The Best Mini Loaf Pan

Buying Guide

Mini loaf pans are incredibly versatile kitchen tools. Whether you want to whip up some individual banana breads or pound cakes or take the savory route and make little quiches or meatloaves, the mini loaf pan is the perfect vessel. Most mini loaf pan trays accommodate between six to eight baked goods, though you can also find mini loaf pans that are for individual small loaves. The standard size of a mini loaf is about five inches by three inches, though there are exceptions.

In terms of materials for mini loaf pans, there are a few options. Steel is a common choice because it is affordable, highly durable and easy to clean. One downside is that steel doesn’t distribute heat evenly, so you may end up with crispy bits next to underdone bits on your loaves. Aluminium is another option and it does offer even heat distribution. However, it is not as durable and long lasting as steel. Another choice is cast iron, which is excellent at conducting heat. Many people go with silicone mini loaf pans, which are flexible and easy to use. They are also dishwasher safe, which makes for effortless cleanup. You can also use silicone in the freezer, microwave and fridge, adding to the convenience. However, you do have to use them with a baking sheet as they don’t offer the same type of support as other materials. A less-common option is glass, but it’s important to ensure the glass is ovenproof to prevent shattering or warping at high temperatures.

• When choosing a mini loaf pan, consider whether you want a tray style or an individual style. The key benefit of a mini loaf pan tray is that it’s easy to maneuver whereas when you’re dealing with individual mini loaf pans, you have to move them around one by one. However, the tray style may not have the number of molds you need, so sometimes going with individual molds works better for some people.
• In terms of shape, most mini loaf pans are some variation on the rectangle. You can find molds that have tapered edges or straight edges, as well as rounded corners or angled corners. While rectangle is the most common shape you will find, there are some that are square or oval as well.
• In order to ensure the food comes out of the pan easily, look for a mini loaf pan which has a non-stick coating. This saves you from having to heavily grease the pan every time you use it. Keep in time that with many uses, the non-stick coating may fade.
• Taking hot mini loaf pans out of the oven can be challenging, which is why it’s best to look for ones that have large handles on the sides. They make it easier and safer to maneuver the pans without burning yourself or ruining your baked goods.
• If you want to make your pans last for a long time, then handwashing them is the way to go – even if they say they are dishwasher safe. Handwashing helps to keep their coating and shape as the heat from the dishwasher can have negative effects.