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While loaf pans are the go-to for banana bread and pound cake, these versatile pieces of bakeware can help bake so much beyond that too — think personal size casseroles, meatloaf, and more! As a recipe creator, Meggan has personally used more than a dozen loaf pans, and while they seem simple enough, they’re not all created equally. The best loaf pans are reliable, durable, and easy to clean — and it doesn’t hurt if they look beautiful in your kitchen too.
Meggan and I worked together to come up with this list of the best loaf pans. We relied on our own firsthand experience, recommending the loaf pans that we use and love ourselves (this set from USA Pan is her favorite!). We also did extensive research, comparing the features side-by-side. Ultimately, we narrowed it down to six options, including metal, ceramic, cast iron and glass picks. Check them all out below.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
- What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: USA Pan Loaf Pan Set – $18.99 at Amazon
- Best Budget Loaf Pan: Amazon Basics Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan (Set of 2) – $13.49 at Amazon
- Best Non-Stick Loaf Pan: OXO Non-Stick Pro 1-lb Loaf Pan – $20.99 at Amazon
- Best Ceramic Loaf Pan: Caraway Loaf Pan – $40 at Amazon
- Best Cast Iron Loaf Pan: Lodge Cast Iron Loaf Pan – $19.99 at Amazon
- Best Glass Loaf Pan: Pyrex Easy Grab 1.5-Qt Glass Loaf Dish – $14.47 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Loaf Pans
1. What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: USA Pan Loaf Pan
After testing out USA Pan’s muffin pan, Meggan bought the brand’s loaf pan and loves it just as much! The pans are finished with proprietary silicone non-stick coating, which allows for easy release and quick clean-up — baked goods will pop right out of the pan even if they’re still a little warm. Megan also loves that they’re PTFE-, PFOA-, and BPA-free, and made in the US. Plus, they’re sturdy and durable and just work really well. Wins all around!
One thing to note is that the company doesn’t recommend putting these pans in the dishwasher. But because they’re so non-stick, everything should come right off with some hot, soapy water.
The Specs:
- Baking Surface Dimensions: 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.75 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Material: Alloy steel
- Dishwasher-safe? No
What I Like:
- Releases easily
- Bakes evenly
- Made in the US
- Nonstick
What I Don’t Like:
- Crumbs can get stuck in seams
- Can be difficult to clean in folds
- Not dishwasher-safe
What Others Are Saying:
After testing, Serious Eats and Reviewed picked the USA Pan Loaf Pan as one of the best loaf pans. It also has a 4.8-star average from almost 8,500 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the USA Pan Loaf Pan:
2. Best Budget Loaf Pan: Amazon Basics Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan (Set of 2)
If you like the idea of a non-stick set but want to save a little on your purchase, I recommend this Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan Set from Amazon Basics — the price breaks down to just under $7 per pan. While Meggan hasn’t tried these personally, she owns a lot of other kitchen products from Amazon’s lineup and is always impressed with the quality you get for the price.
These are made from steel with a non-stick coating, and reviewers say the build quality is top notch and baked goods come out beautifully with minimal clean up. It’s best to wash these by hand but since they’re non-stick, it should be easy!
The Specs:
- Baking Surface Dimensions: 9.5 x 5 x 2.8 inches
- Weight: 0.64 pounds
- Material: Steel
- Dishwasher-safe? No
What I Like:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to clean
- Comes in a set
- Nonstick
What I Don’t Like:
- Small handles
- Not dishwasher-safe
- May not be as durable as others
What Others Are Saying:
Delish chose the Amazon Basics Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan as one of their recommendations for the best loaf pans. This set also has a 4.8-star average rating from more than 26,000 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the Amazon Basics Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan (Set of 2):
3. Best Non-Stick Loaf Pan: OXO Non-Stick Pro 1-lb Loaf Pan
OXO is a beloved kitchen brand, and the Non-Stick Pro 1-lb Loaf Pan comes highly recommended. This heavy-duty, steel pan is non-stick and scratch-, stain-, and abrasion-resistant so it can stand up to lots of baking! The steel helps distribute heat evenly for a beautiful bake, while a textured pattern at the bottom reduces surface contact to help promote airflow.
The edges are also rolled, which makes them easier to grip when you’re transferring the pan to and from the oven. Plus, the glossy beige finish gives it some extra charm that makes it stand out from other bakeware. As an added bonus, it’s made in the US and PFOA-free.
The Specs:
- Baking Surface Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 3 inches
- Weight: 0.86 pounds
- Material: Aluminized steel
- Dishwasher-safe? Yes
What I Like:
- Easy to grip
- Beautiful color
- Made in the US
- Resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions
What I Don’t Like:
- Textured surface can leave designs in your cakes
- Some say sizing is off
- Can rust if not dried promptly
What Others Are Saying:
The Spruce Eats, Forbes Vetted, and Serious Eats all chose it as one of their top picks. It also has a 4.8-star average from more than 1,300 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the OXO Non-Stick Pro 1-lb Loaf Pan:
4. Best Ceramic Loaf Pan: Caraway Loaf Pan
I personally own and use this loaf pan and it’s truly one of the best! I’ve tested at least a dozen loaf pans and still own several, and this is the one I reach for most often. It’s extremely non-stick — baked goods and meatloaves just come right out even without oil or butter — and the ceramic distributes heat evenly for a beautiful bake. The coating is free from PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, and heavy metals, so it’s truly non-toxic. Plus, it’s absolutely beautiful and comes in nine colors, from a soft cream (my favorite!) to a bright marigold.
