The 6 Finest Loaf Pans of 2023

Whereas loaf pans are the go-to for banana bread and pound cake, these versatile items of bakeware might help bake a lot past that too — suppose private dimension casseroles, meatloaf, and extra! As a recipe creator, Meggan has personally used greater than a dozen loaf pans, and whereas they appear easy sufficient, they’re not all created equally. One of the best loaf pans are dependable, sturdy, and straightforward to scrub — and it doesn’t damage if they give the impression of being lovely in your kitchen too.

Meggan and I labored collectively to give you this checklist of the very best loaf pans. We relied on our personal firsthand expertise, recommending the loaf pans that we use and love ourselves (this set from USA Pan is her favourite!). We additionally did intensive analysis, evaluating the options side-by-side. In the end, we narrowed it down to 6 choices, together with metallic, ceramic, forged iron and glass picks. Verify all of them out under.

Our Prime Picks

1. What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: USA Pan Loaf Pan Set – $18.99 at Amazon
2. Finest Price range Loaf Pan: Amazon Fundamentals Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan (Set of two) – $13.49 at Amazon
3. Finest Non-Stick Loaf Pan: OXO Non-Stick Professional 1-lb Loaf Pan – $20.99 at Amazon
4. Finest Ceramic Loaf Pan: Caraway Loaf Pan – $40 at Amazon
5. Finest Forged Iron Loaf Pan: Lodge Forged Iron Loaf Pan – $19.99 at Amazon
6. Finest Glass Loaf Pan: Pyrex Straightforward Seize 1.5-Qt Glass Loaf Dish – $14.47 at Amazon

Opinions of The Finest Loaf Pans

1. What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: USA Pan Loaf Pan

After testing out USA Pan’s muffin pan, Meggan purchased the model’s loaf pan and loves it simply as a lot! The pans are completed with proprietary silicone non-stick coating, which permits for simple launch and fast clean-up — baked items will pop proper out of the pan even when they’re nonetheless slightly heat. Megan additionally loves that they’re PTFE-, PFOA-, and BPA-free, and made within the US. Plus, they’re sturdy and sturdy and simply work rather well. Wins throughout!

One factor to notice is that the corporate doesn’t advocate placing these pans within the dishwasher. However as a result of they’re so non-stick, every thing ought to come proper off with some sizzling, soapy water.

The Specs:

• Baking Floor Dimensions: 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.75 inches
• Weight: 1 pound
• Materials: Alloy metal
• Dishwasher-safe? No

What I Like:

• Releases simply
• Bakes evenly
• Made within the US
• Nonstick

What I Don’t Like:

• Crumbs can get caught in seams
• Will be tough to scrub in folds
• Not dishwasher-safe

What Others Are Saying:

After testing, Critical Eats and Reviewed picked the USA Pan Loaf Pan as among the finest loaf pans. It additionally has a 4.8-star common from virtually 8,500 opinions on Amazon.

Purchase the USA Pan Loaf Pan:

2. Finest Price range Loaf Pan: Amazon Fundamentals Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan (Set of two)

Should you like the thought of a non-stick set however need to save slightly in your buy, I like to recommend this Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan Set from Amazon Fundamentals — the value breaks down to simply below $7 per pan. Whereas Meggan hasn’t tried these personally, she owns a number of different kitchen merchandise from Amazon’s lineup and is at all times impressed with the standard you get for the value.

These are made out of metal with a non-stick coating, and reviewers say the construct high quality is prime notch and baked items come out fantastically with minimal clear up. It’s finest to clean these by hand however since they’re non-stick, it ought to be simple!

The Specs:

• Baking Floor Dimensions: 9.5 x 5 x 2.8 inches
• Weight: 0.64 kilos
• Materials: Metal
• Dishwasher-safe? No

What I Like:

• Cheap
• Straightforward to scrub
• Is available in a set
• Nonstick

What I Don’t Like:

• Small handles
• Not dishwasher-safe
• Will not be as sturdy as others

What Others Are Saying:

Delish selected the Amazon Fundamentals Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan as certainly one of their suggestions for the very best loaf pans. This set additionally has a 4.8-star common score from greater than 26,000 opinions on Amazon.

