9 Best Popover Pans – Baking Without Frustration

A review of the best popover pans - from metal ones to silicone - to bake popovers at home.
By
Daniel
Daniel
Writer
Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: August 23, 2023
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Popovers, egg dishes, quiches, and single-serving casseroles can be baked in a popover pan. The pan’s deep, cup-like wells help produce tall, well-rounded popovers. They will make you a real popover-baking pro in no time. Choosing the one that suits you best is tricky.

That’s why we’ve tested 17 models and selected the 9 best popover pans, with the Silicone Texas Muffin Pans and Cupcake Maker being our top pick. We’ve included silicone models that are flexible and easy to clean, as well as metal models that will give you crispy popovers. Regardless of the material, they are made of, they all feature nonstick surfaces for easy release and have a similar design – deep wells for tall popovers.

Quick Summary

  • "This 2 popover pan set is made from commercial grade silicone, is very easy to use and the food pops out easily even if you don’t use any butter or oil, it is also highly versatile and dishwasher/microwave safe"
  • Best Nordic Ware Popover Pan: Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Petite Popover Pan
    "Made of cast aluminum this and with 12 cups this is the ideal choice for those looking for a popover pan that allows them to make bite-size versions of Yorkshire Puddings or muffins"
  • Best 12-Cup Popover Pan: Fox Run 4868
    "This 12-cup popover pan is made from heavy gauge blast resistant stainless steel, is versatile and dishwasher safe, as well as stain, scratch, and rust resistant"
  • Best for Safety: USA Pans 6-Well Popover Pan
    "This 6-cup model, made from 65% recycled steel, has a large border around the edges which allows you to easily hold it safely when removing the pan from the oven"
  • Best Cup Capacity: Wilton Giant Cupcake Pan
    "This 6-cup steel pan has a nonstick coating for easy cleanup and quick release of the food and impressive cup dimensions of 4 x 1.75 inch"
  • Best 6-Cup Popover Pan: CHEFMADE Popover Cake Pan
    "The compact size and open design help produce perfectly even bakes, making this product our Best 6-Cup Popover Pan"
  • "The pan has excellent features, including extra-large handles, making it our ‘Easiest to Handle’ pick"
  • "This model is constructed from aluminized steel that ensures even heating and high heat conductivity, but it is also treated with silicone, which makes it very easy to clean and nonstick at the same time"
  • "This budget-friendly cast-iron popover pan is nonstick and safe to use in all types of ovens and is ideal if you are looking for small cups"

Top 9 Popover Pans Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5139 people in the past 30 days
10
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
10
Features
  • Dimensions: 7.5 x 11 x 2 in, cup – 3 x 2 in
  • Capacity: 6/per pan
  • Best for: large muffins, cupcakes, cheesecake bites, mini pot pies, baked oatmeal, large ice cubes, DIY soap and more
  • Material: silicone
  • Surface: non-stick
  • Warranty: FREE extended warranty with registration

 More features: set of 2, built-in stability bars, free recipe eBook, microwave, dishwasher, freezer safe, commercial grade

We chose to feature the Silicone Texas Muffin Pans and Cupcake Maker as our editor’s choice because this popover pan is made from commercial grade silicone that is used by professional kitchens. This means that you will be able to get professional like results in your home kitchen. Moreover, this pan is highly versatile because you can make various types of baking goods in need, including popovers, quiches, pot pies, meatloaf, muffins, and so much more.

Many of the users who tested and reviewed this popover pan in their kitchen mentioned that it is very easy to use and that the food pops out easily even if you don’t use any butter or oil. The Silicone Texas Muffin Pans and Cupcake Maker is dishwasher safe and microwave-safe, and it comes with a recipe book so you can get started with some creative recipes right away.

