The best round cake pans are the Fat Daddio’s 8 x 2-Inch pair. Their 16-gauge anodized aluminum bakes even layers, with 25,000+ reviews.
We compared six round cake pans by material, size, depth and coating, using only the specs each brand lists. For tiered sets, see our cake pan set guide. Prices, ratings and review counts may change.
Below you’ll find our top picks, a comparison table, detailed reviews, a buying guide and answers to common questions.
Top 3 Round Cake Pans
Fat Daddio’s Anodized Aluminum Round Cake Pans, 8 x 2-Inch, 2-Piece
USA Pan Nonstick Round Cake Pan, 8-Inch
Nordic Ware Naturals Round Cake Pan, 9-Inch 2-PackRound Cake Pans Compared
| Image | Product | Key Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Fat Daddio’s Anodized Aluminum Round Cake Pans, 8 x 2-Inch, 2-Piece Best Overall | Two 8 x 2" pans, 3.5 cups each · 16-gauge anodized aluminum; solid bottom | 4.7/5 25,879 reviews | Check Price |
| 2. USA Pan Nonstick Round Cake Pan, 8-Inch Best Nonstick | 8 x 2.25" aluminized steel · Americoat silicone nonstick (PTFE, PFOA and BPA free) | 4.8/5 4,346 reviews | Check Price |
| 3. Nordic Ware Naturals Round Cake Pan, 9-Inch 2-Pack Best 9-Inch Pair | Two 9-inch pure aluminum pans · 2.5 inches tall; 9.6" exterior | 4.7/5 2,863 reviews | Check Price |
 | 4. Amazon Basics Nonstick Carbon Steel Round Cake Pans, 9-Inch, Set of 2 Best Budget Pair | Two 9-inch carbon steel pans · Nonstick coating | 4.8/5 307 reviews | Check Price |
 | 5. Farberware Nonstick 9-Inch Round Cake Pan Best Single Value | 9-inch heavy-duty steel · Nonstick made without PFAS, PFOA, lead or cadmium | 4.8/5 5,681 reviews | Check Price |
 | 6. GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Round Cake Pan, 9-Inch Best Cheapest | 9-inch heavy-duty steel · Scratch-resistant nonstick; metal-spatula safe per brand | 4.7/5 1,030 reviews | Check Price |
USA Pan Bakeware Nonstick Round Cake Pan, 8-Inch, Aluminized Steel
1. Fat Daddio’s Anodized Aluminum Round Cake Pans, 8 x 2-Inch, 2-Piece – Best Overall
Fat Daddio’s Anodized Aluminum Round Cake Pans, 2 Piece Set, 8 x 2 Inch
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 25,879 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Fat Daddio’s 8 x 2-Inch Round Cake Pans are the best round cake pans for most bakers, at about $25 for two with 4.7 stars from 25,879 Amazon reviews. Their 16-gauge anodized aluminum heats evenly and cools quickly, which helps prevent dry, overbaked cakes.
Anodized aluminum is safe for citrus-based batters and won’t rust, peel or flake. The pans also fit 8-quart pressure cookers and many air fryers, and they’re oven safe to 550°F.
Key features
16-gauge. Bakery tough.
Anodized. Citrus safe.
25,000+ reviews. Proven.
What it’s like to own
Grease and flour the pans or use parchment rounds. Many professional bakers rely on anodized aluminum for straight-sided layers.
They’re uncoated, so prep is required.
Best for: Layer cakes.
May not fit: No-prep bakers.
2. USA Pan Nonstick Round Cake Pan, 8-Inch – Best Nonstick
USA Pan Bakeware Nonstick Round Cake Pan, 8-Inch, Aluminized Steel
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 from 4,346 reviews
Pros
Cons
The USA Pan 8-Inch Round Cake Pan is the best nonstick round cake pan, at about $24 with 4.8 stars from 4,346 Amazon reviews. Its Americoat silicone coating is free of PTFE, PFOA and BPA and releases cakes cleanly.
It’s made in the USA and slightly deeper than standard at 2.25 inches.
Key features
Americoat. PTFE-free.
4.8 stars. Top rated.
Made in USA. Quality.
What it’s like to own
Buy two for a classic layer cake.
It’s sold individually.
Best for: Nonstick fans.
May not fit: Budget buyers.
3. Nordic Ware Naturals Round Cake Pan, 9-Inch 2-Pack – Best 9-Inch Pair
Nordic Ware Naturals Round Cake Pan, 9-Inch 2-Pack
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 2,863 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Nordic Ware Naturals 9-Inch 2-Pack is the best pair of 9-inch round pans, at about $26 with a 4.7-star rating. Its 2,863 Amazon reviews appear to be shared with the single 8-inch pan.
