Top 15 Best Baking Pan Reviews
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Either you are a newbie all excited to get started in baking or a veteran looking to replace your old rusty baking pans; picking up one out of thousand brands out there can be overwhelming.
And when it comes to baking delicious foods, it isn’t only the recipe that matters. Proper baking pans that distribute heat evenly also play a crucial role.
To help you choose the best baking pan that tailored to your needs, I am now sharing with you all my knowledge about baking pans. And remember to check out 15 best baking pans that I highly recommend.
6 Must Have Types of Baking Pans
Baking pans are for baking several foods, both sweets and savories, which makes them important kitchenware. Add these 6 bakeware essentials to your kitchen for a flawless baking experience.
Round Baking Pan
This type is a must have if you bake cake frequently. Go for the one that is around 2 inches in depth so you can bake cakes of different heights.
Sheet Baking Pan
This type of baking pan is a flat sheet that is very versatile in your kitchen. You can use them for baking cookies or roasting veggies and many other recipes. Find one that fits in your oven, and it can come in handy anytime.
9×13-Inch Baking Pan
This piece is excellent for several purposes. It is deeper than the sheet pan so other than cookies, so you can also use it for cakes, brownies, or other foods such as lasagnas.
Muffin Baking Pan
If you are about to make some cute little muffins and cupcakes, shopping a muffin cooking pan is a great start.
Loaf Baking Pan
It does precisely what its name suggests, baking bread loaf. But you can also use it to cook meatloaf.
Springform Baking Pan
A springform pan is similar to the round baking pan, but its outer edge is removable. It is great for cheesecake. And if you have trouble getting your cake out of the regular round baking pan, then you may need this springform pan.
Which Is the Best Baking Pan to Buy?
There are several types of baking pans on the market. They come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Some types can be suitable for different foods, while others are exclusive for specific dishes. I have picked the best of different baking pan types, so you can easily pick one that best suits your cooking needs.
- Best Baking Pan Set: Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Set
A collection of six nonstick bakeware essentials, dishwasher safe. - Best Round Baking Pan: USA Pan Bakeware Round Cake Pan
Two commercial grade 9-inch round cake pans with safe nonstick coating. - Best Half Sheet Baking Pan: Nordicware Commercial
Two aluminum, commercial grade half baking sheets that neve rust. - Best 9 x 13-Inch Baking Pan: NordicWare Classic Metal Covered Cake Pan
A quarter sheet pan with cover, suitable for baking all kinds of goodies - Best Muffin Baking Pan: USA Pan 1200MF Bakeware Cupcake
12 regular-sized-slot muffin pan with safe Americoat - Best Loaf Baking Pan: Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Loaf Pan
Sturdy 9 x 5-inch loaf baking pan, food evenly browns with minimum burnt spot - Best Springform Baking Pan: Nordic Ware Leakproof Springform Pan
9-inch springform with tight seal without any leak - Best Baking Pan With Cooling Rack: USA Pan 1607CR Bakeware
Extra large baking sheet and rack feature nonstick and chemical free coating. - Best Baking Pan for Pizzas: Wilton Premium Non-Stick Bakeware
14-inch nonstick pizza pan for baking home-made pizza - Best Baking Pan for Lasagnas: Cuisinart 7117-14RR Lasagna Pan
Stainless steel lasagna pan with convenient side handles - Best Baking Pan for Brownie: Non Stick Brownie Pans with Dividers
Rust and stain resistance, nonstick 8 x 12 inch, with dividers.
Baking Pan Comparison Chart
I have put together key information about the top 15 baking pans in this comparison chart. Have a look, then head to the reviews for further details and Product specifications of each product.
Top 15 Best Baking Pans Reviews
To help you choose a suitable baking pan to add to your bakeware collection, I list all the main features, pros, and cons of the top 15 best baking pans in my short review of each product.
Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Set
(Best Baking Pan Set)
If you don’t want to shop for different types of baking pan separately, this set has all the basic pans you need. The set consists of two 8-inch round pans, a loaf pan, a 9×13-inch baking pan, a 12-slot muffin pan, and a 10×15-inch baking sheet.
All items of the set are made of heavy-gauge steel which doesn’t warp and can endure up to 450 degrees F in the oven. All the pans heat evenly, ensuring baked goods coming out without any burnt spots.
The durable nonstick layer enables fast release of baked food and easy clean up. All pieces are dishwasher safe.
However, be careful as some sharp-edge kitchen utensils can cause scratches on the nonstick coating.
The brand offers a 10-year warranty.
Highlight Features
- The set include 5 different types of pan
- Nonstick coating
Product Specifications:
Brand | Calphalon |
material | heavy-gauge steel |
Weight | 5.56 pounds |
Dimensions | 15.8 x 4.6 x 10.8 inches |
Pros
- Sturdy material
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- The round pan is a bit small for some recipes
USA Pan Bakeware Round Cake Pan
(Best Round Baking Pan)
This set consists of two 9-inch round baking pans made of aluminized steel. With patented Americoat (nonstick silicone), which is PTFE, PFOA and, BPA free, your baked foods come out extra fast, and clean up should not be a trouble.
The groove design on the surface of the pan allows proper heat circulation and prevents the pans from warping due to high heat.
Your cake comes out evenly baked and smoothly. And as I already mentioned above the high quality coating, just grease the pan before using, then the cake should not leave a single crumb.
To clean these baking pans, just gently scrub them with warm water and dish soap.
Highlight Features
- Americoat coating free of chemical contaminations
- Grooved surface for proper heat circulation
Product Specifications:
Brand | USA Pan |
Material | Aluminized steel |
Weight | 2.3 pounds |
Dimensions | 9 x 2.25 inches |
Pros
- Nonstick coating
- PTFE, PFOA and BPA free
Cons
- Easily scratched
Nordicware Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet
(Best Half Sheet Baking Pan)
If you are looking for a pan for baking both sweet and savory food, then this set of two aluminum half sheets is a perfect match.
The aluminum pans distribute heat evenly, ensuring perfect browning baked foods. Cleaning up is a breeze as you can wrap the pan with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat. Washing the pan by hand for the best results.
High steel sides add strength and make it easier to move the pans in and out of the oven.
Highlight Features
- The study rim prevents the pan from warping
- It can go well with parchment paper and silicone baking mat
Product Specifications:
Brand | Nordic Ware |
Material | aluminum |
Weight | 1.65 pounds |
Dimensions | 17.9 x 12.9 x 1.1 inches |
Pros
- Never warp and dust after repeated use
- Chemical free
Cons
- Bends slightly after coming out of the hot oven
Nordic Ware Classic Metal 9×13 Covered Cake Pan
(Best 9 X 13-Inch Baking Pan)
You can use this 9 x 13-inch baking pan for baking several foods, from a regular cake, brownie to lasagna.
Aluminum allows better heat conductivity, excellent for making your food perfectly baked. The strong steel rim makes the pan stronger and not warp because of the oven’s high heat.
The cover is made of the same material as the pan, and it amazingly fit in the pan for saving leftover food.
This pan is for hand wash. Just use a sponge to scrub the pan with warm water and dish soap, easy as pie since the food doesn’t stick.
Highlight Features
- Comes with a lid
- Sturdy and durable construction
Product Specifications:
Brand | Nordic Ware |
Material | aluminum |
Weight | 1.15 pounds |
Dimensions | 15.7 x 9.8 x 3.1 inches |
Pros
- Never warp or rust
- Has a cover
- Chemical free
Cons
- The lid has sharp edges
USA Pan 1200MF Bakeware Cupcake & Muffin Pan
(Best Muffin Baking Pan)
This muffin baking pan can accommodate 12 muffins or cupcakes; each slot is 2.75 x 2.13 x 1.38 inches. The material used is heavy gauge aluminized steel.
