Tin is a seperate metal but tin is also a general term used for items that are made of thin steel.



I believe tin(the actual metal tin) was used to make many items that required a thin metal and it was easy to work with many years ago. Thus anything that was made of thin metal was termed "tin". When manufacturing processes were able to make thin steel tin was dropped mostly.

I am certain if you check you muffin tins with a magnet you will find that they are made of steel. And if you take them to the salvage yard they will pay you tin prices. Mike.