The 10 Best Cake Pans
This wiki has been updated 22 times since it was first published in January of 2018. Every cooking enthusiast knows that the right tools make the job a whole lot easier. This applies doubly to baking, where precision is often key to achieving great results. So, if you want to create beautiful, delicious cakes, you're going to need a quality pan. Our selections come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you're certain to find the perfect match for your culinary visions. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. USA Pan Bakeware Round
2. Norpro Square
3. Chicago Metallic Professional
Editor's Notes
April 09, 2020:
Over concerns about long-term durability, we've opted to remove the Hiware Springform and the Baker's Secret Signature Square at this time. Those who need a springform choice might consider instead the Wilton Excelle Elite. A 9-inch model, it resists the leakage common to these types of pans fairly well, although not entirely, and it is dishwasher-safe for those who hate cleaning their pans by hand.
If you're looking for a more traditional round cake pan, there's the USA Pan Bakeware Round or the Chicago Metallic Professional. They're sized to create cakes that will fit most common cake carriers or cake stands, and both are coated with a silicone non-stick coating that's safe and free of nasty chemicals. This is also true of the Nordic Ware Heavyweight, a great choice for those making angel food or bundt cakes.
Many bakers turn to square pans, as well, which is why we've kept both the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum and the Norpro Square. The former has a handy lid, although this can feel just a bit loose; you'll want to handle this model with care during transport. The Norpro pan doesn't have a lid, but it sports a shiny mirror finish that's both attractive and durable. It's also quite reasonably priced.
Special Honors
Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Springform The Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Springform may just be the most leak-proof version of this classic pan, thanks to vertical seals at the edges and an O-ring at the pan's base. The non-stick ceramic coating is robust, and unlike many, can handle a trip through the dishwasher. williams-sonoma.com
Mauviel M'passion Copper Tinned Canele Appropriately sized for the titular dessert, the Mauviel M'passion Copper Tinned Canele require seasoning before their first use, and should be washed carefully without soap, making this choice slightly finicky. Nevertheless, for serious bakers experimenting with fancy French pastries, this is a useful item to have in the kitchen. mauvielusa.com
Carthage.Co Cake Pan The Carthage.Co Cake Pan boasts kiln-fired stoneware that heats evenly and looks handsome, no matter which cheery color you select. An affordably priced choice, especially given the quality, this model is glazed to be both non-stick and a breeze to clean. carthage.co
4. Fat Daddio's Cheesecake
5. Nordic Ware Heavyweight
6. USA Pan Bakeware Mini Round
7. Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum
8. Cake Boss Round Set
9. Parrish Magic Line Oblong
10. Wilton Excelle Elite
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.