Purchase the Amazon Fundamentals Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan (Set of two):

3. Finest Non-Stick Loaf Pan: OXO Non-Stick Professional 1-lb Loaf Pan

OXO is a beloved kitchen model, and the Non-Stick Professional 1-lb Loaf Pan comes extremely really helpful. This heavy-duty, metal pan is non-stick and scratch-, stain-, and abrasion-resistant so it might stand as much as numerous baking! The metal helps distribute warmth evenly for a wonderful bake, whereas a textured sample on the backside reduces floor contact to assist promote airflow.

The perimeters are additionally rolled, which makes them simpler to grip once you’re transferring the pan to and from the oven. Plus, the shiny beige end offers it some additional allure that makes it stand out from different bakeware. As an added bonus, it’s made within the US and PFOA-free.

The Specs:

• Baking Floor Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 3 inches
• Weight: 0.86 kilos
• Materials: Aluminized metal
• Dishwasher-safe? Sure

What I Like:

• Straightforward to grip
• Lovely coloration
• Made within the US
• Proof against scratches, stains, and abrasions

What I Don’t Like:

• Textured floor can depart designs in your muffins
• Some say sizing is off
• Can rust if not dried promptly

What Others Are Saying:

The Spruce Eats, Forbes Vetted, and Critical Eats all selected it as certainly one of their prime picks. It additionally has a 4.8-star common from greater than 1,300 opinions on Amazon.

Purchase the OXO Non-Stick Professional 1-lb Loaf Pan:

4. Finest Ceramic Loaf Pan: Caraway Loaf Pan

I personally personal and use this loaf pan and it’s actually among the finest! I’ve examined a minimum of a dozen loaf pans and nonetheless personal a number of, and that is the one I attain for most frequently. It’s extraordinarily non-stick — baked items and meatloaves simply come proper out even with out oil or butter — and the ceramic distributes warmth evenly for a wonderful bake. The coating is free from PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, and heavy metals, so it’s actually non-toxic. Plus, it’s completely lovely and is available in 9 colours, from a mushy cream (my favourite!) to a vivid marigold.

You do should watch out with utilizing and storing this pan as a result of the coating can chip off should you’re too tough, however fortuitously, it cleans very simply, so that you don’t have to wash it.

The Specs:

• Baking Floor Dimensions: 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.72 inches
• Weight: 1 pound
• Materials: Ceramic
• Dishwasher-safe? No

What I Like:

• Straightforward to scrub
• Non-toxic
• Is available in lovely colours

What I Don’t Like:

• Dear
• Can chip simply
• Hand wash solely

What Others Are Saying:

After intensive analysis, Forbes Vetted selected the Caraway Loaf Pan as the very best ceramic loaf pan.

Purchase the Caraway Loaf Pan:

5. Finest Forged Iron Loaf Pan: Lodge Forged Iron Loaf Pan

Forged iron is likely one of the most sturdy baking supplies and with the correct care, this heirloom-quality loaf pan from Lodge will stand the check of time. Reviewers say it heats up rapidly and bakes evenly, providing you with well-defined edges and a fantastically browned crust. It comes pre-seasoned so that you don’t should fuss with it earlier than utilizing it for the primary time (though you’ll should season it semi-regularly, relying on how typically you utilize it).

Due to the forged iron building, it’s a lot heavier than different loaf pans of this dimension, however it additionally has a lot bigger handles that make it simple to grip, even with oven mitts.

The Specs:

• Baking Floor Dimensions: 8.5 x 4.5 x 3.68 inches
• Weight: 3.68 kilos
• Materials: Forged iron
• Dishwasher-safe? No

What I Like:

• Sturdy
• Heats evenly
• Straightforward to switch to and from the oven
• Inexpensive for the fine quality

What I Don’t Like:

• Heavy
• Reviewers say it’s onerous to scrub the corners
• Could have to season it typically

What Others Are Saying:

Epicurious and Delish each selected it as certainly one of their prime picks. It additionally has greater than 3,000 opinions on Amazon with a mean score of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Purchase the Lodge Forged Iron Loaf Pan:

6. Finest Glass Loaf Pan: Pyrex Straightforward Seize 1.5-Qt Glass Loaf Dish

Pyrex is likely one of the hottest manufacturers for glass bakeware and it’s for good cause. This selection is sturdy and high-quality, and it might final eternally with correct care. I additionally personal it and have discovered it to be extraordinarily dependable, particularly because it cooks evenly with lovely browning. It’s non-stick with the correct greasing earlier than baking, too.

