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Best Muffin Pan Reviews for 2022 – A Buying Guide

With more people staying indoors in the year 2021, many have either revisited old hobbies or tried new ones. As a result, there has been no shortage of baking. And it is no wonder – creating a tasty dessert or savory snack is always sure to make a day better. 

One tried and true dessert that never disappoints is the muffin. No matter your skill level with baking, beginner, or professional pastry chef, the muffin is a very customizable confection that is loved by many. Further, the muffin pan, the tool used to bake muffins, is equally as versatile.

Perhaps its versatility is what makes it so popular. You can try dozens and dozens of recipes without ever getting bored, all with one utensil. And unlike cake or other desserts, muffins automatically come in smaller, manageable portions.

Beyond being fun to make and bake, muffins are a handy snack. Whether you are on the go or simply looking to simplify your life a bit more, muffins are an easy-to-prepare item that is even easier to eat. Their small size makes them portable and convenient for any occasion or no occasion at all!

So, if you, like many others, are looking to bake some muffins soon, look no further. Along with basic information on the uses of a muffin tin, we have put together a list of high-quality muffin pans with reviews to help you achieve the perfect muffin. Check them out below!

Best Muffin Pans Reviews for 2021

With so many pans to select from on the market, we thought we would do the hard part for you. Finding the best pan ultimately comes down to knowing what is best for you. Whether you are new to baking or know your way around the kitchen well, there is sure to be a muffin pan in this lineup that works great for you.

1. Wilton Recipe Right Muffin Pan 

Wilton Recipe Right Muffin Pan, 12-Cup Non-Stick Muffin Pan
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This line of pans is a staple for bakers of all experience levels. Offering a lightweight yet durable structure, the Wilton Recipe Right Muffin Pan allows you to bake up to 12-cups at a time. It is reliable for baking muffins and other baked goods.

Pros: 

  • This pan is made of durable steel 
  • Non-stick surface makes for easy release and easier cleanup
  • Dishwasher safe, but best treated with warm, soapy water before and after use

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Cons:

  • Without proper handling, the muffin pan may get bent or dented

2. Rachel Ray Cucina Nonstick 12-Cup Muffin Tin with Grips

Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick 12-Cup Muffin Tin With Grips / Nonstick 12-Cup Cupcake Tin With Grips - 12 Cup, Brown

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This pan offers another 12-cup capacity as well as heat-safe silicone grips for easy movement. You can make individual sweet or savory treats by the dozen.

Pros: 

  • Cooks evenly 
  • Durable steel 
  • Silicone grips for a comfortable grasp
  • Stylish agave blue color

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Cons:

  • Not tapered at the bottom

3. OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Muffin Pan 

OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Muffin Pan

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The OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Muffin Pan also offers up to 12 cups for your baking needs. Square edges make plenty of room for easy transfer before and after baking, and non-stick technology leads to easy removal.

Pros: 

  • Heavy-gauge aluminized steel creates even heat distribution for the perfect baking experience
  • Non-stick pattern protected from scratches, stains, and corrosion
  • Grippable for easy transfer in and out of the oven

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Cons:

  • May warp when very hot 

4. USA Pan Bakeware Cupcake and Muffin Pan

USA Pan (1200MF) Bakeware Cupcake and Muffin Pan, 12 Well, Nonstick & Quick Release Coating, Made in the USA from Aluminized Steel

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With 12 reservoirs for baking, the USA Pan Bakeware Cupcake and Muffin Pan also delivers the capacity for new and experienced bakers alike. It is non-stick and has a quick-release coating, making it a great choice for quick baking jobs and a variety of edible goods. 

Pros: 

  • Made in the USA 
  • Aluminized steel material offers durability and easy cleanup. 
  • Cleans with hot water and mild soap 
  • Silicone coating gives baked goods easy release


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Cons:

  • May retain too much heat 
  • Not dishwasher safe

5. Anolon Bronze Nonstick 12-Cup Muffin Tin with Silicone Grips 

Anolon Bronze Nonstick 12-Cup Muffin Tin With Silicone Grips / Nonstick 12-Cup Cupcake Tin With Silicone Grips - 12 Cup, Brown
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Looking for a warp-free, nonstick pan? The Anolon Bronze Nonstick 12-Cup Muffin Tin provides a sturdy, grippable pan that will distribute heat evenly to create heavenly confections. 

