Good baking is a combination of learned skills and the right equipment. That's why one essential tool in our cupboard is the springform cake pan. If you've ever wondered how your local baker achieves that perfectly smooth finish on cheesecakes or savory crusted tarts, we're here to tell you that the answer lies within these cleverly designed pans that release the cake without any unwieldy flipping. Here, we've done the research and compiled our five favorite springform pans that will make unmolding your baked goods a piece of cake. Hiware Non-Stick Springform Pan An All-Purpose PanFrom pies and mousse to lasagna and quiches, this non-stick, easy-release springform pan fits perfectly in your oven, pressure cooker, and freezer.Best OverallFind on Amazon Despite their name, springform cake pans are used to make so much more than cakes. From perfectly carved sweet treats to savory dishes like vegetable tarts and pizzas, these pans can shape your meals in all types of environments: ovens, freezers, pressure cookers, and more. With their easy-release design and temperature endurance, springform tins like this classic model by Hiware are an essential kitchen accessory no matter your level of baking expertise. And as a bonus, this particular pan also comes with parchment paper to make sure your creation comes out as you want it on all sides. Pros: Choose from four different pan sizes from 6″ to 10″ Includes 50 pieces of parchment paper Double layer, non-toxic non-stick coating Oven-safe up to 450 degrees F Cons: Not the deepest pan available, but suitable for most purposes Nordic Ware Leakproof Springform Pan Batter BarricadeThis leakproof springform cake tin ensures that your cake batter will remain just where you left it: inside the pan.Best Leak ControlFind on Amazon One of the biggest problems in springform pans is their biggest feature: the sides detach from the base. While this design is great for carefully unmolding your cake without damaging all your hard work, it can also result in messy leaks that may also affect your baked shape’s integrity. That’s why we’re bonkers about this leakproof pan by Nordic Ware. No matter the consistency of your batter, this well-sealed aluminum springform pan is sure to keep all that gooey goodness in during the baking process. Pros: Non-stick coating Choose between 7″ and 9″ pans Great cost value Cons: Hard to stack in storage Not suitable for water baths due to detachable design Massugar Springform Pan Set Tiers Without FearWhen unmolding is this easy, why not make a cake your family is sure to remember with this affordable three-pan set?Best SetFind on Amazon They say good things come in threes, and we think that old maxim definitely applies to this affordable, non-stick springform tin set by Massugar. We guarantee that when you get used to the convenience of quickly popping out your cakes and tarts without damage, you’ll want to experiment with all kinds of sizes and constructions. Whether you’re looking to make a tiered cake for your child’s birthday party or simply a smaller portion of something tasty for an intimate dinner, this set has you covered. These pans all have a textured bottom as a special design touch, which is just the icing on the cake. Pros: Includes 4″, 7″, and 9″ pans 50 parchment liners included Great cost value Cons: Ridge at the bottom of the ring can trap crumbs in, so it requires extra cleaning Not meant for especially thin batters Zenker Carbon Steel Springform Pan Choose Your FighterThis large pan lets you experiment as you wish with its two interchangeable bottoms.Most VersatileFind on Amazon Great cakes come in all shapes and sizes. While simple round cakes are good for layering with creamy fillings within and iced decorations atop, ridged cakes like the classic Bundt design show off your handiwork in their structural simplicity. So when you get a springform pan like this carbon steel one by Zenker that lets you do both, there’s no need to sugarcoat any of its other functionalities. We will note that if you’re looking for a precisely 10″ pan for a specific baking project, this interchangeable tin ends up being slightly smaller than the promised size. Pros: Easy to wash PFOA-free, non-stick coating 5-year warranty on pan, lifetime warranty on buckle Cons: Higher cost for dual functionality Actual size is about 9.5″ Webake Heart Mini Springform Pan Set Sweetly Shaped ServingsThis adorable set of two mini cake tins are perfect for personalizing your baked goods for your friends and family.Best ShapeFind on Amazon Once you’ve established trust in your springform pan to leave your cake thoroughly smooth on every side, why not take your sculpting one step further and add a little love into every scrumptious bite? This set of mini 4″ springform tins by Webake lets you do just that with its heart-shaped design and personal serving size. And though the portion may be smaller than your usual 9″ tin, the buckle on the side makes it just as easy to slide your baked treats out. Make two at a time in your pressure cooker or oven and watch as your friends and family each have your cake and eat it, too. Pros: Set of two heart-shaped 4″ pans Thick, carbon steel material Fits into most pressure cookers Oven safe up to 450 F Cons: Slight leakage may occur with thinner batters due to the unique shape Frequently Asked Questions How do I use a springform cake pan? One of the reasons we love these tins is because they’re just so dang easy to use. First, to prevent leakage, make sure the pan itself is clean, assembled correctly, and well-latched. You can make sure you’re good to go by pressing gently down on the base and confirming that it is sitting in the little indent at the bottom of the ring. Then, after your cake is done, undo the latch to separate the sides from the cake and push up from the chassis to get your cake free from the ring. It’s best to handwash these unique tins because of their multiple parts. Do I need to grease my springform cake tin? While many pans say they’re non-stick, this isn’t always the case. If the recipe specifically calls for it, then definitely grease the pan or line it with foil, parchment paper, etc. We tend to wipe the sides and base with a paper towel that has a bit of cooking spray on it just to make sure we’ll get our cake off later. Using parchment paper on the bottom is also a good idea to get the cake off the chassis afterward. Lastly, before you remove the cake from the pan, try using a knife to gently separate the cake from the ring to ensure a clean unmolding.