    What stands out?
  • Professional grade silicone
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Food pops out easily
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Bottom could be better
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7202 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.8
2
Best Nordic Ware Popover Pan

Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Petite Popover Pan

Features
  • Dimensions: 9 x 14.2 x 1.9 in
  • Capacity: 12
  • Best for: baking, Yorkshire puddings
  • Material: cast aluminum
  • Surface: non-stick
  • Warranty: lifetime

 More features: made in the USA

The Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Petite Popover Pan is the ideal choice for those looking for a popover pan that allows them to make bite-size versions of Yorkshire Puddings or muffins. Made from cast aluminum, this is a non-stick pan and is especially designed to allow maximum airway. This results in popovers that easily reach their full height.

We particularly liked the sturdy feel of this tray and the fact that everything you bake in it pops out easily. With a capacity of 12 cups, the pan is ideal not just for poppers, but also for mini cupcakes and muffins This tray is manufactured by NordicWare, a company that has been producing high-quality baking ware since 1946. The Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Petite Popover Pan is manufactured in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty.

    What makes it special?
  • Made in the USA
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Durable cast aluminum construction
    What cons did we find?
  • Heavy
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3729 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.7
3
Best 12-Cup Popover Pan

Fox Run 4868

Features
  • Dimensions: 10.5 x 13.75 x 1.25 in
  • Capacity: 12
  • Best for: muffins, cupcakes
  • Material: stainless steel
  • Surface: non-stick
  • Warranty: 5-year

 More features: dishwasher safe, stain, scratch, and rust resistant surface

One of the best choices around for those who are looking for a 12-cup popover pan, the Fox Run 4868 is made from heavy gauge blast resistant stainless steel. It’s a versatile pan that you can use for making muffins, Yorkshire puddings, and other small baked goods such as cupcakes. We like that this pan is dishwasher safe for easy maintenance and the fact that it is also stain and scratch resistant. It is also an excellent option for those who want to avoid popover pans made from Teflon.

When we tested the Fox Run 4868, we found out that it is very easy to remove the food from it, and we also like that it has a sturdy design and feel that looks like is going to last for the years to come. This popper pan comes with a five-year warranty for extra peace of mind.

    What do we love it for?
  • Extra durable
  • 12-cup design
  • Non-stick surface
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Expensive
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6878 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
8.9
4
Best for Safety

USA Pans 6-Well Popover Pan

Features
  • Dimensions: 15.75 x 11.25 x 2.43 in, cup – 2.43 x 1.87 in
  • Capacity: 6
  • Best for: popovers
  • Material: aluminized steel
  • Surface: non-stick
  • Warranty: lifetime

 More features: commercial grade, FDA approved, made in the USA

Manufactured by an American company based in Pittsburgh, the USA Pans 6-Well Popover Pan is made from 65% recycled steel and has the perfect thickness to maximize air circulation and even heating for efficient baking. This popover pan features a special food grade silicone coating that makes it nonstick while also being safe for the family’s health.

We like that these popover pan has a large border around the edges so you can easily hold it safely when you remove it from the oven, something that is rather difficult to find in other of the models we reviewed. The USA Pans 6-Well Popover Pan can be used at temperatures below 400°F but it is not dishwasher safe. However, we have seen a lot of reviews that mention their pan is durable and rust resistant, and doesn’t require any particular form of maintenance besides simply washing it by hand.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Nonstick surface
  • Thick border around the edges
  • Great air circulation
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Not dishwasher safe
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5411 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.7
5
Best Cup Capacity

Wilton Giant Cupcake Pan

Features
  • Dimensions: 8.75 x 13.5 x 2 in, cup – 4 x 1.75 in
  • Capacity: 6
  • Best for: cupcakes, muffins, angel food cakes, to mold gelatin, ice cream or mousse
  • Material: steel
  • Surface: non-stick
  • Warranty: 5-year

