A springform pan is a type of bakeware that features sides that can be removed from the base.
They come in a variety of materials including anodized aluminum, heavy-gauge steel, and glass.
Optional features include a non-stick surface and a waterproofing seal around the base.
The easy removal of the sides from a springform pan lends itself to dishes with delicate bottom layers such as the graham cracker crumb crusts commonly constructed for cheesecakes.
Although most cheesecakes are baked in a water bath, this does not mean that springform pans are waterproof around the base.