If you want to bake classic loaves, sandwich breads or banana breads, you absolutely need to be looking for the best loaf pans.
As soon as you start looking at some awesome models, you’ll notice that these bread baking tools are cheap. They’re definitely not as expensive as even the cheapest Dutch Oven for bread.
Some are as affordable as bench scrapers or even as cheap as wheel pizza cutters. Even the most expensive loaf pan can be considered one of the cheapest things you’ll find in a kitchen.
The exception to all that is the Staub Cast Iron Loaf Pan, which I review in my article on cast iron bread pans.
Also, whether you use the term bread pan or loaf pan, you should know that they mean the same thing.
When it comes to a rectangular-shaped baking tool made either of aluminum, aluminized steel, non-stick heavy gauge steel, glass, silicone or cast iron, we’re generally calling these fantastic baking tools by the name of loaf pans.
If you’re also interested in baking some wonderful baguettes, check out my reviews for the best baguette pans.
Contents
Best Loaf Pans: My 6 Favorites
1. Overall Best: USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan
A very famous, very praised loaf pan that’s sturdy, bakes great loaves, releases them without trouble, all for a really affordable price – the perfect package.
2. Best Loaf Pan for Sandwich Bread: USA Pan Bakeware Pullman Loaf Pan
The main differences between these two from the same manufacturer? This one has a lid for creating the perfect sandwich bread, a very different size, and a higher price
3. Made of Cast Iron: Camp Chef Home Seasoned Cast Iron Bread Pan
If you what you are looking for is something different an you’re a big fan of cast iron bakeware and cookware, this one from Camp Chef might the best loaf pan for you.
4. Perfect Set of 2: Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick Long Bread Loaf Pan
Besides the fact that you get 2 of these for a cheap price, the shape is quite different, too: it’s quite long and narrow but other than that, they’re excellent.
5. The Mini Option: Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick Mini Loaf Pan
If you want to make smaller loaves, these ones will be perfect and you get 4 slots in one body, they’re great.
6. Best Loaf Pan for Banana Bread: KitchenAid Nonstick Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan
This KitchenAid is definitely one of the best loaf pans on the market and users absolutely love it. It has awesome reviews and I want to save it for a very special recipe: for making banana bread. A sturdy bakeware for one of the most delicious recipes.
Best Loaf Pans Reviews
Let’s see what I found as candidates for the best loaf pans. They’re going to be some best mini loaf pans mentioned, as well.
My 11 recommendations are some of the best and users’ reviews testify to that. So, there’s just one thing that I will mention before reviewing these pans. It’s related to how a loaf pan should be used.
The dough should only fill 2/3 of the pan. If it’s less than that, there’s no problem, the bread won’t rise as beautifully but it will still be delicious. If it exceeds the 2/3 recommendation, it might overfill when it rises in the oven during baking.
1. USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan: Overall the Best Loaf Pan
The USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan is overall the best loaf pan. It’s also incredibly popular and highly praised.
It’s a heavy, sturdy-looking pan. However, it’s a bit hard to handle it since there are no handles.
The amazing quality combined with a pretty awesome price, leave me no choice than to nominate it as my first recommendation.
What you get if you pick the USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan:
- it measures 8.5 x 4.5 inches – this measurement is called a standard loaf pan
- perfect for recipes that feature 3 or 3 1/2 cups of flour
- it’s made of steel, aluminized steel to be more exact – that’s a very good choice for a material and it’s one of my favorites, one of the most frequently encountered in this niche
- the aluminized surface ensures that the breads will be baked evenly and the crust will be close to perfect, too
- highly durable, very resistant, you can enjoy baking as often as you can, for many years to come
- non-stick
- PTFE, PFOA and BPA free because it’s coated with a silicone called Americoat
You should wash it by hand and dry it immediately with a towel. The corners can be a bit hard to clean, you can use a toothpick if there’s anything stuck in the corners but, it shouldn’t be a problem because the breads are released immediately.
It’s an amazing choice as one of the best loaf pans for bread, including banana bread.
2. USA Pan Bakeware Pullman Loaf Pan
If you want to make your own perfect pain de mie or, more popularly known as sandwich bread or pullman loaf, then you really need the USA Pan Bakeware Pullman Loaf Pan.
It’s the best loaf pan for sandwich bread.
I suggest getting the one with the lid to obtain the perfectly squared sandwich slice.
You won’t ever buy sandwich bread ever again, it will look just like the one in the store but you’ll know exactly what ingredients were used.
It will be delicious and the price for the USA Pan Bakeware Pullman Loaf Pan, even though high for the ones with a lid, can be worth it over time if you end up using it very often.
