Photo: OXO
A great muffin pan is responsible for producing those well-rounded, crisp-edged muffins.
When making muffins, you want a pan that has a generous number of wells (cups) and is made of durable material that can withstand high oven temperatures.
Although most muffing pans look identical with several round wells that hold the batter and later, the ready muffin, factors such as non-stick surfaces are important and should not be overlooked.
Handling features such as grip spaces and ease of cleaning are also important considerations. All these should come at an affordable price.
To help you choose the ideal pan that meets your muffin baking needs, read through our top 10 muffin pans review and in-depth buying guide.
In this post:
- 10 Best Muffin Pans – Review
- 1. USA 1222MF-1 – Top Rated Muffin Pan
- 2. Chicago 16640 – Best Mini Muffin Pans
- 3. Wilton 2105-954 – Best Budget Muffin Pan
- 4. Keliwa’s Silicone Muffin – Best Silicone Muffin Pan
- 5. Rachael Ray 54075 – Best Quality Muffin Pan
- 6. OXO 11160500 – Best Non-stick Muffin Pan
- 7. OvenArt 12-Cup – Quality Silicone Muffin Pan
- 8. Nordic 45500AMZ – Best Aluminum Muffin Pan
- 9. Wilton 2105-6789 – Easy Grip Muffin Pan
- 10. Anolon 57036 – Best Cupcake Cup
- How to Buy the Best Muffin Pan
- Conclusion
10 Best Muffin Pans – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. USA 1222MF-1 (Top Rated) |
| |
 | 2. Chicago 16640 (Best Mini) |
| |
 | 3. Wilton 2105-954 (Best Budget) |
| |
 | 4. Keliwa’s Silicone Muffin (Best Silicone Design) |
| |
 | 5. Rachael Ray 54075 (Best Quality) |
| |
 | 6. OXO 11160500 (Best Non-stick) |
| |
 | 7. OvenArt 12-Cup-Muffin-Pan (Quality Silicone Design) |
| |
 | 8. Nordic 45500AMZ (Best Aluminum Design) |
| |
 | 9. Wilton 2105-6789 (Easy to Grip) |
| |
 | 10. Anolon 57036 (Best Cupcake Cup) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. USA 1222MF-1 (Top Rated)
|
2. Chicago 16640 (Best Mini)
|
3. Wilton 2105-954 (Best Budget)
|
4. Keliwa’s Silicone Muffin (Best Silicone Design)
|
5. Rachael Ray 54075 (Best Quality)
|
6. OXO 11160500 (Best Non-stick)
|
7. OvenArt 12-Cup-Muffin-Pan (Quality Silicone Design)
|
8. Nordic 45500AMZ (Best Aluminum Design)
|
9. Wilton 2105-6789 (Easy to Grip)
|
10. Anolon 57036 (Best Cupcake Cup)
|
1. USA 1222MF-1 – Top Rated Muffin Pan
Photo: USA Pan
- Material: Aluminized steel
- Capacity: 24 Cups
- Cup Size: 1.88 x 1.25 x 0.88 inches
Boasting of 24 wells, the USA 1222MF-1 is a commercial-grade muffin pan that offers a lot of value from a single bake.
The entire pan, including its wells, is made of heavy gauge aluminized steel that with a special Americoat layer for fast release of baked goods. The coat also prevents sticking and makes it easy to clean the pan.
Even with the many cups, cleaning the pan has been made easy and quick. Its PTFE, PFOA and BPA free silicon coat is non-stick. Some warm water and soap on a sponge are all you need to clean the pan.
Some good engineering adds a fluted design, which not gives the pan extra strength for warp resistance, but it also enhances its non-stick properties.
On top of all that value, the pan comes with a limited lifetime warranty from USA Pan.
Despite the USA 1222MF-1 pan being commercial grade with its many wells, it not dishwasher safe hence requires manual cleaning.
Pros:
- Commercial-grade pan with 24 wells
- Aluminized steel build material
- Americoat layer for non-stick properties
- Easy to clean with soap and water
- Fluted design for warp resistance
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
2. Chicago 16640 – Best Mini Muffin Pans
Photo: Chicago Metallic
- Material: Carbon steel
- Capacity: 6 cups
- Cup Size: 4 x 0.5 inches
The Chicago 16640 is a distinct pan because it is the only one on our list that makes muffin tops. Wells with a depth of 0.5 inches is purpose-built for making tops or mini muffins.
