Springform pans used to be relegated to the occasional cheesecake baking session, tucked away in kitchen cabinets. However, their utility has vastly expanded. Today, you’ll find a variety of springform pans in different sizes and materials, including nonstick options and those with innovative leak-proof designs, like glass-bottomed models.
The surge in options caters to home cooks exploring a wide range of recipes, both sweet and savory. These pans simplify the creation of dishes like traditional cheesecakes, Japanese cheesecakes, individual mini cheesecakes, monkey bread, lasagna, soufflé cakes, raised pies, vegetable tortes, tians, and the beloved torta di pasta—a pasta dish (rigatoni is recommended) baked in a closed pie crust.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Fat Daddio’s Aluminum Springform Cake Pan
Pros:
- Sturdy lever
- Clear top and bottom labels on the ring
- Safe for citrus-based recipes
Cons:
- Wide base complicates storage and some baking
- Not dishwasher safe
Fat Daddio’s 10-inch springform pan stands out as the top choice among springform pans we’ve evaluated. This classic silver pan features a robust non-reactive surface, ideal for both amateur and professional bakers. Made from anodized aluminum, it heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly, ensuring excellent baking results.
Perfect for serving 12 to 16 guests, this pan’s size is suitable for large gatherings. The well-designed lever on the ring is secure and easy to use, and the clear labeling of the top and bottom ensures proper assembly. The pan bakes evenly and cools rapidly, preventing burns. Its lightweight design is convenient, especially given its large size.
Keep in mind that the pan’s wide base might require an extra-large roasting pan if you plan to use it with a sheet pan or another baking pan. Although the finish may scratch, it does not affect performance. Fat Daddio’s offers various sizes, from smaller to larger options, making the 10-inch a versatile mid-size choice.
Material: Anodized aluminum
Oven Safe Temperature: 550 degrees
Sizes: 6-inch, 8-inch, 9-inch, 10-inch, 11-inch
Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Budget
Farberware Nonstick Springform Baking Pan
Pros:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Smooth latch operation
- Even heat distribution
Cons:
- Tray does not extend beyond the ring
The Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Springform Pan exceeded our expectations, offering excellent performance at an affordable price of around $15. Made from nonstick-coated steel, it is durable yet lightweight. The sturdy construction ensures it won’t warp, and it heats evenly, resulting in perfectly browned crusts without hot spots.
The industrial-style latch is easy to open and close, providing a secure fit. The wide-opening ring allows for easy removal without damaging the cake’s sides. The snug-fitting tray prevents leaks, and the nonstick surface ensures the cheesecake doesn’t stick.
While the tray fits perfectly inside the ring, it may be challenging to move the baked goods once the ring is removed. However, the nonstick coating facilitates easy cleaning. This pan is a valuable addition to any kitchen at a great price.
Material: Steel with nonstick coating
Oven Safe Temperature: 450 degrees
Sizes: 9-inch
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best 7-Inch
Nordic Ware Springform Pan
Pros:
- Tall height ideal for various dishes
- Tight seal prevents leaks
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Hand wash only
The 7-inch Nordic Ware springform pan is a versatile and well-crafted option frequently used in our kitchen. Made from carbon steel with a PFOA-free nonstick coating, it provides easy food release and simple cleanup. The carbon steel construction ensures even heating, eliminating hot spots.
The extended base simplifies assembly, and the ring fits securely to prevent leaks. The sturdy latch releases smoothly, making it easy to remove the cake. Though it requires hand washing to maintain the nonstick coating, it comes with a 10-year warranty, attesting to its quality.
Material: Carbon steel with nonstick coating
Oven Safe Temperature: 400 degrees
Sizes: 7-inch, 9-inch
Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Square
Anolon Advanced Square Springform Pan
Pros:
- Wide base minimizes leaks
- Heavy gauge material prevents warping
- Silicone grip on spring for easy release
Cons:
- Heavy
- Hand wash only
For those seeking unique shapes, the Anolon Advanced Square Springform Pan is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for baking a variety of desserts, from brownies to cheesecakes. The heavy-gauge material ensures durability, and the silicone grip on the lever makes it easy to latch and unlatch.
