The best bread and loaf pan can help you get that amazing feeling of achievement when you turn out a delicious bloomer that you've baked yourself. Whether it's your first loaf or your 500th, nothing beats the feeling of knowing you've created a good thing from scratch. While we've got all the respect for anyone who can bust out bread freeform, for those new to bread making, or anyone who wants to take the practical route, a decent bread, and loaf pan is an essential accessory for your baking life.
GoodCook nonstick 9-by-5-inch bakeware pan
Standard size for a large loaf
This popular GoodCook pan is a standard size for a large loaf or family cake recipe at 5-by-9 inches. It's constructed from heavy-gauge steel, which means it will resist warping and offers good heat distribution. It has a scratch-resistant, PFOA-free, nonstick coating for easy release. This pan is safe to go in the dishwasher.
USA Pan aluminized steel loaf pan
Classic 1-pound capacity
Made in the USA, this is another popular choice that offers commercial-grade quality. It's made from a blend of new and recycled aluminized steel and has a standard 1-pound capacity. This gets USA Pan's Americoat nonstick coating for quick release. The pan has a unique corrugated surface design that helps air circulation for an even bake.
Instant Pot official mini loaf pans
Pressure cooker-compatible option
Made especially for owners of 6- and 8-quart Instant Pot pressure cookers, this twin pack of pans is designed to fit together inside your appliance. This means you could make white and brown loaves at the same time or do a savory bake alongside a sweet one. These pans are made of metal and have a nonstick finish for easy release and simple cleanup.
Rachael Ray Yum-o! nonstick loaf pan
With raised silicone handles for a secure grip
Inspired by Rachael Ray's Yum-O! non-profit family cooking project, this 5-by-9-inch pan is perfect for child-friendly recipes like zucchini bread, pound cakes, and meatloaf. It's made from heavy-gauge steel that resists warping and heats evenly. This pan is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe to 500 degrees. This pan boasts raised orange handles that ensure a safe and confident grip.
Wilton Recipe Right nonstick loaf pan
Longer length ideal for artisan bakes
These good value, longer pans from well-respected baking brand Wilson give you the option to make even more bread to share. Their 12-inch length makes them ideal for fancy bread bakes, such as continental-style loaves. They are made of steel with a silver finish and boast that all-important nonstick coating. Usefully, the pan dimensions are permanently stamped into the handles.
USA Pan Pullman loaf pan
The perfect pan to make sandwich bread
A Pullman loaf pan (named for its origins in the kitchens of the famous railway company) has a sliding lid, so it bakes the bread on all four sides, creating that classic sandwich loaf bread we all love. This pan is made from commercial-grade, heavy-gauge aluminized steel with USA Pan's Americoat finish. This pan measures in at 13-by-4 by-4 inches, so it has the ideal dimensions for a larger loaf to feed a family.
Silivo nonstick silicone baking mold
A versatile alternative to metal
Silicone is the modern alternative to traditional metal pans. It's a great option for less confident cooks as removing baked items is so much easier with flexible bakeware. Some silicone pans can bulge when the wet mix is added, but this option is a proven, sturdy choice made from 100 percent food-grade silicone. Adding to its practicality, this baking mold is also oven, freezer, and dishwasher safe. This style measures 8.9-by-7-by-2.5 inches.
Fat Daddio's anodized aluminum bread pan
Non-reactive alternative to nonstick options
With a 50-year family history, Fat Daddio's bakeware has a lot of loyal fans. This bread pan pair is from the ProSeries range and made from the brand's signature Safe-Seal anodized aluminum. These pans are seamless and straight-sided with a rolled rim for easy handling. One of these pans can fit inside (and is safe for use) in larger pressure cookers and air fryers.
It will all pan out
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We've curated a varied collection of bread and loaf pans to suit all tastes and baking needs. Our overall staff pick, the GoodCook nonstick 9-by-5-inch bakeware pan, is a solid choice for anyone who wants to make large loaves or family-sized cakes.
Another strong contender that comes in a standard size is the USA Pan aluminized steel loaf pan. This has a traditional 1-pound capacity, so it is a classic choice for making pound cakes as well as bread products.
If you want to bake with an unconventional option, then consider the Silivo nonstick silicone baking mold. While traditionalists might shudder at using a non-metallic option, for ease-of-use and practical cleanup, silicone wins hands down every time.