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Making meatloaves is fun. Those who love baking at home are well aware of the fact that bread and meat are part and parcel of the baking recipes. This dish is easy to make no matter whether you add pork, turkey, or beef. However, the secret of making a fresh, aromatic, and deliciously fluffy meatloaf that doesn’t fall apart is that you need the best meatloaf pan for this purpose.
Considering the rising demands, the best loaf pans are now serving the need to make meatloaves. You can even use the best mini loaf pan if you have one. Yet, still, there are some fancy pans from reputable brands dedicated to making the best meatloaf recipes like Glazed meatloaf, Italian meatloaf and Turkey meatloaf. With a few exceptions, almost all the meatloaf tins are non-stick and also the best loaf pans for baking bread or coffee cakes. This depends on you for what purpose you use them and what your requirements are.
For this purpose, we have listed here the 8 best pans for making meatloaves that don’t fall apart. Considering the varying requirements, these pans are of different sizes and materials. So, choose a pan for meatloaf depending on your needs.
7 Best Meatloaf Pans for Making Meatloaves in 2023
1. Anolon Advanced Nonstick Bakeware Meatloaf Pan
Best meatloaf pan with insert
Features
The Anolon meatloaf pan is one of those nonstick pans that impressed us a lot. Since the pan has a tough nonstick coating you will not experience the scratches or the coating peeled off while washing. Considering the high standards of healthy baking and cooking, the Anolon has always manufactured pans that have readily gained customer traction, and this Advanced Bakeware Meatloaf pan is no exception.
The heavy-gauge steel material resists bends and ensures even heat distribution while baking classic zucchini or banana bread. Even more than that, the perforated inserter gives a pleasant experience in making the Guinness-and-cheddar meatloaf recipe and leaves the extra fats and grease in the lower pan.
This extra-sized pan comes with silicone grips around the handles to confidently lift and pull out the 350°F heated pan from the oven without burning the hands. Since this is a large meatloaf pan, you can easily make 2 pounds of meat each, which will be a sufficient meal for a whole family. For extra deliciousness, you can add some ground fork that will make it extra scrummy. Since, the pan makes equally sized meatloaves, you can easily make meatloaf sandwiches with these bites.
The only problem with this Anolon Advanced meatloaf pan is that the silicone grips are not much wider which takes extra while lifting the heated loaf. Else you can use Oven Mitts to prevent bruising.
The Anolon Advanced Nonstick is a sturdy, easy-to-clean pan that can even hold a heavy 2.5-pound meatloaf. So, if you want to present a delicious Christmas gift to your family in the form of a healthier meatloaf recipe that is not too spongy, nor too crusty, then this Anolon Advanced Nonstick meatloaf pan is the best pan to cook meatloaf for your family.
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2. Pyrex Glass Loaf Pan
Best Glass Meatloaf Pan
Features
The pain that most of the chefs experience while baking the meatloaves in the discolored, bruised, and peeled off non-stick coating after continuous use. This is where the Pyrex Glass loaf pan comes in handy. Not only is the glass free from rust and discoloration, but also it lives up to the caliber of the best pan that you can use to bake healthy meatloaf.
With premium-quality glass material together with a BPA-free plastic lid you are going to enjoy baking in this 1.5-quart meatloaf pan as you will feel proud of its premium design that you can carry into a potluck.
The good thing is that the non-porous glass ensures that you don’t need non-stick coating which obviously will help easy cleaning either by hands or by dishwasher. The glass is unbreakable and built to last and preheated to be used for extreme temperatures in the oven, microwave, fridge, or freezer.
What we liked the most about this meatloaf glass pan is that the transparent glass gives you an indication of how well the meatloaf is being baked and ensures evenly distributed heat that gives a smooth baking experience of meatloaves from top to bottom. Besides, the non-reactiveness of glass guarantees that you can mix acidic ingredients like citrus fruit in your loaves.
What we didn’t like about this meatloaf pan is that the lack of pores in the bottom may make your meatloaves extremely moist if the ingredients are not used properly. Also, the lack of an inserter or a removable tray to remove the loaf makes it difficult to put it on the serving plates.
Rest assured, the Pyrex glass loaf pan is the best glass pan that we have come across. If you want a dishwasher-safe loaf pan without worrying about the non-stick coating, this is the best choice you can make.
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3. USA Pan Stoneware Loaf Baking Dish
Best stoneware meatloaf pan
Features
The Stoneware meatloaf baking dish by USA Pan is an exquisitely made meatloaf dish that won’t disappoint you in any case. Whether you want to prepare meatloaves or banana loaves of bread or you are looking for a hand-crafted dish to enjoy every sip of taste from baked foods, this stoneware loaf pan will come in handy.
The best part of this stoneware pan is that it is coated with silicone for the nonstick feel, and you won’t need to apply grease or fats around the sides and bottom to prevent the sticking of meatloaf. We baked a one-pound loaf of bread in this Tennessee clay pan and surprisingly when the bread came out of the oven it was highly spongy and just slipped right out.