Similar to other USA Pan products, this baking pan has Americoat, ensuring easy and quick release of baked muffins and cupcakes. Clean up is also a snap, just use a soft brush to scrub it with hot water and mild dish soap.
The coating is PTFE, PFOA, and BPA free, making it safer for your health.
This commercial grade pan comes with a lifetime warranty, letting your mind at ease.
Highlight Features
- The layer performs well, it doesn’t spoil your food
- Proper heat distribution, even baking for al 12 muffins or cupcakes.
Product Specifications:
Brand | USA Pan |
Material | Aluminized steel |
Weight | 1.9 pounds |
Dimensions | 15.8 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches |
Pros
- Safe nonstick coating
- Easy clean up
Cons
- A bit heavy weight
Farberware Nonstick Bakeware 9 x 5-Inch Loaf Pan
(Best Loaf Baking Pan)
If you are looking for baking an evenly brown regular bread loaf or a sweat banana bread loaf, look no further.
This loaf pan’s strong built doesn’t warp and can stand up to 450 degrees f, while it can steadily conduct heats for an evenly baked loaf with minimum hot spots.
Featuring nonstick surface, the pan allows quick food release and easy clean up. After baking your bread loaf, just flip the pan, and the loaf comes right out without the need for you to loosen its sides.
Highlight Features
- The pan releases exceptionally
- You can also use this pan for meat loaf
Product specifications:
Brand | Meyer Corporation |
Material | Carbon steel |
Weight | 13.6 ounces |
Dimensions | 9 x 5 x 2.7 inches |
Pros
- Even heat conductivity
- Quick and even release
Cons
- Heavy
Nordic Ware Leakproof Springform Pan
(Best Springform Baking Pan)
This is a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick coating from Nordic Ware. From regular cake to cheesecake, this pan can nail them all.
You can cook worry free as the removable tight pan edge is leak proof; Nothing can spill out, no risk of making a mess while baking. The nonstick coating ensures quick food release and makes cleanup easy peasy.
You should hand wash the pan with mild dish soap.
Highlight Features
- The seal prevents leaks, no mess while preparing batter or in the oven
Product Specifications:
Brand | N/a |
Material | Carbon steel |
Weight | 15.4 ounces |
Dimensions | 9.1 x 9.1 x 3.1 inches |
Pros
- Nothing spills out
- Quick release
Cons
- Thin material
USA Pan 1607CR Bakeware
(Best Baking Pan With Cooling Rack)
The package comes with an extra-large flat sheet pan and a cooling rack, perfect for baking cookies and many other recipes.
The set is commercial grade, durable aluminized steel material lasts for years of use.
With a fluted surface, the pan enables even air and heat flow for evenly browned foods. The pan features nonstick Americoat, which is free of PTFE, PFOA, and BPA, which helps baked-good come out quickly.
A stable cross wired rack with 6 feet, prevents your food from falling and sagging.
Cleaning up is easy as pie as you want it. Scrub the pan and the rack with hot water and mild soap, then let them dry for the best storage condition.
Highlight Features
- Chemical free coating
- Comes with a versatile cross wired rack
Product Specifications:
Brand | USA Pan |
Material | Aluminized steel |
Weight | 4.5 pounds |
Dimensions | 20.2 x 14.2 x 0.5 inches |
Pros
- Chemical free coating
- Good air and heat circulation
Cons
- Too big for some oven
Wilton Premium Non-Stick Bakeware
(Best Baking Pan for Pizzas)
This steel 14-inch pizza pan is without holes, so it is perfect if you don’t want your pizza dough too crispy.
The pan is both good for baking home made and store bought pizza. In case you crave some roasted potatoes, this pan also handles it right.
The surface is nonstick, and the edge of the pan is just a little above the pan surface, which enables easy removal of the pizza.