The nonstick surface allows for easy release without using a knife, and the wide base prevents batter leakage. Although it’s heavier than other pans and requires hand washing, its durability and performance make it a worthwhile investment. Anolon’s lifetime warranty adds extra assurance of its quality.
Material: Carbon steel
Oven Safe Temperature: 450 degrees
Sizes: 9-inch
Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Mini
Wilton 4-inch Nonstick Mini Springform Pan
Pros:
- Waffle bottom texture for easy release
- Affordable
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- May need to purchase multiple sets
Mini springform pans are perfect for creating individual-sized desserts. The Wilton set includes three 4-inch pans with nonstick rings and bases. They are easy to decorate and serve, providing quick and even baking without hot spots.
The nonstick surface ensures perfect release, and the compact size makes storage simple. Although you may need to buy additional sets for larger batches, the pans’ easy cleaning and stackable design make them a practical choice.
Material: Alloy steel with nonstick coating
Oven Safe Temperature: 450 degrees
Sizes: 4-inch
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Set
Wilton Springform Cake Pan Set
Pros:
- Nest together for easy storage
- Standard sizes
- Affordable
Cons:
- Minor leakage
This set includes 8-inch, 9-inch, and 10-inch pans, providing flexibility for various baking needs. The diamond-patterned bottom trays and smooth-operating latches ensure easy use. While there was minor leakage with some recipes, most baked goods turned out evenly cooked.
The rings can be snug, making removal slightly challenging, but the nonstick surface simplifies cleanup. Considering the price, getting three pans is a great deal.
Material: Steel with nonstick coating
Oven Safe Temperature: 450 degrees
Sizes: 8-inch, 9-inch, 10-inch
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best for Instant Pot
Instant Pot 7.5-Inch Nonstick Springform Pan
Pros:
- Fits 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pots
- Budget-friendly
- Oven-compatible
Cons:
- Smaller size limits some recipes
Designed for Instant Pot enthusiasts, this 7.5-inch springform pan works well in both Instant Pots and traditional ovens. Made from aluminized carbon steel with a BPA-free nonstick surface, it’s ideal for making quick desserts or savory dishes.
Its smaller size is perfect for small families but may require recipe adjustments. This pan is a versatile and budget-friendly addition to your Instant Pot accessories.
Material: Alloy steel with nonstick coating
Oven Safe Temperature: 450 degrees
Sizes: 7.5-inch
Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Glass Bottom
Norpro 10-Inch Steel Springform With Glass Base
Pros:
- Durable tempered glass bottom
- Glass base doubles as a serving plate
- Glass doesn’t overcook like metal
Cons:
- Spring clip can be difficult to use
- Slightly smaller than advertised
For an elegant presentation, the Norpro 10-inch springform pan with a glass base is ideal. The tempered glass bottom acts as a serving plate, showcasing your dessert beautifully. The heavy-gauge steel with a nonstick coating and tight spring latch ensures durability and ease of use.
Though the spring clip can be tricky, and the pan is slightly smaller than advertised, the glass base’s functionality and aesthetic appeal make it a great choice for serving directly from the oven.
Material: Steel with nonstick coating
Oven Safe Temperature: 440 degrees
Sizes: 10-inch
Dishwasher Safe: No
Final Verdict
For those seeking a versatile springform pan to experiment with various recipes, the Fat Daddio’s Aluminum Springform Cake Pan stands out due to its convenient mid-size and excellent design. On the other hand, if you already own a standard springform pan and want to try something different, the Wilton 4-Inch Nonstick Mini Springform Pan offers a fresh and exciting option.
How We Selected
To create this list, our team of editors and contributors invested considerable time researching the top springform pans, assessing key aspects such as performance, material, and price, along with customer reviews and insights from trusted sources. We then distributed springform pans to the home kitchens of our seasoned product testers. Our evaluation is continuous. During use, our testers assess:
- The pan’s heat distribution and how evenly the cake bakes.
