The best muffin pan is an essential piece of kit if you love baking.
This type of pan works well for cupcakes, muffins, and other small baked treats.
The problem is, finding the best pan for baking muffins can be confusing. With so much similar bakeware on the market, online and offline, analysis paralysis can set in.
That’s where we come in. We review a variety of muffin pans so you can easily compare them like-for-like, and we’ll also throw in a handy buying guide highlighting:
- Why do you need a muffin pan
- How to choose the best plan for your needs
- What the best muffin pans are made of
Now, let’s launch right into our reviews so you can find the best pan the easy way.
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I. Our Top Picks for Muffin Pans
| Products & Features | Image & Price |
|---|---|
1. Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Muffin Pan |  |
2. USA Pan Bakeware Cupcake and Muffin Pan |  |
3. OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Muffin Pan |  |
4. Keliwa's 12 Cup Silicone Muffin Cupcake Baking Pan |  |
5. OvenArt Bakeware 12 Cup European LFGB Silicone Muffin Pan |  |
6. Wilton Non-Stick Mini Muffin and Cupcake Pan |  |
| 8. Rachael Ray Nonstick Bakeware 12-Cup Muffin Tin |  |
| 10. AmazonBasics Nonstick Carbon Steel Muffin Pan |  |
| 7. Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick 6 Cup Jumbo Muffin Pan |  |
| 9. Wilton Non-Stick Bakeware Muffin Top Baking Pan |  |
II. Why Do I Need a Muffin Pan?
Muffin pans are a staple in every bakery and most kitchen cupboards.
Whether you’re a home cook or a baker and regardless of skill level, using muffin pans takes the guesswork out of forming perfectly shaped muffins and cupcakes.
Beyond baking muffins and cupcakes, there’s much more you can whip up in these versatile pans. From mini pizzas and quiches through to tarts and an assortment of finger food, imagination is your only limitation.
You find muffin pans in 4 main sizes:
- Standard: A standard muffin pan has cups with a capacity of 3.5 oz. This is the rough equivalent of a half cup of batter. These regular muffin pans usually hold 12 cups.
- Mini: Mini muffin pans have capacities between 0.125 oz and 0.25 oz. These work well if you’re cooking for kids or anyone on a diet. The average mini muffin pan has 24 cups.
- Jumbo: The cups in jumbo muffin pans hold up to a cup of batter. Capacity varies from pan to pan. This is the type of pan you’d find in a bakery. Jumbo muffin pans have only 3 or 4 large cups.
- Muffin top: The muffin top has shallow cups designed to produce muffin tops just the way you like them
So, do muffins pans come in handy for more than forming the shape of your muffins?
They certainly do! The structure of the cups keeps the muffins intact, especially if the pan is aluminum, thanks to the first-class heat distribution.
Silicon, ceramic, and other non-stick muffin pans make it super simple to pop your muffins out.
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III. What’s the Best Material for a Muffin Pan?
You can pick up muffin tins made from many different materials.
As mentioned, aluminum trays make a neat fit due to enviable heat absorption. This translates into even heat distribution and perfectly baked goods every time. On the flip side, aluminum pans tend to be flimsy. They can also warp at high temperatures.
Silicon muffin pans have become increasingly popular lately due to the flexible, lightweight material and the ability to pop your muffins out with ease. But, unfortunately, these pans are not so efficient at heating and can yield misshapen muffins.
Carbon-steel muffin pans are light yet durable. This type of pan is also naturally non-stick, making it easier to clean.
Finally, ceramic muffin pans make an eco-friendly option. These pans are naturally non-stick, too. Eliminate the need for paper liners or grease cups with these sustainable pans, even if you need to dig deep for the privilege.
OK, let’s push ahead with the main event and our curated list of the top 10 muffin pans.
IV. Top 10 Best Muffin Pans
1. Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Muffin Pan
First up is this Wilton muffin pan with a steel build rugged enough to last for years.
This 24-cup baking pan is ideal for your everyday baking needs. Since the pan is nonstick, you can confidently use less oil when baking. Do your waistline a favor and sidestep foods debris splattered everywhere.
Although dishwasher-friendly, for best results, you should wash this tin in warm, soapy water before and after every use.
The Wilton should be high on any shortlist for a non-stick pan that allows you to slide your muffins out with ease.
- Durable steel construction
- Highly effective non-slip coating
- Lengthy 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Non-stick coating degrades gradually
2. USA Pan Bakeware Cupcake and Muffin Pan
Another effective pan for baking perfect cupcakes and muffins comes from USA Pan.
The aluminized steel surface makes this pan tin highly resilient to impact or the pressure created during baking.
The surface of this muffin pan is fluted to enhance the taste and the texture of your cookies.
Highly non-stick due to the Americoat Plus silicone coating, watch your bakeware glide from pan to plate with no time-consuming clean-up to worry about.
- Stellar build quality and impressive lifespan
- The non-stick coating couldn’t be easier to clean
- Lifetime warranty for total peace of mind
Cons
- It can become sticky over time
3. OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Muffin Pan
The Oxo Good Grips baking set includes a non-stick pro muffin pan ideal for beginner and professional bakers alike.
Made from aluminized steel, you get remarkably durable bakeware that encourages even heat distribution and reliable results whether you’re baking muffins, cupcakes, or quiche.
The dual-layered ceramic coating ensures none of your baked goods get stuck to the tray. But, despite the efficiency of the non-stick treatment, it’s free of all contaminants and doesn’t taint the taste of your food either.
The micro-textured pattern and square-rolled edges further enhance even cooking and make pan handling safer and easier.
- Aluminized steel built to stay the distance
- Dual-layered non-stick coating
- Allows air to circulate efficiently
Cons
- Pan will warp after regular exposure to intensive heat
4. Keliwa’s 12 Cup Silicone Muffin Cupcake Baking Pan
This traditional metal Keliwa Muffin Baking Pan is finished in bright red to inject a dose of fun into the kitchen.
The Keliwa is safe to pop in both the microwave and the dishwasher. This makes it a great choice for racking up muffins, oatmeal cookies, and other baked goodies.
Safety extends to the silicone coating that comes FDA-approved. This is designed to ensure your baked goods come sliding off the tray fuss-free. You’ll also find their form is ideally maintained.
Cleaning this pan couldn’t be easier. It’s stain-proof, doesn’t hold in too much smell, and is safe to wash by hand or in the dishwasher. As a crowning glory, this pan is so cheap you’ll scarcely believe it with no dip in quality.
- Traditional design in cool colorways
- Microwave-safe and dishwasher-friendly
- Materials approved by FDA
Cons
- A few complaints about the lifespan
5. OvenArt Bakeware 12 Cup European LFGB Silicone Muffin Pan
The scarlet shade of this Ovenart Muffin Pan makes a striking statement.
Made from a rare type of silicone called European LFGB Silicone, this pan is designed to withstand heat pressure for years on end. There’s no filler either, so you get a natural non-stick coating.
You can pop this pan in the oven, microwave, and dishwasher, so you have all bases covered.
- Non-stick coating that’s a joy to clean
- Safe in the dishwasher, oven, microwave, and freezer
- Should give you years of faithful service
Cons
- Flimsy, according to some customer reviews
6. Wilton Non-Stick Mini Muffin and Cupcake Pan
This highly affordable muffin pan from Wilton is part of their Perfect Results Bakeware Line, and it’s designed for daily use.
With a hard cold-rolled steel build, pay less and get more with the Wilton Non-Stick Muffin Pan. The cooking surface is non-stick.
This 24-cup pan allows you to create a batch of treats in a single baking session, saving you time and effort.
The wide handles on the side help streamline safe handling and easy retrieval from the oven.
- 24-cup capacity ideal for baking large batches
- Dishwasher-friendly, so no tasky clean-up
- Easy to handle yet sturdy enough to last the course
Cons
- A reputation for rusting over time
7. Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick 6 Cup Jumbo Muffin Pan
One of the finest lines of Wilton is its Recipe Right range. In this set of bakeware, you can find a twin jumbo muffin pan at a pocket-friendly price.
Despite the budget pricing, these 6-cup muffin pans are sturdy and resistant to both heat and impact.
100% non-stick, bake with confidence, leaving no mess behind. Blitz any remaining grime in the dishwasher if you don’t like doing the dishes.
Elongated handles help you to keep a tight grip, as you expect from all Wilton bakeware.
- Wide handles for great maneuverability
- Dishwasher-friendly, so no nightmare clean-up
- Efficient non-stick treatment
Cons
- Dimensions stated in the product listing are incorrect
8. Rachael Ray Nonstick Bakeware 12-Cup Muffin Tin
Celebroty chef Rachael Ray serves up a superb non-stick muffin pan in four commanding colorways.
The primary benefit of Rachael Ray bakeware is its versatility. You can bake, roast, or brown using these trays.
Warp-resistant and designed for sustained use at high temperatures, the extra-wide handles boast silicone grips, and the whole thing is a cinch to wash. What’s not to love?
- Entirely non-stick
- Oven-safe with strong steel build
- Wider grip for ease of handling
Cons
- It costs more than similar pans
9. Wilton Non-Stick Bakeware Muffin Top Baking Pan
As we edge to the end of our muffin pan reviews, we have a 12-cup variant, again from Wilton.
Another multipurpose gem, whip-up muffins, muffin tops, cookies, cupcakes, brownies. And much more without breaking a sweat. Sweet treats. Why not get even more ambitious and branch out into snacks like hamburger buns, egg sandwiches, or mini taco shells.
Nonstick, long-lasting, and easy to clean, this pan is crowned by a limited 10-year warranty.
- Easy to clean by hand or in dishwasher
- Wide handles for ease of loading and unloading
- Great value with a long guarantee
Cons
- Bends after repeated use
10. AmazonBasics Nonstick Carbon Steel Muffin Pan
Why not invest in this AmazonBasics Carbon Steel Muffin Pan if you love preparing sweet muffins or cupcakes?
Get two muffin pans for the price of one at a rock-bottom price without compromising quality.
The durable carbon-steel base and non-stick coating give you everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Safe to use in ovens to 50oF, you’ll get a 1-year warranty giving at least some security at the point of purchase.
- Rugged carbon-steel body
- Pop in the oven at high temperatures
- Buy one, get one free!
Cons
- Hand wash only and not dishwasher-friendly
Now, with our muffin pan reviews wrapped, it’s time to push on with what you should look out for on the buying trail.
V. What to Look for When Buying a Muffin Pan
Muffin pans make for a quick and easy way of creating a variety of small baked goods. From muffins and cookies to brownies and cupcakes, you’re spoiled for choice with sweets. However, if you prefer savory snacks, you can make anything from pizzas to quiches and more in these pans.
It might seem like the easiest buying decision in the world, but if you focus on the following elements, you’ll find the right pan for you the easy way:
- Size
- Material
- Color
- Extra Features
Size
Muffin pans come in all shapes and sizes. The usual capacity is between 12 and 24 muffins, with each cup measuring 3.5 oz.
Muffin Pan Material
The type of material plays a part in the muffin’s size, shape, texture, and taste. To get the best results, make sure the pan you are using conducts heat efficiently. This will ensure your food is evenly cooked throughout.
Aluminum makes a neat fit as it’s lightweight yet durable while also conducting heat well. The drawback is that high temperatures cause these pans to warp and bend.
Make certain the baking pan has a non-stick surface. With this, you’re assured that the muffins will retain their shape during and after the baking process. There are some naturally non-stick pans made from silicon or carbon steel. The best coatings for this purpose are Teflon, ceramic, or superhydrophobic.
Color
Another factor to consider is the color of the muffin pan. Again, this plays a bigger part than aesthetics since color can impact the look and taste of your muffins.
Dark pans absorb more heat resulting in darker, wider muffins with crusts on their sides.
Light-colored pans, by contrast, give you a light, round, and more uniform result. You won’t get the same amount of crust with pale pans.
Extra Features
Some muffin pans also offer useful extra features.
The main add-on that helps is a wide and ergonomic pair of handles.
It’s also useful to find pans that are safe to slide in the dishwasher, oven, and microwave. Some pans are also OK to freeze.
VI. How to Clean a Muffin Pan
However durable your muffin pan appears, you should properly maintain it.
Before washing the pan, first, determine what kind of material it is made of. Then, wash non-stick pans immediately after use to prevent the coating from breaking down.
If the pan you choose is not dishwasher safe, it will need special care. Just use a mild detergent, some hot water, and a soft sponge or brush.
When deep-cleaning the tin, avoid harsh, damaging chemicals. Instead, use baking soda, mild soap, and some water to wash out the grease and residue from your pan.
To do this, pre-heat your oven to 350F. While you’re waiting, mix 2 tbsp of baking soda into a quart of warm water. Shake the container until all the baking soda is dissolved. Pour this mixture into your pan, making sure to cover the cups and the pan itself. Next, pop the pan in the oven for about 20 minutes. Allow it to cool down.
Using a nylon bristle brush or stiff sponge, scrub away any remaining debris with warm, soapy water. You can use a bit of dish soap for any stubborn mess and allow it to soak for 10 minutes.
Make sure to rinse the muffin pan thoroughly and dry it when you’re done. Then, store it in a cool, safe space.
Aside from this, avoid using steel spoons, or you’ll scratch the pan. Wooden spoons are ideal.
Also, never store food in the muffin pan. Chemicals can leach out from the food and into the pan.
VII. Conclusion
Referring to this guide, we’re hoping you’re able to choose a muffin pan. Again, select based on factors like material, color, size, and extra features, to name some. From there, compare your options in the reviews section with the most standout items in the category are.
Now, you can try to create different baked goodies with your new muffin pan. You don’t need to be an expert baker to create delectable and yummy deserts and cupcakes for your family. All you need are baking skills and good equipment like a good muffin pan. So start baking your family’s favorite treats at home with the best muffin pan today!