The clean up is as simple as putting the pan in the dishwasher. However, for better results, wash it with warm water and mild detergent.
Highlight Features
- The pizza pan has no holes.
- Nonstick surface release food quickly
- It is dishwasher safe
Product Specifications:
Brand | Wilton |
Model | steel |
Weight | 1.1pounds |
Dimensions | 14.1 x 0.4 x 14.1 inches |
Pros
- Easy pizza removal
- Quick release
Cons
- Not resistance to sharp kitchen utensils
Cuisinart 7117-14RR Lasagna Pan
(Best Baking Pan for Lasagnas)
If you are looking for a pan for cooking lasagna while still able to roast chicken and vegetables, go for this shiny and well finished stainless steel baking pan.
Featuring study material, the pan doesn’t warp due to high heat. Large convenient stainless side handles make it easier for you to move the pan around.
No worries that the pan may be either too big or too small for your oven as it fits in all ovens of standard size.
The pan is dishwasher-Safe, clean up is a snap.
Highlight Features
- The pan comes with side handles for easy lifting
- There is also a rack
Product Specifications:
Brand | Cusinart |
Material | Stainless steel |
Weight | 4.75 pounds |
Dimensions | 10.5 x 3 x 13 inches |
Pros
- Easy to move around
- Sturdy material, no warping under high heat
- Fits in most ovens
Cons
- The handles might get too hot
Non Stick Brownie Pans with Dividers
(Best Baking Pan for Brownie)
Made of high-carbon steel, the pan conduct heat faster and more evenly, which makes your brownie recipes come out perfectly baked.
This brownie baking pan features unique nonstick coating wither a combo spraying layer against stickiness, corrosive, and stain. This makes clean up super easy, and the brownie pieces come out quickly without any cracks.
The dividers allow 18 equal slices of brownie in one batch; cutting perfectly sliced brownie is no longer a trouble.
You get a bonus special brownie recipe and no duty trial with the purchase.
A quick tip for using the divider: apply grease to it before putting it in the brownie batter.
Warm water and dish soap for cleaning up, super quick and easy.
Highlight Features
- Precut divider for uniform brownie pieces
- You can use the pan for other cakes, food
Product Specifications:
Brand | SUJUDE |
Material | High carbon steel |
Weight | 1.98 pounds |
Dimensions | 12.2 x 7.9 x 2 inches |
Pros
- Perfectly cut brownie pieces
- Food grade unique coating
Cons
- Dividers can slightly bend
Good Cook Non-Stick Cookie Sheet
There are three firm nonstick baking sheets in the package: one mall of 13×9-inch, one medium size of 15×10-inch, and one large size of 17×11-inch. Perfect for your cooking needs.
The excellent nonstick coating releases food quickly and makes clean up a breeze. The sheets work fine in the dishwasher in case you already have a dishwasher.
Sturdy materials ensure years of use. If you are not happy with the product, the brand offers lifetime exchange.
Highlight Features
- Nonstick coating
- Dishwasher safe
Product Specifications:
Brand | Bradshaw International |
Material | Steel |
Weight | 8.8 ounces |
Dimensions | 19.6 x 12.6 x 6.8 inches |
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Three sheets of different sizes
Cons
- Might warp after coming out of the oven
Sweese 514.104 Porcelain Baking Dish
This attractive looking Sweese baking pan has a great cooking capacity, perfect for roasted meat to brownie.
High quality porcelain material makes the pan dishwasher safe. The material allows you to use the pan in both microwave, oven, and fridge. The pan is free from any toxic chemical.
Smooth surface makes clean up a snap, either by hand or with the dishwasher. Now you can bake worry free about the clean up process.
Free replacement or refund comes with the purchase in case something goes wrong.
Highlight Features
- Dishwasher safe.
- Non toxic porcelain material ensures your health.
