The first step to making delicious meals is making sure you have a fully stocked kitchen. And whether you want to bake a loaf of homemade sourdough or a savory casserole, you need a good loaf pan to ensure that your food comes out perfectly. Your ideal loaf pan should be made of a durable, heavy-duty material like stainless steel or high-quality aluminum, have a nonstick coating, and be the right size for baking bread — or whatever other food you plan on making. If you're looking for the best loaf pan for your needs, you've come to the right place. Farberware Bakeware Loaf Pan Make all kinds of delicious breads, cakes, mini-casseroles, and more with the Farberware Bakeware Loaf Pan, a professional-grade steel pan that provides years of use without warping or scratching. Oven-safe for up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, this heavy-duty workhorse also has the requisite nonstick coating both inside and out, so your bread comes out perfectly crusty and tasty with none of the sticky mess of other types of pans. All in all, this pan is fabulous for novice bakers and seasoned home chefs alike. Pros: Heavy-duty, super-solid construction Nonstick coating inside and out Oven-safe for well up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit Great for everyday use Cons: You do need to be careful to hand-wash these pans, as putting them in the dishwasher could warp them Wilton Perfect Results Mini Loaf Pan The Wilton Perfect Results Mini Loaf Pan boasts a unique small size, so you can make all kinds of snack-size treats for sharing with friends and neighbors. This pan has eight small cavities that are perfect for baking crustless quiches, mini-bread loaves, pound cakes, tiny pies, or whatever else you feel inspired to concoct. This pan is nonstick, made from sturdy aluminum, and coated with silicone, which helps the food to cook as quickly and evenly as possible. Pros: Made from heavy-duty aluminum that lasts for long-term use Scratch-resistant coating Non-stick coating allows your loaves to come out with minimal cleanup Cons: They’re not as versatile as other pans, considering the small size Chicago Metallic 2-Piece Set Made of heavy-weight aluminized steel, the Chicago Metallic Loaf Pan boasts excellent heat conduction for even cooking every time. It’s also one of the easiest pans to work with since it’s designed with large handles and a perforated lifter that elevates your food above the bottom of the pan, allowing the grease or residue to drain out. This pan is silicone-based with a nonstick coating, and though it’s recommended that you hand-wash it, it also won’t come out warped if you accidentally run it through the dishwasher. Pros: Superior heat conduction for very even baking The perforations in the baking rack drain fat and grease Convenient lifting tray for easy serving Comes with a perforated elevated lifter Cons: Better for baked dishes like casseroles, lasagna, and meatloaf than bread Amazon Basics Nonstick Bread Pan The Amazon Basics Nonstick Bread Pan comes with two sturdy, durable, rectangular-shaped pans in one package, making this product a great value buy if you don’t want to spend a ton of money on cookware. It’s crafted from carbon steel, which helps with uniform browning, and the nonstick coating ensures quick, effortless food release. This pan even has a maximum temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is slightly higher than most other pans can accommodate. Pros: Excellent value, especially considering that you get two pans Ideal for baking bread, making casseroles, and several other dishes Nonstick coating for minimal cleanup The perfect size for baking bread: 9 ¼” x 5″ Cons: May not last quite as long as higher-priced pans Camp Chef Cast Iron Bread Pan For serious chefs, the Camp Chef Cast Iron Bread Pan might just be a game-changing product. No matter what you’re baking, this loaf pan cooks more evenly than most, giving your bread and casseroles a lovely golden-brown crust. Decorative molded handles are added for convenience, and the pan comes pre-seasoned with the brand’s “True Seasoned Finish.” Best of all, you’re likely to have it for a lifetime, considering that cast iron is so durable. Pros: Comes pre-seasoned Decorative molded handles allow you to maneuver the pan out of the oven easily Bakes perfect-shaped loaves of bread Bread reliably comes out with a nice, even crust Cons: One of the pricier loaf pans available It’s heavier than other materials Frequently Asked Questions What must-have features should I look out for when trying to choose a loaf pan? To us, nonstick coating is essential — it just makes cleanup so much easier. In terms of material, both aluminum and stainless steel are always good choices because they’re sturdy, durable, and relatively affordable. Loaf pans do come in a variety of other materials, but those two are the most popular choices for a reason. If you’re willing to spend a little extra, cast iron is another go-to material. Wide handles are another feature to look out for since they’re easier to maneuver in and out of the oven. If I’m just using my loaf pan to make bread, what size should it be? If you’re solely using your pan for bread, it’s best to get either a 9″ x 5″ or 8 ½” x 4″ pan. Related posts: The Best Lint Rollers The Best Chicken Coops The Best Dog Cookie Cutters