Baking Pan Sizes: Standard Measurements

Baking pans come in a variety of sizes, from round cake pans to loaf pans, and it's important to use the right size for your recipe to ensure the batter cooks evenly. The standard sizes for baking pans include the 9x13-inch rectangular pan, the 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch square pan, the 9-inch or 10-inch round cake pan, and the 9x5-inch loaf pan. These pans are commonly used for cakes, brownies, bars, pies, and bread.

9x13-inch baking pan

The 9x13-inch baking pan is a versatile kitchen essential, perfect for cooking large batches of food, from breakfasts to desserts. Its spacious dimensions make it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and baking chicken. It is also a handy dish for making casseroles or boxed-mix cakes.

When choosing a 9x13-inch baking pan, there are various materials to consider, each with its advantages. Porcelain, for example, is naturally nonstick, durable, and conducts heat evenly. It is also thermal-shock resistant, allowing for seamless transitions between the freezer and oven. However, metal utensils can scratch the porcelain finish. Glass pans, such as those made by Pyrex, are affordable, lightweight, and easy to grip, but they may not be thermal-shock resistant. Ceramic and stoneware options, like the Emile Henry and Staub baking dishes, offer excellent heat retention and are often dishwasher-safe, but they can be more expensive.

Some notable 9x13-inch baking pans include the Made In French Porcelain Rectangular Baking Dish, which is oven-safe up to 650°F and offers high walls for lasagnas and crumbles. The Pyrex 3-Quart Easy Grab Baking Pan is a budget-friendly option with oversized handles and a lid for convenient potluck transportation. For a colourful addition to your kitchen, the Caraway Rectangle Pan comes in marigold yellow, sage green, and a dusty rose shade called "perracotta." If you're seeking a retro look, the Great Jones Hot Dish features a funky, retro-inspired squiggle design and provides consistent heat distribution.

When selecting a 9x13-inch baking pan, consider factors such as handle size, weight, and storage. Additionally, some materials may be better suited for your specific cooking needs. For braising and roasting, heavier pans like stoneware or ceramic are ideal, while a simple metal or glass pan is sufficient for cakes and sweets.

8x8-inch square baking pan

An 8x8-inch square baking pan is a standard size for home cooks and is a must-have for any kitchen. It is the perfect size for making brownies, blondies, bars, and other baked goods. The capacity of this pan is 2.6 quarts, which is ideal for serving 2-4 people with leftovers or sharing with up to 16 guests.

This size is commonly used for desserts, but it can also be used for savoury dishes like cornbread or a small focaccia. The 8x8-inch square baking pan can also substitute a 9-inch round cake pan, a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or a deep-dish pie dish. It can also be used for halved recipes intended for larger, 9x13-inch rectangular baking dishes.

When measuring the dimensions of this pan, always measure inside edge to inside edge to ensure accuracy and exclude the thickness of the pan.

The OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro 9x9-inch pan is a popular choice for an 8x8-inch square baking pan, retailing at $19.

9x5-inch loaf pan

A 9x5-inch loaf pan is a standard size for a loaf pan, which is a versatile piece of bakeware that can be used for everything from pound cakes to banana bread, meatloaf, and yeast breads.

When choosing a 9x5-inch loaf pan, it is important to consider the material it is made of. Metal loaf pans, typically made of aluminium, stainless steel, or aluminized steel, are the most common type and are preferred by most bakers as they conduct heat quickly and easily, which helps to bake loaves evenly. Glass and ceramic loaf pans are also available and can double as small casserole or lasagna pans, but they may prolong the baking time as they act as insulators and hold onto heat longer than metal pans. Silicone loaf pans are another option, which is non-stick and provides more insulation than metal pans, but may buckle or bend under the weight of the contents.

Other features to consider when choosing a 9x5-inch loaf pan include the presence of handles, which can make it easier to grip and manoeuvre the pan, especially when wearing bulky oven mitts. Some loaf pans also have textured sides or bases that help conduct heat to the bread by providing more surface area. Additionally, there are loaf pans with removable bases, which are useful for baking things like meatloaf, and pans with lids, which are ideal for baking square loaves of bread.

When measuring a 9x5-inch loaf pan, it is important to measure the inside edge-to-edge dimensions to ensure that the thickness of the pan is not included in the measurement. The depth of the pan can be measured by placing a ruler straight up from the bottom of the pan.

Some popular options for 9x5-inch loaf pans include the USA Pan Loaf Pan, the Good Cook Loaf Pan, and the Wilton Advance Select Premium Non-Stick Bread Loaf Pan.

18x13-inch half sheet pan

An 18x13-inch half sheet pan is a standard size for a baking pan. It is a versatile pan that can be used for a variety of dishes, from cakes and cupcakes to casseroles and sheet cakes. When substituting a different pan size in a recipe, it is important to consider the depth of the batter, as this will affect the baking time and temperature.

The 18x13-inch half sheet pan is made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. It is available in different colors, including silver, blue, and metallic. Some pans have a non-stick coating, while others are dishwasher-safe or freezer-safe. The height of the pan can also vary, with some having a height of 1 inch or 2 inches.

There are several brands that manufacture 18x13-inch half sheet pans, including Nordic Ware, KitchenAid, Winware, Wildone, and Blue Diamond. These pans can be purchased from various retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, and the price can range from $5 to $45.

When measuring the dimensions of the pan, it is important to measure from the inside edge to the inside edge to ensure accuracy. Additionally, when determining the volume of the pan, it is recommended to pour pre-measured water by the cupful until the pan is filled to the brim.

9-inch round cake pan

A 9-inch round cake pan is a versatile piece of bakeware that can be used for a variety of recipes, from cakes to tarts and casseroles. It is a standard size that can be easily found online or in stores, with popular brands including Wilton and USA Pan.

The 9-inch round cake pan typically has a depth of 2 inches, which is ideal for making layer cakes. The straight sides of the pan allow the batter to rise evenly, resulting in tall cake layers with clean, straight edges that are perfect for decorating.

When it comes to materials, aluminium is a popular choice due to its durability and even heat distribution. For example, the Wilton Performance Pans are made of anodized aluminium, which resists rust and ensures uniform baking. Similarly, the USA Pan 9-inch round cake pan is made of aluminized steel, the material of choice in commercial kitchens, which conducts heat evenly and efficiently.

To ensure the best results when using a 9-inch round cake pan, it is important to prepare the pan properly before baking. It is recommended to use a nonstick vegetable spray and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper for easy release. Additionally, it is important not to exceed a temperature of 450°F (230°C) as these pans conduct heat efficiently, which may require adjustments to time and temperature.

Overall, the 9-inch round cake pan is a valuable addition to any baker's kitchen, providing the perfect balance of versatility, durability, and performance.

Frequently asked questions