Discover the Best Loaf Pans: Decorative, Glass, Non-Stick, and More for Perfect Baking Results
Updated: Jul. 30, 2024
As baking season draws near, it's important to have the very best gear. We found the best loaf pan for bakes that are crisp on the outside and oh-so-moist on the inside.
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A reliable loaf pan is an essential tool for all bread bakers. It bakes your bread and makes gooey cakes or savory meat loaves incredibly simple. But not all loaf pans perform the same—here are our top picks.
What to Look for When Buying a Loaf Pan
Looks aren’t everything when it comes to finding the best loaf pan. In fact, some of the top ones on the market look rather plain. Here’s what you should consider when choosing a loaf pan:
- Material: Loaf pans are commonly stoneware, metal or glass. Each material has its own benefits, but always prioritize one that cooks loaves evenly.
- Nonstick coating: This makes it easy for your loaf to pop out of the pan and cleanup is relatively scrub-free.
- Durability: Pay attention to the care instructions before purchasing, and choose a pan that can withstand your desired use. If you loathe hand-washing, buy a loaf pan that can tolerate the dishwasher. If you bake in large batches, choose a product you can pop into the freezer.
Evaluation Criteria
To find the best loaf pans, we looked at top-rated products across popular brands. We assessed them by our evaluation criteria, and, after we found the top-performers, we sorted them into specific categories where they perform best.
- Best Overall Loaf Pan: Amazon Basics Nonstick Loaf Pan
- Best Value Loaf Pan: Wilton Recipe Right Loaf Pan
- Best Splurge Loaf Pan: Caraway Loaf Pan
- Best Test Kitchen-Approved Loaf Pan: Taste of Home Loaf Pan
- Best Mini Loaf Pan: Circulon Mini Loaf Pan
- Best Decorative Loaf Pan: Nordic Ware Wildflower Loaf Pan
- Best Glass Loaf Pan: Ô Cuisine Glass Loaf Dish
- Best Metal Loaf Pan: Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Loaf Pan
- Best Ceramic Loaf Pan: Chantal Classic Loaf Pan
- Best Nonstick Loaf Pan: Wilton Nonstick Loaf Pan
Best Overall Loaf Pan
Amazon Basics Nonstick Loaf Pan
Don’t let the simple style of these Amazon loaf pans fool you—they’re the best because they’re durable, nonstick and include striking red silicone handles for easy gripping (though you should never skip the oven mitts). Two pans come with your order, so you can easily double your favorite loaf pan recipe and have something to snack on all week long.
The nonstick coating is where these pans really shine. Whether you bake banana bread or meat loaf, you won’t find yourself struggling to scrape food from the sides. However, the pans need to be washed by hand, so that nonstick magic doesn’t get damaged.
Pros
- Affordable, at $14
- Includes two 9×5-in. pans
- Made with BPA-free steel
- Silicone handles
- Slick nonstick coating
Cons
- Hand-wash only
Best Value Loaf Pan
Wilton Recipe Right Loaf Pan
For the best buy on a budget, Wilton’s simple loaf pan has you covered. This $7 stainless steel pan has a nonstick coating for easy baking and cleaning. The medium loaf pan is slightly smaller than the standard 9×5-inch dimensions, making it ideal for small families. Every baker needs this no-frills tool tucked away in their cabinet.
Pros
- Affordable, at $7
- Dishwasher-safe
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Not as durable as other models
Best Splurge Loaf Pan
Caraway Loaf Pan
Feed your eyes and your stomach with the Caraway loaf pan. The ceramic-coated bakeware comes in seven stylish colors including navy, sage and marigold. It brings a mid-century vibe to your kitchen, especially if you go all-in with the entire baking set.
And it’s not just eye candy. The steel body is coated in nonstick ceramic that’s easy to clean and evenly cooks loaves. Read our Caraway bakeware review for the full scoop.
Pros
- Seven color options available
- Oven-safe up to 550°F
- Free of heavy metals, PTFE, PFOA, lead and cadmium
Cons
-
Pricey, at $40
Best Test Kitchen-Approved Loaf Pan
Taste of Home Loaf Pan
Yep, we have our own line of cookware and bakeware. Each piece, including this beautiful Taste of Home 9×5 loaf pan, was put through the paces by our Test Kitchen team.
We love the embossed design, which gives the medium-weight tin a bit of heft and helps your dishes bake evenly. Plus, the nonstick coating helps everything from sticky monkey bread to tomato-smothered meat loaf release with ease.