Product Specifications:
Brand | Sweese |
Material | Porcelain |
Weight | 3.15 pounds |
Dimensions | 13.1 x 11 x 4.6 inches |
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Compatible for both microwave and oven
Cons
- Heavy weight
Pyrex 1107101 Basics Clear Oblong Glass Baking Dishes
Casserole, lasagna, or brownie? Several recipes can cook well in these versatile glass baking dishes.
This set of two tempered glass baking dishes can be used in the oven, the microwave, or in the fridge. One is 13 x 9 inches, while the other is 11 x 7 inches.
These glass baking dishes maintain heat circulation perfectly, which enables evenly brown baked goods.
The glass is clear and smooth, making it easier to clean. Besides, you can watch your food instead of guessing whether it is brown enough or not.
Highlight Features
- Made of high quality Pyrex glass
Product Specifications:
Brand | Pyrex |
Material | Tempered glass |
Weight | 6 pounds |
Dimensions | 15.8 x 9.5 x 2.5 inches |
Pros
- Safe for all oven, microwave, freezer
- Easy to clean
Cons
Wilton 2105-7908 Aluminum Pans Set
The set consists of three round cake pans of different size: small, medium, and large. This set is perfect for baking tiered cakes with three pans (4 x 2 inches, 6 x 2 inches, and 8 x 2 inches)
High-quality and sturdy aluminum build ensure even heat conductivity. Each pan is 2 inches in depth, which enables you to bake cakes of any height.
The set is not dishwasher compatible; however, cleaning up is super easy with warm water and dish soap.
Highlight Features
- A pack of 3 2-inch deep cake pans, you can bake all at once
Product Specifications:
Brand | Wilton |
material | aluminum |
Weight | 4.6 ounces |
Dimensions | 2 x 2 x 8.7 inches |
Pros
- Good for tiered cakes
- Easy clean up
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
Glass vs Metal Baking Pan
Is baking with a glass dish or a metal baking pan better? There is no exact answer to this question as each material has its pros and cons. Consider these factors when shop for a glass or metal baking pan.
Bakeware made of metal can endure higher temperatures than glass. Better heat conductivity makes metal heat up and cool down more quickly. Metal bakeware is better for quick roasting and food browning. Darker metal also tends to brown food faster.
Metal pans are reactive to the acidic ingredients and, which can make foods discolor, and leave a metallic taste or smell on your baked goods.
A major advantage of glass baking pan is that it distributes heat more evenly. However, due to its low level of heat conductivity, glass bakeware takes longer to heat up. But, once it heats, it gets really hot and will stay warm long after being removed from the oven.
Another plus for glass pan is that you can watch the baking process.
Glass bakeware can not adapt to a quick temperature switch. Besides, extreme oven heat can even make the glass baking pan explode, if it is made of below standard glass.
Best Baking Pan Buying Guide
To make sure you get the right baking pan, I recommend you four things that you may consider before purchasing a baking pan.
Material
Baking pan comes with several different materials. You should aim for durable pans with a high level of heat conductivity material.
Glass
Can get really hot in the oven, make sure you adjust the heat properly to avoid over-browning baked goods.
If you go for a glass baking dish, make sure the glass is quality pyrex glass, which is tempered glass. Otherwise, low quality glass may break in oven extreme heat.
Pros
- Even heat conductivity
- You can watch the baking foods
Cons
- It takes longer to cool down and heat up
Metal
Metals used to make baking pan can vary. Some major material are aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel. Each metal has different reactions to oven conditions, so take a look at the comparison table to consider their pros and cons.
Material | aluminum | Aluminumized steel | stainless steel | carbon steel |
Pros | – Great heat conductivity | – Great heat conductivity
– It doesn’t rust | – Endure extreme usage
– Used for commercial – Light weight | – Great heat conductivity
– Quick cool down
|
Cons | – Easily reactive to acidic food | – can be reactive to acidic food | – Takes longer to heat up | -Warp due to high temperature |
Size and Shape
When it comes to the baking pan sizes, consider both its exterior size and the cooking capacity. For the baking pan to fit in your oven, remember to pick a baking pan with suitable measurements. Different recipes may need different sizes of the baking pan, so take that into account. Pick the size that aligns with your cooking needs.