 More features: dishwasher safe, 12 oz cup capacity

There are moments when only a jumbo muffin would do, and the Wilton Giant Cupcake Pan is the perfect addition to your kitchen if you want to enjoy bigger and better baked goods. Suitable for cupcakes, muffins, and other types of popover food, this pan is made of steel and it has a nonstick coating for easy cleanup and quick release of the food. We particularly liked the sturdy design of these popover pan and you are likely to be surprised by how large each of the cups in the pan is. Many of the users who reviewed this popover pan mentioned that it is very heavyweight but also that it makes everything very evenly and that it is very easy to take out the food in perfect condition after baking. The Wilton Giant Cupcake Pan comes with a five-year warranty and is dishwasher safe, even though the manufacturer recommends washing it by hand whenever possible.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Large cups
  • Heavy duty design
  • Non-stick coating
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Heavyweight
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9729 people in the past 30 days
8.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.2
8.6
6
Best 6-Cup Popover Pan

CHEFMADE Popover Cake Pan

Features
  • Dimensions: 15 x 8.6 x 1.8 in, cup – 2.7 x 2 in
  • Capacity: 6
  • Best for: cupcakes, muffins, fried eggs
  • Material: carbon steel
  • Surface: nonstick
  • Warranty: not specified

 More features: fast heating, PTFE & PFOA free, hand wash

The CHEFMADE Popover Cake Pan is perfectly designed to help you create perfectly cooked and shaped cupcakes, muffins, fried eggs, and more. With a capacity of six 65ml items and made from PTFE & PFOA free silicone coated 0.8mm carbon steel, this commercial-grade nonstick tray is exactly what you need to help you create yummy dishes for your family and guests. Customers will particularly get a lot from the containers’ high-temperature resistance and easy release aspect, which help provide evenly cooked recipes that can be removed with ease.

The product can be compared to a complete pan that doesn’t have space between the cups. The beauty of the CHEFMADE Popover Cake Pan is that the space between the cups is open, allowing for better heat flow and even cooking. We also felt that the pan does not lose out on sturdiness despite this warpless design, particularly with the seamless links across the frame.

We really like that the product is non-Teflon, PTFE, and PFOA free, so you know that it is as safe as it can be when you’re cooking treats for yourself and your family. In addition, the 15 x 8.6-inch dimensions make the tray really compact, which means that it is often small enough to fit in a toaster oven. Lastly, the design is fantastic for even cooking, so you know that your recipes will come out well, which saves a lot of time and wasted ingredients.

The compact size is great for some uses, but when you need to make a bigger batch, it’s not suited to the job, which is a shame. Some customers also found that despite the anti-warping design, the tray does warp at some point, although it doesn’t affect the effectiveness of the pan for creating great evenly baked items.

    What stands out?
  • Durable carbon steel
  • Non-Teflon, PTFE and PFOA free
  • Even cooking
  • Easy to remove contents
  • Easy to clean
  • Compact
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • May warp at some point
  • Champagne color may not be to every customer's taste
  • Compact size could be an issue for larger batch bakes
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8533 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.5
7
Features
  • Dimensions: 16.77 x 10.94 x 1.69 in
  • Capacity: 12
  • Best for: muffins, cupcakes
  • Material: alloy steel
  • Surface: nonstick
  • Warranty: not specified

 More features: oven safe up to 450°F, PFOA-free, oversized integrated handles

The All-Clad Pro-Release Nonstick Muffin Pan is made from aluminized steel and features 12 wells coated with food-safe PFOA-free nonstick for easy food release. For convenient handling and oven-to-worktop maneuvering, the product features oversized integrated handles, so there’s no chance of dropping or slipping and other cooking disasters. Customers will particularly appreciate that the product has been designed to be overnight safe to 450 degrees F and warp-resistant, so it shouldn’t change or degrade with regular use.

This product can be compared to muffin pans made completely of silicone, making it extremely easy to pop cupcakes and muffins out when they are ready. Those trays can be challenging to keep level when handling, which is something you don’t get with the All-Clad Pro-Release. It’s designed to be straight and sturdy, while the high-quality nonstick ensures the cakes or muffins easily pop out when it’s time to remove them from their wells.

