use: Fridge, freezer, and dishwasher safe
- Metal utensil safe: Durable coating withstands careful use of metal utensils
- Long-lasting durability: 10-year quality guarantee from Britain's best-loved bakeware brand
- Embossed sizing: Tin size marked on bakeware for easy identification
This bun tray suits families wanting reliable baking equipment for regular use, bakers creating multiple small treats efficiently, anyone frustrated by cakes sticking to budget tins, cooks seeking versatility for both sweet and savoury baking, or those wanting professional-grade equipment backed by British heritage and proven performance.
What Customers Ask About the Tala Performance Bun Tray
What size are the individual cups?
The 12-cup tray measures 37.2 x 28.8 x 3.5cm overall. Each cup typically accommodates standard fairy cake or muffin cases, measuring approximately 6-7cm diameter. This standard sizing suits most cupcake recipes, mince pie recipes, and Yorkshire pudding batters. The 3.5cm depth provides adequate capacity for properly risen bakes without overflow. Check your specific recipe's recommended tin size if uncertain, though this tray suits the vast majority of standard bun and cupcake recipes.
Can I use paper cases with this tin?
Yes, standard cupcake or muffin cases fit perfectly in the cups. Many bakers use cases for fairy cakes and cupcakes for easy removal and attractive presentation, whilst baking mince pies and Yorkshire puddings directly in the non-stick cups without cases. The Whitford Eclipse coating provides excellent release even without cases, giving you the flexibility to use cases or bake directly depending on what you're making. Cases aren't necessary with the superior non-stick coating, but they're compatible when desired.
Will this warp in the oven?
No, Tala confirms these products will never warp, even after extreme use and high oven temperatures. The heavy-duty 1.0mm thick carbon steel with beautifully rolled edges provides exceptional strength that maintains the tray's shape throughout its lifetime. Standard thinner bun tins (typically 0.4-0.6mm) often warp during heating cycles, creating uneven cups that produce lopsided bakes. The Performance range's robust construction ensures consistent results—all 12 cups maintain their shape and bake evenly every time.
Do I need to grease this tin?
The Whitford Eclipse non-stick coating allows baking with little or no added grease or oil. For most applications—fairy cakes in paper cases, Yorkshire puddings with oil already in the recipe—no additional greasing is necessary. For mince pies baked directly in the cups without cases, a light greasing or dusting of flour provides extra insurance for easy removal, though the superior coating typically releases them flawlessly without any preparation. The coating's quality means greasing is optional rather than essential.
Can I make Yorkshire puddings in this?
Yes, this bun tray is excellent for Yorkshire puddings. The heavy-duty carbon steel withstands the high temperatures (typically 220-240°C) required for proper Yorkshire pudding rise and crispy exteriors. Add oil or beef dripping to each cup, heat in the oven until smoking hot, then add batter and return immediately. The even heat distribution ensures consistent rise across all 12 puddings. The non-stick coating releases them easily without sticking. Many customers use this tin specifically for Yorkshire puddings with outstanding results.
Why Even Heat Distribution Matters in Multi-Cup Bakeware
In our 52 years helping customers select bakeware, we've observed that bun tray quality varies dramatically—variations that aren't immediately obvious when comparing tins in shops but become frustratingly apparent during actual baking. The primary performance difference lies in heat distribution consistency across the cups.
Thinner carbon steel (0.4-0.6mm) warps during heating, creating uneven contact between cups and oven racks. Warped cups receive inconsistent heat—some overcook whilst others undercook in the same batch. The Tala Performance's heavy-duty 1.0mm steel with rolled edges maintains flat, even contact throughout baking. All 12 cups receive consistent heat, producing evenly browned, uniformly risen results. This matters particularly for finicky applications like Yorkshire puddings where temperature consistency determines success—some cups rising beautifully whilst others stay flat indicates heat distribution problems, not batter issues.
The Whitford Eclipse coating contributes to even baking through its glossy finish, which distributes heat uniformly across cup surfaces. Budget non-stick coatings can create hot spots where thicker coating accumulates during application. The state-of-the-art spray application facilities Whitford uses ensure continuous, stable coating thickness—every cup in every tin receives identical coverage. This consistency, combined with the warp-resistant steel, explains why technical consultants and food technologists trust the Performance range—consistent results aren't luck; they're engineered through quality construction.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all packaging and labels. Wash in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly. No seasoning or pre-treatment is required due to the Whitford Eclipse non-stick coating.
For fairy cakes and cupcakes: Place paper cases in each cup if desired, though the non-stick coating doesn't require them. Fill cases or cups approximately two-thirds full with batter—this allows proper rise without overflow. Bake according to recipe specifications, typically 15-20 minutes at 180-200°C. The even heat distribution ensures all 12 cakes bake uniformly. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before lifting out—cases lift easily; cakes baked directly in cups release cleanly with gentle levering using a small spatula.
For mince pies: Lightly grease cups or dust with flour if baking without cases (though optional with the superior coating). Press pastry into each cup, add filling, top with pastry lids. Bake according to recipe specifications, typically 20 minutes at 200°C. The warp-resistant construction ensures even browning across all pies. Allow to cool slightly before removing—they should lift out intact without sticking.
For Yorkshire puddings: Add approximately 1 teaspoon of oil or beef dripping to each cup. Place the empty tray in a hot oven (220-240°C) until the oil is smoking hot—this typically takes 5-10 minutes. Carefully remove the tray and quickly pour batter into each cup (about two-thirds full). Return immediately to the hot oven. Don't open the oven door during the first 20 minutes. The heavy-duty carbon steel maintains the intense heat required for dramatic rise. The puddings should release easily once cooked—run a knife around edges if needed, though the non-stick coating typically releases them cleanly.