It can also be used for baking small layer cakes, even-sized eggs, and ice cream sandwich cookies.
Made of non-stick heavy weight carbon steel, the pan’s superior heat conduction capabilities ensure that your muffin tops and other pastries bake evenly. The non-stick surface also guarantees easy release and effortless cleaning.
At only 14.4 ounces, the pan is lightweight and compact for easy handling and storage. It will not occupy as much space in your drawers or cabinets as the 24-cup one.
Rated dishwasher safe, it will minimize cleaning time and effort. For extended product life, handwashing is recommended.
The Chicago 16640 may be the only pan on our list that can make muffin top, but it is not well-suited for making actual muffins. It is also a low-capacity pan of 6 cups compared to rivals with as many as 12-24 cups.
Pros:
- Purpose-built for muffin tops
- Can bake eggs, cookies, and layer cakes
- Non-stick surface for easy release
- Lightweight and compact for easy storage
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Cons:
- Makes muffin tops only
- Low capacity of only 6 cups
3. Wilton 2105-954 – Best Budget Muffin Pan
Photo: Wilton
- Material: Steel
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Cup Size: 3 x 1 in.
At less than $10, Wilton 2105-954 is the most affordable muffin pan on our list. Despite its low prices, it offers you as much value as its 12-cup peers.
The pan is made of a non-stick steel surface for easy release. This feature also helps to simplify and speed up the cleaning process, especially if you are doing it by hand.
For ease of handling, the pan has widened edges to maximize grip especially when withdrawing it from the oven.
You don’t have to worry about scrubbing the pan clean as it is dishwasher safe. This feature, combined with its non-stick properties makes cleaning the pan the most effortless task.
A 5-year limited warranty is also offered with the pan to mitigate purchase risks or product malfunction.
Although the Wilton 2105-954 is affordable and offers a lot of value for its price, its build material makes it unsafe for use in the microwave or freezer.
Pros:
- Affordable with lots of value
- Non-stick steel surface for easy release
- Widened edges to maximize grip
- Dishwasher safe for easy and fast cleaning
Cons:
- Not safe for microwave use
4. Keliwa’s Silicone Muffin – Best Silicone Muffin Pan
Photo: Keliwa
- Material: Silicone
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Cup Size: 2.5 x 1 inches
Keliwa’s Muffin pan is the best silicone-based pan featured on our list. There are many benefits of silicone pans over their metallic rivals.
The silicone used on Keliwa’s pan is food grade and FDA-approved. It is safe for use with food. The material also makes this pan safe to use in the freezer and microwave, a capability lacking in its metallic rivals.
This pan will easily withstand the temperature of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It is essentially built to last a lifetime.
You don’t need muffin wrapper or cooking spray for this pan as releasing the baked goods. As the silicone is flexible, simply pop them out, and they’ll release with ease.
It is also the silicone material that makes the pan easiest to store. Once you have cleaned it, you can fold it for storage. Folding won’t damage it because the pan easily unfolds into its original shape.
Keliwa’s silicone build may pose a legitimate challenge to its metallic rivals, but the material may be too flexible for the preference of some, making it for uncomfortable handling.
Pros:
- Superior silicon build
- Safe for freezer and microwave use
- Withstands high temperatures
- Flexible and foldable for easy storage
Cons:
- Too much flexibility may make handling uncomfortable
5. Rachael Ray 54075 – Best Quality Muffin Pan
Photo: Rachael Ray
- Material: Steel
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Cup Size: 3 x 1 in.
Rachael Ray 54075 is a premium muffin pan of exceptional build quality and ergonomics. Unlike many others on the list, it comes with grippy silicone handles with a heat resistance of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
These extra-wide handles are user-friendly and are easy to grip even with oversized potholders. You don’t have to worry about your hands touching the hot pan surface after a successful muffin bake.
The pan is made of premium heavy gauge steel for maximum durability and toughness. This material construction also enhances the pan’s warp resistance.
Both its interior and exterior surfaces are non-stick for easy release and cleaning. Rated as dishwasher safe by Rachael Ray, cleaning the pan is fast and simple.
Although Rachael Ray 54075’s premium build makes it a high-quality muffin pan, its steel material makes it unsafe for microwaves and freezers. However, this deficit may not be a big deal as many users just need the pan to bake muffins.
Pros:
- Premium build quality and ergonomics
- Grippy silicone handle
- Premium steel construction for durability
- Non-stick interior and exterior surfaces
Cons:
- Unsafe for the microwave and freezer
6. OXO 11160500 – Best Non-stick Muffin Pan
Photo: OXO
- Material: Aluminized steel
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Cup Size: 2.5 x 1 inches
The OXO 11160500 is a premium muffin pan that boasts of even baking and easy release of baked goods from its wells.
This capability is made possible by the pan’s micro-textured non-stick surface, which allows for easy release and minimal contact with the baked goods.
It is made of heavy-gauge aluminized steel, which is famed for its superior heat distribution.
A dual-layer, Swiss-engineered ceramic-reinforced coating ensures easy food release while protecting the pan from corrosion, scratching, or staining.
Secure gripping of the pan is enhanced by its square-rolled edges, which also provide extra strength when handling it. The feature makes transferring the pan to and from the oven an easy task.
Even though the OXO 11160500 is the best for even baking, a notable downside is that it is not dishwasher safe. You will need to hand-wash the pan during cleaning.
Pros:
- Two-layer coating for easy food release
- A micro-textured pattern for minimal surface contact
- Square-rolled edges for extra strength and grip
- Resistant to scratches, stains, and corrosion
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
7. OvenArt 12-Cup – Quality Silicone Muffin Pan
Photo: OvenArt
- Material: Silicone
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Cup Size: 2.75 x 1 inches
OvenArt 12-Cup muffin pan is a top-quality pan on our list. It is made of premium BPA-free silicone, which is filler-free.
The material serves as a superior non-stick surface, which eliminates the need for chemical coatings on your pan. Also, it can withstand temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
Another reason you’ll love this pan is that its material makes it freezer, oven, and microwave safe. This is an option not possible with metallic muffin pans.
Releasing baked muffins from this pan is bliss. You simply pop them out because of the silicone’s flexibility. What more, it produces great-tasting muffins.
The pan is durable, but to eliminate any doubt, it comes with OvenArt “Better Bake” Guarantee, which has lifetime assurance against product defects and other risks.
Although OvenArt 12-Cup is a leader in silicone muffin pans, some users may find it floppy especially when fully loaded, because of its material flexibility.
Pros:
- Premium non-stick silicone
- No need for chemical coatings on the pan
- Freezer, oven, and microwave safe
- Easy release through popping
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee
Cons:
- Can be floppy when fully loaded
8. Nordic 45500AMZ – Best Aluminum Muffin Pan
Photo: Nordic
- Material: Aluminum
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Cup Size: 2.5 x 1.25 in
Nordic 45500AMZ is the only pure aluminum muffin pan that made it on our list emphasizing its superiority in this class of materials.
Made of pure aluminum, the commercial-grade pan promises lifetime rust-free durability. Aluminum’s exceptional heat conductivity capacity guarantees even baking on the inside and outside your muffins.
The absence of a non-stick surface does make the task of cleaning faster and more effective, and on the bright side, you never have to worry about the peeling of the layer with repeated usage.
Although Nordic 45500AMZ is the best aluminum pan on our list, it has two notable drawbacks. First, it lacks a non-stick coating like that of steel pans. Second, it can be washed only by hand; it is not dishwasher safe.
Its lack of non-stick surface does not mean the pan is a baking menace. Using a little non-stick cooking spray before adding the batter does the trick.
Pros:
- Rust-free pure aluminum
- Lifetime durability
- Superior heat conductivity for even baking
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Lacks a non-stick surface
- Not dishwasher safe
9. Wilton 2105-6789 – Easy Grip Muffin Pan
Photo: Wilton
- Material: Steel
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Cup Size: 2 x 1.25 inches
Wilton 2105-6789 is designed for efficient and comfortable handling alongside the many other benefits that come with a non-stick steel muffin pan.
Ease of handling is made possible by oversized handles that maximize grip. You won’t struggle to transfer the pan to and from the oven especially when it is fully loaded.
The pan is safe to clean in the dishwasher, but to extend its longevity and preserve its quality, it is recommended that you hand-wash it using warm, soapy water.
It is offered with a 10-year limited warranty, which gives you confidence in the pan’s durability.
Although the Wilton 2105-6789 offers an easier and better grip with its oversized handles, the pan’s side lack holes, which are necessary if your preferred mode of storage is hanging.
Pros:
- Oversized handles for maximum grip
- Comfortable in the hands
- Dishwasher safe for fast and easy cleaning
Cons:
- Lacks holes on the sides for hanging
10. Anolon 57036 – Best Cupcake Cup
Photo: Anolon
- Material: Steel
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Cup Size: 2.5 x 1.25 inches
Anolon 57036 is the only bronze-colored muffin pan on our list, and rightfully so because it is also the most ergonomic with its wide rim and superior Anolon SureGrip handles.
The SureGrip handle is especially unique and not seen in any of the other pans reviewed. Its edges feature a wide rim on which the rubber grips are attached along its widths.
Beneath the bronze color coating is a heavy-duty steel construction, which can accommodate temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius). The premium construction also ensures even heat distribution when baking, all that while enhancing warp resistance.
The bronze finish is not just for aesthetics. You can count on its warm color to promote even browning of your muffins.
Although the Anolon 57036 is the only premium bronze-colored heavy-duty muffin pan, its recommended mode of cleaning is handwashing. It also lacks holes on the side, which enable hanging for storage.
Pros:
- Ergonomic with SureGrip Handle
- Wide rim accommodates grips
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Warp resistance
- Even heat distribution
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
- Lacks hanging holes on the sides
How to Buy the Best Muffin Pan
Photo: Nordic
1. Material
Material, is arguably, the most important deciding factor when buying a muffin pan. The main build material determines the pan’s heat conductivity, non-stick capability, and even ease of cleaning.
The most common materials used for making muffin pans include heavy-gauge aluminized steel, and stainless steel, and non-stick silicone.
Aluminized steel
The most common and preferred material used to make muffin pans is heavy-gauge aluminized steel.
It is popular for its superiority in heat conduction, which ensures that your muffins cook evenly both on the outside and inside.
The material also enhances warping resistance thus ensuring the pan’s longevity.
Aluminum
Aluminum is preferred for superior heat conductivity, which promotes the even baking of your muffins. The material is also rust-free, and easy to clean.
It is also shiny meaning it adds some degree of vibrancy to your kitchen especially if there are other utensils with a similar material.
Non-stick Silicone
Silicone is another popular muffin pan material. It is preferred for its impressive heat resistance and the fact that it is safe for use in microwaves and freezers.
The material is also highly flexible and this property comes in handy when storing it because it is easily foldable. When you want to use it, it unfolds to its original shape naturally.
2. Capacity
You probably went a muffin pan with a decent enough capacity so that you don’t have to make several trips to the oven as the unbaked batter sits by. You also don’t want to be making 10 muffins on a commercial-grade pan of 24 cups.
Standard pans come with a 12-wells (cup) capacity, which is adequate for everyday home use. Some boast of up to 24 cups on them. Obviously, the size of the pan increases in proportion to the number of cups.
If you prefer a pan with fewer cups to make muffin top, for instance, there are many quality options available as well.
3. Size and Shape
Most muffin pans have a regular rectangular shape, with round wells (cups) occupying the inner surface. The muffin batter is placed in the wells for baking in the oven.
Ideal muffin cups should have an outer diameter of about 2.5 inches, which reduces evenly towards the base. A depth of 1 inch is adequate for standard muffins.
Some muffin brands will make pans with cups slightly larger or smaller than the common dimensions.
The wells have a circular shape, which is synonymous with the muffin.
4. Pan Color
Color may seem like a trivial factor, but a fact unknown to many is that light-colored pans, for instance, can help with even muffin baking. This is an outcome all home bakers look forward to.
If you are looking for a pan that blends in with other kitchen tools and utensils, then the color becomes a decisive factor. For instance, an aluminum-finish pan is likely to blend in with other kinds of pans, pots, or dishes.
If you have bronze cooking pots, a muffin pan of similar color is a welcome addition to the kitchen’s vibrancy.
Conclusion
It is clear that making the perfect muffin and even cupcakes require a quality muffin pan.
Buying the perfect pan should now be a stress-free process as our guide covers all the important factors you need to consider before making the purchase.
Pan material is a big deal, and while aluminized steel is a top choice, silicone and aluminum are equally effective and durable. Silicone is in fact, freezer and microwave safe.
You can’t go wrong with non-stick surfaces on your pans. Also, if you can get one with rubber grip handles, the better.
Whatever your preferences are, our top 10 muffin pan review is your ideal buying companion.