We loved that the wide handles on the tray make it much easier to pick up and place compared to standard trays. You can get a much better grip on the product, which helps avoid slips and dropping that can ruin a bake. We also loved the ease with which you can get the cakes or muffins out. They literally just slip out, so there are no broken or ruined muffins at all and no wasted mix.

At around 16 by 10 inches, the tray isn’t compact, so if you require a smaller pan for a toaster oven, it is a good idea to look at 6 well products instead. We also felt that the cups still need a little wipe of oil to ensure that the bakes slip right out without leaving any residue behind at all.

    Why is it special?
  • Non-stick
  • Food safe and PFOA-free
  • Extra-large handles
  • Wipe-clean
  • Even cooking
    What are the flaws?
  • Larger size may not be suitable for some oven types
  • Requires special cleaning because of the nonstick
  • Non-stick works well, but a little oil ensures it's perfect
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8721 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.5
Features
  • Dimensions: 15.5 x 9 x 2.5 in, cup – 2.75 x 2.25 in
  • Capacity: 6
  • Best for: baking muffins, traditional popovers, Yorkshire puddings, cornbread
  • Material: heavy-weight aluminized steel
  • Surface: non-stick
  • Warranty: lifetime

 More features: dishwasher safe, oven safe to 450°F / 232°C

Suitable for popovers, Yorkshire puddings and muffins, the Chicago Metallic Professional 6-Cup Popover Pan comes with six deep wells that are well separated and spaced out so you can obtain excellent results with your baking. The pan is constructed from aluminized steel that ensures even heating and high heat conductivity, but it is also treated with silicone, which makes it very easy to clean and nonstick at the same time.

We liked that the Chicago Metallic Professional 6-Cup Popover Pan is dishwasher safe for extra easy maintenance, and most of the users who tested it mentioned that it delivers particularly good resides with Yorkshire puddings. The aluminized popover tray is very sturdy and comes with a lifetime warranty for extra peace of mind. The only downside we could find with it is the fact that it only has 6 cups instead of 12.

    What are its best features?
  • Made from durable aluminized steel
  • Non-stick silicone treated
  • Dishwasher safe
    What could be improved?
  • Only has 6 cups
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5408 people in the past 30 days
8.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.4
Features
  • Dimensions: 7.62 x 5.25 x 1.5 in, cup – 2.5 x 1.5 in
  • Capacity: 6
  • Best for: mini muffins, cornbread
  • Material: cast iron
  • Surface: non-stick
  • Warranty: lifetime

 More features: pre-seasoned, old-fashion style

A heavy-duty popover pan made from cast iron and pre-season so it is ready to use straight out of the box, the Lodge L5P3 Cast Iron Cookware Mini Muffin/Cornbread Pan delivers good results for any kind of popover goods, including Yorkshire puddings and muffins. This cast-iron popover pan is nonstick and safe to use in all types of ovens. This is one of the best choices around if you are looking for a popover pan with small cups. Many users who tested it mentioned that this plan is ideal for those who are looking to cut out on bread consumption and want to bake smaller quantities. The Lodge L5P3 Cast Iron Cookware Mini Muffin/Cornbread Pan comes with a lifetime warranty and has a capacity of six popovers. It is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a quality budget popover pan and if you’re looking for a model that allows you to obtain great results with cornbread.

    What do we love it for?
  • Sturdy cast-iron design
  • Nonstick surface
  • Lifetime warranty
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Very heavy

Things to Consider

Popover pans are versatile pieces of bakeware, and choosing the ideal model for your kitchen depends on the type of baking you intend to do, as well as the number of items you want to bake. From material and capacity to ease of cleaning and warranty, there are lots of things to consider when shopping for a popover pan and this guide can help you make an informed decision.

What is a popover pan and what is it used for?

