Muffin pans are a must-have in any kitchen, but a bad muffin pan can quickly turn a fun baking session into a stressful one. So, what makes a good muffin pan?
First, you'll want to consider the material. Muffin pans are typically made from stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel, or silicone. Metal is a great conductor of heat, so it's a good idea to opt for a pan made from one of these materials if you want your muffins to bake evenly. Silicone, on the other hand, is a poor conductor of heat, so your muffins might take longer to bake and won't form a golden crust.
Next, think about the size. Muffin pans come in a variety of sizes, from mini to standard to jumbo. Consider what you'll be baking the most and how many you'll want to make at once.
Finally, look for a pan with a non-stick coating. This will make it easier to remove your muffins from the pan and will also make cleanup a breeze.
Some of the best non-stick muffin pans on the market include the USA Pan Nonstick Muffin Pan, the OXO Non-Stick Pro Muffin Pan, and the Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Muffin Pan. These pans offer even heating, easy food release, and simple cleanup, making them great choices for any home baker.
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Best non-stick muffin pans for even browning
Muffin pans are a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to bake cupcakes, muffins, egg cups, and more. When shopping for a muffin pan, it is important to consider the size, material, and special features such as non-stick finish and easy release. Here are some of the best non-stick muffin pans for even browning:
USA Pan Nonstick Muffin Pan
This muffin pan has a non-stick silicone coating that allows for even heat dispersal, resulting in perfectly risen and browned bakes. The inner core is made of steel for good heat retention and is coated in a layer of corrosion-resistant aluminum. The silicone coating provides a non-stick surface that makes it easy to remove baked goods from the pan. It is important to note that the silicone coating cannot be sprayed with oil and must be hand-washed. This muffin pan performed well in testing, with cupcakes, muffins, and mini-frittatas browning and cooking evenly.
Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Muffin Pan
This muffin pan is made of aluminized steel and has a non-stick coating. It performed well in testing, producing even bakes with good browning on the tops of muffins and cupcakes without overcooking the bottom. The main issue with this pan is that it can be difficult to clean as there is a small ridge between each cup and the main body of the pan that can trap crumbs and require scrubbing.
Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Muffin Tin
This inexpensive muffin pan has an effective non-stick coating, allowing for easy removal of baked goods. It also has silicone grips on either end that provide a secure hold and are oven-safe up to 500°F. The cups on this pan are comparatively small and prone to overflow, so it is important to adjust your fill level accordingly.
Le Creuset Muffin Pan
This heavy-duty muffin pan is well-designed and built to last. It has a dark non-stick coating that produces evenly browned baked goods. The silicone handles make it easy to transfer between the oven and countertop. The cups on this pan are small and prone to overflow, but it has a raised rim that contains spills inside the pan.
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro 12 Cup Muffin Pan
This muffin pan has a golden non-stick finish that promotes even browning and prevents the formation of an overly thick dark crust. It has a wide rim on all sides that makes it easy to grasp and maneuver. The non-stick surface also makes it easy to clean.
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Best non-stick pans for ease of cleaning
Muffin pans are a versatile kitchen tool, perfect for baking cupcakes, muffins, egg cups, and even savoury dishes like mini lasagna cups and hash brown mac and cheese cups. The best non-stick muffin pans offer ease of cleaning, durability, and even baking. Here are some of the best non-stick pans for ease of cleaning:
USA Pan Nonstick Muffin Pan
This pan is made of aluminized steel with a nonstick silicone coating, which makes it a breeze to clean. The silicone coating ensures that your baked goods slide right out, with no sticking or breakage. While it is not dishwasher-safe and requires hand-washing, the nonstick surface makes cleanup a breeze. This pan also has a textured, grippy surface, making it easy to handle and manoeuvre. It performs well in various oven types, from traditional to countertop to convection, delivering consistent results.
Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Muffin Tin
This inexpensive muffin pan features an impressive nonstick coating, allowing your baked goods to slide out effortlessly. The silicone grips on either end provide a secure hold when handling the pan, and they are oven-safe up to 500°F. While the cups are on the smaller side, which may require adjusting your fill level, the pan is easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, although hand-washing is recommended.
Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Muffin Pan
This aluminized steel muffin pan with a nonstick coating delivers even bakes and good browning without overcooking. While it is slightly more expensive and the cup design can trap crumbs, requiring some extra scrubbing, it is a durable and functional option. It is also dishwasher-safe, although hand-washing is recommended to prolong the life of the nonstick coating.
OXO Non-Stick Pro Muffin Pan
The OXO Non-Stick Pro Muffin Pan is a great choice if you're looking for ease of cleaning. Its nonstick surface releases cupcakes, muffins, and frittatas easily and makes cleanup a breeze. The pan has a textured, grippy surface and a thick rim, making it comfortable to grip and manoeuvre, even with oven mitts. While it is dishwasher-safe, some crumbs may get trapped in the thin crevice between the muffin cup and the top of the pan, so hand-washing is recommended.
Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Bakeware Muffin Pan
If you're looking for an affordable option that's easy to clean, the Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Muffin Pan is a great choice. This lightweight pan is dishwasher-safe and produces evenly browned baked goods. While it may not be as durable as some of the other options, it is a good value for the price.
When choosing a muffin pan, consider the material, size, and ease of cleaning. Non-stick pans with a silicone or ceramic coating are generally easier to clean, but always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to prolong the life of your pan.
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Best non-stick pans for durability
Muffin pans are typically made from stainless steel, aluminum, silicone, or carbon steel. Metal conducts heat well and promotes even browning, a nice rise, and easy release. The USA Pan Nonstick Muffin Pan is a great option for durability. It has a sturdy and durable design, with an eco-friendly, non-stick coating that is PTFE, PFOA, and BPA-free. The pan's textured border provides a grippy, non-slip surface, and the medium-sized cups (100 millilitres) make it versatile for most recipes. The pan performed well in tests, with cupcakes, muffins, and frittatas releasing with ease and browning evenly. It also has a lifetime guarantee.
The OXO Non-Stick Pro 12-Cup Muffin Pan is another durable option. It has a wide rim and a textured, grippy surface, making it easy to grab and move in and out of the oven. The light gold non-stick coating releases cupcakes, muffins, and frittatas easily and browns evenly. The pan is dishwasher-safe, although hand-washing is recommended.
The Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Muffin Pan is a sturdy, aluminized steel pan with a gold-toned non-stick finish. It has a wide rim, providing a good grip for easy handling. The pan performed very well in tests, but it is pricier than other options.
The Anolon Advanced Nonstick 12-Cup Muffin Tin is a heavy-duty pan with thick silicone handles, making it comfortable to grasp. It performed well in tests, producing evenly browned and perfectly cooked muffins, cupcakes, and popovers. The non-stick finish makes it easy to clean, although hand-washing is recommended.
The Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Muffin Tin is an inexpensive and durable option. It has an effective non-stick coating, and the silicone grips are oven-safe up to 500°F. However, the cups are comparatively small and prone to overflow.
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Best non-stick pans for value for money
Muffin pans are a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to bake not just muffins but also cupcakes, mini pies, dinner rolls, and appetizers. They are also handy for making smaller portions for meal prep and children.
When it comes to finding the best non-stick muffin pans for value for money, here are some top recommendations:
USA Pan Nonstick Muffin Pan
This muffin pan is a great option and offers good value for money. It is made of aluminized steel with a nonstick silicone coating, which allows for even heat distribution and easy food release. The standard-sized muffin cups (approximately 100 milliliters) ensure that your muffins, cupcakes, and frittatas bake evenly and release easily. The pan's textured border provides a good grip, making it easier to handle. While it is not dishwasher-safe and requires hand-washing, the nonstick surface makes cleanup a breeze. It is also available at a reasonable price, usually ranging from $21 to $32.
Wilton Nonstick Muffin Pan
If you're looking for an affordable and reliable non-stick muffin pan, the Wilton Nonstick Muffin Pan is an excellent choice. This pan performs well and is dishwasher-safe, although hand-washing is recommended to prolong its non-stick properties. It has a reinforced non-stick coating, allowing for easy food release. The pan is sturdy and heavyweight, ensuring durability. It typically costs around $15, making it a great budget-friendly option.
Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Muffin Tin
The Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Muffin Tin is another fantastic option for those seeking value for money. This pan features an effective non-stick coating, ensuring that your baked goods slide right out without any breakage. The silicone grips on either end provide a secure hold, and they are oven-safe up to 500°F. While the cups are comparatively smaller and prone to overflow, this pan delivers even cooking and is usually priced at an affordable $17 to $20.
