The Best Stainless Steel Bakeware

August 4, 2023 Paige Gilmore

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Love to bake with stainless steel or looking to upgrade your bakeware? Then my ultimate list of the best stainless steel bakeware has you covered for baking sheets, cookie sheets, cake pans, muffin pans, and of course loaf pans (cause your girl loves bread).

I don’t know about you but finding stainless steel bakeware that isn’t either a mix of metals or coated in a non-stick coating can be a bit of a nightmare! So in this article, you will get bakeware made from stainless steel, nothing else. Alright, let’s get into it!

My Top Stainless Steel Bakeware Picks:

When choosing stainless steel bakeware it’s really important to understand the “grades” of stainless steel and how they affect the quality and the price of the item.

So for high-use bakeware, I’ll go for a better grade and therefore a higher price, I use baking sheets and pans almost daily, for you that might be loaf tins if you’re baking a loaf of bread regularly throughout the week. Every home baker/cook is different, so invest in the areas that make sense to you!

A quick rundown on stainless steel grades: 18/10 is the best grade and it’s shorthand for referencing the % of chromium and nickel in the stainless steel. 18/10 means 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The higher the nickel the less prone to rusting your stainless steel bakeware will be.

Best Overall Baking Sheet: Hestan Provisions 18/10 Stainless Steel Baking Sheet

Hestan Provisions offers the best overall stainless steel baking sheets! This brand aims to be superior in quality, durability, and design. Hestan Provisions bakeware tends to be more pricey than some other brands but stainless steel baking sheets are usually one of the most utilized pieces of bakeware so it’s important to invest in these heavy lifters.

Non-Toxic: Stainless steel is non-toxic.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel & aluminum (in the core but surrounded by the stainless steel). This conducts the heat better while retaining the benefits of stainless steel.
Features:
- Dishwasher safe.
- Heavy-duty stainless steel baking sheet weighing 4.84 pounds.
- Elegantly embossed raised and curved handles for easier carrying in and out of a hot oven.
- Warp-resistant technology.
Price: $$$

Best Cookie Sheet: Wildone 18/0 Stainless Steel Baking Sheet, Set of 3

Wildone makes the best cookie stainless steel sheets, they are economical price wise and come in a set of (small, medium, and large).

Non-Toxic: Stainless steel is non-toxic.
Material: 18/0 stainless steel.
Features:
- Set of 3 at varying sizes, 16x12 inch, 12.25x9.65 inch, and 9.37x7 inch.
Price: $

Best Cake Pan: TeamFar Stainless Steel 2 x 8-Inch Cake Pans

TeamFar is one of the more budget-friendly brands! They make the best stainless steel cake pans are the perfect balance of value for money, you get two 9-inch cake pans which are perfect for creating your day-to-day cakes or a layered cake for a special occasion with friends and family.

Non-Toxic: Stainless steel is non-toxic.
Material: Stainless steel.
Features: Dishwasher safe.
Price: $

Best Muffin Pan: TeamFar Stainless Steel 12-Cup Muffin Pan

TeamFar offers the best muffin pans made from stainless steel. As mentioned earlier they offer quality at a very reasonable price, this 12-cup muffin pan is perfect for baking with the kids.

Non-Toxic: Stainless steel is non-toxic.
Material: Stainless steel.
Features: Dishwasher safe.
Price: $

Best Loaf Pan: Hestan Provisions 18/10 Stainless Steel Loaf Pan

Hestan Provisions offers the best loaf pans! They are made from 18/10 stainless steel and are made in Italy. These loafs pans are the ideal 1-pound size, so bread-making is a breeze.

Non-Toxic: Stainless steel is non-toxic.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel tri-ply with a aluminum core (the stainless steel is layered on the outside so the core never touches your food).
Features: Dishwasher safe. Beautiful embossed curved handles for easier handling.
Price: $$$

Best Square Baking Pan: All-Clad 18/10 Stainless Steel Square Baking Pan, With lid

All-Clad makes the best square stainless steel baking pans and it comes with a bonus lid! Now as we already know All-Clad crafts a very high-quality product and this stainless steel square pan is no different. This exceptional pan also comes with much-needed handles (which are stylishly embossed), which makes it easier to handle when moving the an in and out of your oven.

Non-Toxic: Stainless steel is non-toxic.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel.
Features:
- Dishwasher safe.
- Handcrafted - Made in the USA.
- Square shape.
- Comes with a plastic lid for when your pan has cooled. This makes it easy to take the whole pan to a friend’s or family’s place for dinner.
- Embossed raised handles.
Price: $$$

Best Mini Baking Pans: All-Clad 18/10 Stainless Steel Mini Oval Baking Pans, Set of 2

The best mini baking pans you can get are the All-Clad mini oval pans! They come as a set of 2 (cute and amazing), the stainless steel grade is 18/10, so they are long-lasting and durable. All-Clads stainless steel baking pans are made in the USA and handcrafted. These 7-inch dishes are perfect for making a oven cooked dip or as a gift for a foodie friend!