Pros: 

  • Durable, nonstick surface provides for optimum release 
  • Easy to handle and transport 
  • Lifetime warranty, build to last
  • Optional cover for easy storage 

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Cons:

  • May rust if cleaned in the dishwasher 

6. Rachael Ray Yum-O Nonstick 12-Cup Muffin Tin 

Rachael Ray Yum -o Nonstick Bakeware 12-Cup Muffin Tin With Grips / Nonstick 12-Cup Cupcake Tin With Grips - 12 Cup, Gray

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This Rachael Ray muffin pan is equipped with heat-safe silicone handles and long-lasting nonstick material to hold up for plenty of baking. Ideal if you are looking for extra stability with transferring baked goods into the oven.

Pros:

  • Easy to handle 
  • Non-stick for food release and simple cleanup 
  • Safe for up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit 
  • Heavy-gauge steel that resists warping

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Cons:

  • May rust over time

7. Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Muffin Pan (12 Cup) 

Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Muffin Pan, 12 CupView on Amazon

The Nordic Ware Aluminum Commercial Muffin Pan boasts a lifetime of durability with its rust-proof design. It bakes up to 12 cups and offers a satisfactory experience with baking, transfer, and cleanup. 

Pros:

  • Aluminum material easily conducts heat 
  • Steel rim prevents warping at high heats
  • Made in the USA by Nordic Ware 
  • Easy clean-up, hand-washable

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Cons:

  • Not dishwasher safe; may get discolored with use

8. Chicago Metallic Professional Non-stick Muffin Top Pan 

Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick Muffin Top Pan, 15.75-Inch-by-11-Inch, Grey, Standard -

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Looking to create something a little different in the kitchen? The Chicago Metallic Professional Non-stick Muffin Top Pan offers a new twist on an old classic. With this pan, you can make shallower, chewier treats with ease. 

Pros:

  • Non-stick coating for easy release and cleanup 
  • Great size for up to 6 muffin tops
  • Dishwasher safe for even faster cleanup
  • Shallow pans optimal for foods like muffin tops, eggs, cookies, etc. 

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Cons:

  • Handwashing recommended to maintain the lifespan of the pan
  • Shallow cups not ideal for larger baked goods (e.g. cupcakes)

 

9. AmazonBasics Nonstick Carbon Steel Muffin Pan (Set of 2)

AmazonBasics Nonstick Carbon Steel Muffin Pan, Set of 2, 12 Cups Each

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This set of two pans (24 cups total) is ideal for bigger baking jobs, including cupcakes, muffins, and more. It has a standard cup design and grippable edge that will be just what you need to get the job done. Not too fancy and not too simple, these pans are a great middle-of-the-road option at a good cost.

Pros: 

  • Capacity for up to 24 cups 
  • Non-stick surface for effortless release 
  • Oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit 
  • Carbon-steel makes for durability and uniform heat distribution 

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Cons: 

  • Hand washing recommended, may not be dishwasher safe

What is a Muffin Pan

A muffin pan is a type of pan that generally has 6 or 12 individual round indentations or holders for food. It is often used to make baked goods such as muffins, cupcakes, quiches or egg cups, and many other petite treats. It is ideal for use in the oven and creates smaller-portioned snacks that bring joy to many.

To make muffins or cupcakes, the batter is mixed together and poured into the individual pockets and baked. For cupcakes, bakers often use lining papers to protect the pan and put a decorative twist on the small cake. While baking, the batter rises over the indentation while the base of the muffin is baked into the shape of the cup. When done baking, the muffins or cupcakes can be served as is or frosted. 

Since there is such a wide variety of baked goods that can be made with a muffin pan, they come in a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes. Depending on the finish and size, you may achieve a different result with your baked good. Having a wide selection of muffin pans to choose from means there are endless possibilities for what you can make and how to make them.

These molded pans can be made out of aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, or flexible silicone. Some pans can be coated with Teflon or other non-stick materials to ensure the baked goods come out completely. Additionally, insertable papers can be utilized to add a decorative twist to cupcakes and keep the batter from sticking.

No matter which muffin pan you select, know that they are all a handy tool to have in the kitchen. The more often you use them, the more creative you may get with your baking. Whether you are well-experienced with baking or not, muffins can be a very simple thing to bake and easy for bakers of all skill levels.

Why Use a Muffin Pan?

Muffin pans help maintain a round, cup-like shape and making sure all your baked goods turn out similar in size. This bakeware makes it convenient to bake 6 or 12 items at a time. In some cases, there are 24-cup pans available for baking even larger quantities.