For savoury applications: This tray works excellently for mini quiches, savoury tarts, egg bites, or portioned frittatas. Follow the same principles—lightly grease if desired, fill cups appropriately, bake according to recipe specifications. The versatility of the 12-cup design suits batch cooking for meal prep or entertaining.
Cleaning: Allow the tray to cool completely before cleaning. Whilst dishwasher safe, hand washing extends the coating's life and maintains its gloss appearance. Wash in warm, soapy water with a soft cloth or sponge. The gloss finish makes cleaning straightforward—residue releases easily from the cups. For stubborn residue, soak in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes before washing. Avoid abrasive scourers or steel wool which can damage the coating. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately to prevent water spots.
Storage: Store flat, stacking carefully with other bakeware if needed. Place paper towels or cloth between tins to prevent scratching. The Performance range is designed with space-saving in mind—the relatively flat profile allows efficient storage. Ensure the tray is completely dry before storing to prevent moisture-related issues.
Avoiding damage: Whilst safe for metal utensils, using silicone, wood, or plastic tools extends coating life when removing baked goods. Don't use sharp knives to cut in the cups—remove bakes before slicing. Avoid sudden temperature changes—don't place hot tins directly on cold surfaces or in cold water. Don't use the tray as a trivet for other hot items.
Fridge and freezer use: The tray is safe for refrigerating unbaked batter or freezing baked goods. For freezing, allow baked goods to cool completely, then freeze in the tin or remove first depending on your storage approach. The tin withstands freezer temperatures without issues.
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality bakeware. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care. We stock Tala products because they represent British baking heritage—founded in 1899 with 120+ years of expertise—combined with cutting-edge technology like the Whitford Eclipse coating. This balance of proven heritage and superior construction embodies the quality approach we've valued throughout our 52 years.
Our Expertise Promise
The Tala Performance bun tray demonstrates how construction quality affects everyday baking outcomes. The heavy-duty 1.0mm carbon steel that will never warp ensures consistent results across all 12 cups—no more batches with some cakes perfect and others underdone. The Whitford Eclipse coating confirmed through extensive testing as the best available delivers reliable release whether using paper cases or baking directly. The 10-year guarantee backs this confidence, providing assurance these products are designed to last a lifetime of regular baking.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
- ✓ Tala 10-Year Quality Guarantee
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I've used it and don't like it?
Return it anyway. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items - if it doesn't do what you wanted, we'll refund you. This applies even after you've baked with it. We've offered this guarantee since 1972 because we believe customers shouldn't take a risk when purchasing bakeware.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage this bun tray, we'll replace it at half price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos of the damage are acceptable. This supplements Tala's 10-year quality guarantee, providing comprehensive protection.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
Can I bake different things in the same batch?
Yes, the 12-cup design allows mixing different flavours or types in one batch. You might make 6 vanilla and 6 chocolate cupcakes, or a combination of sweet mince pies and savoury tarts. Fill each cup with its intended batter or filling. Ensure baking times and temperatures are compatible—don't mix items requiring dramatically different baking conditions. The even heat distribution ensures all cups bake properly regardless of contents.
Will silicone cupcake cases fit in this?
Standard-sized silicone cupcake cases typically fit in these cups, though dimensions vary between silicone case brands. Check your specific silicone cases' measurements against the cup size (approximately 6-7cm diameter). Many bakers prefer silicone cases for reusability and environmental benefits. However, with the Whitford Eclipse coating, you may find silicone cases unnecessary—the tin releases bakes excellently without any cases.
How do I get uniform Yorkshire pudding rise?
Ensure the oil in each cup is genuinely smoking hot before adding batter—this is critical for rise. Pour batter quickly and evenly across all cups. Return the tray to the oven immediately without delay. Don't open the oven door for at least 20 minutes. The Tala Performance's warp-resistant construction and even heat distribution provide consistent temperature across all cups—if your puddings still rise unevenly, the issue typically lies in oven temperature variations or batter distribution rather than tin quality.
Can I use this for egg muffins or frittatas?
Yes, this tray works excellently for savoury egg-based bakes like egg muffins, mini frittatas, or crustless mini quiches. Lightly grease the cups despite the non-stick coating, as egg proteins can stick more than cake batters. Fill cups with your egg mixture plus desired additions (vegetables, cheese, meat). Bake at 180-190°C until set, typically 20-25 minutes. The portions are perfect for meal prep—freeze individually and reheat as needed.
Why are some cups browning faster than others?
If you're experiencing uneven browning with the Tala Performance tray, the issue typically lies with oven hot spots rather than the tin—the heavy-duty construction ensures even heat distribution across all cups. Most ovens have temperature variations between front/back or sides. Rotate the tray 180 degrees halfway through baking to compensate for oven hot spots. If problems persist, consider an oven thermometer to verify your oven's actual temperature matches the dial setting.
Can I freeze batter directly in this tin?
Whilst the tin is freezer safe, freezing batter directly in the cups isn't recommended—the metal conducts cold inefficiently, taking considerable time to freeze, and the tin occupies valuable freezer space. Better approaches: freeze batter in portions using ice cube trays or silicone moulds, then transfer frozen portions to the bun tray when ready to bake, or pipe/scoop batter directly from the fridge into the tin just before baking.
What's the embossed tin size for?
The embossed marking (showing this is a 12-cup tin) helps identify the correct tin for recipes specifying particular cup counts. When building a bakeware collection with multiple bun trays (perhaps 6-cup, 12-cup, 24-cup mini), the markings eliminate guesswork about which tin to use. The embossing is subtle and doesn't interfere with baking performance or cleaning.
