The 9x9 pan = a kitchen staple. For a dish that will bake bars, cakes and casseroles—and look good, too—here are the pans to buy.
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The Best 9×9 Pans for Cooking and Baking
Updated on Sep. 19, 2024
About as versatile as cooking equipment gets, 9×9 pans are among the unsung heroes of any kitchen. They can be used for every meal, from savory breakfast casseroles to decadent desserts and everything in between. If you don’t already have a few in your cabinets, it may be time to change that.
But not all 9×9 pans are created equal. Figuring out which ones are right for your budget, style, cooking and baking preferences isn’t as simple as walking into your nearest big box store and grabbing one off the shelf. There are a few things you’ll want to consider beforehand. Lucky for you, we’ve done the painstaking research and testing to assemble this guide to the best 9×9 pans you can buy right now.
Classic Nonstick Cake Pan
You’ll probably want to have at least one of these basic nonstick cake pans in your cupboard for baking cakes, like this blackberry streusel coffee cake. It never hurts to have an extra for square layer cakes, either.
On Sale
Nordic Ware Aluminum Pan
You won’t ruin the top of a mile-high casserole recipe with aluminum foil or plastic wrap when you prep it in this Nordic Ware pan that comes with a lid. Bonus: Nordic Ware pans are made in the USA!
Everyday White Baking Dish
This white porcelain square baking dish is perfect for everyday use, and it’s microwave and dishwasher safe, too. The classic design with handles is ready for any of your family’s most-requested casseroles.
Springform Square Pan
When your craving for cheesecake or upside-down cake comes calling, a non-stick springform pan is the way to go. It offers you an effortless release, and holds its form without any leaking or spilling over.
Silicone Pan
For delicate recipes like buttery cornbread that need to be handled carefully, a silicone pan like this is ready to be popped in the oven. Silicone makes for fast food release and easy cleanup without ruining your baked goods.
What to Look for When Buying 9×9 Pans
Material
- Aluminum: A common, affordable pan material with good heat conductivity, aluminum is prone to warping and is less durable than metals like stainless steel. It can also cause food to stick if not properly lubricated.
- Stainless Steel: Extremely durable and offering excellent heat conductivity, stainless steel is a reliable choice, though it can warp over time and is more expensive than aluminum. Cleaning can also be tricky without proper lubrication.
- Glass: Known for its heat conductivity and ease of cleaning, glass is a good middle-ground option. However, it’s fragile and can break easily if not handled properly.
- Ceramic: Ceramic has even better heat conductivity than glass and is easy to clean. It’s also brittle and one of the most expensive options for pans.
- Silicone: While not a good heat conductor, silicone is inexpensive, durable and dishwasher safe, making it ideal for simple baking.
Non-Stick Coating vs. Uncoated
- Nonstick: These pans feature a chemical coating for easy food release and cleaning. However, they require special care (such as avoiding abrasive cleaners and sprays) and can break down over time.
- Uncoated: Uncoated pans are more challenging to clean and require more lubrication to prevent sticking. However, they don’t carry the same chemical concerns as nonstick pans.
Handles and Design
- Handles: Attached handles make transferring pans in and out of the oven easier. Some even feature heat resistance for added safety.
- Design: Square pans are great for achieving crispy edges, and deeper pans help keep food in place, though they may extend cooking time if overfilled.
Heat Resistance and Versatility
- Metals: Metals, including aluminum and stainless steel, are versatile and durable. However, they can warp over time, especially with frequent temperature changes.
- Glass and Ceramic: These materials don’t handle temperature changes as well and can shatter if subjected to extreme fluctuations, such as direct heat from stovetops or broilers.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Glass and ceramic pans are typically safe for dishwashers, while metal pans should usually be hand-washed to avoid warping and rusting.
Price vs. Quality
- Cheaper Options: Materials like aluminum and silicone are more affordable but may need to be replaced more frequently.
- Premium Options: Glass and ceramic, while more expensive, often last longer and provide better value over time.
Why You Should Trust Us
Jacqueline is a blogger and writer specializing in helpful tips and trends in food and cooking. You’ll find her trying new restaurants and experimenting in the kitchen in her spare time. Her work has appeared in several trusted publications, including (but not limited to) Yahoo, Fox News, MSN, Business Insider, People Magazine, AOL, Apartment Therapy and Food & Wine.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
How We Found the Best 9×9 Pans
We researched and reviewed different brands and materials to determine which 9×9 pans offer the best quality, durability and value. We factored in professional opinions and customer reviews to curate a list accommodating various styles and budgets.
FAQ
What is a 9×9 pan equivalent to?
A 9×9 pan holds around eight cups of ingredients, about 1.9 liters or 64 ounces. If you don’t have a 9×9 pan, an 8×8 may work, but check the measurements before proceeding.
How long do you bake a 9×9 cake pan?
Cakes baked in a 9×9 pan usually take 40-45 minutes to cook through, though this depends on oven consistency and the specific recipe.
How do I care for a 9×9 non-stick pan?
To maintain your non-stick pan, never heat it empty, avoid overheating and let it cool before washing. Use non-abrasive cleaners and dry the pan immediately after washing to prevent damage.