Cleaning up is a breeze since you won’t require stress in the cleaning process due to nonstick coating. What I liked about this pan is that this pan doesn’t require cooking spray, oil, or any sticky material, you can easily wipe out the remains using a towel.
What I didn’t like about this pan is that you have to buy oven mitts, as it doesn’t come with silicone handles, and you have to be careful while lifting it out of the oven. Remember that you have to let the pan cool before washing it with water, since the stoneware may crack due to quick temperature changes.
Overall, this is one of the most health-friendly meatloaf pans that are not only manufactured with PFOA and PTFE free but also deliver the healthiest cooking experience.
4. Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Meatloaf Pan
Best extra large meatloaf pan
Features
The best meatloaves or brownies that you can serve to your loved ones are the ones that you bake from the heart and the results too should look great. This is why the Wilton Perfect Results, as the name depicts, is the perfect meatloaf pan that you can have.
Equipped with sturdy industrial-grade carbon steel and covered with a five years warranty the pan is sure to last for years. The pan with its rust-free nonstick coating delivers a smooth flavor to meatloaves, brownies, and bread loaves due to the excellent heat conductivity that is the central theme of baking.
What we found amazing about this pan is that the two pans can be used together or alone to bake two different loaves at the same time. In that way, you can easily make cornbread, fruit cakes, or pasta for dinner without losing the quality of flavor.
The Wilton Perfect Results Premium meatloaf pan can easily bake two pounds of meat. The linings at the base of the upper pan make pulling the cake an easy task and the transition from tray to plate will be the most convenient process.
Due to the lack of silicone handle grips, you will need BBQ gloves for proper handling within the stove. Also, the linings at the bottom are difficult to clean as the grease sticks sideways.
Overall, if you are a nonstop meatloaf consumer who loves to make meatloaves every day or weekend, this is the best 9 x 5 inch meatloaf pan you can have.
5. Chicago Metallic Professional Meatloaf Set
Best meatloaf pan with insert
Features
Whether you are a nuclear family living in a small apartment or a large joint family of different members, you need a simpler solution to make and bake meatloaf for your family – this is the secret of having the Chicago Metallic Professional Meatloaf set.
Every chef would love to have a pan that can serve most of his needs for baking a soft and juicy meatloaf that everyone loves. This is why I usually use this medium-sized meatloaf pan with an insert in my kitchen as it offers durable heavy-gauge steel that helps in coating the grease evenly without worrying about the juices and fats.
Baking dozens of perfectly made succulent and delicious meatloaves using this Chicago metallic meatloaf tin was an amazing experience. What I liked about this pan is that the insert helps lift the baked meatloaf without worrying about it falling apart or getting stuck to the bottom or sides, as the extra juices and fats are left in the bottom through the small openings at the base.
Built with alloy steel, the pan distributes heat evenly, making the meatloaf baked properly from top to bottom. In my experience of baking, I didn’t notice the non-stick coating worn away, nor did I find issues in cleaning this pan because it is dishwasher safe and ensures safe cleaning.
What i dislike about this pan is that whenever I use brown sugar or sticky ingredients like that, they are difficult to clean. Secondly, the frequent use of scrubbers damages the non-stick coating, which may start flanking. This is the reason the pad has a low life span of around four to five years if you prefer such a type of cleaning.
Overall, this is the most recommended meatloaf pan that has been approved by expert chefs especially As Seen On TV. So, if you are looking for a durable medium-sized meatloaf pan for home use, the succulent, delicious and healthy is the perfect choice you can make.
6. Walfos Silicone Loaf Pan
Best silicone meatloaf pan
Features
The Walfos has already been doing a great job in making some of the high-end kitchen bakeware sets, and this two-piece Silicone Loaf Pan is no exception. Manufactured with the BPA-free, food-grade silicone, you are sure to have a healthy silicone meatloaf pan that is safe to make egg white protein bread without worrying about the quality and flavor of the cooked food.
The overall build quality is appreciable as the strong and flexible silicone won’t break or lose its shape while baking and you can even use it to freeze large blocks of ice. The main advantage of Walfos Silicone pan or any other premium quality silicone pan is that unlike Aluminum pans you won’t have to worry about the nonstick coating, making it easier to use and clean. Just add a little amount of butter or any greasing material and enjoy a healthier nonstick experience.
Like other glass or Aluminum meatloaf pans, this silicone pan is also safe to use for a wide range of temperatures ranging from -40℉ to 440℉ making it best for dishwasher, oven, microwave, or freezer.
The issues with this loaf pan are the flexible grips that require care while inserting or removing it from the oven. Plus you need to fill the ingredients carefully in the pan as the bread may get stuck in the pan due to the textured bottom.
So, If you are looking for a premium quality silicone pan to make Meatloaves, Quiches, Sweetbreads, or cheese lasagna the Walfos Silicone loaf pan is what you can buy.
7. USA Pan Bakeware Pullman Loaf Pan
Best Pullman meatloaf pan
Features
Manufactured by a renowned brand in kitchen bakeware and cookware sets, the USA Pan Bakeware Pullman loaf pan is a dynamic loaf pan that you can use for every recipe, sweet or savory. Perfect for home use due to its high-quality material and fascinating design. With its textured surface, you can expect even heat distribution, and less surface between baked goods and pan thus making the easy release of the meatloaves from the pan to the plate.
