Chicago Metallic Frequently Asked Questions
Something on your mind? Scan our frequently asked questions (FAQ's) for a possible quick answer. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click here to submit a request or inquiry online or give us a call at our number listed below and we’ll be happy to help.
Q: Where can I get pricing information?
A:Chicago Metallic Smallwares are sold only through recognized Foodservice and/or Bakery Dealers, Distributors or Import/Export Suppliers. The selling price is set by each individual Chicago Metallic Supplier, so please contact your usual Chicago Metallic source to get a quote on the exact number of pans you need. You can also contact Chicago Metallic Customer Service if you need the name of a Chicago Metallic Supplier to call or visit.
Q: Are all pans in stock and how quickly do they ship?
A:Chicago Metallic keeps a huge inventory of all of our stock pans in our manufacturing plant and warehouse. These pans are already packed in cartons and ready to ship anywhere in the world. If your Supplier does not have the pans you need in their stock, they can have the pans shipped out directly to you from the Factory, within 24 hours of your Supplier’s Purchase Order acceptance. Larger order shipments may have to be manufactured first, but will be shipped as soon as they are manufactured. This can take anywhere between one day and six weeks after order acceptance, depending upon how many pans are ordered and Chicago Metallic’s constantly-adjusted manufacturing schedule. Lead time estimates can be provided upon request and we will do whatever needs to be done to meet your needs.
Q: Is there a Chicago Metallic catalog and how can I get one?
A:We publish a printed catalog that contains complete engineering specifications of all our pans. There are several ways to get a copy of our catalog:
• Save or view an online PDF copy of our catalog (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

• View an online interactive digital version of our Chicago Metallic Catalog (requires Adobe Flash)

• Ask your local Chicago Metallic Supplier for a catalog
• Visit Chicago Metallic's exhibit at any of our upcoming trade show/exhibitions 

