Most home bakers know how important it is to use the right kitchen tool to get the best results. Consider the springform pan – specially created to easily release its delicate contents. A good quality springform pan is essential to successfully making certain cakes, pies, tarts and pasta creations.
Traditionally used to make cheesecake, springform pans are constructed with two pieces: a collar into which you pour the batter and that opens and closes with the help of a latch, and a removable flat base. This design allows you to remove the cake from the pan without having to turn it over, or cut into it while it’s still in the pan.
Springform pans are available in many shapes, sizes and materials; square, round and heart-shaped, to name a few, and in sizes from mini to large, and can be made from non-stick aluminum, tin metal or silicone.
We narrow down the four best springform pans you can buy online. Read on to find the one that suits you best.
Top Pick Best for Instant Pot: Instant Pot 5252051 Official Springform Pan
You’ve jumped on the Instant Pot bandwagon and you’re loving it. Using an Instant Pot means you can make all your favorite foods faster than using traditional cooking methods. Happily so, now you can get out of the kitchen faster to enjoy all the other things you want to do.
That doesn’t mean you’ve put your cooking and baking on the back burner – no way. In fact, you want to expand your Instant Pot experience by baking your best cheesecake in it. If you’re looking for the perfect springform pan to make a cheesecake in your Instant Pot, then you might want to consider this product.
We recommend Instant Pot 5252051 Official SpringformPan for your Instant Pot baking needs. This versatile pan is specifically designed for an Instant Pot and fits nicely inside. You can bake beautiful cheesecakes and other desserts, and this springform pan is also great for making lasagna, mac ‘n cheese and casseroles. With its non-slip surface, foods won’t stick, removing your cake from the pan will go smoothly and easily and cleaning up will be a breeze.
Measuring 7.56 inches x 7.56 inches x 3.11 inches deep, this versatile pan is also safe to use in your regular oven and is compatible with 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pots. (Stainless steel rack not included).
Pros:
- Fits into an Instant Pot
- Can also be used in a conventional oven
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Smaller in size than a traditional springform pan
Top Pick Best Round Set: Fit Metal Prep Springform Pan Set
Sometimes, it makes sense to have only one of something – one blender or one toaster oven, for example. But when it comes to baking, having a variety of sizes for your bakeware just makes good sense. Sometimes you need a large cake, and other times, perhaps some cute mini ones are in order. If you are looking for a quality springform pan bake set that includes different sized pans to suit many occasions, then this may be the set for you.
We recommend the Fit Metal Prep Springform Pan Set. These non-stick springform pans feature adjustable sides and a removable bottom to gently separate the cake from the pan without any damage to the top, bottom or sides. The four pans measure 4.5 x 2 inches; 7 x 2.75 inches; 9.5 x 2.75 inches; and 11 x 2.75 inches. Now you’ll never be without the size you need.
Whether you’re making a cute 4.5-inch mini cake for a child’s birthday or a larger 11-inch cake for the family, all of the pans have fast-release clips to tighten or expand the sides so you can easily transfer and cut your cake while maintaining its smooth finished texture and delicate bottom layers. These pans are ideal for cheesecake, but also can be used for all types of frozen desserts, fruitcake, sponge cake, tortes, pizza dough and tarts.
Made of professional high-quality, high-carbon steel that is excellent to use for baking and freezing. Firm and sturdy, these pans can withstand heat up to 445 °F and are safe to use in your oven, pressure cooker and Instant Pot. The BPA-free non-stick surface is dishwasher safe and easy to clean. Oh, and did we mention there is a 100 percent money back guarantee? Bonus, right?
Pros:
- Non-stick
- Leak proof
- Four different round sizes
- Money-back guarantee
- Dishwasher safe
- Fast-release clips
Cons:
- Cannot use metal utensils on the surface
- Not for anyone who just wants one large springform pan
Top Pick Best Mini Variety Set: DricRoda 3pcs Springform Pan Set
They say variety is the spice of life, and you totally embrace that philosophy, especially when it comes to baking. Nonetheless, you also believe in moderation. When you bake, you prefer small over large, since you rarely entertain big crowds. You prefer baking items that are good for two or three people. That way, not only are there no leftovers, but everyone is able to eat in moderation. If you’re looking for a set of cute mini-springform pans in three different shapes, then perhaps this is the set for you.
We recommend the DricRoda 3pcs Springform Pan Set. This set includes a mini heart shaped pan, perfect for baking something for a loved one; a mini round pan that’s great for one or two people; and a rectangle springform baking pan to meet any other of your baking needs. These leak-proof springform pans provide a tight seal to prevent batter from seeping out.