You can use a bread maker to make the dough if making the dough by hand is not your thing. Bread machines have a sandwich cycle but most of them only bake horizontal loaves. Those look nothing like the store-bought sandwich loaves.
Only the Zojirushi bread makers bake rectangular (horizontal) loaves but not even those look like the ones baked in a bread pan.
This loaf pan shares the same characteristics with the above model (material, sturdiness) since they’re made by the same manufacturer.
The USA Pan Bakeware Pullman Loaf Pan is not only good for baking sandwich bread but it’s very good for baking gluten-free breads, too. Some describe the USA Pan Bakeware Pullman Loaf Pan as the must-have loaf pan for gluten-free bread baking.
When it comes to the USA Pan Bakeware Pullman Loaf Pan there are two sizes to choose from:
- 13 x 4 x 4 inches – the very large option
- 9 x 4 x 4 inches – as the smaller option
3. Camp Chef Home Seasoned Cast Iron Bread Pan
This is one of the best loaf pans that are made of cast iron. It’s quite amazing and it bakes really well. It has the capacity to bake evenly and with a wonderful crust. You have nothing to worry in this respect.
Moreover, since it’s made of cast iron, you can be sure that it will last a lifetime and then some. If you’re already experienced with seasoning cast iron, you’ll love this model. And you might prefer it above anything else.
Second of all, the dimensions are a bit different. It measures 5.25 × 11 inches, which is slightly bigger than the classic 9 x 5 inches. It’s even bigger than the 8.5 x 4 .5 inches, which is the standard size for a loaf pan.
However, you can adjust easily to the size, you just need one or two tries. Users who have bought it, definitely like it a lot.
Last but not least, it will cost a bit more than all the other models reviewed here. But it won’t be really expensive.
4. OXO Good Grips Glass Loaf Pan With Lid
This one will be one of the best loaf pans for those who like baking in a glass dish.
I will be totally honest and I’ll admit that I don’t enjoy baking in glass dishes with the exception of one that has been in my family for maybe longer than I’ve been alive.
However, the OXO Good Grips Glass Loaf Pan With Lid can be convince even weary people like myself that it’s made of high quality glass that won’t bread in the oven.
If I didn’t have that conviction, I wouldn’t have reviewed it.
It’s also incredibly cheap. And it comes with a lid for easy storage. Frankly, it truly sounds just perfect and I love it. It looks great.
It’s thermal-shock resistant.
The borosilicate glass can go from the freezer or fridge to microwave or oven without cracking.
It is BPA- and PVC-free. And stain-proof and dishwasher safe.
This 1.6 quart loaf baking dish is great for making breads, pound cakes, and more. It’s really amazing. The 6 x 10 inch dimension is certainly generous. And the handles are perfect.
Overall, I can totally understand why the OXO Good Grips Glass Loaf Pan With Lid is so incredibly popular.
5. Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick Long Bread Loaf Pan, 2-Piece
For an incredible price, you actually get 2 pans. That’s quite a deal. I love things like that.
With that in mind, there’s no way that I could resist the temptation of adding the Wilton Long Bread Loaf Pan to my list for the best loaf pans for bread.
You can definitely consider this one an awesome loaf pan for banana bread, too.
The thing is that these 2 Wilton pans are quite long. The size is not something that we usually get when talking about loaf pans.
They measure 12 x 3.125 inches. Compared to the classic 9 x 5 inches or the popular and usually preferred 8.5 x 4 .5 inches, this Wilton model doesn’t fit the norm.
Is it going to be a problem?
The final shape of your baked goods is going to be different, they’re going to be longer and narrower at the bottom. You get more slices of bread or more slices of meatloaf. You can make meatloaf, too.
Other than that, there’s no problem.
These pans are made of aluminum – the breads will be evenly baked with a very nice crust. Thar also makes them very durable.
There’s a non-stick coating – the coating is silicone polyester, which is why they’re PFOA and PTFE free. The coating works beautifully, the breads are released quickly
They also have very narrow handles.
They’re dishwasher safe but, if you want them to last longer, I would recommend washing them by hand and drying them with a towel.
Surprisingly, they come with a 5-year warranty
If you’re not particularly fond of this long shape but you like this manufacturer, they also have a classic 8.5 x 4 .5 inches model, called the Wilton Recipe Right Medium Bread Loaf Baking Pan.
