Rachael Ray Nonstick Loaf Pan with Insert

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Customer Favorite
A typical 2-pound loaf pan with a nonstick coating for easy cleanup.

PROS
Dishwasher-safe, tough metal construction that is resistant to heat. The single-piece design allows for fast dishwashing and cleanup. The inside lifting pan is a favorite of our product experts. For greater control, the handles are wider.

CONS
Flaking of the nonstick coating has been observed in a few instances.

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Wilton Recipe Right Medium Loaf Baking Pan

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Steel Option
The sturdy lip of these heavy-gauge steel pans makes them easy to handle.

PROS
For uniform heating, this cookware features heavy-gauge steel construction with even heating. The pan dimensions are etched on the handles. Heat-resistant and nonstick. Thanks to the pan lip it's easier to rotate in the oven. The pans cool rapidly after being used. They are dishwasher safe without using detergent.

CONS
To preserve the finish, hand wash only.

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Anolon Advanced Nonstick Meatloaf/Loaf Pan

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Feature-Packed
If you're searching for a meatloaf pan set, this inexpensive one is ideal.

PROS
It's not only dishwasher safe, but it also browns uniformly. The drip pan is included. It's nonstick and can be used for various foods other than meatloaves, such as bread and desserts. Silicone handles are on it.

CONS
Owners discovered that the internal pan was smaller than the external pan; this caught a few people by surprise.

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Farberware Nonstick Bread/Meatloaf Pan Set, 2-Piece

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Trusted Brand
Warp-resistant pans do an excellent job, but they need some special treatment.

PROS
For warp resistance, we recommend using heavy-duty steel rolled-rim bakeware. Nonstick coating. Handwashing is recommended. It cooks evenly. Nonstick coatings may sometimes function.

CONS
The success of the nonstick coating is uncertain. Handwash and dry it as soon as possible to achieve the best results.

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USA Pan Steel Loaf Pan

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Simple Yet Solid
Nonstick pans are convenient, trustworthy, and inexpensive. You can't go wrong with one of these useful, trustworthy, and money-saving nonstick pans.

PROS
Made of aluminum-coated steel. Nonstick coating for simple food removal. Designed in the same style as another popular line of cookware. The textured bottom, according to our product specialist, was one-of-a-kind.

CONS
The dishes must be hand-washed.

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Buying Guide for Best Loaf Pans

It's fantastic to have loaf pans on hand when you have a sweet or savory culinary craving. When you're ready to bake something delicious, from moist banana bread to citrusy lemon loaves, it's nice to have them on hand. A loaf pan is a seemingly basic yet versatile kitchen item, whether you're a seasoned baker or are simply looking for the right mold to shape your well-known meatloaf.

You'll discover that there are various options when it comes to bread pans. The material with which the pan is constructed, the size, and the price will be all factor into your selection.

Use a loaf pan to make vegetarian or vegan nut, seed, and lentil loaves, among other things.

CONSIDERATIONS

Your baking needs

Your baking requirements are your priority. What do you bake the most often? Do you have a favorite dough that needs to rise faster or something else?

The truth is that certain pans are better for baking traditional loaves than others (like meatloaf). A silicone loaf pan is a fantastic all-around kitchen item if your preferred sort of bread is sweet. If you bake a lot of loaves at once, you might want to use a multi-mold loaf pan built for baking large amounts.

There isn't just one sort of loaf pan, so you'll need to keep track of your baking patterns to figure out which kind would be ideal for you.

Size

A 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan is the standard size. Suppose you want to bake several loaves in your new pan; a normal one may be your best option. If you're using a certain recipe, however, you should select your pan size based on the number of ingredients in the dish. If you don't use the correct loaf pan size, your bread or cake may not rise properly or spill its contents. Fortunately, most recipes provide the pan dimensions that you'll need.