Pros
- Test Kitchen-approved
- Fast and even heat distribution
- Dishwasher-safe (although hand-washing is recommended)
- Set of two
Cons
- Not broiler-safe
Best Mini Loaf Pan
Circulon Mini Loaf Pan
Whether you’re cooking bite-sized cheddar loaves or mini meat loaves for a weeknight dinner, this mini loaf pan is the best option for batch baking. This pan bakes six oh-so-cute mini loaves. The nonstick pan has rolled edges for extra strength and stability, and its protective coating means you don’t have to worry about scratches if you need help popping out the loaves with metal tools.
Pros
- Oven-safe up to 450°F
- PFOA-free
- Protective coating
- Yields six mini loaves
Cons
- Hand-wash only
Best Decorative Loaf Pan
Nordic Ware Wildflower Loaf Pan
Be warned: This decorative loaf pan makes your bakes so pretty, you won’t want to cut into them. There’s no fancy skills required, either—pour in the batter, let it seep into all the crevices and bake for a gorgeous loaf that’ll wow your brunch guests. This loaf pan also makes a great gift, especially when paired with some gourmet baking ingredients.
Before you throw it in the oven, review your cooking instructions. If your go-to quick bread recipe calls for a baking temperature above 400°F, this pan might not be able to handle the heat.
Pros
- Creates a beautiful floral loaf
- Aluminum pan heats evenly
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Pricey, at $38
- Only withstands temperatures up to 400°F
Best Glass Loaf Pan
Ô Cuisine Glass Loaf Dish
Scratch-resistant, shatter-resistant and capable of withstanding temperatures of nearly 600°F, this is the best glass loaf pan.
Think of it as The Hulk of glass bakeware. You can cut slices directly from the pan with no damage! Along with its super strength and durability, it’s a rare dishwasher-safe loaf pan. If you simply cannot deal with hand-washing, this beauty belongs in your kitchen. (As do other top-rated tools, like the KitchenAid bread bowl and Challenger bread pan.)
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Shatter-resistant and scratch-resistant
- Resistant to thermal shock
Cons
- Unconventional 11-inch size
Best Metal Loaf Pan
Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Loaf Pan
This metal loaf pan takes the gold (literally) in form and function. The simple lines, golden color and reinforced wire rim make this a beautiful piece to display on your open kitchen shelving. In addition to aesthetic, the design means it won’t rust, warp or bake unevenly in the oven. While the pan is OK to clean in the dishwasher, hand-washing will keep it in top shape over time. Psst! Speaking of pretty pans, have you tried the Great Jones Holy Sheet pan?
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Three sizes available
- Oven-safe up to 450°F
Cons
- Can be scratched by metal tools
Best Ceramic Loaf Pan
Chantal Classic Loaf Pan
This white porcelain loaf pan adds a classic touch to your kitchen…and makes it simple to evenly bake yummy breads. If white isn’t your style, get this pan in modern shades including glacier blue and sage green. No matter which color you opt for, a non-porous glaze coats the stoneware, so nothing will impact your food.
Pros
- Scratch-resistant
- Ergonomic handles
- Oven-, microwave-, freezer- and dishwasher-safe
- Aesthetic colorways
Cons
- Mid-range price point
- Heavy, at 2.5 pounds
Best Nonstick Loaf Pan
Wilton Nonstick Loaf Pan
Nothing is more satisfying than popping a freshly baked loaf out of its pan in one perfect piece. With the proper care, this Wilton nonstick pan gets more of those “aaaah yes” moments.
Wash the pan by hand in warm, soapy water to prevent aging and rusting. Because your pound cakes and zucchini breads won’t cling to the surface, little time is spent scrubbing.
Pros
- Affordable, at $9
- Withstand temperatures up to 450°F
- Holds up to metal tools
- Dishwasher-safe (although hand-washing is recommended)
Cons
- Some users report rust issues
FAQs
What is the best loaf pan to use for bread?
It usually comes down to personal preference, but a few common elements define stellar loaf pans. Look for a loaf pan that’s nonstick, heats evenly, is easy to handle and holds up over time. For these reasons, we believe the Amazon Basics loaf pan is the best choice for most bread bakers.
Is it better to bake bread in glass or metal?
Both glass and metal loaf pans are effective kitchen tools, but many home bakers prefer metal pans for baking bread. This is because the metal heats up faster, giving the bread a crisper edge. Who doesn’t love a crunchy crust?
What is the best size loaf pan to buy?
Pans are available in other dimensions, but most recipes call for one of two loaf pan sizes:
- An 8-inch pan (8.5×4.5-in.)
- A 9-inch pan (9×5-in.)
Choosing either one—or stocking your kitchen with one of both—works for most quick bread recipes.
Originally Published: September 13, 2019