Popover pans are similar to muffin pans, but their intended purpose is to make popover rolls or Yorkshire puddings. Because this type of baking requires the heat to circulate around the sides, popover pans are deeper than regular muffin pans to help the batter “pop” while maintaining a hollow center.

Features to consider while buying the best popover pans

When choosing a popover pan, you should consider multiple things, but first you need to ask yourself what kind of items you want to bake and for how many people you cook. Some of the most important features to think about are dimensions, capacity, material, surface, warranty, and your budget.

Dimensions

The dimensions of a popover pan vary according to the number of cups it has, with 6-cup models being more compact than 12-cup ones. Some models, such as the USA Pans 6-Well Popover Pan, have thick edges so you can handle the pan comfortably when taking it out of the oven, and as such they are larger than other models, even though they are 6-cup models.

Capacity and best uses

The majority of the popover pans available on the market allow you to bake up to 6 or 12 popovers at the same time.

You should choose the best capacity according to the size of your family.

 As for uses, most of the models we tested, including our editor’s choice, the Silicone Texas Muffin Pans and Cupcake Maker, are highly versatile, which means that you can use them for popovers, but also for things such as large muffins, cupcakes, mini pot pies, cheesecake bites, baked oatmeal, and even large ice cubes.

Material and surface

9 Best Popover Pans - Baking Without Frustration

Popover pans are available in multiple materials, ranging from commercial-grade silicone, like the Silicone Texas Muffin Pans and Cupcake Maker, cast iron like the Lodge L5P3 Cast Iron Cookware Mini Muffin/Cornbread Pan, or cast aluminum like the Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Petite Popover Pan. All these pans have a non-stick surface, but for materials like cast iron you may need to season them from time to time if you want them to maintain their non-stick properties.

Warranty

Popover pans are generally durable items, and most manufacturers offer at least three years of warranty for them. Some models, such as the Chicago Metallic Professional 6-Cup Popover Pan or the Lodge L5P3 Cast Iron Cookware Mini Muffin/Cornbread Pan come with a lifetime warranty.

Price

The price of a popover pan depends on the material it is made from as well as the manufacturer and size. You can buy a basic model for as little as $10, but be prepared to pay upwards of $30 for a high-quality pan.

FAQ

Do I need to use a liner with my popover pan?

Most of the popover pans we included in our review are nonstick, which means that you don’t need to use a liner in them. Many recipes call for the use of cooking spray or a bit of oil before adding the batter, but this is not a necessary step if the popover pan is a nonstick one. For models made from cast iron, you need to make sure the pan is pre-seasoned because otherwise it won’t be non-stick.

Is there any crucial difference between a popover pan and a muffin pan?

If you think that the popover pan vs. muffin pan is just a gimmick, you’re wrong. While it might not seem that way at first glance, the truth is that the popover pan gives you a more defined “mushroom top,” which is something that is not as easily attainable with a regular muffin tray. Some of the models we included in our guide and reviews are versatile enough to suit both popovers and muffing, but it’s always a good idea to get a pan that’s specifically designed for popovers it that’s what you intend to bake.

Our verdict

After reviewing a couple of dozens of models available on the market, we made a list of the best popover pans and concluded that the Silicone Texas Muffin Pans and Cupcake Maker is the best choice out there. This versatile pan is made from professional-grade silicone and offers commercial-grade results, while also being dishwasher safe and easy to use. The Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Petite Popover Pan is the ideal option for people who want to make tiny bites of Yorkshire Puddings or muffins in a popover pan. This is a non-stick pan with a wind vent that’s built specifically to allow optimum air passage. Finally, the Lodge L5P3 Cast Iron Cookware Mini Muffin/Cornbread Pan is an ideal choice for bakers on a budget or those who want a cast iron popover pan. No matter which model you decide to go for, make sure you care for your popover pan correctly so you can enjoy many years of use.

10
Total Score
Silicone Texas Muffin Pans and Cupcake Maker - Editor's Choice
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