Made from high-quality non-stick carbon steel, cakes cook evenly and the quick-release latch and removable bottom means you can release your baked goods from the pan in perfect shape and with beautiful edges. When done, just hand wash with a soft cloth and it’s as easy as, well, pie! Perfect for making cakes for birthdays, Valentine’s Day and other fun occasions.
Pros:
- Reinforced non-stick coating
- Comes in three shapes
- Quick-release latch
- Leak-proof
Cons:
- Hand-wash only
- Use only nylon or wooden utensils, never cut or chop with metal utensil
Norpro 3939 Silicone Springform Pan with Glass Base
In recent years, you’ve been moving away from coated non-stick surfaces on your pots and pans, preferring something more natural that won’t peel or scrape off into the food. This includes your bakeware. If you are looking for a quality springform pan that is easy to clean but comes without a coated, non-stick surface, then consider this model.
We recommend the Norpro 3939 Silicone Springform Pan with Glass Base for all your baking needs. Measuring 9 inches x 9 inches x 3 inches, this is the perfect baking combo – silicone and glass. The removable silicone ring is perfect for cheesecakes, cakes and other desserts. The silicone sides allow for consistent, even baking and a no-stick separation when you remove the sides of the springform pan when the cake is done.
Made from FDA-approved silicone, this springform pan is high heat resistant to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, won’t stain, lose its shape or retain odors. And the tempered glass bottom allows you to bake, cut and serve on the same attractive platter. Easy to clean, durable, dishwasher safe and non-stick – what more could you ask for?
Pros:
- Non-stick
- Dishwasher safe
- Made from FDA approved silicone
Cons:
- Some silicone products may retain odors
Things to look out for:
Consider these things when looking for a springform pan so you will choose one that best suits your needs:
Springform pans are made with two pieces: a collar that opens and closes with the help of a latch and a flat base. While these are the basics of how the pan works, springform pans come in a variety of shapes and sizes: round, square, rectangular or shaped like a heart. The advantage of the two-piece design, regardless of the shape, is that it allows you to remove a cake from the pan while it remains upright – as opposed to turning it upside-down to release the cake – which is necessary to retain the shape and integrity of delicate cakes, tarts and other food. The downside of a springform pan, however, is that the special pan design can leave it prone to leaking batter out onto your countertop or oven.
Types of springform pans
These baking pans can be made from metal or silicone and which you choose can depend upon a number of factors. Metal pans are good for baking cheesecake, especially those with nuts or cookies in the crust, which may not be as firm as a graham cracker crust. If you want to bake other things in your springform pan, like a coffeecake or lasagna, or if you don’t want to use a springform pan with a chemical-based non-stick surface, then a silicone pan is a good alternative.
Dark springform pans
These pans absorb heat, while lighter pans reflect heat, which means food will take longer to bake. When making a cheesecake, if you’re using a light pan, you should probably add another five minutes to the cooking time.
Nonstick pans
While non-stick pans are recommended – after all, cheesecakes can be very fragile – you want to be able to remove the outer ring of your springform pan with as little fuss as possible, so as not to damage the sides and edges of the cake. This is especially important when the cake filling, which tends to cling to surfaces, reaches the ring. For the best performance, choose a coated, non-stick surface or a silicone pan.
Metal vs. glass-bottomed pans
Many metal springform pans come with a metal bottom. Some metal can tarnish and impart a metal taste to a cheesecake that is stored on the base. As well, since most metal-bottomed springform pans are coated with a non-stick surface, if you slice into your cheesecake with a knife, it could damage the surface of the metal base. It’s not difficult to find a metal or silicone springform pan that comes with a glass base.
Silicone pans
There are some advantages to using a silicone pan. Using one expands the possibilities of a springform pan. The base-to-sidewall seams are much tighter than most metal pans, and silicon pans are nearly leak proof. Of course, if you’re only going to use your springform pan for baking cheesecakes, that may not matter. But using silicone gives you the ability to bake with batters that are runny, like when making a chocolate cake. As well, the silicone ring is easy to remove and comes off cleanly as you peel it from the cake. In the end, you may want to consider your baking needs when deciding whether to choose a metal pan or one made from silicone.
Pan shapes
Springform pans come in different shapes such as square, rectangular, round or heart shaped. If you love to bake and concoct different things for various occasions, it’s fun to make desserts in a shaped pan. Typically, they are rigid and of high quality, but do not have glass bases or come in silicone. Still, it’s fun to have one on hand for, let’s say, baking a heart-shaped cheesecake for a loved one.
Pan sizes
Most people choose a nine or 10-inch springform pan. A nine-inch pan will take longer to bake than a 10-inch one. You can also find six and seven-inch pans, and even four-inch mini ones. Of course, what you use depends on your preference and your needs.