EXPERT TIP

Use your loaf pan to shape unfrozen desserts like ice cream cakes and jello, or make a layered terrine - meat, fish, or vegetable dish cooked in a loaf pan, allowed to cool completely, and sliced.

Revuu Buddy Cooking and Baking Expert

Material

Several materials may be used to make loaf pans. Metal, ceramic, cast iron, silicone, and Glass are the most frequently utilized options. Here's a rundown of each one.

Metal: Although stainless steel pans are sturdy and easy to maintain, they don't heat evenly, which is problematic for baking bread. On the other hand, aluminum is inexpensive and heats uniformly. On the other hand, Aluminum pots are highly susceptible to dents and their replacement frequency is greater than that of other pans.

Ceramic or cast iron: They're long-lasting, distribute heat evenly, and are made of iron or ceramic. Ceramic is rather fragile and will shatter or fracture if dropped. Although iron is heavy, it may endure for a long time if properly cared for.

Silicone: Silicone is simple to maintain, highly long-lasting, and safe for use in the freezer, microwave, and oven. A silicone loaf pan is a smart choice for anyone who likes to make sweet bread since it prevents the cake from buckling and drying out.

Glass: If you use a glass loaf pan, make sure it's ovenproof Glass to avoid shattering. Glass is delicate, yet it heats up gradually. While the slow heating of a cast-iron skillet is not inherently harmful, it isn't always desirable for baking bread since it might cause loaves to fail to cook through entirely as the outside becomes rock hard and dark. On the other hand, Glass is ideal for non-yeasted loaves since it is transparent and allows you to monitor your results.

Choose PTFE- and PFOA-free cookware if you have dogs in your home. Certain cookware coatings can irritate or even harm birds' and small rodents' respiratory systems.

Shape

Loaf pans are usually rectangular. However, certain types of molds may be used to make special shapes, such as cakes. These are generally utilized for baking cakes rather than bread.

EXPERT TIP

If your breadsticks are to the sides and bottom when you cool it in the loaf pan, warm the bottom of the pan over low heat as you gently move it around on a burner. The method below works on cakes that have become stuck in cake pans. It simply melts the sticky components enough to allow them to come out. This procedure also works with baked goods that are trapped inside cake pans.

Revuu Buddy Cooking and Baking Expert

Nonstick coating

Over time, this coating may wear away, but it is extremely handy and prevents frustrating mishaps due to batter or dough adhering or scorching onto your cookware.

Dishwasher safe

Cleaning the pan in a dishwasher can cause it to crack or break. If you're unsure, wash the pan by hand rather than risking damage.

Handles

A larger loaf pan with prominent handles is easier to remove from the oven. You won't be able to damage your ideal loaves if you have something to grab since there are no sharp edges.

Embossing

For bakers who own a variety of pans, embossing comes in handy. Some loaf pans feature clear markings indicating the pan's size, allowing bakers to swiftly identify the appropriate vessel for their current baking task.

EXPERT TIP

Bake a Nanterre in your loaf pan-- a brioche bread baked in an eight-ball loaf pan. They're beautiful and delectable.

Revuu Buddy Cooking and Baking Expert

LOAF PAN PRICES

Inexpensive

Flat-bottomed or raised-hem pans (ceramic and enameled iron are the most common) start at roughly $15 each. On the other hand, you'll pay a bit more for decorative or ornamental pans.

Mid-range

Stoneware pots come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While the most expensive stoneware is well-known and collectible, the average price for a quality pan with strong chip-proof construction is around $35.

Expensive

On the other hand, bread pans from the grocery store are typically very expensive, ranging from $50 to $150.

TIPS

● After each use, wash your loaf pan in warm soapy water. Handwashing it with warm soapy water will result in the best outcomes. If you're using the dishwasher, you can put it in there. If necessary, soak the pan to release any trapped food particles.

● Don't scrub metal cookware. To avoid scratching and damage to the nonstick layer, wash stainless steel, metal, and nonstick pots with a gentle sponge.

