The 8 Best Cake Pans to Buy in 2022

Best Overall: Fat Daddio's Anodized Aluminum Round Cake Pan Celebration Set

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Consider this bestselling set of three round cake pans (a 3 x 2-inch, a 5 x 2-inch, and a 7 x 2-inch) the ideal starter set. Though extremely budget-friendly, the quality is there. The pans, which are made of aluminum, heat and cool quickly, allowing for a faster, more even rise. The material is also extremely durable and naturally resists rust and corrosion (great for anyone who regularly bakes with highly acidic ingredients, like citrus).

Anyone with concerns about nonstick coatings will love that these pans are anodized, not coated. This environmentally friendly process yields similar results but contains no chemical additives, dyes, or potentially harmful compounds that can transfer peel, or flake into baked goods.

Material: Anodized aluminum | Oven Maximum: 550 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: No

Best Round Pan: USA Pan Nonstick 9-Inch Round Cake Pan

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If you can only choose one cake pan to stock your kitchen with, let it be a round pan. It’s a solid choice for nearly any recipe and will see you through special events like birthdays, showers, and even elaborate wedding cakes. This 9-inch pan has a nonstick PTFE, PFOA, and BPA-free coating and a fluted design that makes removing baked goods a breeze—even for beginners. Bonus—this also makes cleanup simple; all you need is hot water, mild soap, and a sponge. 

The pan's durable construction is also resistant to warping, which adds to the longevity of the cake pan. Even years later, you’ll be churning out even, attractive cakes. (And, if it doesn’t, the pan is backed by a lifetime warranty.) 

Material: Aluminized steel | Oven Maximum: 450 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: No

Best Rectangular: Nordic Ware Naturals Classic Metal Covered Baking Pan

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Nordic Ware is known for its baking pans, and this one does not disappoint. It’s made from highly durable commercial-grade aluminum that never rusts no matter how frequently you use the pan. It also has a reinforced encapsulated steel rim to prevent warping over time—a must to prevent the quality of the cakes from declining over time. 

The premium material helps yield premium results, too. This 9 x 13-inch rectangular baking pan has superior heat conductivity for even baking throughout, so you don’t have to worry about burned edges with a gooey interior. The companion cover makes quick work of overnight storage, plus is extremely convenient for potlucks and other events like picnics or classroom birthday parties. 

Material: Aluminum | Oven Maximum: 400 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: No

Best for Wedding Cakes: Hiware Springform Pan Set

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There’s little room for error when you’re making something as special as a wedding cake, but this three-layered set from HiWare will help you tackle this sort of ambitious project with minimal fuss. It comes with three differently sized nonstick springform pans (4-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch) that make it easy to remove each layer without damage. As a bonus, you’ll also get an icing spatula to help spread the frosting evenly and an icing smoother for creating beautiful designs.

Because each pan is made with durable carbon steel that resists warping and can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees, the set is built to last—no matter how many cakes you have in your future. The nonstick surface makes this mostly easy to clean, though you might have to use a scrubber brush to really dig into the crevices around the spring mechanism and latch.

Material: Nonstick coated carbon steel | Oven Maximum: 450 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: No

Best Square: Simply Calphalon Nonstick 8-Inch Square Cake Pan

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Square baking pans are a wonderfully versatile option to have in your kitchen. With a square baking pan, you can make cakes, but you can also make an array of other goodies like gooey brownies and dessert bars. These types of baking pans are a bit different, though, since they don’t always distribute heat the same way that round pans do. If not constructed properly, square pans can cause your baked goods to droop in the middle (a phenomenon called doming). It’s not something you have to worry about with this pan since it's made with a heavy-gauge steel core that works to evenly distribute—even up to 500 degrees.

Reinforced rolled edges prevent the pan from warping, and the durable nonstick surface helps your cakes to release easily. When it comes to convenient clean-up, you can’t really beat this option. Unlike many baking pans, this one can be put right into the dishwasher.

Material: Nonstick coated steel | Oven Maximum: 500 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Best Bundt: Nordic Ware Blossom Bundt Cake Pan

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If you want to impress a crowd, but are wary of Bundt pans because of their intricacy, this is a great pick. The design is solid and interesting enough to please the eye, but it doesn’t have fanciful, deep grooves that can make releasing the cake a nerve-wracking feat. 

Nordic Ware is a leading producer of Bundt cake bakeware and uses top-of-the-line materials. The durable cast-aluminum construction has a premium PFOA-free nonstick coating. Together these features ensure even baking and easy removal, so you can confidently serve up a beautifully designed naked cake. This company also releases various Bundt pans regularly, ranging from simple sculptural shapes to more intricate architecturally inspired silhouettes.

Material: Nonstick coated aluminum | Oven Maximum: 400 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: No

Best for Birthdays: Wilton Countless Celebrations 10-Piece Set

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If you really want to surprise the special birthday honoree, trade your typical round cake for a more highly personalized one. This affordable 10-piece set comes with a unique rectangular pan that features a grid and inserts that allow you to create any letter of the alphabet and numbers from zero to nine.

Despite the perceived intricacy, there’s little fuss for the baker to endure. The pan, which is made of steel and has a nonstick coating, allows for both easy release and quick cleanup—two things you’ll be grateful for when you have a lengthy to-do list to tackle in preparation for the party. 

Material: Nonstick coated steel | Oven Maximum: 450 degrees | Dishwasher Safe: Yes