Comparison: America’S Test Kitchen Best Loaf Pan (Updated | Dec 11th)
Finding the perfect loaf pan can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but America’s Test Kitchen has done the heavy lifting for you. We’ve tested dozens of pans to uncover which ones truly deliver on their promises of even baking, easy release, and durability. Whether you’re baking a rustic sourdough or a tender quick bread, the right pan can make all the difference. Join us as we reveal the top contenders and help you choose the best loaf pan for your kitchen.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for editor’s choice: USA Pan 1145LF Bakeware Aluminized Steel 1.25 Lb Loaf Pan
- Best for bread baking guide: Bread Illustrated: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Bakery-Quality Results At Home
- Best for perfect 1lb loaf: USA Pan Loaf Pan set 1 Lb
- Best for durable folded edge: USA Pan Nonstick Standard Bread Loaf Pan
- Best for budget-friendly set: Amazon Basics Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan
- Best for ceramic nonstick pro: OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Ceramic Coated Metal Bakeware 1Lb Loaf Pan – Storm Blue
- Best for superior heat retention: Lodge Cast Iron Loaf Pan 8.5×4.5 Inch
- Best for pfoa-free nonstick: SUR LA TABLE Kitchen Essentials Bake Sale 9 X 5 Inch PFOA
- Best for perfect square loaf: USA Pan Bakeware Pullman Loaf Pan With Cover
- Best for dishwasher safe convenience: KitchenAid Nonstick Swiss Engineered Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan
Product Comparison: America’S Test Kitchen Best Loaf Pan
Editor’s Choice
USA Pan 1145LF Bakeware Aluminized Steel 1.25 Lb Loaf Pan, Medium, Silver
USA Pan
- Made in the USA from globally sourced materials; aluminized steel 1 1/4 lb Loaf Pan, commercial grade and heavy gauge- measures 9 x 5 x 2. 75 inches
- Unique corrugated surface design facilitates air circulation for evenly baked goods and quick release
- Coated with Americoat – a silicone that is PTFE, PFOA and BPA free
- Made from a blend of New and recycled steel; Limited Lifetime
- USA Pan is a Bundy family company that has proudly manufactured high quality bakeware and provided jobs in the USA for over 50 years
Bread Baking Guide
Bread Illustrated: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Bakery-Quality Results At Home
AMERICASTES TKITCHEN
Perfect 1lb Loaf
USA Pan Loaf Pan set 1 Lb, 1 Pound
USA Pan
- USA Pan one pound loaf is commercial grade and heavy duty aluminized steel; baking dimensions measure 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.75 inches
- Unique, ridged texture, facilitates even air circulation and heat distribution for uniformly baked goods
- Pans are finished with USA Pan’s proprietary silicone nonstick coating which allows for easy release and quick clean up
- Made from Aluminized steel; a mix of steel for strength and durability and aluminum for superior heat conductivity
- USA Pan is a Bundy Family Company that has proudly manufactured high quality bakeware and provided jobs in the USA for over 60 years
Durable Folded Edge
USA Pan Nonstick Standard Bread Loaf Pan, 1 Pound, Aluminized Steel
USA Pan
- USA Pan standard commercial gauge folded loaf pan is ideal for quick breads, yeast breads, pound cakes or even meat loafs; pan baking dimensions are 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.75
- Unique corrugated surface design strengthens pan and facilitates air circulation for evenly baked goods and quick release
- Pans are finished with USA Pan’s proprietary silicone non-stick coating which allows for easy release and quick clean up
- Folded construction ensures optimal strength and durability; wash with hot water, mild soap and gentle scrub brush or sponge
- USA Pan is a Bundy family company that has proudly manufactured high quality bakeware and provided jobs in the USA for over 60 years
Budget-Friendly Set
Amazon Basics Rectangular Baking Bread Loaf Pan, 9.5 x 5 Inch, Set of 2, Gray
Amazon Basics
- Set of 2 rectangular-shaped loaf pans; ideal for baking bread, pound cake, meatloaf, and more
- Heavy-weight steel construction provides durability and fast, even heating for uniform browning
- Nonstick coating helps with effortless food release; oven-safe to 428 degrees F
- Hand washing recommended
- Part of the Amazon Basics nonstick bakeware collection
- Dimensions: Outer: 10.6 x 6 x 2.8 inches; Inner: 9.5 x 5 inches
- Never use under a grill
Ceramic Nonstick Pro
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Ceramic Coated Metal Bakeware 1Lb Loaf Pan – Storm Blue
OXO
- High-Quality Bakeware: A bakeware solution that’s beautiful, durable and easy to clean
- Ceramic Coated Metal Bakeware: Made with heavy-gauge aluminized steel and a ceramic non-stick coating, this bakeware easily releases food and protects against scratching, staining, corrosion and abrasion
- Thoughtfully Designed: Rounded interior corners allow for easier cleaning and expanded rim handles for easier handling in and around the oven
- Consistent Baking Results: Light interior coating color optimized for even browning for both sweet and savory
- Easy Size Identification: Each pan features pan dimension markings on the top surface, so you can find the right bakeware item for your recipe
- Square-Rolled Edge: Provides structure, strength and durability
- Internal: 4.49 in x 8.49 in x 2.81 in/11.4 cm x 21.56 cm x 7.14 cm External: 7.50 in x 9.80 in x 2.88 in/19.05 cm x 24.89 cm x 7.32 cm
- Nonstick Ceramic Coating made without PFAS
Superior Heat Retention
Lodge Cast Iron Loaf Pan 8.5×4.5 Inch, Black
Lodge
- YOUR NEW GO-TO LOAF PAN: The Lodge Cast Iron Loaf Pan is the perfect kitchen tool for beginners, home cooks and bakers. This cast iron loaf pan is crafted in America with iron and oil, its naturally seasoned cooking surface creates an easy-release and improves with use.
- SEASONED COOKWARE: Seasoning is simply oil baked into the iron, giving it a natural, easy-release finish and helps prevent your pan from rusting. Lodge pre-seasons all cast iron cookware with 100% natural vegetable oil: no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use Lodge the better the seasoning will get!
- RUST? DON’T PANIC! IT’S NOT BROKEN: When your pan arrives you may notice a spot that looks like rust. It is simply oil that has not fully carbonized. With regular use and care the spot will disappear. If you do notice rust simply scour the affected area with steel wool, wash with warm water, dry, and rub with vegetable oil.
- COOKING VERSATILITY: Our cast iron bakeware has unparalleled heat retention that gives you edge-to-edge even cooking every time you use your bakeware. Cast iron cookware is slow to heat up but retains heat longer and will not dent, warp, or bend which makes it ideal for baking up delicious, shareable moments. These delicious moments are cast to last.
- FAMILY-OWNED: Lodge is more than just a business; it is a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America. Lodge products are made in the USA with non-toxic, PFOA & PTFE free material.
PFOA-Free Nonstick
SUR LA TABLE Kitchen Essentials Bake Sale 9 X 5 Inch PFOA, PFAS, PTFE Free Nonstick Loaf Pan – Linen White
Sur La Table
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX: one 9-inch carbon steel loaf pan. Measures 9 x 5 inches.
- HAPPINESS IS HOMEMADE: Sur La Table Kitchen Essentials is all about making and sharing good good at home together. from preparing the freshest ingredients to the beautiful mess of cooking a family recipe, we encourage you to roll up your sleeves, mix up a happy kitchen, and set the table for free-flowing conversations over an easy, generous, and crowd-pleasing meal.
- NONSTICK INTERIOR: ensures easy cleanup and exceptional food release when cutting and sharing slices of cakes or pies down to the last crumb
- CARBON STEEL BAKEWARE: ideal for uniform heat conduction and distribution to bake and brown evenly
- VIBRANT EXTERIOR: colorful pieces inspire creativity in any kitchen
Perfect Square Loaf
USA Pan Bakeware Pullman Loaf Pan With Cover, 9 x 4 inch, Nonstick & Quick Release Coating, Made in the USA from Aluminized Steel
USA Pan
- Medium Pullman loaf pan has a cover and consistently bakes beautiful bread commercial grade and heavy gauge aluminized steel with a Lifetime
- USA Pan baking pans feature Americoat which promotes quick release of baked-goods plus fast and easy clean up wash with hot water mild soap and gentle scrub brush or sponge
- Nonstick Americoat coating – a patented silicone coating which is PTFE PFOA and BPA free – provides quick and easy release of all baked-goods and minimal easy clean up
- Made in the USA from globally sourced materials Pan measures 9 x 4 x 4 inches
- USA Pan is a Bundy family company which has proudly manufactured high quality bakeware and provided jobs in the USA for over 50 years
Dishwasher Safe Convenience
KitchenAid Nonstick Swiss Engineered Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan, Dishwasher Safe, 9 x 5 Inch, Contour Silver
KitchenAid
- NONSTICK: Swiss-engineered heavy-duty coating allows for nonstick release when baking
- VERSATILE: Great for everyday baking, from whipping up cookies, bars, jelly rolls, and sheet cakes, to making easy one-pan weeknight meals
- EXTENDED HANDLES: provide a secure grip for easy transport, making transferring pan in and out of the oven safer and simpler, even when wearing pot holders
- EVEN BAKING: Aluminized steel construction promotes consistent heat distribution across the pan, allowing for evenly baked desserts and perfectly roasted dishes
- DISHWASHER SAFE: for easy cleanup
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What makes America’s Test Kitchen’s best loaf pan stand out?
Their top pick features a heavy-gauge aluminized steel construction for even heat distribution and durability. It also has a light-colored, non-stick coating to prevent over-browning and ensure easy release.
How does the recommended loaf pan compare to cheaper alternatives?
Cheaper pans often use thinner materials, leading to uneven baking and warping over time. The ATK-recommended pan offers superior heat retention and longevity, making it a better long-term value.
What size loaf pan should I choose?
The standard 8.5×4.5-inch pan is ideal for most recipes, including sandwich bread and quick breads. Larger pans (9×5 inches) are better for heartier loaves, while smaller ones work for mini or gluten-free recipes.
Is the non-stick coating safe and durable?
Yes, the top-rated pan uses a PTFE-free, food-safe non-stick coating that resists scratching and peeling. It’s designed to withstand high temperatures without degrading.
Can this loaf pan go in the dishwasher?
While it’s technically dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is recommended to preserve the non-stick coating and prevent warping. A quick soak and gentle scrub will keep it in top condition.
How does this pan handle different types of dough?
Its sturdy construction supports heavy doughs like sourdough or rye without sagging. The non-stick surface ensures delicate batters, like banana bread, release cleanly.
Is this loaf pan worth the investment?
Absolutely. Its durability, even baking, and easy release make it a versatile tool for both novice and experienced bakers. Over time, it outperforms cheaper pans in consistency and reliability.
What accessories pair well with this loaf pan?
A silicone baking mat or parchment paper can further prevent sticking and simplify cleanup. A wire cooling rack is also essential for evenly cooling your loaves.
