Baking Pan Sizes: What's The Largest?

Baking pans come in a variety of sizes, from small to jumbo, and the largest standard size is typically 17 x 14 inches, which is the maximum size that will fit in most home ovens. The most common large baking pan sizes are 9 x 13 inches and 18 x 13 inches, which are often used for cakes, brownies, bars, and more. Larger pans are useful for batch cooking, meal prepping, and feeding a crowd.

Loaf pans

Metal Loaf Pans

Metal, usually aluminium, stainless steel, or aluminized steel, is the most common material for loaf pans. Metal pans conduct heat efficiently, baking loaves evenly and resulting in a golden, even crust. They come in a variety of sizes, but the two most common are 9 x 5 inches and 8½ x 4½ inches. These pans are typically about 2½ inches high.

Metal loaf pans can be uncoated or coated with a non-stick material. Non-stick pans are convenient and easy to clean but can be damaged over time. Uncoated metal pans may require more preparation, such as greasing or lining with parchment paper, but they produce a superior crust.

Glass and Ceramic Loaf Pans

Glass and ceramic loaf pans are good insulators, which means they take longer to heat up and cool down. This can result in the loaf's edges cooking longer than the centre. These pans usually have rounded corners and edges, which is a matter of personal preference. While they are excellent for baking casseroles and lasagnas, they may not be the best choice for bread baking due to their insulation properties.

Silicone Loaf Pans

Silicone loaf pans are relatively new to the market and offer some unique advantages. They are non-stick, lightweight, and easy to clean. Silicone is also resistant to thermal shock, allowing you to go from oven to freezer without issue. However, they can buckle under the weight of the contents, especially on wire racks, and may not be as rigid as other materials. Additionally, silicone pans are only oven-safe up to a certain temperature, typically around 430 degrees Fahrenheit.

Choosing the Right Loaf Pan

When choosing a loaf pan, consider the material, size, and any additional features. The size of the pan is particularly important, as using a different-sized pan from what is specified in a recipe can affect the depth of the batter and, consequently, the baking time. It's best to use the recommended pan size based on your recipe.

Additionally, pay attention to the design features of the pan. Wider rims or handles can improve handling, especially when wearing bulky oven mitts. Textured sides or bases can enhance heat conduction, and some pans have removable bases or lids for specific baking needs, such as meatloaf or square sandwich loaves.

• Chicago Metallic Commercial II Traditional Uncoated Loaf Pan ($13) - This aluminized steel loaf pan is perfect for baking babka, banana bread, or sourdough. It features a reinforced rim and folded corners to prevent warping.
• Great Jones Breadwinner ($30) - A brightly coloured and thoughtfully designed loaf pan made of aluminized steel with a ceramic non-stick coating. It is scratch-resistant and produces evenly cooked and browned loaves.
• Hestan Provisions OvenBond Tri-ply 1-Pound Loaf Pan ($80) - A durable and classic-looking loaf pan that can bake bread, pound cake, or a veggie casserole. It has extra-wide side handles and a design that allows the loaf to slide out easily.
• OXO Good Grips Nonstick Pro Loaf Pan ($24) - A heavy-duty aluminized steel loaf pan with a rolled edge to prevent twisting or warping. It has excellent heat conduction, and the non-stick coating makes for easy cleanup.
• Trudeau Structure Silicone Pro Loaf Pan ($20) - A lightweight and easy-to-clean silicone loaf pan that is also microwave- and dishwasher-safe. It produces beautifully baked cakes with a slightly domed top.

Round cake pans

A 6x2-inch round cake pan will hold 4 cups of batter, while an 8x2-inch pan will hold 6 cups, and a 9x2-inch pan will hold 8 cups. These measurements assume that the pans are filled to the halfway mark, as this ensures that the cake rises evenly.

It is important to use the correct size of the pan when baking, as using a larger pan than specified in a recipe will result in a shallower depth of batter, causing it to bake more quickly. Conversely, using a smaller pan will result in a deeper batter that will take longer to bake.

If you are substituting a different size of the pan in a recipe, you may need to adjust the baking time and temperature to account for changes in batter depth. For example, if you use a larger pan, you will need to shorten the baking time and raise the oven temperature slightly.

Square baking pans

Standard Square Baking Pan Sizes

Volume and Capacity

The 8-inch square pan has a volume of 8 cups, while the 9-inch square pan has a volume of 10 cups. This means they can hold a substantial amount of batter, making them perfect for batch baking or when you need to feed a crowd.

Baking Tips and Substitutions

When it comes to baking, it's important to remember that the size of the pan can impact the baking time and oven temperature. A larger pan will result in a shallower depth of batter, causing it to bake more quickly. On the other hand, a smaller pan will lead to a deeper batter and a longer baking time.

If you don't have the exact size of the square pan specified in a recipe, you can use the pan's capacity to find a suitable substitute. For example, an 8-inch square pan has the same capacity as a 9-inch round pan, so they can be used interchangeably.

Additionally, if you're looking to bake a smaller batch, an 8-inch square pan is perfect for making desserts thicker, such as brownies or cakes.

Product Recommendations

When choosing a square baking pan, look for one that is made of high-quality materials, such as heavy-duty metal, glass, or ceramic. Here are some specific product recommendations:

• OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro 9x9-Inch Pan - This pan is perfect for brownies as it gets the edges crisp and chewy, and the micro-texture on the bottom ensures even cooking.
• Chicago Metallic Uncoated 13x9-Inch Pan - This versatile pan is great for cakes and cupcakes, and its glass or ceramic make it ideal for presenting casseroles and sheet cakes.

Rectangular baking pans

• Full-Size = 18” x 26”
• 2/3 Size = 16” x 22”
• 1/2 Size = 13” x 18”
• 1/4 Size = 9 1/2” x 13”
• 1/8 Size = 6 1/2" x 9 1/2”

The size of the rectangular baking pan you choose will depend on the quantity of food you want to make and the oven space you have available. For example, a full-size baking sheet is the most common in commercial settings as it is perfect for making large baked goods. On the other hand, a 1/4 size sheet pan is ideal for small-batch bakeries as it can be easily stored and fits comfortably in chilling units.

It is important to note that the size of the baking pan can affect the baking time and temperature. Using a larger pan than specified in a recipe will result in a shallower depth of batter, causing it to bake more quickly. Conversely, using a smaller pan will result in a deeper depth of batter and increase the baking time. Therefore, it is recommended to adjust the baking time and temperature accordingly to ensure the batter is cooked through without over-browning.

Additionally, when measuring the dimensions of a rectangular baking pan, always measure from inside edge to inside edge to ensure accurate sizing. This is especially important when substituting one pan size for another in a recipe to maintain the intended batter depth and avoid significant changes in baking times and temperatures.

Springform pans

• MasterClass KCMCHB45 30 cm Springform Cake Tin: Made from 1 mm thick carbon steel with a non-stick coating and a loose base. It is oven-safe up to 428 degrees Fahrenheit and has a secure springform clasp for easy release.
• Fat Daddio's Springform Pans: These anodized aluminum springform pans are 3 inches deep and have a wide pedestal base, which makes them ideal for cheesecakes and upside-down cakes. They heat up faster and cool down quicker than standard pans, and will never rust, chip, flake, or peel.
• Heirol High Top Springform Pan: This springform pan has an extra-high edge and a non-stick coating for easy cleaning. It also has practical buckles for easy use.

Frequently asked questions