Non-Toxic: Stainless steel is non-toxic.
Material: 18/10 stainless steel.
Features:
- Dishwasher safe.
- Handcrafted and made in the USA.
- Minis - perfect for individual serves.
- Oval shape.
- Embossed raised handles.
Price: $$

Best Stainless Steel Baking Pan: All-Clad 18/10 Stainless Steel Baking Pan

All-Clad take it out again with the best stainless steel baking pans. I LOVE this pan, it is a multiuse baking pan which is important when you are buying high-use kitchenware. This 12x15 inch baking pan is made from 18/10 graded stainless steel, it’s cooktop agnostic (gas, electric, & induction) and can be used in your oven up to 600F. It’s stylish and heavy-duty which is important for longevity. All ticks in my box!

Non-Toxic: Stainless steel is non-toxic.

Material: 18/10 stainless steel & aluminum (in the core but surrounded by the stainless steel). This conducts the heat better while retaining the benefits of stainless steel.
Features:

Dishwasher safe.
Induction, gas, and electric stovetop compatible. Use in oven and broiler up to 600F.
Handcrafted - Made in the USA.
Raised border to catch juices and runoff.
Elevated handles for easier lifting and placing in your oven.

Price: $$$

Is Stainless Steel Or Aluminum Better For Baking?

When it comes to choosing the right metal bakeware, you may be wondering whether stainless steel or aluminum is the better option. Both materials have their pros and cons, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you're looking for in your bakeware.

I personally opt for stainless steel and would only consider using aluminum bakeware if it is just the core of a piece of bakeware that is then wrapped in stainless steel and or ceramic.

Best Stainless Steel Bakeware

Stainless steel is a durable and long-lasting material that is resistant to rust and corrosion. It's also non-reactive, which means it won't react with acidic or alkaline ingredients in your baked goods, thank goodness! I really hate that metallic taste you can get in your food. This makes it a great choice for baking of any kind and particularly acidic foods like tomato-based dishes or citrus desserts.

Stainless steel is also a great conductor of heat, which means it heats up quickly and evenly. This allows your baked goods to cook evenly and prevents any hot spots from forming which can cause your baked goodies to get burnt spots on them or uneven baking in a cake or bar, where one part of your cake may be overcooked and the other part undercooked (uncooked cake batter).

Plus, stainless steel is easy to clean and is dishwasher safe so you’re not needing to handwash.

Aluminum Bakeware

Aluminum is a lightweight and affordable material that is also a good conductor of heat. It heats up quickly and evenly, which allows your baked goods to cook evenly and prevents any hot spots from forming.

However, aluminum is a reactive material, which means it can react with acidic or alkaline ingredients in your baked goods. This can cause your food to have a metallic taste or discoloration. Additionally, aluminum is not as durable as stainless steel and can dent or warp over time.

Ultimately, whether you choose stainless steel or aluminum comes down to personal preference and what you're looking for in your bakeware. If you want a durable and non-reactive option, stainless steel is a great choice.

Is Stainless Steel Good For Baking?

Stainless steel is a popular material for bakeware due to its durability, heat conductivity, and non-reactive properties. But is it a good choice for baking? Let's get into the pros and cons.

Pros of Stainless Steel Bakeware

Durability: Stainless steel is a sturdy material that can withstand high temperatures and heavy use. It's less likely to warp, dent, or scratch compared to other materials like aluminum or non-stick coatings.
Heat conductivity: Stainless steel distributes heat evenly, allowing for consistent baking results. It's also quick to heat up and cool down, making it ideal for recipes that require precise temperature control.
Non-reactive: Stainless steel is non-reactive, meaning it won't react with acidic or alkaline ingredients like tomatoes or vinegar. This makes it a safe choice for baking a wide variety of recipes.

Cons of Stainless Steel Bakeware

Stickiness: Stainless steel is not naturally non-stick, so it may require greasing or flouring to prevent sticking. However, this can be an advantage for recipes that require a crispy or crunchy texture or this can be avoided by using baking paper or properly greasing your stainless steel bakeware.

Stainless steel is an excellent choice for baking due to its durability, heat conductivity, and non-reactive properties. While it may require a bit of extra preparation to prevent sticking, it's a reliable and long-lasting option for any home baker.

My Top Stainless Steel Bakeware Picks:

Best Stainless Steel Baking Sheet:

Best Stainless Steel Cookie Sheet:

Best Stainless Steel Cake Pan:

Best Stainless Steel Muffin Pan:

Best Loaf Pan:

Best Stainless Steel Square Baking Pan:

Best Mini Baking Pans:

Best Stainless Steel Baking Pan: