Wax Paper vs. Parchment Paper: What's the Difference?

Both of these kitchen papers have slick surfaces and are extremely useful in a variety of applications. 

What Is Parchment Paper?

Parchment paper is made from cotton fiber and/or wood pulp. Most parchment paper has been coated with a silicone product to make it both nonstick and heat-resistant. Safe for oven use up to 425° to 450°F 

(depending on the brand), parchment paper can be found in both bleached and unbleached versions, and either on rolls or in pre-cut sheets or even shapes that fit perfectly into round cake pans, for instance.

What Is Wax Paper?

Wax paper is paper that has been coated with food-grade paraffin wax to make it both nonstick and moisture-resistant. It is not heat-resistant—even low heats can melt the wax—so it is not suitable for lining pans 

the way parchment paper can.