The Best Muffin Tins: A Buyer’s Guide

Size: 12-cup

Cheap muffin tins are often a false economy, but the Wilton Perfect Results Muffin Tin is the exception to that rule. The thicker metal structure of our budget pick creates excellent heat retention and distribution, ensuring your muffins and cupcakes are baked evenly and perfectly risen. Some users report that the non-stick surface deteriorates over time, which is why we’d advise that this product is better for use with paper liners. Hand washing will help to preserve the non-stick surface, and pop it into a warm oven to dry to prevent rust from forming.

Features:

• Made from heavy-duty cold-rolled steel
• Thicker metal for even heat distribution
• Ideal for muffins and cupcakes with paper liners

Pros:

• Easy-clean durable non-stick coating
• Oversized edges for easy lifting
• Dishwasher safe

Cons:

• Shallow cavity depth
• Non-stick coating deteriorates over time
• Water can accumulate in metal joints, causing rust to appear

Size: 12-cup

Fans of the USA Pan Bakeware Muffin Pan will tell you that this is the only one they will ever use, which says a lot about the quality of this product! This muffin tin is ideal for anyone who bakes regularly, as it will withstand high usage over many years without deteriorating. The aluminized steel textured surface creates incredible heat distribution, resulting in muffins with a delicious crust and soft, fluffy center. If you’ve tried but failed to bake the perfect batch of muffins, this innovative muffin tin may be the answer.

Features:

• Durable heavy gauge aluminized steel muffin tin
• Textured surface allows for increased air circulation and heat distribution
• PTFE, PFOA, and BPA-free non-stick silicone coating

Pros:

• Resists warping at temps up to 450F 
• Generous muffin cup size
• Resilient non-stick surface 

Cons:

• Heavier than similar-sized muffin tins
• Metal utensils will scratch the silicone coating
• Easy to clean but does develop stains over time

‍Size: 6 cup x 2

You may notice that this muffin tin is the only one of our three top picks that doesn’t feature a non-stick coating, and there is a good reason for this. This pack of muffin tins is designed to last, and the stainless steel construction is durable and can withstand heavy-duty usage in the kitchen. As we always say, the most sustainable option is often the one that lasts the longest! In addition, the E-far Muffin Pan Set is free from toxic chemicals, and the smaller size of each pan makes them suitable for energy-efficient toaster ovens. However, this option is not quite as easy to clean as our other top picks, but this is easily solved with the use of reusable silicone muffin molds.

Features:

• Set of two stainless steel muffin tins
• Stackable for easy storage
• Wide edges to make lifting easier

Pros:

• Rustproof and warp-resistant heavy-duty steel construction
• Oven safe to 450F
• Dishwasher safe

Cons:

• Shallow muffin cup cavities
• Thinner metal thickness than comparable products
• Metal joints can be difficult to keep clean