Original Kaiser springform tins: German-made bakeware you can trust
What a Kaiser springform tin can do, why bakers have trusted the original since 1968, how to tell it from cheap imitations, and what three generations of selling bakeware in New Zealand have taught us.
Why do bakers trust the original Kaiser springform tin?
Kaiser is a German bakeware brand founded in 1919 that says it launched the world's first non-stick baking pan in 1968, and it still develops and makes its bakeware in Germany. A Kaiser springform tin opens with a clasp so delicate cakes release cleanly, bakes evenly and is built to last. Check the clasp, the base and the coating, buy from a seller who knows the product, and be wary of unbranded tins with big promises.
- ‘The original’: Kaiser says it launched the first non-stick baking pan in 1968, and the pan is still called the original in professional baking circles.
- German-made: Kaiser says it develops and manufactures its bakeware in Germany, with many individual production steps per pan and strict quality control.
- What it does: cheesecakes, tortes, sponge and layer cakes, no-bake cakes, tall celebration cakes and deep tarts, released with the ring opened by a clasp.
- Leaks: no springform with a removable base is guaranteed watertight, so use a larger pan for water baths and test before first use.
- Two ranges: Kaiser Classic for everyday baking, and La Forme Plus with ceramic-reinforced coating, SafeClicK and a 10-year coating guarantee.
- New Zealand law helps: goods must be of acceptable quality and fit for the purpose you asked about.
What does 'the original' Kaiser springform tin mean?
Kaiser says it launched the world's first baking pan with a non-stick coating in 1968, and the first non-stick springform pan along with it. A New Zealand retailer's Kaiser page puts it simply: the pan is still known as ‘the original’ in professional baking circles. What was once a revolution is now standard in every bakery and home kitchen.
It helps to be precise about the claim. The springform idea, a ring that opens with a clasp so you can lift the sides away, is not Kaiser's alone. What Kaiser set out to do was make that tin release cleanly, bake evenly and last. Later it added more firsts of its own, including a springform pan with a completely smooth base (La Forme Plus) and a base designed to prevent leaks.
Kaiser Classic
The everyday range most of our customers know. Our supplier describes it as made in Germany from superior sheet metal, with a non-stick coating for easy release and cleaning, even browning, and a scratch-resistant finish that is easy to wash by hand. The ring opens with a clasp so you can remove the base or fit it back in.
Kaiser La Forme Plus
Kaiser's premium springform range. It adds KAIRAMIC ceramic-reinforced non-stick, a cut-resistant enamel base, the SafeClicK one-hand closure, a base slightly larger than the ring for leak protection and extra heavy quality. Kaiser states a 10-year guarantee on the coating. Check which Kaiser ranges are in stock before you order.
What can a Kaiser springform tin do?
Cheesecakes and tortes
A springform lets you lift the sides away without turning out a delicate cake. For cheesecakes baked in a water bath, put the tin inside a slightly larger metal pan so water cannot reach the filling.
Sponge and layered cakes
Even heat and a clean release help sponges bake level and come away with tidy edges, ready for filling and icing.
No-bake and mousse cakes
Chill until set, then open the clasp. The sides slide away without damaging soft or decorated edges.
Tall cakes and celebration shapes
Kaiser also makes a high-sided springform, 20 cm wide and 14 cm tall, for extra-tall and panettone-style cakes, and a heart-shaped springform for special occasions.
Tarts, flans and savoury bakes
The same release advantage suits deep quiches and savoury tarts, while Kaiser flan dishes suit shallow tarts.
Even browning, less fuss
Kaiser says its tins brown evenly thanks to material strength and geometry, release easily with their non-stick systems and, on springforms, include special rims to prevent batter leaking.
Is Kaiser really German-made?
Kaiser is a German brand founded in 1919 by Wilhelm Ferdinand Kaiser in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) and based at Diez an der Lahn since 1978. Kaiser states that it develops and manufactures its bakeware and baking tools in Germany, with high-quality materials, strict quality control and many individual production steps per pan. Michael Joyce Ltd presents Kaiser as German-made bakeware, and the Kaiser Classic range has long carried a Made in Germany statement.