You can’t expect much from its nonstick coating, as it is just similar to the other non-stick pans. The only difference is that the Americoat nonstick coating is much better and clearer in appearance. Rest assured, the Warp resistant Aluminized steel not only gives a smooth heat distribution but also performs comparatively better in terms of durability and strength. Above that, the neat design combined with a sealable lid helps trap the heat that will ultimately save the heat and electricity cost by quick baking.
The two issues with this pan are that it is not as easy to clean as it seems because the grease and fats deposit at the base after the meal is baked. Secondly, you will require BBQ gloves and extra care since the pan doesn’t come with handles or silicone grips.
The good thing is that the tin can be used to bake everything under its domain. So, whether you are a novice chef or a professional who needs a go-to-pan for the kitchen and wants to have tender bread, the USA Pan Bakeware Pullman loaf pan is the best Pullman loaf pan that you will appreciate.
What is a Meatloaf Pan?
Meatloaf pans are somewhat ordinary loaf pans that are designed specifically for preparing meatloaf. You can easily distinguish these pans due to their longer size, and a bit smaller base. The longer size and small base are the reason that the meatloaves can easily be lifted and shifted from the pan to the serving plate.
Also, the design ensures even heat distribution that helps retain flavor and moisture evenly without making the meatloaves highly fluffy and moist. Some meatloaves with separate inserter and perforated bases allow releasing extra fats and juices in the lower pan to give an amazing cooking experience.
What to Look For When Buying a Loaf Pan
Size
On average, the regular meatloaf pans are 9-inch long, 5-inch wide, and 3-inch deep. This dimension may vary depending on the size and type of the meatloaf pan. The point here is that if you have a bigger family or need to serve many people, then go for an extra-large meatloaf pan of 12 x 6.5 x 3.2 inch dimension, else the regular-sized pan would be enough for 4 serves.
Material
This is completely subjective since the choice of material is based on preference. If a chef likes metal bakeware he would ultimately go for the Aluminized meatloaf pans, and the one who likes transparent products and easy cleaning would love to buy glassware sets. The thing to consider is that before buying any kitchen product, make sure that it is made with food-grade material and 100% health-friendly because this is where some poor quality materials are lacking.
We recommend going for the metal option as the metal bakeware sets ensure an even distribution of heat that helps quick baking and enhances the flavor of everything that you cook. Unlike glassware or stoneware meatloaf pans, the stainless steel pans are inert, lighter, thinner, durable, and easy to manage. However, the problem is with their nonstick coating that wears away after a few years of use, and that’s why they have a shorter life span than other bakeware sets.
Design and Features
As far as design and features are concerned, we usually recommend going for the meatloaf pan with a rather narrow bottom, ergonomic handles, and perforated base. This would not only improve your baking experience but also enhance the flavor of food. The handles with silicone grips ensure that the pan won’t slip away in its transition from oven to plate.
Meatloaf Pan FAQs:
Well, cooking in a metal pan is always preferred over glass pans, because they are durable, thin, lightweight, and ergonomic. On the other hand, the glass pans are elegant, easier to clean, and transparent. So, this completely depends on personal preference, since both cookware options work perfectly for every meal.
Yes. If you are baking in a metal meatloaf pan and worried about its cleaning, it is advisable to grease the pan for easy wash, but if you are using the glass or silicone meatloaf pan, greasing the pan with oil is optional as the glass, metal and silicone bakewares don’t require lubrication.
Yes, any loaf pan with a dimension of 10 x 4 x 3 inches is perfect to make a simple meatloaf meal. However, if you are going to do something special with your meatloaf, you will need a dedicated meatloaf pan with an insert and perforated base to make such meals.
The basic reason behind the meatloaf falling apart is the low amount of stickiness and high value of juices. The higher amount of juicy ingredients restricts the adhesiveness of the spongy loaf and as a result, you get meatloaf in multiple pieces. To solve this problem, use less amount of water and juices while preparing meatloaf dough and add more binding agents like eggs and breadcrumbs.
The best fillers for the meatloaf are breadcrumbs, ground oatmeal, tortilla chips, and cracker crumbs. Before adding them to the meatloaf recipe, grind and sauté them evenly. You will get an amazing meatloaf with crushed tortilla chips, ground turkey, and some spices according to the taste.
Conclusion
The best meatloaf pan is what you need the most for a mesmerizing baking experience. Every loaf pan has a unique feature that differentiates it from others. You can choose based on your personal choice and needs. However, if I were to recommend a meatloaf pan for making a great meatloaf that doesn’t fall apart, I would go for Anolon Advanced Nonstick meatloaf pan. The pan has everything you need for happy cooking.
Why trust TheLadyChef?
Our experts have tested and tried dozens of meatloaf recipes using the recommended meatloaf pans. Every pan we recommend is tested to make sure that you get the best loaf pan for meatloaf available in the market.