As stated, muffin pans are good for cooking a variety of things, including muffins, cupcakes, and even mini quiches or egg cups. They help to make small food creations that are convenient and tasty. Once you place all the materials of your recipe together in the baking cup, the hard work is done. 

After your baking cups are prepared, all you have to do is pop them in the oven, bake as instructed, and watch the magic happen. Once your item is done baking, you can take them out of the oven and enjoy your small treat along with the fun and ease of baking it.

Muffin pans offer a stress-free way to create delicious food items in relatively little time. 

What to Look for When Shopping for a Muffin Pan

Muffin pans mostly deliver the same result: petite and delicious baked items. That said, there are a variety of ‘vehicles’ for getting you to your destination: baked perfection. With so many options on the market, having a buyer’s guide can help you narrow down the choice that is best for you.

Below, we outline some of the key features to keep an eye out for when shopping for a muffin pan. Being selective and attentive to your needs is essential here because the right tin can last you decades with proper care and upkeep. Before shopping, it can help to ask yourself what you will be baking, how often you will be baking with your muffin pan, and what else would be needed to achieve great baking results. 

Here are several questions you can consider beforehand: 

  • Do I prefer metal materials or am I open to silicone? 
  • Do I need a pan that comes with a lid for storage, or other items such as a baking sheet for supporting a silicone muffin pan?
  • How do I prefer to clean up? Do I need a pan that is dishwasher safe? 
  • Do I want to make shallower baked goods, like a muffin top? 
  • Is the pan made in the USA? 
  • How many muffins will I be making? How many cups should my pan have?

Asking yourself the following can help you get a better idea of which muffin pan will be exactly right for you. For instance, if you are looking to bake a lot of muffins, cupcakes, or otherwise very often, you may want to opt for a larger pan with either 12 or 24 cups. Likewise, you may want to look for a durable material that will hold up through repeated uses. 

There are a handful of other features to consider when purchasing a muffin pan, and we will go over them in more detail below:

Handling the Pan 

Think about the ergonomics of your desired muffin pan. Making sure you are comfortable holding onto the pan is essential, especially for transferring it in and out of the oven. 

Once you have loaded the pan up with batter, they can be quite heavy and easy to spill or drop, even more so when they are fresh out of a hot oven. Therefore, looking for features like a non-slip grip can help immensely.

Many pans have rounded or ridge edges that can aid you with gripping and moving them about. Not having pointy edges protects you and other appliances from scratches or other blemishes. These features are ideal for preventing drops and unwanted damage.

There are various pans on the market that come with heat-free silicone grips that will ensure you never lose your handle on the pan. This can give you the ease of mind as you bake to your heart’s content, and make the process just a touch easier. Additionally, you can look for pans that have extra space on the sides to give you a good hold as you are grabbing them to put in or take out of the oven.

Shape & Capacity

Muffins pans with increased airflow between cups can yield much better results. Having them spaced out accordingly gives the baked goods room to rise as needed and take on the optimal shape. Additionally, having large gaps between can make them easier to clean when hand-washing with warm water and soap.

There are a variety of dimensions available on the market for muffin pans. You may want to decide based on your needs whether you want a 6-cup, 12-cup, or even 24-cup variation. To that end, there are also varying cup sizes, include the miniature. 

The 6-, 12-, and 24-cup variations predominantly come with a wider diameter and reasonable depth, so your baked good reasonable fits in your hand with ease, but there are variations on the market to suit different needs. For instance, some pans are designed to bake just the muffin “top,” so you can achieve all of the flavors of a full muffin in a more compact baked good. 

Additionally, miniature pans can help you achieve cute, bite-sized versions of your favorite treats. These are ideal if baking for small kiddos or wanting all the satisfaction of a full-sized muffin or cupcake in a more diet-friendly portion. But let’s be real, once you pop one of those delicious treats in your mouth, you will be back for more in no time. 

Needless to say, there is a wide range of muffin pans on the market to choose from. This variety of capacity ensures that you will find a pan that is perfect for your needs, no matter the occasion. Given this variety, you may even want to stock up on several sizes so you can keep the fun and variation going at all times!

Pan Material 

Like many cooking utensils, muffin pans come in a variety of materials. Looking for a durable material will ensure your muffins cook evenly and the pan lasts for the long haul. 

Additionally, looking for a pan that is resistant to rust and corrosion will ensure the longevity of the pan. Looking for one that heats quickly and does not warp is also beneficial and will make sure your pan and your muffins maintain their signature shape. 