You do have to be careful with using and storing this pan because the coating can chip off if you’re too rough, but fortunately, it cleans very easily, so you don’t have to scrub it.
The Specs:
- Baking Surface Dimensions: 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.72 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Material: Ceramic
- Dishwasher-safe? No
What I Like:
- Easy to clean
- Non-toxic
- Comes in beautiful colors
What I Don’t Like:
- Pricey
- Can chip easily
- Hand wash only
What Others Are Saying:
After extensive research, Forbes Vetted chose the Caraway Loaf Pan as the best ceramic loaf pan.
Buy the Caraway Loaf Pan:
5. Best Cast Iron Loaf Pan: Lodge Cast Iron Loaf Pan
Cast iron is one of the most durable baking materials and with the right care, this heirloom-quality loaf pan from Lodge will stand the test of time. Reviewers say it heats up quickly and bakes evenly, giving you well-defined edges and a beautifully browned crust. It comes pre-seasoned so you don’t have to fuss with it before using it for the first time (although you’ll have to season it semi-regularly, depending on how often you use it).
Because of the cast iron construction, it’s much heavier than other loaf pans of this size, but it also has much larger handles that make it easy to grip, even with oven mitts.
The Specs:
- Baking Surface Dimensions: 8.5 x 4.5 x 3.68 inches
- Weight: 3.68 pounds
- Material: Cast iron
- Dishwasher-safe? No
What I Like:
- Durable
- Heats evenly
- Easy to transfer to and from the oven
- Affordable for the top quality
What I Don’t Like:
- Heavy
- Reviewers say it’s hard to clean the corners
- May need to season it often
What Others Are Saying:
Epicurious and Delish both chose it as one of their top picks. It also has more than 3,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Buy the Lodge Cast Iron Loaf Pan:
6. Best Glass Loaf Pan: Pyrex Easy Grab 1.5-Qt Glass Loaf Dish
Pyrex is one of the most popular brands for glass bakeware and it’s for good reason. This option is durable and high-quality, and it can last forever with proper care. I also own it and have found it to be extremely reliable, especially since it cooks evenly with beautiful browning. It’s non-stick with the proper greasing before baking, too.
While it can take a little longer to heat up, the glass retains heat well, and it’s non-reactive and non-porous, which means it won’t absorb stains, flavors, or odors. Plus, it’s microwave-safe, which makes a glass pan a really versatile option for all types of cooking and baking. I also love the large handles (I can easily grab them with oven mitts) and the lid is convenient for storage or travel.
The Specs:
- Baking Surface Dimensions: 8.75 x 5.25 x 3 inches (with handles)
- Weight: 1.74 pounds
- Material: Tempered glass
- Dishwasher-safe? Yes
What I Like:
- Easy to clean
- Easy to hold
- Doesn’t absorb odors or colors
What I Don’t Like:
- A bit heavy
- Lid isn’t airtight
- May take longer to heat up
What Others Are Saying:
After testing, Reviewed chose the Pyrex Easy Grab 1.5-Quart Glass Loaf Dish as the best non-stick. Food Network and Tech Gear Lab also chose it as one of their top picks, and it has a 4.7-star average from more than 12,500 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the Pyrex Easy Grab 1.5-Qt Glass Loaf Dish:
Other Loaf Pans to Consider
Le Creuset Heritage Loaf Pan
Le Creuset is a leader in ceramic cookware, and this is a reliable (and beautiful!) option. But it’s more expensive than most and you might not want to invest in a loaf pan unless you’re using it regularly. That said, it has easy-to-grip handles and a non-stick surface, and it comes in a dozen beautiful colors. The Le Creuset Heritage Loaf Pan is available at Amazon for $55.95.
Nordic Ware Naturals Meatloaf Pan with Lifting Trivet
This loaf pan is recommended by Forbes Vetted as the best meatloaf pan, and it’s great for that purpose. While it can be used without the lifting trivet, there are better options if you want a more versatile loaf pan. The Nordic Ware Naturals Meatloaf Pan with Lifting Trivet is available at Amazon for $17.56.
Farberware Nonstick Loaf Pan (Set of 2)
Another budget-friendly option, this Farberware loaf pan is a good choice for those who only use it occasionally. Some reviews say it’s not as non-stick as others, but it has easy-grip handles and a heavy-duty construction that can stand up to high heat. You can also buy it in a set of two if you want to save even more. The Farberware Nonstick Loaf Pan (Set of 2) is available at Amazon for $13.49.
