Temp-tations bakeware Review

When it comes to shopping for bakeware, it can sometimes feel like you have to choose between functionality and aesthetics. A steel pan with nonstick coating, for example, might be convenient, but it's hardly something you want as your table centerpiece. And don't get us started on handwashing pieces that aren't dishwasher safe.

Enter Temp-tations: A charming brand of bakeware that's built to go from oven to table. This popular line is loved by customers for its homey designs, multi-use functionalities, and convenient upkeep.

Since the Reviewed staff has tested our fair share of bakeware, we wanted to put these claims to the test and see how well the Temp-tations bakeware products delivered.

What is Temp-tations?

If you're a frequent QVC watcher, you're likely already familiar with the unique designs that characterize this kitchen and lifestyle brand.

Founded by Tara McConnell Tesher two decades ago, Temp-tations is a brand of bakeware, serveware, and other lifestyle products that emphasize beautiful design and convenient functionality.

Tesher launched the brand in order to offer ovenware that can be used to prep, cook, and serve recipes in a singular vessel. Since then, the brand has expanded to include a wide range of equipment with a cohesive aesthetic.

What I tried

I wanted to test a wide range of Temp-tations products in order to get a feel for the overall brand and how different products perform. I used each of these as advertised (baked at high temperatures, washed according to instructions, used accompanying tools appropriately), monitored how they performed while in use, and looked out for any deterioration along the way.

Here's what I tried:

• Classic 3.8-quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid
• Old World 5-piece Essential Bakeware Set
• Floral Lace 4-piece Essential Bake Set
• Temp-tations Bamboo Salad Bowl with Servers
• Oven Safe Gloves

What I like about Temp-tations products

The matching designs create a cohesive look

The foremost, obvious benefit to Temp-tations bakeware (over your run-of-the-mill tins and pans) is the way it looks. A wide range of products—from Dutch ovens to muffin pans to ramekins—are offered in the same charming patterns, so you can choose your favorite motif and match all your bakeware cohesively.

I also love that there are so many serving dishes that match the same style as the bakeware, so items like the salad bowl looked beautiful next to the matching Dutch oven on my dinner table. (I got several compliments from family and friends while entertaining with these products.)

When shopping the Temp-tations collection, you can even sort by pattern so you can be sure every new product you buy will match seamlessly with the rest of your Temp-tations gear.

Most of these products are also often easy to stash away, since several sets—like the bakeware set)—can be stored inside one another to take up less cabinet space.

It's affordable

Compared to other stylish bakeware we've tested, Temp-tations products are remarkably affordable.

For example, the Dutch oven—ringing in at just over $70—performed surprisingly well in all of our tests. It browned meat without sticking, baked bread to perfection, and even included self-basting divots under the lid that kept food moist. (It is a bit smaller than other models, though.)

They replace multiple dishes while baking

Another trademark of Temp-tations bakeware is its oven-to-table signature quality. They're designed to go right from the oven (or stovetop) to the table without having to swap for serving dishes when entertaining guests.

Some items, like the bakers, can even double as mixing bowls. Since Temp-tations boasts that these products can withstand electric mixers without any damage, I was able to make, bake, and serve a banana bread loaf with just one pan.

Most items are dishwasher safe

The worst part of baking is always the clean-up. And as someone who really hates doing dishes, I appreciated being able to toss most of these pieces in the dishwasher after every use.

And even after being run through the machine quite a few times, each product maintained its good-as-new design without any noticeable damage.

What I didn't like

Cleaning was sometimes a pain

Although most Temp-tations items can be tossed in the dishwasher, some required a little elbow grease to remove baked-on foods beforehand.

Baking things like banana bread and cake in the same pan it was prepared in—which doesn't have non-stick coating—meant remnants sometimes got tacked on. And the dishwasher alone wasn't going to cut it.

While it was easy enough to scrub everything off with a little extra TLC, the ceramic makeup of the bakeware means they're heavier (and more breakable) than typical metal bakeware. That made clean-up a little more of a struggle.

The oven gloves did not perform well

I was excited to try Temp-tations' oven gloves, since I thought their charming design and colorful options would make them a fun addition to any baker's kitchen. Unfortunately, they fell short during testing.

Full disclosure: My hands are pretty small, and I typically don't use oven mitts or gloves since they never fit my hand well. I tend to get a better grip with pot holders instead. But I had high hopes for these gloves, which I ordered in a size small.

As I suspected, they were much too large for my hands. I thought that was just a me problem until I read consumer reviews, which confirmed my suspicions: These gloves run very large, even in other sizes.

But more importantly, I didn't find these gloves to be adequately protective against heat. I tested them by carrying the Dutch oven from a 450°F oven across my kitchen to the table, and before I'd arrived I started feeling my hands heating up quickly.

The distance from my stove to table isn't even very long, so anyone using these gloves to carry hot pans farther distances may have a more painful experience.

There were minor inconveniences

Throughout the testing process of these products, I noticed a few minor imperfections that are worth noting.

Although the Dutch oven is well-functioning and aesthetically pleasing, it had a lid handle that became unstable after only one use. It no longer stayed in place and instead became very loose, unable to be re-tightened—even after an attempt with a screwdriver.

I also had some trouble handling the muffin pan in and out of the oven. It has no lip or handles on the edges to make it easy to grab. And given its heavy, ceramic makeup, that made transferring in and out of the oven even more challenging—especially when there's residual cooking spray.

And although I didn't personally notice any deterioration on any of the bakeware during testing, it's hard to ignore that multiple product reviews on items like the bakeware set report instances of chipping and cracking. It's definitely something to keep in mind if considering a purchase, especially if it's something you plan to use frequently.

Should you buy Temp-tations bakeware?

It depends on your priorities

If you're a frequent baker and entertainer who loves the signature look of Temp-tations products, you may very well fall in love with them. These products are great for all-in-one baking and serving, and most require minimal upkeep to keep them looking good.

But if you're more of a practical baker (and less of an entertainer), you might consider investing in bakeware that's more lightweight, nonstick, and less prone to cracking than Temp-tations products.

We've tested plenty of other baking sheets, Dutch ovens, oven mitts, and loaf pans to help you find your perfect match.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.