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro 12-Cup Muffin Pan
The OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Muffin Pan is a fantastic choice for those seeking a user-friendly and efficient non-stick muffin pan. Its light gold non-stick coating promotes even browning and prevents the formation of an overly thick dark crust. The pan has a wide rim, making it easy to grasp and maneuver, even with oven mitts. It is also dishwasher-safe, although hand-washing is recommended. This pan typically costs around $19 to $28, making it a great option for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.
These muffin pans offer excellent non-stick properties, ensuring that your baked goods release easily and cleanup is a breeze. They are also durable and provide even heat distribution, making them a fantastic choice for anyone looking for value for money.
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Best non-stick pans for ease of handling
Muffin pans are a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to bake not just muffins but also cupcakes, egg cups, and even meatballs. When looking for the best non-stick pans for ease of handling, there are several features to consider:
- Size and capacity: Standard muffin pans typically have 12 cups, but you can also find mini or jumbo sizes. The cup capacity also varies, with "standard" muffin cups ranging from 82 to 112 milliliters. A medium-sized cup of about 100 milliliters is recommended, as most recipes are designed for this size.
- Material: Non-stick muffin pans are usually made from metal with a non-stick coating, such as steel, aluminum, or carbon steel. Silicone pans are also available but may not conduct heat as effectively as metal pans.
- Ease of handling and storage: Wider side handles and a larger rim make it easier to grip the pan with oven mitts and manoeuvre it in and out of the oven. A pan with a larger rim will also take up more storage space.
- Ease of cleaning: Most non-stick pans are hand-wash only, but some are dishwasher-safe. Even if a pan is dishwasher-safe, hand-washing with mild soap and a soft sponge is recommended to prolong the non-stick coating.
- OXO Non-Stick Pro 12-Cup Muffin Pan: This pan features an extra-large rim, wide borders, and a textured, grippy surface, making it easy to grip and manoeuvre. The light gold-coloured non-stick coating releases cupcakes, muffins, and frittatas easily and browns them evenly. While the pan is dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is recommended due to a thin crevice between the muffin cup and the top of the pan that can trap crumbs.
- USA Pan Nonstick Muffin Pan: This sturdy and durable pan has a medium-sized cup of 100 milliliters, making it versatile for most recipes. It produces evenly browned and well-risen cupcakes, muffins, and frittatas. The slick non-stick coating makes food removal and cleanup simple, although cooking spray is not recommended due to the silicone coating. This pan is hand-wash only.
- Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Muffin Pan: This pan has a similar aluminized steel material and non-stick coating as the USA Pan, performing well in baking tests. It produces evenly browned and well-risen muffins and cupcakes, although it is slightly more expensive and the cup design can trap crumbs, requiring some scrubbing.
- Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Muffin Tin: This inexpensive pan has an effective non-stick coating, with cupcakes, muffins, and mini frittatas sliding out easily. It also features silicone grips on either end, providing a secure hold when handling the pan. However, the individual muffin cups are comparatively small and prone to overflow.
- Le Creuset Muffin Pan: This heavy-duty pan is well-designed and features silicone handles on both sides for easy transfer between the oven and countertop. The dark non-stick coating may bake recipes quicker than expected, and the small cups could be prone to overflow.
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Frequently asked questions
The best non-stick muffin pan is the USA Pan Nonstick Muffin Pan. It is made of aluminized steel with a nonstick silicone coating, which makes for easy cleanup and removal of baked goods. It also has a grippy, textured border, and bakes goods evenly.
The best budget non-stick muffin pan is the Wilton Nonstick Muffin Pan. It is a durable, heavyweight steel pan with a reinforced nonstick coating. It performs well without the use of liners and is dishwasher-safe, although hand-washing is recommended.
The best non-stick muffin pan for even browning is the OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro 12 Cup Muffin Pan. Its light gold nonstick coating prevents an overly thick dark crust from forming. It also has a wide rim for easy handling.
The best non-stick muffin pan for even baking is the Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Muffin Tin. It has an effective nonstick coating and provides even cooking. It is also dishwasher-safe, although hand-washing is recommended.