We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Bakeware The 9 Best Loaf Pans for Baking Breads, Cakes, Meatloaves, and More Achieve beautifully domed quick breads, pound cakes, and more with these top picks from brands like USA Pan and Nordic Ware. By Alissa Fitzgerald Alissa Fitzgerald Alissa Fitzgerald is a food and travel writer and chef based in Brooklyn, NY. She graduated from The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts with a culinary degree. She’s worked as a chef in San Francisco and in Brooklyn, as well as on yachts in Croatia. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 3, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Our Favorite Loaf Pan Factors to Consider FAQ Our Expertise Photo: Amazon Loaf pans, also known as bread pans and bread loaf pans, are quite the marvel in the baking world. Professional bakers and home cooks can agree that few sights are as satisfying as a seasonal quick bread rising in the oven or the sizzling of fat atop a hearty casserole. Whether you use your loaf pan mostly for shaping up savory terrines or baking moist chocolate fudge loaves, the pan you rely on can make or break your project. Indeed, loaf pans are proportioned to achieve a classic loaf shape to help breads and cakes rise to dome-like perfection, but this wonderful kitchen utensil comes in many different models. Executive chef of Mostrador NYC Fernando Trocca says metal “catches temperature faster and provides better rise and crispier edges.” That’s why metal pans, often made with sharp, rectangular corners, result in faster, browner bakes. Meanwhile, glass and silicone loaf pans are typically characterized by rounded corners and slower, lighter bakes. Regardless of design, the best loaf pans go a long way — even a lifetime, so choosing the most suitable material, size, and shape from the get-go should be a priority. On this list, we included top-rated loaf pans in various materials, such as ceramic, cast iron, glass, and silicone. In addition to material and heat conductivity, we considered factors like size, shape, and cleanup. Read on for our full list of the best loaf pans for all your baking and shaping needs. Our Top Picks Best Overall: USA Pan 1-Pound Loaf Pan at Amazon $21 Jump to Review Best Value: Amazon Basics Basics Baking Bread Loaf Pan at Amazon $18 Jump to Review Best Design: Nordic Ware Jubilee Loaf Pan at Amazon $33 Jump to Review Best Ceramic: Emile Henry Loaf Pan at Williams Sonoma $57 Jump to Review Best Silicone: Trudeau Loaf Pan at Amazon $16 Jump to Review Best Cast Iron: SALE Lodge Loaf Pan at Amazon $42 $30 Jump to Review Best Glass: SALE Pyrex Loaf Dish at Amazon $28 $19 Jump to Review Best Nonstick: Great Jones Breadwinner at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Mini: USA Pan Mini Loaf Pans at Amazon $24 Jump to Review Best Overall USA Pan 1-Pound Loaf Pan PHOTO: Amazon $21 at Amazon $21 at Williams Sonoma $21 at Walmart Pros Cakes cook evenly and release easily from the pan. Cons This loaf pan has grooves that can be tricky to clean. Heavy aluminized steel is the way to go for even browning and consistent baking. A family-owned company that's supplied tools to professional bakers for over 50 years, USA Pan is known for its solid products. The brand even created its own proprietary silicone nonstick coating to make its cookware free of chemicals like PTFE and PFOA. The folded corners and rolled top contain coated wire reinforcements to help maintain the loaf pan’s shape and cooking abilities and prevent warping. Plus, the pan has an innovative ridged portion that helps to increase airflow while baking. Material: Aluminized steel | Temperature Range: 450°F | Dimensions: 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.8 inches | Dishwasher-safe: No, hand wash | Microwave-safe: No Best Value Amazon Basics Basics Baking Bread Loaf Pan PHOTO: Amazon $18 at Amazon Pros You get two identical pans for a great value. Steel conducts heat well for even browning and consistent results. Cons The pans have small handles compared to other models. It's hard to resist two identical pans for the price of one. Since many bread recipes are formulated for two loaves, having two pans of the same type and shape makes your job easier, especially once they go in the oven. Made of heavy-weight steel, these pans are super-durable, heat evenly, and have the standard non-stick coating for easy release. Just be sure you take extra precautions if broiling, since the recommended temperature, like that of many other similar pans, is only 428 degrees Fahrenheit. Material: Alloy steel | Temperature Range: 428°F | Dimensions: 10.6 x 6 x 2.8 inches | Dishwasher-safe: No, hand wash | Microwave-safe: No Best Design Nordic Ware Jubilee Loaf Pan PHOTO: Amazon $33 at Amazon $40 at Williams Sonoma $33 at Walmart Pros The design is beautiful and creates craters for holding glazes. Cons Its detailed pattern may not take shape for denser, moister cakes and quick breads. Nordic Ware has long been well known for its intricate bundt cake molds, but they also run a spectacular gamut of designs across their loaf pan lineup. The Jubilee Loaf Pan is one of their large collection's most elegant, refined, and functional items. Made of cast aluminum, this dish has superior heat conductivity that creates lovely, crispy crusts and imprints a sharp, evenly brown pattern onto the top of your cakes. You won’t even have to worry about your baked goods sticking since the product is coated in a nonstick silicone layer for easy release. Material: Aluminum | Temperature Range: 400°F | Dimensions: 5.8 x 10.3 x 3 inches | Dishwasher-safe: No, hand wash | Microwave-safe: No Best Ceramic Emile Henry Loaf Pan PHOTO: Williams Sonoma $57 at Williams Sonoma Pros This