‘Made in Germany’ is a statement of where something is made, not a quality standard on its own. That is why we suggest reading it alongside other evidence: a named brand, a described coating, a clear guarantee and a seller you can phone. Kaiser has been part of the WMF Group since 2002.
Springform buying tips from around the world
Bakers in different countries worry about different failures, from leaks to over-browned crusts. Together they give a useful checklist.
| Region | What buyers look for | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Germany (Kaiser's home) | A clear 'Made in Germany' statement and named features. | Kaiser says it develops and manufactures its bakeware in Germany, with many individual production steps per pan and strict quality control. Look for a clear origin statement, a described coating and a stated guarantee, not only a brand name. |
| United States (America's Test Kitchen) | Leak protection, light finishes and a base that survives slicing. | ATK tests springforms with a dyed water bath and notes that most use a standard buckle. It favoured light-coloured non-stick finishes, which browned evenly, found that a dark finish slightly overbrowned crusts, and found glass bases problematic. Non-stick bases scratched when slices were cut on them directly. |
| United States (cheesecake bakers) | How the ring meets the base. | ATK says a fully watertight seal is hard to achieve on any pan with a removable base, and recommends placing the tin inside a slightly larger metal pan before a water bath. Food Network's testers found interlocking designs, where the wall clicks into a groove in the base, tended to resist leaks better. |
| Europe (EU) | Food-contact safety and published coating information. | Coated bakeware must be safe for food contact under EU rules (Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004), so reputable makers describe their coatings. Prefer brands that do. |
| Online marketplaces worldwide | Cheap, unbranded 'non-stick' tins. | Many listings promise leak-proof, non-stick results with no detail on the metal, the coating or the maker. Ask who made it, what the coating is and what the guarantee covers. |
| New Zealand | Consumer guarantees and honest advice. | Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, goods must be of acceptable quality, durable and fit for a particular purpose you asked about. If you tell the seller you want a tin for cheesecake in a water bath, you are entitled to honest advice. |
Quality over cheap knock-offs: how to spot a poor springform tin
A springform is two parts that must fit together, which is why poorly made ones leak, warp and stick. Cheaper tins are not always bad, but a tin with no verifiable detail is a gamble.
| What to check | Genuine Kaiser from an established seller | Typical cheap imitation |
|---|---|---|
| Brand and markings | Kaiser branding on the tin and packaging, which you can match to the brand's range | No maker named, or a look-alike name on thin packaging |
| Origin | A clear 'Made in Germany' statement (Kaiser says it develops and makes its bakeware in Germany) | No origin, or a vague 'designed in' claim |
| Metal and weight | Sturdy sheet metal that keeps its shape. La Forme Plus is made in extra heavy quality | Thin, flimsy metal that dents and warps in the oven |
| Coating | A described non-stick system, such as KAIRAMIC ceramic-reinforced coating on La Forme Plus | A generic 'non-stick' claim that flakes or wears quickly |
| Closure and fit | A clasp that closes smoothly and a ring that sits tightly. On La Forme Plus the base is slightly larger than the ring to help stop leaks | A loose ring, a stiff or wobbly latch, gaps at the base |
| Base | A flat base that sits evenly, with a clean edge | A warped base that rocks or lets batter seep |
| Guarantee | A stated guarantee: Kaiser states 10 years on the coating of La Forme Plus pans | No guarantee detail and no local support |
| Seller | Established New Zealand seller with returns and phone support | Anonymous marketplace seller |
| Price | Consistent with a German-made, branded tin. Discounts you can trace | A fraction of the price with no explanation |
A 60-second check before you bake
- Do a water test. Close the clasp, fill the tin with water and leave it for ten minutes. A good tin will not leak noticeably.
- Check the fit. The ring should sit snugly on the base, and the clasp should close smoothly without forcing.
- Check flatness. The base should sit flat on the bench and not rock.
- Look at the coating. It should be even, with no scratches or flaking out of the box.
- Read the markings. Brand, size and origin should be clear on the tin or packaging.