Wilton Advance Select Premium Non-Stick Bread Loaf Pan
This loaf pan has a lot of great reviews, but I’ve personally tested it and found that it bakes unevenly. While it’s fine for cooking meatloaf and less delicate baked goods, you may want to try another one if you want to make breads and pound cakes. The Wilton Advance Select Premium Non-Stick Bread Loaf Pan is available at Amazon for $7.97.
Rachael Ray Yum-o! Oven Lovin’ Nonstick Loaf Pan
The Rachael Ray Yum-o! Oven Lovin’ Nonstick Loaf Pan is a great choice for those who want a truly non-stick pan. It has large handles that are easy to grab and comes in several color options. It didn’t end up in our list of the best because some reviews say it doesn’t hold up well to regular use, but you can increase its longevity by closely following the care instructions. The Rachel Ray Yum-o! Oven Lovin’ Nonstick Loaf Pan is available at Amazon for $13.99.
Why You Can Trust Us
Hi, I’m Lindsay, a functional nutritionist, recipe creator, and product reviewer with almost 15 years of experience testing kitchen products. I’ve tried more than a dozen loaf pans and have baked everything from pound cake to meatloaf to everything in between — and I still personally own two of the picks that made our final list! You can find my work across a variety of digital publications, including The Spruce Eats, Better Homes and Gardens, Forbes Vetted, and Eating Well.
I worked on this roundup with Meggan, a classically trained chef and founder of Culinary Hill. In addition to using our own firsthand experience, we extensively researched dozens of additional options to narrow down this list. We compared materials, size, price, and reviews side-by-side, ultimately landing on six options that we think stand out among the many choices.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Loaf Pan
What to Consider Before Buying a Loaf Pan
When picking an option, size and materials are most important. But you may also want to think about the handles — if they’re easy to grip and hold with oven mitts on — and a few other features.
Size: Loaf pans come in various sizes. A standard pan is about 8.5 inches long by 4.5 inches deep. When a recipe calls for a loaf pan, this is usually what it means. You’ll find close variations on that too, like 9 inches by 5 inches or 9.5 inches by 5 inches. There are also mini loaf pans, which typically measure 5.75 inches long by 3.25 inches deep. These are great for baking smaller portions or giving out baked goods as gifts. When choosing one, consider how you’ll use it, but when in doubt, go with the standard size.
Material: They mainly come in steel, glass, ceramic, and cast iron. Each has its pros and cons, so the best material for you really depends on what you’re looking for. Steel is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a lightweight loaf pan that’s durable and heats evenly. Glass doesn’t heat up as quickly, but it can be more versatile and may last longer since it’s non-porous. Ceramic is extremely non-stick and an excellent heat conductor, so it gives a reliable bake. And while it’s heavy, cast iron can last forever — and get even better with time!
Handles: Some have large handles that are easy to grip while others barely have a rim and are hard to handle. If you’re choosing a lightweight material like steel, you may not need larger handles, but if you’re going for a glass or cast iron pan, make sure the handles are big enough to comfortably grab while wearing oven mitts.
Other features: Depending on what you plan to use it for, you may want other user-friendly features too. Some come with lifting trivets, which are great for lifting meatloaf out of the pan (and leaving behind grease!). Others have a lid so you can store leftovers easily or secure food when traveling.
What Is the Size of a Standard Loaf Pan?
When a recipe calls for a standard loaf pan, it’s typically referring to a 1-pound pan. These can measure 8.5 inches long by 4.5 inches deep by 2.5 inches tall or 9 inches long by 5 inches deep by 2.5 inches tall.
How Do You Line a Loaf Pan with Parchment Paper?
It depends on whether you want to line just the bottom or the whole pan. If you only want to line the bottom, place it on top of the parchment paper, use a pen or pencil to trace around the bottom, and then cut out just inside the traced lines. Put the cut piece of parchment paper into your loaf pan and it’s ready to go!
If you want to line the whole pan, there’s an easy hack you can use to make sure your parchment paper is neat and tidy: Turn the loaf pan upside down and lay a piece of parchment paper on top. Then, fold the parchment paper around the short ends like you’re wrapping a gift, making sure the parchment paper creases where you fold it. Take the parchment off, turn the loaf pan right side up and add the parchment paper in. It should drop right in!
How Long Should You Bake in Mini Loaf Pans?
It depends on what you’re baking! That said, if you’re making a recipe that takes 50 to 55 minutes to bake in a 1-pound loaf pan, it’s a good idea to start with 25 to 30 minutes for a mini loaf pan. You can start checking on it around the 20-minute mark to make sure you don’t overbake.
What Can You Make in a Loaf Pan?
Meggan says there are lots of possibilities. You can bake quick breads, pound cakes, yogurt cakes, and bread pudding. You can also bake different kinds of meatloaf and traditional yeast breads. Loaf pans are also a great way to freeze ice cream or make granitas. If you’re serving a smaller crowd, you can make 2- to 4-serving casseroles, like small-batch green bean casserole and even baked macaroni and cheese.
The Best Loaf Recipes
Meggan loves using her loaf pan to make everything from buttery pound cake to old-fashioned beer bread. Here are some delicious recipes to help you get started.
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