Baking pan also comes in many shapes for different purposes, so choose them wisely according to what type of goods you need to bake.
Utility
Most baking pans are very versatile, and they are good for various recipes. Others may be exclusive for certain types of baked goods.
Some bakeware is available as one piece, while others come in bakeware set. Depending on your cooking needs, you can pick either on that best benefits you.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning up should be easy and fast with nonstick coating and extra effort if you grease the pan before baking.
A feature to consider is dishwasher compatible. However, I recommend hand washing for not scratching the nonstick coating. Anyway, with just a few scrubs with water and soap and you pan comes out shiny as newly purchased.
Make sure you clean your baking pans properly. Otherwise, the nonstick coating may become ineffective, and the pan may be rusty after a short period of time.
Other Features
Some pans may come with a lid, a rack, or handles. Check carefully before making a purchase to make sure you end up with the exact features you want.
Number of Each Piece
After making up your mind about which types of baking pan you need, there is one more thing you need to consider.
How much of ingredients are you going to cook each time? Ask yourself this in order to know how many pans of each type you should purchase.
Baking Pan Instruction
Why Do My Baking Pan Rust?
Moisture and accumulating food stain may cause rust. Make sure you thoroughly clean and store your pans in proper conditions.
How Do I Keep My Baking Pan From Warping?
The best way to avoid warping is to never put anything cold into your hot baking pan. When cold ingredients suddenly touch the hot pan, the atoms rapidly contract, which is the cause of warping. Extreme and rapid temperature shift is what lock the warping in shape. So, be careful!
Should I Run Cool Water in Hot Baking Pan?
This is a complete no unless you want to end up with a warped pan.
Should I Grease My Nonstick Baking Pans?
The nonstick pans are designed to avoid food sticking, but greasing you pan with butter, or cooking oil is still a step in most recipes.
How Do I Grease a Pan Without Butter?
There are several alternatives you can use when butter is running out: cooking oil, bacon grease. They all work perfectly.
How Do I Make Sure My Cake Doesn’t Stick to the Pan?
Before putting the batter in the pan, just grease it. Or you can use parchment paper covered in cooking spray if it is compatible.
How to Clean a Rusty Baking Pan?
Go for aluminum and stainless steel to avoid any unwanted rust.
A rusty pan is not good looking at all, but once you remove all the rust, a rusty pan is still safe for use. Rust, which is oxidized iron, can’t kill you unless you eat too much of it. By too much, I mean tons.
If your baking pans are old and rusty, it is still the best to replace them.
But if you still want to keep your favorite pans as they are just a little rusty, follow these steps to clean all the rust.
- Moist the baking pan
- Dust the rusty surface with baking soda
- Let it sit for about an hour
- Scrub the rust away with metal wool or bush
- Rinse the pan
Tips for Baking Pans
- Grease the pan before using or use parchment paper
- Always use soft brush or sponge to clean your baking pan to protect the nonstick coating
- Use mild dish soap. If you own a metal baking dish, put away acidic detergent
- Never scrub metal against the pan surface to avoid scratches
- Wait for the pans to cool down completely before washing them with cold water
- Make sure your pans all clean and dry before storing them, moisture and stain cause rust
- Never exceed 450 degrees F to protect the nonstick coating
FAQ
My Top Pick
My personal top pick is the Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Set made of durable heavy gauge steel. This 6-piece set has almost every bakeware essentials. Great heat conductivity, sturdy build, and easy clean up. It features everything that you need in a bakeware set.
Baked food takes time to prepare, I can relate if you expect you cake, brownie or veggies to come out right and perfect. So, take your time to choose the best baking pans, then you can bake delicious dishes without worrying too much.