• Contact our Customer Service department by telephone at 800.323.3966, extension 130
• Request a catalog by mail
• E-mail us at CustomerService@cmbakeware.com with any special catalog or binder requests
If a new pan is introduced before a newer catalog is printed, the new product will be featured in Chicago Metallic News.
Q: I can’t find my pan in the catalog. Can you make a pan that has the same specifications as the pan I am currently using?
A:Your Supplier’s Sales Representative can help you identify the specifications of your pans and tell you if they have the item and quantity you need in their local inventory. If not, they can order the pans for you. If Chicago Metallic does not offer exactly what you are looking for, we can make it for you on a custom, made-to-order basis. For more information on ordering made-to-order baking pans, visit the Custom Pan Manufacturing product page or contact your local Chicago Metallic Supplier. If it an existing pan that must be matched exactly, give a sample of it to your Supplier’s Sales Representative.
Q: How can I get a sample pan for a test bake?
A:Ask your local Chicago Metallic Supplier for a sample to test and if they don’t have one, ask them to request a sample from their Chicago Metallic Manufacturer’s Sales Representative. Many times our Manufacturer's Reps maintain a sample library and can get a sample to you quickly. If your Chicago Metallic Supplier cannot find a local sample for you to test bake with, their Manufacturer’s Rep will get them one.
If you do not have a regular Chicago Metallic Supplier, you can use our website to search by your location or zip code for the Manufacturer’s Rep in your area. Simply click on search by region or search by zip code and enter your data to locate the Chicago Metallic Manufacturer’s Rep for your area. Ask our Manufacturer’s Rep to suggest a good Chicago Metallic Distributor you can contact or ask them to have one contact you.
Q: Where can I buy Chicago Metallic pans?
A:Chicago Metallic bakeware is sold throughout the world by recognized Foodservice and Bakery Dealer, Distributor or Import/Export Suppliers. Contact your regular Foodservice or Bakery Dealer, Distributor or Import/Export Supplier and ask for Chicago Metallic by name.
If you need help locating a Supplier, contact your local Manufacturer’s Rep. You can search by region or search by zip code to locate the Chicago Metallic Manufacturer’s Rep for your area. Or, if you prefer, you can simply contact our Customer Service Department by telephone at 800.323.3966 or by sending an e-mail to CustomerService@cmbakeware.com.
Q: What is AMERICOAT® Plus glaze?
A:AMERICOAT® Plus glaze is a silicone bakery release coating designed to enable the baked product to easily release the baked product from the surface of the baking pan with very little sticking, even on the very first bake. Over time the glaze will wear off, but by that time the oils will have built up and will provide you with the same easy release. Click here to learn more about AMERICOAT® Plus.
Q: How long does the silicone glaze coating, AMERICOAT® Plus, last?
A:AMERICOAT® Plus usually lasts up to 600 bake cycles. The actual number depends upon several factors: the formulation of the baked product, the type and amount of pan oil used, the baking temperature and the way the pan is cleaned and handled. Click here to learn more about how to extend the useful life of glazed baking pans.
Q: How do I specify the Chicago Metallic pan that I want?
A:The easiest way to specify a Chicago Metallic pan is to find the 5-digit “Item Number” listed in the Chicago Metallic Smallwares catalog. You can also check your invoice from the last time you purchased the pan to identify the pan you want to buy using your Supplier’s Item Number. If you know the 5-digit Item Number, use the Chicago Metallic item number and page number cross-reference chart on the back page of the catalog to locate the pan.
Another way to identify your existing pan is to find the alphanumeric stock/model number or the numeric item number that was stamped or engraved into it when it was manufactured. Note that the stamped or engraved number is not always the same as the 5-digit Item Number listed in the catalog. Your Chicago Metallic Supplier or Manufacturer’s Rep can help you with the identification process.
As a general rule, all baking pans are commonly referred to by the top inside dimensions of their individual mould(s) (i.e., a 2 3/4" Muffin Pan or a 4 1/2" by 8 1/2" Bread Pan). By measuring the top inside dimension of one individual mould (i.e. the diameter at the top of the mould if it's round, or the length and width at the top of the mould if it's square or rectangular), you can match your pan’s top inside dimensions to the top inside dimension column measurements in the catalog. Exact engineering dimensions are catalogued but your measurements may be slightly different, so look for dimensions that are close to but may not be exactly the same.
You may also find several pans listed in the catalog that have the same mould dimensions. Choose the right combination of features for your specific needs. Such features include plain (washed) or AMERICOAT® Plus glazed pan surfaces, different mould arrangements (3 rows of 4, 4 rows of 6, etc.), different mould depths, different overall pan dimensions (to maximize throughput, to fit 18 x 26 racks, etc.), different centers (for different muffin crown shapes, for depositor head adjustment), and even different metals (aluminized steel is magnetic but aluminum is not).
Q: I want to purchase a stock pan that the American Pan® Company used to sell. How do I purchase that pan?
A:In 2005, Chicago Metallic was purchased by the Bundy family and was designated as the sole source of Bundy Baking Solutions' Stock Pans. To find the Chicago Metallic Item Number that matches the American Pan® Stock Pan specification, click on View Item Number Conversion Chart.
Q: Is Chicago Metallic exhibiting at a trade show or exhibition that is scheduled to be in my area soon?
A:Click on the Chicago Metallic Events link under NEWS & EVENTS for an up-to-date listing of Chicago Metallic Smallwares' scheduled trade shows/exhibitions. If you would like information about obtaining an admissions badge to any of the trade shows listed on the Upcoming Events Calendar, contact your Smallwares Customer Service Representative.
Q: I ordered the wrong item. How can I return it?
A:You can return an item by contacting your Chicago Metallic Supplier and asking them to obtain a Factory Return Authorization (R/A) Number for you from Chicago Metallic. Only stock pans purchased within the last twelve months may be returned to the Factory. Return shipment freight costs must be prepaid with the R/A number clearly marked on each carton label, or the shipment will be refused and returned. Authorized return items are to be repackaged adequately for safe transportation and must be received in sellable condition. A 20% restocking fee applies to all factory-authorized returns.