Whereas it might take slightly longer to warmth up, the glass retains warmth nicely, and it’s non-reactive and non-porous, which implies it received’t take in stains, flavors, or odors. Plus, it’s microwave-safe, which makes a glass pan a very versatile possibility for all sorts of cooking and baking. I additionally love the big handles (I can simply seize them with oven mitts) and the lid is handy for storage or journey.

The Specs:

• Baking Floor Dimensions: 8.75 x 5.25 x 3 inches (with handles)
• Weight: 1.74 kilos
• Materials: Tempered glass
• Dishwasher-safe? Sure

What I Like:

• Straightforward to scrub
• Straightforward to carry
• Doesn’t take in odors or colours

What I Don’t Like:

• A bit heavy
• Lid isn’t hermetic
• Could take longer to warmth up

What Others Are Saying:

After testing, Reviewed selected the Pyrex Straightforward Seize 1.5-Quart Glass Loaf Dish as the very best non-stick. Meals Community and Tech Gear Lab additionally selected it as certainly one of their prime picks, and it has a 4.7-star common from greater than 12,500 opinions on Amazon.

Purchase the Pyrex Straightforward Seize 1.5-Qt Glass Loaf Dish:

Different Loaf Pans to Take into account

Le Creuset Heritage Loaf Pan

Le Creuset is a pacesetter in ceramic cookware, and this can be a dependable (and exquisite!) possibility. Nevertheless it’s dearer than most and also you won’t need to spend money on a loaf pan until you’re utilizing it recurrently. That mentioned, it has easy-to-grip handles and a non-stick floor, and it is available in a dozen lovely colours. The Le Creuset Heritage Loaf Pan is on the market at Amazon for $55.95.

Nordic Ware Naturals Meatloaf Pan with Lifting Trivet

This loaf pan is really helpful by Forbes Vetted as the very best meatloaf pan, and it’s nice for that goal. Whereas it may be used with out the lifting trivet, there are higher choices if you need a extra versatile loaf pan. The Nordic Ware Naturals Meatloaf Pan with Lifting Trivet is on the market at Amazon for $17.56.

Farberware Nonstick Loaf Pan (Set of two)

One other budget-friendly possibility, this Farberware loaf pan is an efficient selection for many who solely use it often. Some opinions say it’s not as non-stick as others, however it has easy-grip handles and a heavy-duty building that may stand as much as excessive warmth. You can too purchase it in a set of two if you wish to save much more. The Farberware Nonstick Loaf Pan (Set of two) is on the market at Amazon for $13.49.

Wilton Advance Choose Premium Non-Stick Bread Loaf Pan

This loaf pan has a number of nice opinions, however I’ve personally examined it and located that it bakes erratically. Whereas it’s tremendous for cooking meatloaf and fewer delicate baked items, you might need to attempt one other one if you wish to make breads and pound muffins. The Wilton Advance Choose Premium Non-Stick Bread Loaf Pan is on the market at Amazon for $7.97.

Rachael Ray Yum-o! Oven Lovin’ Nonstick Loaf Pan

The Rachael Ray Yum-o! Oven Lovin’ Nonstick Loaf Pan is a good selection for many who need a actually non-stick pan. It has giant handles which are simple to seize and is available in a number of coloration choices. It didn’t find yourself in our checklist of the very best as a result of some opinions say it doesn’t maintain up nicely to common use, however you may improve its longevity by intently following the care directions. The Rachel Ray Yum-o! Oven Lovin’ Nonstick Loaf Pan is on the market at Amazon for $13.99.

Why You Can Belief Us

Hello, I’m Lindsay, a purposeful nutritionist, recipe creator, and product reviewer with virtually 15 years of expertise testing kitchen merchandise. I’ve tried greater than a dozen loaf pans and have baked every thing from pound cake to meatloaf to every thing in between — and I nonetheless personally personal two of the picks that made our last checklist! You will discover my work throughout a wide range of digital publications, together with The Spruce Eats, Higher Houses and Gardens, Forbes Vetted, and Consuming Nicely.