stylish pan can go straight from the oven to the table. Cons It doesn’t come with a lid for storage. Stoneware is one of the most effective heat conductors, and this loaf pan, made from Emile Henry’s signature Burgundy clay, can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The Potter Collection is a throwback to decades of artisan ceramicists crafting beautiful, durable pieces ready to top any table. The hand-applied glaze resists food odors as well as chipping or cracking. While baking that loaf of pound cake or zucchini bread is always an option, the clay’s ability to retain heat makes it a great choice to keep casseroles or gratin-like dishes warm while at the table. “I'm also a fan of the Emile Henry products,” says Jessica Leung, the executive pastry chef at the Shinola Hotel in Detroit. “They are ceramic, so a little different than glass. I find them to be sturdy, hold their heat and also have a nice aesthetic. As long as you properly take care of these products, while a little more pricey, they generally last a lifetime.” Material: Ceramic | Temperature Range: 500°F | Dimensions: 11 x 5.5 x 3 inches | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes The 4 Best Bread Cloches for Crispy Sourdough, According to Our Tests Best Silicone Trudeau Loaf Pan PHOTO: Amazon $16 $15 at Amazon Pros Removing baked goods is super-easy in this nonstick pan, and the reinforced top makes the pan easy to maneuver. Cons The insulative silicone walls make achieving darker browning and crispy edges more difficult. Flexible silicone becomes a sturdy, nonstick baking dish with the Trudeau Structure Silicone Loaf Pan. Its patented steel integration creates a stable top for transferring wet batter and finished products to and from the oven. Plus, this loaf pan is safe in more than just the oven; frozen icebox cakes are much easier to remove, given the pan is nonstick and freezer-safe. You can even use this dish to microwave bread and meatloaf. When baking, be aware that silicone is insulative. The crust of your baked goods may come out looser and lighter than you’d achieve with metal, glass, and stoneware. Covered in a glaze, your loaf cakes will still look spectacular when displayed on a nice cake stand. As for fluffy loaves, many of the best bread boxes usually aren’t transparent anyway. Material: Silicone with integrated steel | Temperature Range: 428°F | Dimensions: 8.5 x 4.5 inches | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes Best Cast Iron Lodge Loaf Pan PHOTO: Amazon $42 $30 at Amazon $30 at Wayfair $30 at Crate & Barrel Pros Its browning and nonstick capabilities are top-notch. Cons It’s heavier and more cumbersome to move than other loaf pans. The silicone hand grips are only safe to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, while the pan is good up to 500 degrees. Lodge cast iron pans are revered for a great reason; they provide excellent heat conduction. This loaf pan is a solid choice and then some. The sturdy base creates crisp corners and clean lines, and the pan includes convenient handles with removable silicone hand grips. The best part? It comes pre-seasoned and ready to bake. Pack it for use on a camping trip or give your banana bread a little smokiness on the grill. Material: Cast iron with silicone grip | Temperature Range: Loaf pan up to 650°F, Silicone grips up to 425°F | Dimensions: 4.7 x 12.1 x 2.9 inches | Dishwasher-safe: Hand wash cast iron; handles are dishwasher safe | Microwave-safe: No Best Glass Pyrex Loaf Dish PHOTO: Amazon $28 $19 at Amazon $9 at Walmart Pros It’s easy to use as a baking dish and can go in the dishwasher. Cons Even durable glass can crack with a drastic change of temperature. Pyrex bakeware can last a lifetime if you take care of it properly, and glass has the advantage of resisting odors and stains. In addition to the oven, this versatile loaf dish can go in the microwave, fridge, and freezer, and its extra-large handles make it easy to transport to the table. While baked goods may rise better in metal pans, this glass version is great for just about everything else. Material: Glass | Temperature Range: Any pre-heated conventional or convection oven temperature | Dimensions: 5.1 x 10.4 x 3 inches | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Microwave-safe: Yes Best Nonstick Great Jones Breadwinner PHOTO: Great Jones $35 $30 at Amazon $30 at Greatjonesgoods.com Pros Vibrant colors set it apart from most loaf pans, and it’s dishwasher safe. Cons The wavy base is harder to clean crumbs out of than other models, and ceramic coating can chip from metal utensils. Great Jones may be a newcomer, but like the brand's cookware, its bakeware performs nicely and has an eye-catching design. Made of aluminized steel, these loaf pans have a nonstick ceramic coating that’s non-toxic and dishwasher-safe. A corrugated bottom helps release baked goods easily. Available in broccoli green, raspberry pink, and blueberry (a blue that tends toward cobalt), this loaf pan would add a fun, modern touch to your table. Material: Aluminized steel | Temperature Range: 450°F | Dimensions: 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.8 inches | Dishwasher-safe: Yes, but hand wash recommended | Microwave-safe: No 20 Colorful Kitchen Items That Double as Decor Best Mini USA Pan Mini Loaf Pans PHOTO: Amazon $24 at Amazon $26 at Sur La Table Pros You get the quality of the standard loaf pan in the mini pan size. Cons The rolled tops can trap water. Made with the same aluminized steel and proprietary nonstick coating as our top pick, USA Pan’s Mini Loaf Pan comes in a set of four. With its smaller build, you lose the sharp, folded corners and corrugated pattern, but you retain evenly baked cakes and breads that are tall and domed. These