- Check the guarantee and the seller. Can you phone them, return the tin and get help in New Zealand?
How to care for a Kaiser springform tin
- Wash by hand with warm water and a soft cloth. Our supplier describes Kaiser Classic tins as easy to wash by hand.
- Avoid abrasive pads and metal scourers that scratch the non-stick coating.
- Let the cake cool briefly before opening the clasp, and open it gently.
- Be careful cutting on the base. Kaiser says the La Forme Plus enamel base is cut-resistant, but with other non-stick bases it is safest to slide the cake onto a board or plate before slicing.
- Dry thoroughly and store the ring and base together, so the fit is not distorted.
- Follow the instructions for your range for oven temperatures, cleaning and guarantee conditions.
Kaiser bakeware at Michael Joyce Ltd
Browse the Kaiser tins mentioned in this guide. Stock, prices and sizes change, so check each product page.
- Kaiser bakewareGerman-made springform pans, loaf tins and speciality moulds
- All bakeware and cake tinsSpringforms, loaf tins, muffin pans and more
- Kaiser springform pan 20 cmFor small cakes of about 6 to 8 servings
- Kaiser springform pan 24 cmThe versatile everyday size
- Kaiser springform pan 26 cmFor larger cakes and cheesecakes
- Kaiser brand historyFrom 1919 in the Ore Mountains to La Forme Plus
Why trust Michael Joyce Ltd? Three generations of knowledge
Advice about bakeware is only worth having if it comes from people who have sold the products, handled the problems and watched what lasts. Here is who is behind this guide.
Owners of a china shop, they began importing quality china and tableware into New Zealand at a time when European products were far harder to source, and built a business around well-made goods and personal service.
They took the business over and grew it from its retail beginnings into a nationwide wholesale operation, building long relationships with independent retailers across New Zealand.
The third generation runs Michael Joyce Ltd as a New Zealand family-owned and operated business, combining their grandparents’ retail knowledge with their parents’ wholesale experience, in wholesale and e-commerce.
“Choose good products. Know what you sell. Price them fairly. Look after your customers. And build relationships for the long term.”
That is how the family describes its approach on its about page. In practice it means we answer the phone on 0800 222 021, we tell you when a product is not right for what you want to do, and we only put our name to brands with real history and craftsmanship. See our returns and delivery pages for full terms.
Kaiser springform tin frequently asked questions
What is a Kaiser springform tin?
A Kaiser springform tin is a two-part cake tin from the German bakeware brand Kaiser. A clasp loosens the ring so you can open it and lift the sides away from the base, which lets you release delicate cakes such as cheesecakes and tortes without turning them out. Kaiser's tins have a non-stick coating for easy release and cleaning.
Is Kaiser bakeware made in Germany?
Kaiser states that it develops and manufactures its bakeware and baking tools in Germany, with strict quality control and many individual production steps per pan. Michael Joyce Ltd presents Kaiser as German-made bakeware, and the Kaiser Classic range carries a Made in Germany statement. Check the packaging of the exact tin you buy.
What does 'the original' Kaiser tin mean?
Kaiser says it launched the world's first baking pan with a non-stick coating in 1968, including the first non-stick springform, and the pan is still known as the original in professional baking circles. The springform design itself is not unique to Kaiser. What Kaiser pioneered was a springform that releases cleanly and lasts.
What is the difference between Kaiser Classic and La Forme Plus?
Kaiser Classic is the everyday range, made in Germany from sheet metal with a non-stick coating and a clasp that opens the ring. La Forme Plus is the premium range, with KAIRAMIC ceramic-reinforced non-stick, a cut-resistant enamel base, the SafeClicK one-hand closure, a base slightly larger than the ring to help prevent leaks and extra heavy quality. Kaiser states a 10-year guarantee on the La Forme Plus coating.
What size Kaiser springform do I need?
A 24 cm tin suits about 10 to 12 servings and is the most versatile size, a 20 cm tin suits about 6 to 8, a 26 cm tin about 12 to 14, a 28 cm tin about 14 to 16 and a 30 cm tin about 16 to 20. If your recipe names a size, use it. Use the size guide on this page for a quick answer.