- The simplicity of setting up the pan and the tightness of its seal.
- The latch’s stability throughout the baking process.
- The ease of removing the cake from the pan and the subsequent cleanup.
About Our Tester
- Rachel Knecht, a recipe tester, blogger, and former head baker, has a deep passion for cheesecake and a strong preference for her Nordic Ware 7-inch springform pan.
Other Options We Tested
Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick Springform Pan: This affordable pan, featuring a sleek design, is constructed from carbon steel with a silicone-based nonstick coating, and it performed well in our tests. Cheesecake released effortlessly without the need for parchment paper or greasing, and the pan’s attractive appearance makes it suitable for serving. However, we encountered an issue with the latch. While it was easy to move back and forth, the spring didn’t release as smoothly as other options, causing the ring to jerk open, which could tear the cake if it isn’t perfectly loosened.
What to Look for in a Springform Pan
Material
Springform pans are typically made from metals like anodized aluminum or stainless steel. These can feature nonstick coatings or be hard-anodized, which is a treatment applied to the metal itself rather than a coating. It’s important to note that darker metals can bake or cook faster, so you may need to adjust your temperature or time accordingly.
“If you bake a lot of springform type items, it’s nice to have both a darker metal one and a lighter one, because the finish on a springform can really affect how dark a crust or cake can get,” advises Shauna Sever, baker and author of “Midwest Made.”
Peabody Johanson, founder of Sweet Recipeas and author of “Holy Sweet!” adds that the weight of the material is also crucial. “When looking for a springform pan, I want one with some weight to it and a good tight seal,” says Johanson. “Cheesecakes are what most people use springform pans for, and they tend to be quite heavy. A lightweight pan is just asking for trouble.”
Silicone springform pans are another option, but their flexible sides can make moving the pan in and out of the oven tricky. Always support the pan by the rigid bottom or place it on a baking sheet for easier handling.
While most springform pans have a metal bottom, some come with a tempered glass base, making them suitable for serving. Tempered glass can prevent the bottom crust from overcooking but is more fragile than metal. The material also affects whether the pans are dishwasher safe, so always check the manufacturer’s recommendations if this is important to you.
Size
Springform pans are available in various sizes, from as small as 4 and 6 inches in diameter to larger sizes like 7, 8, 9, and 10 inches. These varied sizes make springform pans versatile beyond just cheesecake—think tortes, quiches, deep-dish individual pizzas, and more.
Leakproof
Due to their removable bottom, nearly all springform pans have the potential to leak. However, some pans are more leak-resistant than others. To test your pan, fit the ring into the base, close up the sides, and fill it with water to see if it leaks. If it does, it’s best to use thicker batters or wrap the outside of the pan with a layer of foil for thinner batters.
“A tight seal is always the most important thing for springform pans—if you’re baking something with a batter, it’s never a bad idea to reinforce it by wrapping in aluminum foil,” says Sever.
To prevent spills and messes in your oven, wrap foil around the bottom outside of the pan and place it on a rimmed baking sheet. The baking sheet will catch any drips, keeping your oven clean.
FAQs
What makes a springform pan unique?
A springform pan is unique due to its detachable sides, which are formed by a metal ring that snaps into the base. This design allows you to easily remove the ring, making it perfect for delicate items like cheesecakes or quiches that can’t be flipped to remove from the pan. The construction also facilitates slicing and serving directly from the pan’s base.
Can a springform pan be used for regular cake?
Yes, a springform pan can be used for any cake recipe. Once the ring is closed and securely snapped into place, the pan functions similarly to any standard cake pan when placed in the oven.
What are the components of a springform pan?
A springform pan consists of two main components: a bottom piece with a beveled edge and a high-sided metal ring. The metal ring features a spring mechanism that allows it to clamp down and tighten around the bottom piece, ensuring a secure fit.
