Whether you are looking to bake a delicious banana bread or your favorite loaf of white bread, your loaf pan plays a huge role in how it turns out. You can choose a loaf pan that is inexpensive and functional, or one that is decorative and adds style to your kitchen.
You will want to consider the materials it is made of, the size, and other factors before you choose one. Continue reading to learn all about the top five picks for the best loaf pans for baking bread.
Five Best Loaf Pans for Baking Bread
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Best Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan: Overall Best and Best Budget
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- 1 Pound
Silver
This USA Pan nonstick loaf pan is simple in design, but it is made to last. It is made with aluminized steel and coated with Americoat. This is a silicone coating that is PTFE-, PFOA-, and BPA-free. The steel is a blend of new and recycled, and it is commercial grade and heavy gauge. If functionality and affordability are your priority, this is a great option.
The pan has a fluted design with a corrugated surface, which enhances its non-stick properties. It also gives extra strength for warp resistance and improves even heating while increasing air flow. The folded corners make this pan leak-proof, and it has generous edges that make it easy to get a good grip. These qualities ensure that you have better baking results no matter what type of bread you are making.
Best for Sandwich Loaves
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- 13” x 4”
- Nonstick, Quick-Release Coating
- Made in the USA from Aluminized Steel
The baking pans from USA Pan all feature Americoat, which allows the quick release of your baked goods and fast, easy cleanup. You simply wash it with hot water and mild soap once you are finished using it. Americoat is their patented silicone coating, and it is free of PTFE, PFOA, and BPA. It is easy to use and ensures that you bake the perfect loaf every time.
The lid prevents the loaf from rising above the pan’s rim and forming a mushroom shape, so it is perfect for square pieces of bread that you use for sandwiches. The pan has a unique ridged texture that encourages air circulation and even heat distribution. It is durable and rust-proof, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It is made with high-quality, durable materials.
Best Nonstick Loaf Pan
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- 9” x 5” Steel Pan
- Gray with Marine Blue Handles
Rachael Ray’s nonstick bread loaf pan is made for easy release and cleanup. It is made from heavy gauge steel, and it is oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also dishwasher safe, so it is very easy to clean. It has colorful grips on the handles, so it is easy to pick it up. The handles are large and the nonstick coating allows your loaves to slide right out of the pan.
Rachael Ray makes bakeware that is designed with convenience and simplicity in mind. It is PFOA- and PTFE-free, and it cooks your loaves flawlessly. When you buy Yum-o! Products, a portion of the proceeds go to Rachael Ray’s charity, Yum-o!, which helps kids and their parents develop healthy relationships with food and cooking.
Best Mini Loaf Pan
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- Eight Cavities
The Wilton Mini Loaf Pan is a great option if you want to make individual-sized loaves. It has eight cavities, and it is nonstick so your loaves will slide right out. You can make holiday gifts with this heavyweight, durable steel mini loaf pan, and it will never warp. You can use it every day without a worry.
This mini loaf pan has a nonstick coating that allows your loaves to pop right out of the pan when you are ready to serve them. It is also dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleanup. Each cavity measures 3.28” x 2.5”, which is the perfect size for single-serving loaves.
Best Silicone Bread and Loaf Pan
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- Set of Two
- Nonstick
- Commercial Grade
- Homemade Bread Making Recipe Ebook
When you choose this silicone bread and loaf pan, you get free bread recipes and a 121 Cooking Secrets ebook sent by email. It is made with 100% food-grade silicone. It is BPA-free and latex-free, and it exceeds the FDA standards. It is a multipurpose loaf pan, and you can use it for bread, quiche, meatloaf, lasagna, and more.
The pan is commercial grade, and it comes in a set of two. They are red, and it is easy to use and easy to clean. They are dishwasher safe, microwave safe, freezer safe, and oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It holds the shape of the bread well and gives you control over the cooking process. Your bread also cools faster with silicone pans.
What to Consider When You Are Choosing a Loaf Pan?
When you are choosing a bread loaf pan, there are different factors that you should consider. This ensures that you get the pan that works best for your cooking needs.
The Size
The standard for loaf pans is 9” x 5” x 3”. This size is ideal if you plan to cook different kinds of loaves in your bread pan. You can use a standard size for all different kinds of bread as well as quiche, meatloaf, and more. If you are planning to cook one specific type of bread, you may want a specialized size. Look at your recipe and make sure that you have the size you need. This way, your bread will rise properly and turn out well.
The Material
Another important consideration is the materials that are used to make the loaf pan. There are several different common materials, such as:
- Metal: stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel, and durable
- Silicone: easy to clean, durable, safe to use anywhere
- Ceramic or cast iron: long lasting and even heat distribution
- Glass: delicate but heats slowly, better for breads without yeast
Shape
Most loaf pans are rectangular, but you can choose a loaf pan, a mini loaf pan, and other types of pans that are round or have decorative molds. Most of the time, you will want a rectangular mold.
Surface
If you choose metal bread loaf pans, you will want a nonstick coating. This type of pan allows your loaves to slide right out of the pan after you cook them. You won’t have to worry about your loaf sticking to the sides of the pan. Silicone is also a nonstick surface, so it is safe to use. Make sure that you know what your loaf pan is so that you can grease the pan if it doesn’t provide a nonstick surface.
Ease of Cleaning
Make sure that your loaf pan is easy to clean. Some are dishwasher safe. If you aren’t sure, you need to wash the pan by hand. It isn’t worth damaging the pan.
Handles
If your loaf pan has grips or large enough handles, it will be easier to place your pan in the oven and remove it. You won’t accidentally stick your fingers in the loaf when you grab the pan.
Loaf Pan Tips
You will want to take care of your loaf pan when you use it so that it lasts a long time. First of all, make sure that you wash your loaf pan each time you use it. If it is dishwasher safe, run it through the dishwasher. If you notice bread stuck to the pan, be sure to soak it before you clean it.
If you have a metal pan, it usually has a nonstick surface. Be sure to use a soft sponge to clean this type of pan, and avoid using a scrubber so that you don’t damage the metal or the nonstick coating.
If your loaf pan doesn’t have a nonstick coating, you can line it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking.
You should also follow a recipe when you cook bread because following the directions will ensure that your loaf turns out exactly the way you want it. Keep in mind that the temperature and the altitude will affect the time it takes for the bread to rise, so factor them into your cooking plan.
Final Words
When you are choosing the best loaf pan, you want something that allows you to cook the perfect loaf of bread. A standard-size pan is a good idea if you plan to cook a variety of recipes, but you may need a specialized pan in some cases. Any of the five pans reviewed above are excellent choices, and they are popular with customers. They are versatile and easy to use, while being easy to clean.