6. Cuisinart Easy Grip Bakeware 9-Inch Loaf Pan
There are a few things that immediately stand out when it comes to the Cuisinart Easy Grip Bakeware 9-Inch Loaf Pan:
- the expensive price, a bit more affordable if you get it on sale
- the large handles, easy grip is in its name
- the very sturdy appearance
- the size
- it looks pretty similar to the Boxiki Kitchen Loaf Pan, you should check that one out, too
Now, let’s dig deeper and see what makes this Cuisinart one of the best loaf pans:
- it measures 9 x 5 inches – larger than the standard model
- made of heavy gauge steel, aluminized steel to be more exact
- it definitely looks durable and able to withstand baking for years and years to come
- non-stick coating for easy release
- the cushions on the handles are made of silicon, they offer ample space
- dishwasher safe but I recommend washing it by hand and drying it with a towel after
One last thing: it can definitely be used as a pan for banana bread and all other kinds of breads, whatever you want to bake, you can.
7. SILIVO Silicone Bread and Loaf Pan
It wouldn’t be a complete post on the best loaf pans without including a silicone loaf pan. It’s good to have different options. Especially one as affordable as this one. The price is definitely lower for this silicone one than the ones made from aluminized steel.
The SILIVO Silicone Bread and Loaf Pan:
- withstands temperatures up to 450°F so, there’s definitely nothing different in this area
- is quite large – it measures 8.9 x 3.7 inches
- is made of silicone, it releases baked goods immediately without effort
- non-stick
- it’s not made of steel but that doesn’t mean it’s not durable, you can end up using it for years without having to get another one
- easy-to-grip handles
- dishwasher safe
If there’s one thing to keep in mind when it comes to silicone loaf pans is this: keep in mind that you won’t get the same browned crust that you get when baking in steel pans. But you can bake anything in it, it’s highly versatile.
8. Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Loaf Pan
Here’s what to expect from the Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Loaf Pan as one of the best loaf pans:
- a very big size 10 x 5 inches, it’s a large pan indeed
- made of heavy gauge aluminized steel, it looks incredibly sturdy, kind of has a no-nonsense look about it, I quite like the basic look
- you will get even baking and nice crusts
- just like the name says, it’s non-stick, easily released breads should be a guarantee
- very small edges
- oven safe up to 500°F
- dishwasher safe but wash it by hand and dry it after
- a bit difficult to clean along the rolled edges
9. Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick Mini Loaf Pan
After all of the above big loaf pans, it’s time to talk about the best mini loaf pans. Well, one in particular. The Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick Mini Loaf Pan.
It has 4 slots but there’s also a version from this manufacturer with 8 slots. The one with 8 slots is incredibly popular and highly appreciated by those who want to make single-serving mini breads.
It depends how tiny you want your mini breads to be.
With the Wilton Mini Loaf Pan, you can also bake mini banana breads and pretty much whatever bread recipe strikes your fancy.
I’ve chosen to talk about the Wilton Mini Loaf Pan that’s made of steel, non-stick obviously. It’s a fantastic choice.
But I must also tell you that there’s almost an exact replica of this one with the 4 cavities, only that it’s made of silicon. It’s a vibrant blue, the cavities are almost the same size, and the price is pretty close.
The Wilton Mini Loaf Pan, the one made of non-stick steel, is a bit more affordable than the 8-cavity one.
They’re both perfect if you want to bake individual smaller breads at the same time.
Each of the 4 cavities measures 5.75 x 3 inches. In contrast, each of the 8 cavities measures 3.8 x 2.5 inches.
It’s best to wash it by hand.
10. KitchenAid Nonstick Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan: Best Loaf Pan for Banana Bread
Which loaf pan is best for banana bread?
All the loaf pans that I reviewed above work as the best loaf pans for banana bread, too. There are no separate pans made just for baking banana bread.
When it comes to baking banana bread, you have two options.
The first option is to bake in bread pans.
The second option is to use a cake pan instead. The batter will be thinner if you put it into a cake pan and it will obviously have a round shape.
Since the batter is thinner, baking time is significantly reduced. Since it will bake much faster in a cake pan, you need to watch it closely after about 20 minutes of baking and see how much longer it needs, it depends on the size of your cake pan and the thickness of the dough.
Features
I didn’t get the chance to review this KitchenAid loaf pan above but I saved for this occasion, where we’re talking about one of the most delicious breads. I think it fits perfectly.
It’s also quite affordable. Don’t be afraid of the price because it’s made by a manufacturer that is quite famous for its prices.
This time, KitchenAid decided to withhold on high prices but go full on on quality.
It’s a classic 9 x 5 inches loaf pan, which holds 2 pounds dough and it’s great for recipes that require 3.75 cups of flour or more.
It’s awesome for all kinds of loaves and meatloaf. One reviewer also described it as the best for keto breads.