● If your pan does not have a nonstick coating, line it with parchment paper to minimize sticking. You may also oil the pan, but ensure that all surfaces are oiled properly.

● Follow a recipe. The art of baking is more scientific than creative, and while it's fun to be creative, creating a beautiful loaf demands precision.

● Get a thermometer. Purchase an oven thermometer to ensure that the temperature is correct each time you're ready to bake.

● Keep in mind that the temperature and elevation of the place where you're making bread will affect how long it takes to rise. In the winter, find a comfortable location for your dough to expand. In the summer, lay your ball of dough someplace that's cooler.

● Keep in mind that yeast has a limited shelf life. If you don't bake yeasted loaves regularly, you'll probably need to buy a new pack of yeast or a container.

● Choose the correct kind of yeast for your baking needs. Before you begin, read your recipe carefully. If you're a frequent bread baker, keep active dry yeast on hand. It's the yeast used in most bread recipes.

● Don't get nutritional yeast confused with bread yeast. Nutritional yeast is a type of inactive yeast that contains B vitamins. Vegetarians and vegans use the savory-tasting granules as a cheese substitute.

● Don't forget to warm up your oven before putting in your bread. If you're making yeast bread, it's a good idea to preheat your loaf pan.

● If you've overproduced bread, don't throw it away. Make croutons from stale slices or add them to French onion soup with leftover bits from previous loaves.

Pick a cast iron loaf pan that's enameled or pre-seasoned for convenience. Remember that non-coated cast iron may need to be re-seasoned over time.

FAQ

I don't think my bread is looking right. Did I bake it in the wrong type of pan?

A. your oven may be broken, the recipe isn't working for you, or your pan isn't big enough. Your bread may not rise and dome properly if you're baking in a too large pan. The common loaf pan size is ideal for bread recipes that require 3.5 cups or more of flour. If the recipe requires less flour, you'll need a smaller loaf pan for your baking.

I've tried making banana bread in a loaf pan, but it never seems to cook through. What's the deal?

A. You'll most likely need to modify your technique rather than your pan. Raise the oven temperature (or, as many ovens don't heat equally, adjust it) or extend the cooking time to cook and firm the middle. Using a toothpick to check the center when removing your bread from the oven. The larger the loaf, the more time it needs to bake.

What type of bread do you bake the most often? Is there a loaf pan I can use?

A. The best option is to invest in a Dutch oven if you want to make perfectly risen round loaves of bread.

Is it healthier to make your bread at home than to purchase store-bought bread?

A. Sliced white bread, on the other hand, is typically less nutritious than home-baked whole wheat bread. Furthermore, it is frequently less expensive. The drawback is that you must devote a significant amount of time to make yeasted loaves. Fortunately, active cooking times are short. You'll spend an entire time waiting for the dough to rise, and you can happily go about other household chores, go to work, or run errands. The wonderful scent of bread baking at home is the best aspect!

Rachael Ray Nonstick Loaf Pan with Insert

BOTTOMLINE
Customer Favorite
A typical 2-pound loaf pan with a nonstick coating for easy cleanup.

Shop Now

Wilton Recipe Right Medium Loaf Baking Pan

BOTTOMLINE
Steel Option
The sturdy lip of these heavy-gauge steel pans makes them easy to handle.

Shop Now

Anolon Advanced Nonstick Meatloaf/Loaf Pan

BOTTOMLINE
Feature-Packed
If you're searching for a meatloaf pan set, this inexpensive one is ideal.

Shop Now

Farberware Nonstick Bread/Meatloaf Pan Set, 2-Piece

BOTTOMLINE
Trusted Brand
Warp-resistant pans do an excellent job, but they need some special treatment.

Shop Now

USA Pan Steel Loaf Pan

BOTTOMLINE
Simple Yet Solid
Nonstick pans are convenient, trustworthy, and inexpensive. You can't go wrong with one of these useful, trustworthy, and money-saving nonstick pans.

Shop Now