mini pans are perfect for personalizing dessert nights. Make a zesty lemon pound cake batter, and guests or family members will happily prepare individual loaves with mix-ins like berries and light nuts. Material: Aluminized steel | Temperature Range: 450°F | Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.25 x 2.8 inches | Dishwasher-safe: No, hand wash | Microwave-safe: No Our Favorite Loaf Pan Loaf pans are incredible utensils for baking everything from meatloaf to banana bread. As you’ll likely use a loaf pan for quick breads and cakes more than anything, we chose our best overall with baking in mind. Made of lightweight aluminum, the USA Nonstick Loaf Pan is the right material for heat conduction and even baking. Factors to Consider Cleaning and Care We highly recommend that you handwash your loaf pans, since that will help them to maintain quality over a longer time. Nevertheless, owning a dishwasher-safe model can come in handy when you're strapped for time. While glass and stoneware tend to be more resilient to harsh detergents and washing pads, cleaning bread loaf pans made with nonstick coatings or cast iron requires a more meticulous touch. We accounted for the ease of cleaning while selecting the best loaf pans, but it'd be best to use only wooden and silicone utensils directly on the pans to keep them in the best condition. When cutting or slicing baked goods, always use a cutting board. Material While there are many different types of loaf pans and even more places to buy bakeware, in a professional setting you’re most likely to see loaf pans made of stainless steel, aluminum, or aluminized steel. Home chefs have the luxury of being able to choose between performance and appearance and can also use glass or ceramic loaf pans almost interchangeably. Nonstick silicone pans are the happy medium between glass and metal but still may need to be placed on a sheet pan before you put them in the oven. If you bake often and enjoy sharing your perfectly browned cakes with crisp corners, you should opt for a classic, metal pan. If a casual snack cake that will stay on the counter is more your speed, you can use a glass or ceramic pan just as well. Shape The shape of your loaf pan matters more than you might think. The corners and edges are a particularly telltale sign of your baking style. When searching for the best loaf pans, we asked ourselves the important questions: Will the pan reveal soft corners and round edges perfect for a casual, fluffy snacking cake? Or, does it have sharp corners and hard edges that form crispy crusts and sleek exteriors? Is there a way to achieve both crispy edges and soft corners with one loaf pan? We answered these questions with the pans' materials in mind to determine which products could yield the most delicious and stunning results for any baker. Pastry Chefs Share the 19 Most Essential Baking Cookbooks of All Time Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a bread pan and a loaf pan? “There is no difference between a bread pan and a loaf pan. They are one and the same to chefs,” says Trocca. How many mini loaf pans are equal to a standard loaf pan? About three mini loaf pans are equal to a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan, according to Trocca. Do you use parchment paper to make a loaf pan nonstick? “Depending on what I'm making, I'll usually use nonstick spray with parchment paper on the base. Parchment is such a nice secret, because it makes things so much easier to take out and clean,” says Leung.Whether you use parchment paper can also depend on the bread, according to Trocca. “If it is sourdough, just use oil. When making richer breads like brioche or milk bread, use butter and flour, and add a piece of parchment paper to the bottom with larger sides to pull it off the tin easily,” he says. How do you get bread out of a loaf pan in one piece? Take all precautions to grease even your nonstick pans. Lining your pans with parchment paper can be as effective as butter or spray oil, if not more. That helps baked goods release more easily, and you’ll thank yourself later when you're cleaning up.“Make sure to properly cool your product down so that it keeps its shape and comes out in one piece,” says Leung. A loaf pan needs at least five minutes to cool, according to Trocca.“The last thing you want is for your work of art to just crumble or deflate before presenting it,” says Leung. “With breads, it's a little easier to handle, but if making banana bread or babka, I will cool it down, run a small paring knife or offset spatula along the edges, and then gently flip it out. If using parchment, you can generally just pick the whole thing up in one go.” How do you clean a loaf pan? Before the first use, always wash your pans with mild soap in warm water to remove any residue or particles from the packing plant. While many loaf pans may say they are dishwasher safe, washing by hand is recommended to keep them in like-new condition. While hand washing, always use a gentle soap and sponge or towel, and never use scouring pads or abrasive agents, especially on nonstick or metal models. Our Expertise 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 Executive Pastry Chef at Shinola Hotel, Jessica Leung, and Executive Chef Fernando Trocca of Mostrador NYC, to find out what the pros look for in loaf pans. She then used their insights and her own expertise to curate this list. Dillon Evans contributed updates to this article. He is a Food & Wine Updates Writer who has been baking since he was seven years old. Dillon is known for baking a mean lemon poppyseed pound cake in his loaf pan. His writing and recipe development have been featured in EatingWell. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit