This is important because reactive metals can impart an off-flavor to your cakes, which can ruin the taste. With stainless steel cake pans, you can be sure that your cakes will taste exactly as they should. Overall, stainless steel cake pans are an excellent investment for any home baker or cake making extrodinaire.

They are durable, distribute heat evenly,last a long time, non—toxic, and won't react with acidic ingredients. With proper care, your stainless steel cake pan will last for years and provide you with delicious cakes every time you bake. The Best Stainless Steel Cake Pans.

Aug 10 Written By Paige Gilmore. Paige x Best Overall: TeamFar Stainless Steel Cake Pans, 8-inch, Set of 2 TeamFar is one of the more budget-friendly brands! Check Price On Amazon. Material: Stainless steel. Features: Dishwasher safe Set of two pans means you bake a layer cake more easily.

Features: Lifetime warranty. Made in the USA. Handles for easier carrying. Features: Dishwasher safe. Features: Has a stainless steel lid that snaps on.

Dishwasher safe. Material: Stainless steel and plastic. Check Price On Kana. BBQ safe. Open fire safe. Understanding Stainless Steel Cake Pans When it comes to baking cakes, choosing the right cake pan is essential.

Here's what you need to know about stainless steel cake pans: Advantages of Stainless Steel Cake Pans Stainless steel cake pans are known for their sturdiness and durability. Types of Stainless Steel Cake Pans There are several types of stainless steel cake pans available in the market.

The most common types include: Round pans Square pans Rectangular pans Bundt pans Springform pans Each type of pan is designed for a specific purpose. Choosing the Right Size When choosing a stainless steel cake pan, it's important to consider the size of your oven and the recipe you're using.

Conclusion Stainless steel cake pans are a great investment for any baker. Benefits of Stainless Steel Cake Pans Durability Stainless steel cake pans are known for their durability.

Heat Distribution Stainless steel is an excellent conductor of heat, which means that your cake will bake evenly. Non-Reactive Nature Stainless steel is a non-reactive metal, which means that it won't react with acidic ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, or citrus fruits.

Paige Gilmore. Learn more. We love how well-loved, hand-me-down cake pans tell the stories of generations of bakers, but we're not such a fan of how those warped and discolored pans treat our cakes. Whether the mix came from a box or you spent hours on the perfect chiffon, it's a real bummer when your cake sticks to the pan or has a wonky lean.

Having a quality cake pan is just as important as using a tried and true recipe, allowing you to focus on flavor and texture without worrying about turning out a broken sponge.

After speaking with three expert bakers, I tested eight of the best cake pans and baked the same yellow cake mix in each. Our top pick is the KitchenAid Nonstick 9" Round. The extended rim makes it easy to maneuver the pan in and out of the oven; plus, the light gray interior conducts heat evenly through the batter.

For an uncoated pan, the Nordic Ware Naturals 9" Round takes the top spot. With a little extra lining, the pan released cakes easily and baked an evenly browned sponge. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and recommends kitchen products.

Best overall: KitchenAid Nonstick 9" Round - see at Amazon The KitchenAid Nonstick Cake Pan has a light gray interior for even baking and is dishwasher safe for easier cleanup. Best budget: Amazon Basics 2-Pack Nonstick Cake Pan, 9" Rounds - see at Amazon If you're an occasional baker and looking for a set of pans that are inexpensive and will get the job done, you can't find a better bargain than the Amazon Basics Nonstick Rounds.

Best uncoated: Nordic Ware Naturals Aluminum 9" Round - see at Amazon Despite not having a nonstick coating, the Nordic Ware Naturals Aluminum 9" Round pan baked an even, fluffy cake and released it without trouble. This KitchenAid pan features extended handles that made rotating the pan in the oven incredibly easy, and I didn't have to worry about accidentally sticking a mittened finger into the cake batter when moving the pan.

If I was baking a fragile sponge, I could see this feature being even more useful when transferring the cake out of the oven to the counter.

The KitchenAid pan has a grey-tinted color that produced an even bake. When we made cake in darker-colored pans, the sponge tended to shrink back from the pan by several centimeters as it cooked; an indication that the outsides were baking faster than the center of the cake, which can make for an uneven texture.