Users are also amazed by the fact that its nonstick characteristic is truly nonstick. Each loaf will come out without any damage. That also makes cleaning a breeze. I would say that if nothing is left behind you can just wipe it out a bit.
What I also absolutely love about its design is those extended handles. Those big handles really make our job easier when removing a blisteringly hot pan from the oven.
Overall, this is a heavy-duty construction, made from aluminized steel. The unique rim design prevents warping over time. That means that you’ll get to use it for years and years to come.
The aluminized steel promotes even heat distribution and consistent performance.
It’s dishwasher safe but I would clean it by hand since its nonstick feature makes it so easy to clean.
11. Nordic Ware Classic Loaf Pan
If I feel that there is one manufacturer missing from my list of recommendations for the best loaf pans that is Nordic Ware.
The problem with shopping for this particular bakeware for sandwich bread, banana bread, etc. is that there are so many amazing options to choose from.
The Nordic Ware Classic Loaf Pan is absolutely one of those amazing options. It might also be one of the most expensive loaf pans at the moment.
The price around $35 is absolutely not cheap.
However, it looks simply stunning. I love the design, it’s incredibly pretty.
Features
The big, beautiful handles are the first thing we notice about the Nordic Ware Classic Loaf Pan.
I love these handles and I love how they make our baking experience so much more comfortable every time.
The manufacturer informs us that this is the ultimate bread pan for standard one-pound loaf recipes.
It has a 6 cup capacity.
It’s made of cast aluminum with handles for easy lifting.
The nonstick coating is made without PFOA. People mention that the load slides right out as soon as you turn it upside. The nonstick coating is fantastic.
A buyer mentions that this Nordic Ware is fantastic for even baking, great crust, and even rises. They also love it for making banana bread in it.
I agree. The Nordic Ware Classic Loaf Pan takes the crown, even if I only managed to review it last.
Best Loaf Pan Buying Guide
They’re not many criteria to consider when looking for the best loaf pans. However, those few that are, are important. I’ll just talk shortly about them so, you know what to expect.
Size
There are a few sizes to choose from, it depends on the manufacturer, it also depends on how much bread you want to bake in one session.
The most common sizes are:
- 9 x 5 inches loaf pan – the biggest size, holds 2 pounds dough, great for recipes that require 3.75 cups of flour or more
- 8.5 x 4 .5 inches is the standard loaf pan – it holds 1.5 pounds dough, for recipes that require 3 or 3.5 cups of flour
You can definitely bake a dough made from 3.5 cups of flour in a 9 x 5 inches pan.
If you have a large family, get the bigger pan, if not you can get the smaller version.
There are also best mini loaf pans but those are entirely a different matter and they can’t be categorized by size since each manufacturer has its own version. It’s easier to categorize them by the number of slots that they feature.
Even cooking
You’re looking for a pan that cooks the dough slowly and evenly – you don’t want to end up with one part being burnt or one under-cooked.
All the above loaf pans reviewed above have that quality.
If you’re looking for the best loaf pans for banana bread, I’ve already mentioned that they’re the same as the bread pans or you can bake a banana bread in a cake pan. If you get the timing right, both choice will make delicious banana breads.
Materials
The materials also vary, let’s find out more about each material.
Aluminum loaf pans are those shiny silver pans. They’re great for even baking due to the fact that this material provides even heat but, if you want a dark well-textured crust, this material shouldn’t be your first choice.
The aluminized steel ones are more prevalent, they’re perfect for baking at home. You can expect them to be sturdy with non-stick surfaces and they deliver even heat distribution.
Dark steel pans, the heavy-weight ones, are what professional bakers prefer because they can obtain that nice golden brown color for the crust, this material is perfect for baking thick-crusted breads, like the European or artisan breads.
Dark nonstick pans tend to brown the bread more quickly, especially on the edges. It’s best to lower the temperature by 25°F.
Cast iron can provide the same delicious crust and even baking, they’re more expensive and they require seasoning but they’re also the most durable, if you know how to take care of them.
Silicone is kind of a new material on the market but it’s becoming more and more popular, many users who end up buying a silicon loaf pan end up being impressed and very satisfied. They’re easy to handle, pretty cheap, and they bake pretty evenly, even though they won’t create the same browning as a metal pan.
Ceramic loaf pans are another interesting choice because ceramic is an excellent heat conductor, it will bake the breads evenly and deliver browned crusts however. They’re not that many and they’re not that popular plus, they tend to be quite expensive and they require a lot more care than steel pans.
Why I don’t like glass baking dishes that much
A glass baking dish can be another good option, you can see the crust starting to bake and turn brown and the heat is distributed evenly.
However, I’m not that comfortable with handling one because it can easily suffer from thermal breakage, they’re not at easy to handle as metal ones.