I labored on this roundup with Meggan, a classically skilled chef and founding father of Culinary Hill. Along with utilizing our personal firsthand expertise, we extensively researched dozens of extra choices to slim down this checklist. We in contrast supplies, dimension, worth, and opinions side-by-side, in the end touchdown on six choices that we predict stand out among the many many selections.

Every part to Know Earlier than Shopping for a Loaf Pan

What to Take into account Earlier than Shopping for a Loaf Pan

When selecting an possibility, dimension and supplies are most essential. However you might also need to take into consideration the handles — in the event that they’re simple to grip and maintain with oven mitts on — and some different options.

Measurement: Loaf pans are available in varied sizes. An ordinary pan is about 8.5 inches lengthy by 4.5 inches deep. When a recipe requires a loaf pan, that is often what it means. You’ll discover shut variations on that too, like 9 inches by 5 inches or 9.5 inches by 5 inches. There are additionally mini loaf pans, which usually measure 5.75 inches lengthy by 3.25 inches deep. These are nice for baking smaller parts or giving out baked items as items. When selecting one, take into account the way you’ll use it, however when unsure, go together with the usual dimension.

Materials: They primarily are available in metal, glass, ceramic, and forged iron. Every has its execs and cons, so the very best materials for you actually will depend on what you’re on the lookout for. Metal is a superb selection should you’re on the lookout for a light-weight loaf pan that’s sturdy and heats evenly. Glass doesn’t warmth up as rapidly, however it may be extra versatile and will last more because it’s non-porous. Ceramic is extraordinarily non-stick and a very good warmth conductor, so it offers a dependable bake. And whereas it’s heavy, forged iron can final eternally — and get even higher with time!

Handles: Some have giant handles which are simple to grip whereas others barely have a rim and are onerous to deal with. Should you’re selecting a light-weight materials like metal, you might not want bigger handles, however should you’re going for a glass or forged iron pan, ensure the handles are sufficiently big to comfortably seize whereas sporting oven mitts.

Different options: Relying on what you intend to make use of it for, it’s your decision different user-friendly options too. Some include lifting trivets, that are nice for lifting meatloaf out of the pan (and forsaking grease!). Others have a lid so you may retailer leftovers simply or safe meals when touring.

What Is the Measurement of a Customary Loaf Pan?

When a recipe calls for the standard loaf pan, it’s sometimes referring to a 1-pound pan. These can measure 8.5 inches lengthy by 4.5 inches deep by 2.5 inches tall or 9 inches lengthy by 5 inches deep by 2.5 inches tall.

How Do You Line a Loaf Pan with Parchment Paper?

It will depend on whether or not you need to line simply the underside or the entire pan. Should you solely need to line the underside, place it on prime of the parchment paper, use a pen or pencil to hint across the backside, after which reduce out simply contained in the traced strains. Put the reduce piece of parchment paper into your loaf pan and it’s able to go!

If you wish to line the entire pan, there’s a simple hack you should use to ensure your parchment paper is neat and tidy: Flip the loaf pan the other way up and lay a chunk of parchment paper on prime. Then, fold the parchment paper across the quick ends such as you’re wrapping a present, ensuring the parchment paper creases the place you fold it. Take the parchment off, flip the loaf pan proper aspect up and add the parchment paper in. It ought to drop proper in!

How Lengthy Ought to You Bake in Mini Loaf Pans?

It will depend on what you’re baking! That mentioned, should you’re making a recipe that takes 50 to 55 minutes to bake in a 1-pound loaf pan, it’s a good suggestion to start out with 25 to half-hour for a mini loaf pan. You can begin checking on it across the 20-minute mark to be sure you don’t overbake.

What Can You Make in a Loaf Pan?

Meggan says there are many potentialities. You possibly can bake fast breads, pound muffins, yogurt muffins, and bread pudding. You can too bake totally different sorts of meatloaf and conventional yeast breads. Loaf pans are additionally a good way to freeze ice cream or make granitas. Should you’re serving a smaller crowd, you can also make 2- to 4-serving casseroles, like small-batch inexperienced bean casserole and even baked macaroni and cheese.

The Finest Loaf Recipes

Meggan loves utilizing her loaf pan to make every thing from buttery pound cake to old school beer bread. Listed here are some scrumptious recipes that can assist you get began.

Costs had been correct at time of publication.