This didn't happen as much with the KitchenAid pan, and the cake was tender and moist throughout. The cake released easily from the pan, though it left a slight butter residue like all the nonstick pans I tested. The residue came off easily with soap and water, and none of the cakes were noticeably greasy because of it.

The KitchenAid pan cleaned up easily with a nylon sponge and emerged with no discoloration or surface damage when I put it through the dishwasher. Two other pans performed almost identically and were contenders for the best cake pan overall: Chicago Metallic Nonstick 9" Round and Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick 9" Round.

In both, the cakes released immediately without any sticking. Neither suffered damage from the dishwasher or being scrubbed with a scouring pad, but both were scratched by steel wool. The Chicago Metallic and Cuisinart Chef have dark interiors that lead to overcooking — the baked cakes shrunk back almost a full centimeter.

This can be remedied by adjusting the baking time, so these pans are still worth purchasing. Fukai told us that nonstick pans are great for cake layers you intend to stack because the coating ensures the sides and the bottoms emerge as uniform as possible.

These Amazon Basics pans are great for layer cakes because they're not only nonstick, but come in inexpensive packs of two, allowing you to make multiple layers in one batch.

Cake baked in these inexpensive pans did not stick and came out evenly browned. The pans are the most lightweight of all we tested, with thinner construction of the base and sides. We did not notice any negative effects from this construction. In fact, the light weight plus the extended handles make these pans easy to maneuver when filled with batter.

Metal utensils do scratch the surface of this pan and it is not dishwasher safe. It's also unclear from the product description if the pans are PFOA-free. We reached out to Amazon to confirm, but the company did not respond.

The nonstick Goodcook Nonstick 9" Round performed similarly to the Amazon Basics pan; cake released smoothly and baked in the suggested time.

The Goodcook Pan produced slightly darker edges, but the texture of the cake was not over baked. Pros: Dishwasher safe, cake releases easily, a good option for those who don't like nonstick coatings.

For those who prefer an uncoated pan, the best cake pan was from Nordic Ware. After running a knife along the edge, cake released from the pan without any effort.

Though a thin layer of the outside crust stuck to the sides and bottom of the pan, the layer was negligible in terms of the overall cake size and appearance. Like the KitchenAid pan, the Nordic Ware pan is a light color, which means the cake shrunk back from the sides less than it did in darker-colored pans and was perfectly cooked in the center.

Additionally, this pan produced the tallest cake out of all the pans we tested, but it was ultimately not our top choice because of the minor sticking issues. Because of the thin layer stuck to the pan, cleaning it required more scrubbing and time.

However, there was no discoloration after baking and the scouring pad did not damage the surface. It can also go in the dishwasher.

Metal utensils do scratch this pan, but surface damage will not impact baking performance. The Wilton Performance Pan Aluminum 8" Round is another good option for those who prefer uncoated pans. The cake came out with relative ease, but compared to our current pick for best uncoated pan, a thicker layer of crust stuck to the Wilton pan.

Ultimately, I did not have major issues with this pan and I'm a big fan of the price. Material: Most of the best cake pans are made of aluminum or aluminized steel. This material conducts heat efficiently and allows for even baking. Best Overall:. Best Nonstick:. Best Novelty:.

Best Rectangular:. Best for Gifting:. Best Budget:. Best Bundt:. Best for Birthdays:. Best for Layer Cakes:. In This Article Expand. Our Picks. What to Look For. Why Trust The Spruce Eats? Best Overall.

Parrish Magic Line Round Baking Pan. What We Like Bakes cake evenly High-quality and very durable aluminum Straight sides for a professional look. What We Don't Like Can react with acid. Best Nonstick. OXO Non-Stick Pro Cake Pan.

What We Like Uniformly bakes every time Extremely nonstick, even with sticky bakes Easy cleanup. What We Don't Like Not dishwasher safe.

Best Novelty. Fat Daddio's Anodized Aluminum Round Cake Pan Celebration Set. What We Like Affordable Versatile novelty pans Good for beginners. What We Don't Like Doesn't come with any instructions. Best Rectangular. Farberware Nonstick Baking Pan With Lid. What We Like Large handles for easy carrying Convenient cover for storage and transport Good heat conductivity.