Pure aluminum browns layers evenly, and the 2.5-inch sides give extra room for rising.
Key features
Two pans. 9-inch.
2.5″ tall. Extra rise.
Pure aluminum. Even bake.
What it’s like to own
Most layer-cake recipes are written for 8- or 9-inch pans.
They need greasing.
Best for: 9-inch recipes.
May not fit: No-prep bakers.
4. Amazon Basics Nonstick Carbon Steel Round Cake Pans, 9-Inch, Set of 2 – Best Budget Pair
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 from 307 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Amazon Basics 9-Inch Round Cake Pans are the best budget pair, at about $12 for two with 4.8 stars from 307 Amazon reviews. Their nonstick coating releases layers and deep-dish pizzas easily.
They’re oven safe to 428°F and dishwasher safe.
Key features
About $12. For two.
Nonstick. Easy release.
Dishwasher safe. Easy care.
What it’s like to own
Lower oven temperature by about 25°F with dark pans if edges overbrown.
They’re thinner than pro pans.
Best for: Beginners.
May not fit: Pro bakers.
5. Farberware Nonstick 9-Inch Round Cake Pan – Best Single Value
Farberware Nonstick Bakeware 9-Inch Round Cake Pan, Gray
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 from 5,681 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Farberware Nonstick 9-Inch Round Cake Pan is the best single value pan, at about $8 with a 4.8-star rating. Its 5,681 Amazon reviews appear to be shared with other Farberware nonstick pans. Its heavy-duty steel resists warping and browns evenly.
The nonstick coating is made without PFAS, PFOA, lead or cadmium, and it’s oven safe to 450°F.
Key features
About $8. Value.
PFAS-free. Coating.
450°F. Oven safe.
What it’s like to own
Buy two for layer cakes at a low price.
It’s sold individually.
Best for: Value seekers.
May not fit: Uncoated purists.
6. GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Round Cake Pan, 9-Inch – Best Cheapest
GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Steel Round Cake Pan, 9-Inch, Gray
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 1,030 reviews
Pros
Cons
The GoodCook Everyday 9-Inch Round Cake Pan is the cheapest pick, at about $6 with 4.7 stars from 1,030 Amazon reviews. Wide rims make it easy to grab with oven mitts.
GoodCook says its scratch-resistant coating is metal-spatula safe, so you can serve straight from the pan.
Key features
About $6. Cheapest.
Wide rims. Easy grip.
Lifetime warranty. Limited.
What it’s like to own
Its shallower depth suits thinner layers and pies.
It’s shallower than standard pans.
Best for: Casual bakers.
May not fit: Tall layers.
How to Choose a Round Cake Pan
8 or 9 inches
Most layer-cake recipes use 8- or 9-inch pans; check yours before buying.
9-inch pans make wider, slightly thinner layers than 8-inch pans with the same batter.
Material
Anodized or natural aluminum, like Fat Daddio’s and Nordic Ware, heats evenly.
Nonstick steel, like USA Pan and Farberware, releases easily with less prep.
Depth
Standard pans are about 2 inches deep.
Taller pans, like Nordic Ware’s 2.5 inches, give batter more room to rise.
Coating
Uncoated pans need grease and parchment but last for decades.
Nonstick coatings wear over time; avoid metal tools unless the brand allows them.
Color
Light pans bake more gently.
Dark pans brown faster; lower the oven about 25°F if edges overbake.
Buy in pairs
Layer cakes need at least two matching pans.
Sets like Fat Daddio’s, Nordic Ware and Amazon Basics include two.
FAQ
What is the best round cake pan?
The Fat Daddio’s 8 x 2-Inch Anodized Aluminum pair is our top pick.
Should I buy 8- or 9-inch cake pans?
Follow your favorite recipes; both are standard.
Is anodized aluminum better than nonstick?
It bakes more evenly and lasts longer; nonstick is easier to release.
How do I keep cakes from sticking?
Grease, add a parchment round and flour the sides.
How deep should a round cake pan be?
About 2 inches, or 3 for tall cakes.
Can round cake pans go in air fryers?
Fat Daddio’s says its 8-inch pans fit many air fryers.
Final Verdict
The Fat Daddio’s 8 x 2-Inch pair is the best round cake pan overall.
Choose USA Pan for nonstick or Nordic Ware for a 9-inch aluminum pair.
On a budget, Amazon Basics’ 9-inch pair costs about $12.
Quick picks:
- Best overall: Fat Daddio’s 8 x 2″ Pair
- Best nonstick: USA Pan 8-Inch
- Best 9-inch pair: Nordic Ware Naturals
- Best budget pair: Amazon Basics 9-Inch
- Best single value: Farberware 9-Inch
Related buying guides: Best Cake Pan Sets · Best Bakeware Sets · Best Cookie Sheets
