The best muffin pan is the Nordic Ware Naturals Commercial 12-Cup. Pure aluminum bakes muffins evenly, and it carries a lifetime warranty.
We compared seven muffin pans by cup size, material, coating and price, using only the specs each brand lists. For mini muffins and cupcakes, see our dedicated guides. 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 Muffin Pans
Nordic Ware Naturals Commercial Muffin Pan, 12-Cup
Amazon Basics Nonstick Muffin Pan, 12-Cup, Set of 2
GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Muffin Pan, 12-CupMuffin Pans Compared
| Image | Product | Key Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Nordic Ware Naturals Commercial Muffin Pan, 12-Cup Best Overall | 12 standard cups · Pure aluminum; never rusts | 4.6/5 2,270 reviews | Check Price |
| 2. Amazon Basics Nonstick Muffin Pan, 12-Cup, Set of 2 Best Value Pair | Two 12-cup pans (24 cups total) · Heavy-weight steel | 4.8/5 5 reviews | Check Price |
| 3. GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Muffin Pan, 12-Cup Best Budget | 12 cups; 15.3 x 10.75 x 1.2" · Heavy-gauge steel | 4.6/5 1,351 reviews | Check Price |
 | 4. GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Jumbo Texas Muffin Pan, 6-Cup Best Jumbo | 6 jumbo 3.5" cups · Heavy-gauge steel | 4.6/5 2,013 reviews | Check Price |
 | 5. Nordic Ware Naturals Jumbo Coffee Shop Muffin Pan, 6-Cavity Best Premium Jumbo | Six 3.9-inch cavities (3" base) · Pure aluminum | 4.6/5 233 reviews | Check Price |
 | 6. Wilton Gold Premium Nonstick Muffin Pan, 12-Cup Best Gold Nonstick | 12 cups, 2" diameter x 1.25" deep · Heavy-duty steel; dent and warp resistant | 4.8/5 5 reviews | Check Price |
 | 7. Calphalon Titan Steel Core Nonstick 12-Cup Muffin Pan Best Newcomer | 12 cups · Steel core; reinforced rolled rim | 4.9/5 20 reviews | Check Price |
1. Nordic Ware Naturals Commercial Muffin Pan, 12-Cup – Best Overall
Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Muffin Pan, 12 Cup
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 2,270 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Nordic Ware Naturals Commercial Muffin Pan is the best muffin pan for most bakers, at about $23 with a 4.6-star rating. Its 2,270 Amazon reviews appear to be shared with Nordic Ware’s 24-cup petite muffin pan. Pure aluminum conducts heat well, so muffins rise tall and brown evenly from cup to cup.
A reinforced steel rim prevents warping, and the pan carries a lifetime warranty. It’s made in the USA.
Key features
Pure aluminum. Even rise.
Steel rim. Won’t warp.
Lifetime warranty. Backed.
What it’s like to own
Use paper liners or grease the cups, since the pan is uncoated. Hand wash and dry it right away.
It isn’t nonstick or dishwasher safe.
Best for: Serious bakers.
May not fit: Dishwasher users.
2. Amazon Basics Nonstick Muffin Pan, 12-Cup, Set of 2 – Best Value Pair
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 from 5 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Amazon Basics Nonstick Muffin Pan 2-Pack is the best value pair, at about $16 for two pans with a 4.8-star rating. Together they bake 24 muffins or cupcakes at once.
Heavy-weight steel heats quickly, and the nonstick coating releases muffins cleanly. Amazon says never to use them under a grill or broiler.
Key features
24 cups. Big batches.
About $16. For two.
Nonstick. Easy release.
What it’s like to own
Two pans let you bake a full batch without waiting.
Our data didn’t show a review count.
Best for: Batch bakers.
May not fit: Broiling.
3. GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Muffin Pan, 12-Cup – Best Budget
GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Steel Muffin Pan, 12 cup, Gray
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 1,351 reviews
Pros
Cons
The GoodCook Everyday 12-Cup Muffin Pan is the best budget muffin pan, at about $10 with 4.6 stars from 1,351 Amazon reviews. Its scratch-resistant nonstick releases muffins with or without liners.
It’s dishwasher safe and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Key features
About $10. Budget.
Dishwasher safe. Easy.
Nonstick. Liners optional.
What it’s like to own
It’s a dependable starter pan.
Dark nonstick browns faster.
Best for: Beginners.
May not fit: Pro bakers.
4. GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Jumbo Texas Muffin Pan, 6-Cup – Best Jumbo
GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Steel Jumbo Texas Muffin Pan, 6-cup, Gray
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 2,013 reviews
Pros
Cons
The GoodCook Jumbo Texas Muffin Pan is the best budget jumbo muffin pan, at about $10 with 4.6 stars from 2,013 Amazon reviews. Six 3.5-inch cups make bakery-style oversized muffins.