What We Don't Like Might be too short for savory recipes. Best for Gifting. Great Jones Patty Cake. View On Greatjonesgoods. com View On Overthemoon. What We Like Bold trendy colors Corrugated bottom for easier release Nonstick, non-toxic, and dishwasher safe.

What We Don't Like Metal utensils may scratch colorful finish. Best Budget. Chicago Metallic Everyday Non-Stick Round Cake Pan. What We Like Wide handles for a good grip Heats efficiently Silicone-based nonstick coating. What We Don't Like Can retain heat after leaving the oven.

Best Bundt. Nordic Ware 75th Anniversary Braided Bundt Pan. What We Like Creative design that looks great when baked Top of the line construction Made in the USA. What We Don't Like Sharp tools may scratch inside coating.

We Baked 19 Cakes to Find the Best Bundt Pans. Best for Birthdays. Wilton Countless Celebrations Piece Set. What We Like Fun and versatile concept Easy to use and clean Doubles as a regular baking pan.

What We Don't Like Minor leakage can happen under dividers. Here Are the Best Cake Decorating Tools for Beginners and Experienced Bakers. Chicago Metallic Professional 2-Piece Angel Food Cake Pan.

What We Like Removeable base makes releasing cake easier Feet and extended tube for inverted cooling Easy to use, even for beginners. What We Don't Like Cake may stick, even with nonstick coating. Best for Layer Cakes. Wilton Easy Layers Cake Pans Set. What We Like Easy releasing nonstick pans Allows novice bakers to achieve professional layer style Perfect for rainbow cakes.

What We Don't Like Layers are on the thin side May take trial and error to get desired results depending on cake batter. We Tested the 8 Best Cake Stands to Make Any Dessert Look Elegant. Final Verdict Our top pick is Parrish Magic Line Round Baking Pan , thanks to the unbeatable combination of great quality, performance, and affordability.

The 34 Best Gifts for the Gourmet Cook of Additional research by Donna Currie. Donna Currie. Donna Currie is a food writer and blogger specializing in recipes and kitchen gadgets.

She covers kitchen tools and gadgets for The Spruce Eats and is the author of Make Ahead Bread. Continue to 5 of 10 below. Continue to 9 of 10 below.

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No more cupcakes with burnt bottoms and gooey centers. The other nice thing about this one? The ends of this dishwasher-safe tin points for easy cleaning extend well beyond the baking cups to make it easy to grasp with oven mitts—no thumbprints on the sides of your fluffy, perfectly baked muffins.

OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro 12 Cup Muffin Pan. The fluting makes it easy to evenly portion slices, and it turns out beautiful Bundt cakes that look great plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or glazed. The Anniversary Bundt pan has straighter sides and a taller height 4½ inches than most other pans, which works well with a variety of batter quantities—anywhere from 10 to 15 cups.

Nordic Ware Anniversary Bundt Pan. This pan is a long and skinny rectangle measuring 4. Like many round tart pans, it comes with a removable bottom that makes it a cinch to unmold and transfer to a plate.

Fat Daddio's Anodized Aluminum Rectangular Tart Pan. And to achieve this rolled delight, you need a proper jelly roll pan, usually smaller than a half-sheet pan at 15 by 10 inches with 1-inch sides for containing the batter as it rises in the oven.

Nordic Ware Jelly Roll Pan. The pan holds up to 16 cups of batter or one boxed cake mix. When the cake cools, the crags from the pan are perfect for drizzling icing over. With a golden exterior, this pretty pan consists of durable cast-aluminum metal with PFOA-free nonstick coating to help the cake release after cooking.

Still, be sure to thoroughly butter or grease all of those little crevices! Nordic Ware, the inventor of the signature Bundt pan design, releases new castings regularly, so keep an eye out for everything from floral patterns to ribbon-like shapes.

A sturdy rectangular pan is a must-have for any baker, and this very inexpensive model from Farberware gives you great excuse to refresh your collection.

With a lid included, it will come in handy for any potluck or dinner party. The heavy-duty construction makes this pan warp resistant while still encouraging even browning all around. Plus, it can do double duty for other baking needs with a threshold of degrees Fahrenheit.

The rolled edges and non-stick alloy steel make it durable and easy to transport. And unlike a lot of other coated models, the pan is dishwasher safe, though the lid is not.

Every shaped baking dish has its ideal purpose and nothing says a brownies, cornbread, or cobbler like a square pan for all those extra chewy, crispy corners. Made of aluminized steel and wire and designed to be extra heat efficient, this commercial-quality pan has a nonstick silicone glaze, plus a unique ridged surface that helps batter cook more evenly by encouraging minute amounts of air circulation.

keep an eye on cooking times and adjust according for the first few uses, then making adjustments to recipes as necessary. Making banana bread? This pan from Chicago is the ideal shape and size for any denser batters and can take longer, hotter cooking times. Heavy-weight aluminized steel conducts heat evenly and efficiently for a crumbly, browned topping and a moist, even crumb for that perfect bite.

Plus, the pan holds its shape: a wire rod prevents warping, reinforcing the folded rim. Get your next party started with mini cakes baked in this six-well pan, which also lends itself well to cinnamon rolls , hamburger buns, mini tarts, and more.

With BPA-free, nonstick silicone coating, it has a quick release that aids in easy clean up. Wash it with some mild soap in hot water and a gentle scrub.

Just like the traditional pan, this cast aluminum version is nonstick with an extra-large center tube and a specific attention to crisp detail, from the alternate vertical flutings to handles that make unmolding and lifting easy breezy. Cake pans are incredibly useful tools for baking everything from brownies to banana bread and even fancy layer cakes.

Most pans, unless clearly marked, have some sort of nonstick coating. To keep your pans performing their best, steer clear of most dishwasher detergents and abrasive soaps.

Be cautious with metal spatulas or knives, and even coarse sponges, which can damage the surface of treated bakeware. For cleaning purposes, soak cake pans in warm, soapy water and hand wash as needed. Allow pans to dry fully before putting them away.

If discolorations do occur, you can season your pan just like you would cast iron: rub a few drops of your favorite baking oil into the pan with a cloth and let it sit in a warm oven around to degrees Fahrenheit.

Bake for 10 minutes and then wipe clean while still warm. Plan ahead to ensure you have the right sort of pans for the right cake outcome. Different cakes perform better depending on a lot of factors, including temperature, where in the oven the cake is placed, and the depth of the cooking vessel.

Pans provide varying levels of consistency based on minor differences like ridges or steel versus aluminum. Always check baked goods during the cooking process and pay attention to signs like uneven edges and gooey middles, which can result in an overcooked cake.

A pan with straight sides is a great choice when baking cakes because it makes for a clean line which is easy to decorate and stack. Leave those angled pans for pies. Shallow pans can cook the surface of the cake too quickly while the bottom and center are still gooey.

Play around with different placements in the oven if that is the case and different cake pan depths. Occasionally check your oven temperature with a thermometer for any unresolved issues. In general, beginning bakers can get by with just a few pieces like a rectangular pan and a round pan and build.

A cake pan may have slanted edges so that you can nest it with other pans in storage. A round cake pan with a slanted edge, however, is likely meant for pies, according to Rodriguez.

Alissa Fitzgerald is a chef, recipe developer, and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the food industry. For this piece, she interviewed Roger Rodriguez, owner, pastry chef, and chocolate maker at Vesta Chocolate to find out what the pros look for in cake pans. She then used these insights, market research, and her own expertise to curate this list.

Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Those looking to go all the way and invest in 11 pieces of nonstick, durable bakeware that looks as good as it cooks need to check out this set from Caraway. The nontoxic set is also easy to clean and even comes with a handy organizer to keep everything tidy helping you avoid all of that messy pan drawer drama mid-bake.

Choose from a wide variety of colors, too, including cream, navy, and sage. JUMP TO Latest News Recipes Guides Health Shop. Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the vegan lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing.

Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission. In no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews. Why is it important to have the right bakeware? Check it out For more on vegan baking, read: The Comprehensive Guide to Vegan Butter Vegan Baking How Many Cups in a Liter?

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