Metal Pans

In many cases, steel pans are optimal for this as they hold up well under high heats and maintain their shape. Pans with aluminized steel tend to be extremely sturdy and can withstand harsh use and environments. This makes them a great choice for bakers who are looking for something heavy-duty that they can keep around long term.

With metal pans, they are expected to conduct heat to help the baked good bake to completion. Looking for a muffin pan that is aluminized can ensure that heat will spread evenly and bake your muffins to toasty perfection. A handful of muffin pans on the market offer microtextures that promote airflow and a more even bake. 

Some others are reinforced with ceramic material and include non-stick coatings that make them optimal for clean-up and baked good removal. Having double-coated non-stick properties helps against other damage, such as corrosion, staining, and scratches as well. 

Muffin pans with silicone-based non-stick properties that make it even easier to release food from the pan. Better yet, clean-up is a breeze because the food items are not caked down onto the pan, saving you the time spent cleaning up. 

Silicone Pans 

 

Silicone is a polymer material that is rubber-like in substance and heat resistant. Many silicone pans are 100% food-grade level and will not leech toxins into your food. Additionally, they are ideal for clean up and storage as they are flexible and dishwasher safe.

There are plenty of silicone options on the market, including silicone cups that you can place inside metal muffin tins. These aid with removal from the pan and ease of clean-up, making it a win-win for you. Silicone is newer to the scene than more traditional muffin tins, but you can be sure that it will deliver in much the same way as the muffin pans you know and love. 

Overall, it is hard to go wrong with muffin pans. With proper care and attention to their features, you can trust them to deliver great results with minimal effort. 

All that said, making sure you handle your muffin pan material properly helps with maintaining its longevity. Be sure to read the directions for handling and cleanup to avoid any adverse consequences such as scratches, rust, discoloration, or warping. 

Clean-up

Opting for a non-stick surface makes for a less messy baking experience, and fortunately, many pans on the market do just that. Out of the selection above, many boasted that baked good remove cleanly and easily from the pan, sparing you any additional elbow grease trying to get the muffin pan back in tip-top shape.

If you do opt for a pan that is not dishwasher safe, be sure to read the instructions for care. Many pans are easy to clean up with a gentle scrubbing rag and warm, soapy water. Finally, if you dislike hand-washing your pans, look for dishwasher compatible designs. This is an optional feature but can save you the hassle of hand-scrubbing at length.

Few things bring joy like a dozen fresh-baked muffins, hot out of the oven. Their convenience and deliciousness are a crowd pleaser every time and a favorite for people of all ages. They can be sweet or savory, and that customizability is what makes them such an excellent choice for bakers of all kinds. 

Whether you are new to baking as of recent times or have been a baker for years, there is no doubt you will see the value that having a muffin pan can add to your kitchen and your baking repertoire. With a multitude of recipes and baked goods to try, the possibilities are endless and will keep you entertained for a long time to come. 

Whenever you want to try something new, just whip up a big batch of batter, load up your new muffin tin, and behold the beauty of baking with a great piece of kitchen equipment. The simplicity of the muffin pan is what adds to its great quality and utility in the kitchen. 

Next time you are looking for a sweet snack, a savory breakfast, or having a gathering of many people, bust out your muffin pan and get creative. Your family and your guests will be delight by the small, snackable items the entire time (or until they’re gone!). 

Though a muffin pan might seem like a very specific item to have, they can be used for a variety of purposes – cupcakes, muffins, egg cups, and much more. They are an amazing tool for creating delicious and convenient hand-held snacks, and will always deliver any time you get the urge to bake.

After learning what a muffin pan is and what it is used for it may seem pretty straightforward, but it is worthwhile to note that they are not the same. Muffin tins may vary by size, material, and finish, among other things. Carefully reviewing the items listed above can help you determine which will be the best fit for you and your household. Rest assured that whether you are a beginner, an experienced baker, or somewhere in between, there is a muffin pan out there you. 

Instead of walking to the luxury bakery or grabbing the store-bought packages, it has never been easier to create confections of your own at home. Muffin pans offer an easy tool for making delicious food items in the quantity of your choosing. Better yet, you can do this from the comfort of your home.

Once you are ready to take your baking to the next level, pick up one of these outstanding muffin pans for yourself. No matter which one you select, these muffin pans are sure to deliver a variety of delicious crowd pleasers for years to come. What will you bake first with your new muffin pan?

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