The 15 Best Baking Pans for Every Kitchen in 2025

Fat Daddio’s Ring Mold Pan scored 7/10 and impressed in our testing with 18-gauge anodized aluminum that heats fast, cools quickly, and resists rust or flaking — you get even browning without hot spots. The quick thermal response gives you control for delicate ring cakes and molded desserts, but during our review some batters stuck even when greased and floured, which cost convenience points. It’s not dishwasher-safe, so hand washing is recommended; our experience shows it’s a solid tool if you’re willing to manage release carefully.

USA Pan’s Cookie Sheet Set scored an 8/10 in our testing for a reason: the corrugated aluminum surface delivers noticeably more even baking and effortless food release thanks to its silicone non-stick finish. During our review we found the heavyweight build does help stability but can make maneuvering hot sheets cumbersome, and some users reported temporary warping at very high oven temps. It’s oven safe but not dishwasher friendly, so hand washing preserves the silicone coating and performance over time.

Nordic Ware’s Baker’s Delight Set earned its high 9/10 rating in our testing by delivering superb heat distribution, thanks to pure aluminum construction and encapsulated galvanized steel rims that resist warping. During our review we loved having three versatile sizes — quarter sheet, jelly roll, and half sheet — for everything from cookies to sheet cakes. Our experience shows you should hand wash to maintain the finish and avoid prolonged contact with acidic ingredients, which can react with the aluminum and darken the pans.

OXO’s Pro Sheet Pan Set scored 7/10 in our testing and impressed with heavy-duty aluminized steel and a micro-textured pattern that promotes airflow for more even bakes. We found the PTFE non-stick release to be reliable for cookies and roasting, but some users experienced warping at hot temperatures and the coating can degrade over heavy use. Although labeled dishwasher-safe, during our review we preferred hand-washing to protect the finish and extend the life of the pans.

OXO’s Ceramic Coated Half Sheet Pan scored 7.5/10 in our testing by combining a scratch-resistant ceramic non-stick interior with heavy-gauge aluminized steel for stable, even heat distribution and reliable browning. In our experience the light-colored coating makes it easier to see doneness and the ceramic finish resists staining and abrasion, but the pan isn’t dishwasher-safe and can warp if pushed to very high temperatures around 450°F. It’s sturdy and protective, though the weight may make one-handed handling awkward.

Don’t overlook the Chicago Metallic 12-Cup Muffin Pan — it earned an 8.5/10 in our review for its heavy-weight aluminized steel that gives superb heat conduction and consistently even rises. In our testing the rolled rim really does prevent warping and adds a sturdy feel when filling and removing muffins. It’s labeled dishwasher safe, though we recommend hand-washing to protect the metal’s finish and prolong life, and note that the cup size may be smaller than some home bakers prefer.

USA Pan’s 12-Cup Muffin Pan scored 7.5/10 in our testing thanks to its fluted aluminum design that promotes air circulation for even baking and reinforces the pan against warping. In our experience the silicone non-stick coating releases muffins cleanly, but you’ll want to hand wash this oven-safe pan since it’s not dishwasher friendly to preserve that finish. The sturdy construction makes it a reliable daily-baker option — just factor in the extra care to keep the non-stick performance long-lasting.

USA Pan’s Small Bread Loaf Pan earned a near-perfect 9.5/10 in our testing and stands out as our go-to for loaf baking — we found the silicone non-stick finish releases loaves cleanly while the fluted aluminum design promotes airflow and strengthens the pan against warping. During our review the affordable price and consistent results impressed us, though it’s not dishwasher-safe and crumbs can lodge in the seams, so hand washing is required. It’s a reliable workhorse for frequent small-batch bakers.

The Mini Gingerbread Man Set is irresistibly cute and scored a modest 5.5/10 in our testing largely because it’s specialized — during our review it produced perfectly even bakes thanks to its heavy-gauge steel and the PTFE non-stick interior and exterior. We found cleanup was simple and dishwasher-safe convenience is a plus, but the tiny, single-shape format limits versatility for other baking projects. Expect the non-stick coating to wear over time with heavy use, so treat it a bit more gently.

Calphalon’s 10-Piece Bakeware Set earned an 8/10 in our testing by delivering very even heating with a heavy-gauge steel core and interlocking nonstick layers that offer strong release. In our experience these pans are convenient—dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup—but watch for rusting on unsealed rims, which some users reported. We also found the nonstick surface can scratch with metal utensils and that high heat may cause warping or discoloration, so stick to moderate temperatures and gentle tools to prolong performance.

The Prism Baker’s Bundle is a high-end Nordic Ware pack that scored 6.5/10 — in our testing the textured bottoms promoted even roasting and made cleanup surprisingly simple. We found the pieces are beautiful and sturdy in hand, but the $150 price and reports of some customers receiving dented or scratched pans undercut the overall appeal during our review. These aluminum pans are oven safe and look crisp out of the box, but inspect deliveries carefully and expect hand care to keep them pristine.

USA Pan’s 12-Inch Pizza Pan scored 8/10 and is a solid, budget-friendly option if you want even cooking without fuss. In our testing the corrugated aluminum surface promoted consistent heat distribution and the silicone non-stick coating made pizzas easy to slide off and simple to clean. During our review we did note the light-colored pan didn’t crisp the bottom crust as deeply as darker steel or stone, and the pan isn’t dishwasher-safe so hand washing preserves the finish. We found it a dependable, easy-release option for pizza nights.

Nordic Ware’s Rose Bundt Pan is a pretty specialty piece that scored 6/10 in our review — our experience shows the non-stick coating usually helps cakes release cleanly and makes cleanup fast. During our testing we noticed some bakers still reported sticking unless they used careful greasing or a release agent, and the 10-cup capacity can be tight for standard boxed cake mixes. It’s an oven-safe aluminum pan and looks lovely on the counter, but consider its size limits before buying for large gatherings.

Emile Henry’s HR Ceramic Pie Dish scored 6.5/10 and is a beautiful, sturdy choice that shines at even heat distribution thanks to its high-fired Burgundy clay — in our testing it held heat remarkably well for slow-baked fillings. The dish resists thermal and mechanical shocks so you can move it from freezer to oven, and the scratch-resistant glaze keeps the surface looking fresh after dishwasher cycles. During our review we found the weight and higher price lower its value versus other pie dishes, and ceramic can chip if handled carelessly.