Whether you’re inspired by baking shows, experimenting with new recipes, or craving bite-size delights like chicken pot pies, a reliable muffin pan is a must. But which one should you choose? According to baking experts from Food and Meal, the best muffin pans are made of nonstick aluminum or aluminized steel. These materials ensure even baking and those coveted muffin tops we all love.
We tested 20 pans, baking muffins, mini frittatas, and cupcakes to determine their performance, durability, and ease of cleaning. Discover the top-performing muffin pans from our testing and learn about our rigorous process.
Things to Consider Before Buying Muffin Pans
| Best Material | Baking expert Florence Stanton recommends lightweight aluminum or aluminized steel for muffin pans, like our top choice, the USA Pan Bakeware Muffin Pan. Silicone pans offer flexibility and a non-stick surface for easier baking. |
| Nonstick vs. Uncoated | Nonstick pans ensure easy cleanup and even baking. Aluminum nonstick pans are durable and conduct heat effectively. Darker nonstick pans, such as the Great Jones Stud Muffin Pan, may cook faster. |
| Cup Count | Standard pans have 12 cups, jumbo pans have 6, and mini muffin cups come in 24-cup size. Choose according to your baking preferences. |
Best Muffin Pans of 2024
USA Pan Nonstick Muffin Pan
Muffin Cups: 12
Nonstick: Yes
Dishwasher Safe: No
Effortless nonstick removal
Easy to hand wash
Sturdy grip for removing from oven
Don't recommend using sharp metal utensils with this
After testing 20 muffin pans, the USA Pan Bakeware Muffin Pan emerged as the top choice. Crafted from durable aluminized steel, it resisted sticking and discoloration. The nonstick silicone coating made muffin removal easy. It performed well for cupcakes and mini frittatas too, with even cooking and easy release. While not dishwasher-safe, it cleaned easily. The textured surface and silicone coating provided a secure grip, and its quality justifies the price.
Great Jones Stud Muffin
Muffin Cups: 12
Nonstick: Yes
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Bakes evenly
Nonstick coating effectively prevents sticking
The Great Jones Stud Muffin Pan also caught our attention. Constructed from aluminized steel with a special ceramic coating, it promises even cooking and nonstick performance. Muffins and cupcakes rose perfectly and released effortlessly due to the slick coating.
With color options like royal blue and raspberry red, this pan adds a vibrant touch to your kitchen. Be mindful that darker colors can accelerate baking, but timing adjustments solve this. Cleaning the Stud Muffin was hassle-free, and it’s dishwasher-safe for convenience. Despite its higher price, the stylish design could make it a worthwhile investment.
Le Creuset Muffin Pan
Muffin Cups: 12
Nonstick: Yes
Dishwasher Safe: No
Effective stick-resistant coating
Grippy silicone handles
Not dishwasher-safe
Their premium muffin tin, crafted from durable carbon steel, features a nonstick coating for easy treat release. Muffins came out effortlessly. The dark material speeds up cooking a bit, but with proper timing, you’ll achieve perfectly browned results.
Silicone handles ensure a secure grip when moving the pan. Highly durable, the tin resisted damage even when scraped with a butter knife. Note that it’s not suitable for the dishwasher. While a few crumbs might get stuck, they’re easily removed with a quick hand wash.
Trudeau Structure Silicone Pro Standard Muffin Pan
Muffin Cups: 12
Nonstick: Yes
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Fluffy tops and golden edges
Easy to pop muffins out from base
Dishwasher safe
Silicone not quite as non-stick as aluminized steel
Silicone is gaining popularity in bakeware for its impressive heat tolerance and non-stick properties, reducing the need for excessive oil. The Trudeau Structure Pro caught our eye – it features a sturdy steel core wrapped in nonstick silicone for shape and ease. We found filling the cups a breeze, resulting in evenly risen muffins with delightful tops and golden undersides.
The silicone-bottomed cups make for easy muffin removal. It’s worth noting that the material doesn’t bake as swiftly as darker nonstick aluminum, so consider extending your timer slightly based on your recipe.
Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Nonstick Muffin Pan
Muffin Cups: 12
Nonstick: Yes
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Releases without sticking
Easy-to-grab rim
Dishwasher safe
Williams Sonoma has a remarkable offering in the realm of muffin tins. Crafted from aluminized steel and boasting a nonstick coating, this pan ensures even cooking and seamless release of perfectly golden creations. Our tests involving muffins, cupcakes, and mini frittatas validated its performance claims.
Though lacking silicone handles, the ample rim facilitates easy handling with oven mitts. While some debris and caramelized residue clung to crevices, a scrub was sufficient for cleaning. Additionally, this muffin tin is dishwasher-friendly. While it may be relatively pricey for a single pan, if your budget allows or you’re seeking a thoughtful gift, it’s a standout choice.
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro 12 Cup Muffin Pan
Muffin Cups: 12
Nonstick: Yes
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Large, textured rim makes it easy to grip
Dishwasher-safe
Not as non-stick as others we tested
When it comes to user-friendly baking tools, OXO takes the lead. Their Pro Muffin Pan, crafted from aluminized steel and coated with a nonstick ceramic layer, stands out. The well-proportioned cups and the sizeable, textured rim offer a secure grip when maneuvering the pan in and out of the oven. Our muffins and frittatas turned out perfectly – rising evenly, cooking uniformly, and easily releasing from the pan.
Though there were some crumbs and sugar residue post-baking, the crevices cleaned effortlessly without demanding any rigorous scrubbing. If you prefer, you can also toss it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. This muffin tin aced our durability test, showing no signs of scratches. The only minor concern might be its slightly larger size, which could pose storage challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the optimal material for muffin pans?
Metal stands as the most popular choice, prized for its effective heat conductivity and often finished with a nonstick coating. Opting for silicone pans, however, comes with the caveat that they might not distribute heat as efficiently as their metal counterparts. Nevertheless, they usually offer easier cleaning and can be conveniently stored in a fridge or freezer post-baking.
How should I clean a muffin pan?
Although many pans claim to be dishwasher-safe, manual hand washing is advisable. This approach allows for thorough removal of any lingering batter trapped in crevices, ultimately extending the life of the nonstick coating.
Do I need to grease a nonstick pan?
Yes, even when using nonstick pans, greasing remains a prudent step to prevent sticking. Various methods can be employed, including nonstick spray, oil, butter, foil, liners, or parchment paper. Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine the optimal greasing method.
I'm Kelly Atkinson, with a passion for dissecting the world of home goods. My reviews stem from thorough testing and a love for sharing detailed insights. Each piece I write offers a glimpse into my explorative journey, aiming to guide readers to informed choices with authenticity and precision, making every review a blend of exploration and expertise.
I'm Mark Zoch, a culinary expert, Production Manager at Hana Hotel Travel Company, and the proud founder of "The Dinner Dude." My journey, shaped by personal and familial health struggles, has also led me to become a renowned health coach in Houston, where I'm dedicated to transforming lives through tailored nutrition and wellness programs.