Nonstick coating works with or without liners, and it’s dishwasher safe.
Key features
Jumbo cups. Bakery style.
About $10. Budget.
Dishwasher safe. Easy.
What it’s like to own
Add about 5–10 minutes to standard muffin recipes and test with a toothpick.
It bakes only six at a time.
Best for: Big muffins.
May not fit: Big batches.
5. Nordic Ware Naturals Jumbo Coffee Shop Muffin Pan, 6-Cavity – Best Premium Jumbo
Nordic Ware Naturals Jumbo Coffee Shop Muffin, 6-Cavaties
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 233 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Nordic Ware Jumbo Coffee Shop Muffin Pan is the best premium jumbo pan, at about $25 with 4.6 stars from 233 Amazon reviews. Its six 3.9-inch cavities bake oversized café-style muffins.
It also works for jumbo cupcakes, personal pies and individual quiches.
Key features
3.9″ cups. Café size.
Pure aluminum. Even bake.
Made in USA. Since 1946.
What it’s like to own
It’s the pick for coffee-shop-style muffin tops.
It needs liners or grease.
Best for: Café-style bakers.
May not fit: Budget buyers.
6. Wilton Gold Premium Nonstick Muffin Pan, 12-Cup – Best Gold Nonstick
Wilton Gold Non-Stick Muffin Pan, Made Without PFAS, 12-Cup
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 from 5 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Wilton Gold Premium Muffin Pan is the best gold nonstick muffin pan, at about $13 with a 4.8-star rating. Its nonstick coating is made without PFAS, and extended handles make it easy to move.
It resists dents and warping and is oven safe to 450°F.
Key features
Gold finish. Gentle browning.
PFAS-free. Coating.
Handles. Easy grip.
What it’s like to own
Lighter finishes help prevent dark muffin bottoms.
Our data didn’t show a review count.
Best for: Light browning.
May not fit: Proven-count shoppers.
7. Calphalon Titan Steel Core Nonstick 12-Cup Muffin Pan – Best Newcomer
Amazon rating: 4.9/5 from 20 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Calphalon Titan 12-Cup Muffin Pan is a promising newcomer, at about $17 with 4.9 stars from 20 Amazon reviews. A steel core and rolled rim resist warping during repeated high-heat baking.
Its PFOA-free nonstick releases muffins cleanly; Calphalon says hand wash only.
Key features
Steel core. Even heat.
Rolled rim. No warping.
4.9 stars. Early reviews.
What it’s like to own
It’s a newer Calphalon line, so long-term reviews are limited.
It has few reviews.
Best for: Trying new lines.
May not fit: Proven-pick shoppers.
How to Choose a Muffin Pan
Cup size
Standard pans have 12 cups about 2.5–2.75 inches across.
Jumbo pans have 6 larger cups for bakery-style muffins.
Material
Aluminum, like Nordic Ware, bakes evenly and lasts for decades.
Nonstick steel, like GoodCook and Amazon Basics, is cheaper and releases easily.
Color
Dark pans brown muffin bottoms faster.
Gold or natural finishes bake more gently.
Liners
Uncoated pans need liners or grease.
Nonstick pans can bake without liners, though a light spray helps.
How many pans
Two pans bake a full 24-muffin batch at once.
The Amazon Basics 2-pack is the cheapest way to double up.
Care
Hand wash aluminum and most nonstick pans.
GoodCook and Wilton are dishwasher safe.
FAQ
What is the best muffin pan?
The Nordic Ware Naturals Commercial 12-Cup is our top pick.
Is a muffin pan the same as a cupcake pan?
Yes, they’re the same pan with standard-size cups.
Aluminum or nonstick muffin pan?
Aluminum bakes more evenly; nonstick releases more easily.
Do I need liners?
For uncoated pans, yes, or grease well.
How full should muffin cups be?
About two-thirds to three-quarters full.
How do I bake jumbo muffins?
Use a jumbo pan and add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Final Verdict
The Nordic Ware Naturals Commercial 12-Cup is the best muffin pan overall.
Choose Amazon Basics for a value pair or GoodCook and Nordic Ware for jumbo muffins.
On a budget, the GoodCook 12-cup costs about $10.
Quick picks:
- Best overall: Nordic Ware Commercial 12-Cup
- Best value pair: Amazon Basics 2-Pack
- Best budget: GoodCook 12-Cup
- Best jumbo: GoodCook Texas 6-Cup
- Best premium jumbo: Nordic Ware Coffee Shop
Related buying guides: Best Loaf Pans · Best Bakeware Sets · Best Cake Pan Sets
