Parchment Paper vs. Wax Paper: The Difference Between Them and When to Use Each

Both parchment paper and wax paper are kitchen must-haves for people who love to cook and bake. However, despite looking quite similar, there is a distinct difference between the two. One is oven safe and can be used to line cookie sheets and cake pans, while the other is helpful for rolling out dough and wrapping leftovers. When heat isn't involved, parchment and wax paper can be used interchangeably, but there's one key factor that sets the papers apart when it comes to using them in the oven.

Parchment Paper

Parchment is a non-toxic, grease- and moisture-resistant paper specially treated for oven use, and can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. "I use parchment 100 percent of the time when I cook, even in instances where wax paper would suffice," says chef Ronna Welsh, owner of Purple Kale Kitchenworks cooking school in Brooklyn, N.Y. "This is to eliminate having two rolls of cooking paper in my kitchen, when just one will do."

When to Use Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is very versatile and can be used for everything from lining baking sheets to wrapping fish, and other dishes that are cooked en papillote. In instances when you'd reach for wax paper, parchment paper will also suffice.

Despite its versatility, it's commonly used in instances where high heat is necessary because its silicone construction keeps it from melting in the oven and over the stovetop. Use it to line cake pans and baking sheets, as a soft lid for slowly reducing sauces, and as a liner for blind baking pie crust.

Wax Paper

On the other hand, wax paper is used for cooking or baking-related tasks that don't involve heat. "Wax paper is more like craft paper for your kitchen," says Welsh. "It is also non-stick, but heat intolerant." Because wax paper has a thin coating of wax on both sides, it can melt and catch fire at high temperatures.

When to Use Wax Paper

Wax paper is often used for baking tasks that don't require heat. Due to its non-stick nature it's especially useful when rolling out dough. You can also sift dry ingredients—think flour, sugar, and cocoa—over a piece of wax paper and use it to funnel the contents into your mixing bowl.

"Also, use it to line containers or gift tins and create templates for decorative designs—like letters for chocolate piping or stencils for powdered sugar," Welsh says.

Additionally, the paper is also useful when wrapping leftovers. Use it to safely store cheese, butter, and more without worrying about those items sticking to the paper like they might with plastic wrap or foil.