Why Choose to Bake in a Loaf Pan
If you aren’t too keen on the idea of using a bread machine but you’re very interested and excited about making the dough by hand or with the help of a stand mixer and then baking it in your oven then, you need to know about the best loaf pans for bread baking.
Using the best ingredients, kneading the dough properly for up to 25 minutes if you knead if by hand, letting the dough rise properly during the two rising phases are all part of making the most delicious breads.
However,
Making bread at home doesn’t stop there. The baking is just as important as making a good dough. For that you need the best loaf pan and a good oven.
I can help you with the part of finding the most amazing loaf pans, including the ones for banana bread or for gluten-free recipes or for any other type of bread that you can think of.
I leave the entire effort of making and baking the dough to you.
Why a loaf pan though? Because it’s an inexpensive bread baking tool, doesn’t take much space, it’s very easy to use, and the result is amazing. It’s quite an essential bakeware.
What Breads Can You Bake in a Loaf Pan?
I think answering this question will clarify whether a loaf pan is the right bakeware for your needs.
The thing is that it can definitely be the right bakeware for you because you can bake all types of breads in a loaf pan as long as you like the container shape.
That means that you can make yeasted breads, gluten-free breads, sweet loaves, and so on. Even artisan loaves can be baked in a loaf pan.
The exception is made by baguettes, focaccia or if you want a round loaf (boule).
These are just a few of the breads that you can bake in the best loaf pan: sandwich bread, banana bread, French bread, honey and milk bread, white chocolate and apricot bread, cheese bread, carrot cake bread with nuts, wheat bread, Irish soda bread, no-knead breads, chocolate bread, zucchini bread, multi-seed bread, etc.
Classic banana bread recipe
This recipe is inspired by the cookbook Let’s Fill the Loaf Pan! by Keanu Wood. It’s a wonderful cookbook whose pages are filled only with loaf pan recipes. There are no gluten free recipes, those are missing entirely.
However, it has 30 exciting recipes that will help you get the most out of your best loaf pan.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- salt to taste
- 1 tsp baking soda
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a bowl, mash bananas with a fork. It’s good to choose ripe bananas so they can be mushed easily.
Mix in butter. Add vanilla extract, sugar, 1 egg beaten, flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter into loaf pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes. It serves 8.
Bread Pan Substitutes
Obviously, you can bake bread without a loaf pan. The most common replacement is a baking sheet (sheet pan). But there are other a lot more expensive and a bit more complicated-to-use baking tools, like baking stones and Dutch ovens.
We all know what a baking sheet is, there’s actually no need for an explanation. Baking sheets are a very good alternative to loaf pans because they have pretty similar prices but they are a lot more versatile since they can be used for much more than baking breads.
Pizza stones (also called baking stones) and Dutch ovens are more complicated to use because they must be preheated before placing the dough for baking and they’re a lot more expensive but they also create superior baking experiences similar to professional bread bakeries or similar to a wooden oven in the case of pizza making.
Baking stones are not perfect just for making pizza but for various breads, too – you can even bake baguettes on them – but they’re especially good for thick-crusted breads. I’ve written a post on the best baking stones, if you’re interested.
Dutch ovens have one major advantage: they can be the perfect bakeware as well as the perfect cookware. The quality of the breads baked in Dutch oven is amazing but you can also use this round pot with a lid on the stovetop to cook at medium to low heat all kinds of delicious recipes.
Best Loaf Pans FAQs
I also want to answer some interesting questions related to loaf pans so that we can end this article by summing up this very long article a bit.
1. What are other uses for a loaf pan besides bread?
Besides bread recipes, meatloaf recipes are also perfect for being baked in loaf pans. Moreover, I would like to propose something even better. You can make ice cream or sorbet in these rectangular pans. In fact, the USA Pan Bakeware Pullman Loaf Pan could be considered perfect for making ice cream because it comes with a lid to keep away the smells from the freezer.
2. What is the best material for a loaf pan?
Aluminized steel pans are the most popular ones for home use. This material ensures even heat distribution and consistency throughout the years. They’re also nonstick for easy release and easy cleanup. Cast iron can be another good material, especially if you want the bakeware to last for a lifetime. For cheaper options, silicone is awesome. What I stay away from are glass pans because I’m always afraid of them breaking in the oven and they’re just too delicate for my handling.
3. How do you pick a good loaf pan?
Most of the manufacturers that I included in this article are very famous. That’s one way to go about selecting a good pan. We have USA Pan Bakeware, KitchenAid, Wilton, Cuisinart, Camp Chef as the candidates for the best loaf pans.