Do Kaiser springform tins leak?
Kaiser designs its springforms with special rims to prevent batter leaking, and La Forme Plus has a base slightly larger than the ring. However, America's Test Kitchen notes that a fully watertight seal is hard to achieve on any pan with a removable base. For a water bath, place the tin inside a slightly larger metal pan, and do a water test before first use.
Can I bake a cheesecake in a Kaiser springform?
Yes, a springform is ideal for cheesecake because you can open the ring without disturbing the top. If you bake in a water bath, set the tin inside a slightly larger metal pan so water cannot reach the filling, and let the cheesecake cool before opening the clasp.
How do I stop my cake sticking in a springform?
A good non-stick coating helps a lot, but also let the cake cool briefly before opening the clasp, run a thin knife around the edge if needed, and open the ring gently. Do not cut on the base unless the maker says it is cut-resistant, as with Kaiser's La Forme Plus enamel base.
Is the Kaiser non-stick coating safe?
Kaiser describes its coatings as non-stick systems for easy release, and La Forme Plus uses a ceramic-reinforced coating it calls KAIRAMIC. If you want specific information such as PFAS content for a particular tin, ask Michael Joyce Ltd or Kaiser, because details differ between ranges.
Can I put a Kaiser springform in the dishwasher?
Our supplier describes Kaiser Classic tins as easy to wash by hand, which is the safest approach for non-stick bakeware. Instructions vary by range, so follow the care guidance supplied with your tin.
How can I spot a fake or cheap knock-off springform tin?
Look for clear Kaiser branding and origin markings, sturdy metal that keeps its shape, a described coating, a clasp that closes smoothly and a ring that fits tightly, a stated guarantee and a seller you can phone. Be cautious of very low prices, vague non-stick claims and anonymous sellers. Use the 60-second check on this page.
Does Kaiser bakeware have a guarantee?
Kaiser states a 10-year manufacturer guarantee on the coating of La Forme Plus baking pans, and a WMF listing describes a 10-year warranty on selected parts. Terms for Kaiser Classic differ, so check the product page or ask us before you buy.
Who owns Kaiser?
Kaiser Backformen has been part of the WMF Group since 2002, and WMF has been part of Groupe SEB since 2016. Kaiser still states that it develops and manufactures its bakeware in Germany.
What are my rights if a tin is faulty in New Zealand?
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, goods sold by a business must be of acceptable quality, which includes being safe, durable and free from defects, and must be fit for a particular purpose you asked about. If they are not, you can ask the seller for a repair, replacement or refund. This is general information, not legal advice.
Does Michael Joyce Ltd offer free delivery and returns?
Yes. Michael Joyce Ltd offers free delivery throughout New Zealand, and eligible items can be returned within 14 days of delivery if they are unused and in their original packaging. See the returns page for the full terms or call 0800 222 021.
Why buy Kaiser bakeware from Michael Joyce Ltd?
Michael Joyce Ltd is a New Zealand family business in its third generation, with more than 60 years of knowledge of kitchenware, cookware and tableware and more than 70 stockists. We have supplied German-made Kaiser bakeware for years, we only choose brands with real history, and we will tell you honestly if a tin is not right for your baking.
Sources and further reading
- Kaiser bakeware on wmf.com (developed and manufactured in Germany)
- About WMF: 100 years KAISER
- Groupe SEB: 100 years of Kaiser
- Kaiser: 'the original' non-stick springform (NZ retailer page)
- Kaiser bakeware, 10-year guarantee on La Forme Plus coating (The Studio, NZ)
- Michael Joyce: Kaiser Classic springform pan 24cm (made in Germany, non-stick)
- America's Test Kitchen: best springform pans
- America's Test Kitchen: leak-proofing springform pans
- Food Network: best springform pans, tested
- Consumer Protection NZ: Consumer Guarantees Act
- Michael Joyce Ltd: Kaiser bakeware
- Michael Joyce Ltd: 3 generations, one family's commitment to quality