Best Springform Pan
My husband’s birthday was getting close, and I wanted to make some cheesecake for my boys. Just something sweet and light. But instead, I found my springform pan bent.
You could imagine my disappointment when I saw it all crooked. It must have happened at some point while I was not paying attention and moving things around.
But it also left me with a big problem in only having two weeks until the big day.
I always made cakes for every birthday or any other celebration we had in the family, just like my mom did with my siblings and me. I never bought one in my life.
It made me wonder why I needed a springform pan when my mother didn’t.
What makes the Springform Pan so unique?
Then I remembered how my mom used to make cakes. She would bake it in a regular pan (e.g., lasagna pan), then came the turning and cutting, making sure it doesn’t crack or tear after it is done.
The filling also had to be done carefully, so everything stays in place. You had to be skillful and not just for the regular cakes, but cheesecakes as well.
As for me, after using the springform pan for so long, I could not picture myself doing it any other way. So, I am impressed at how she managed to do it without one.
What makes the springform pan so practical is its design and the way it works.
The standard size is 8-9-inch round. You have two parts in a springform pan, a base, and a ring with a buckle. Tightening the buckle will place the ring snugly onto the base, and it becomes your typical everyday pan that should be waterproof.
You can prepare the batter for baking and even use it after, when you add the filling, so the shape is preserved.
The impressive part comes when you finish everything, and then you just unbuckle the ring and carefully remove it. What you are left with is a perfect form and a perfect cake. Put some whipped cream on top, and you are done.
Related: Whipped Cream Dispensers You’ll Love
So, Will the Springform Pan replace your regular pan?
To say it bluntly, no, it won’t. And I learned that the hard way with my first springform pan. It is a very useful utensil to have in your kitchen, but the more you use it, the looser the latch and the ring will get.
And I used mine for making all kinds of meals, lasagna, meatloaf, pies, cheesecakes, etc. After a while, it stopped being waterproof, and eventually, I found myself with a mess in my oven that took forever to clean properly.
I did use the leaky springform pan to bake a deep-dish pizza for a while because the density of the dough is different so no leaking, but even then, I had to put aluminum foil at the base just in case. Eventually, I had to replace the pan.
I have learned my lesson with the second one. So even though you might be tempted to use it more often, I advise you not to if you want your springform pan to last longer. After all, lasagna pan has been around for so long for a reason.
See Also: The Most Recommended Bundt Pans – Detailed Reviews
What to look for in a Springform Pan?
Both of my round springform pans were steel ones, and they were just what I needed. They lasted quite a while as well. But you can also find anodized aluminum and glass ones. The steel ones are more widely spread and most often used, though.
They are usually coated with non-stick material and have a waterproof coating as well, but I always use baking paper, just to be safe.
For Valentine’s Day, my eldest wanted to make something cute and sweet for his girlfriend to surprise her and he picked a torte. He already found and bought a heart-shaped springform pan (for a reasonable price I might add), got all the ingredients he needed and it was up to me to just show him how to make it.
He told me he had a hard time choosing a pan because nowadays you have various shapes (tulip-shaped, square one, heart, oval and star-shaped, etc.) and sizes (from 6-inch to 14-inch ones) on the market. It seems that he just picked the one he needed and liked. And yeah, it was pretty strange that he got interested in this. It turns out he likes stuff made in this pan a lot.
I had to check online if the pan he got had the safe kind of coating because with more information out now, not every surface is toxic-free. Most of them, in high heat, release fumes from the coating that can cause some serious illness if used for a long time, so that is something to inform yourselves about before purchasing any kitchen utensil, not just the springform pan.
He was lucky he got the safe one, and his girlfriend loved the cake by the way.
Maintenance
What I find myself saying quite often is always to wash the delicate kitchen utilities by hand if you want them to last longer.
So, even though you can wash some of these pans in a dishwasher, because of the various coatings they have, just a little detergent and warm water will do the trick in cleaning.
If you damage the coating, the food will start to get stuck in that place, or in the worst case the coating will start to peel off. There is no saving for your springform pan then.
Also, what helps with cleaning is using baking paper. Even if the springform pan is the non-stick kind, it saves time and keeps the final form of the cake intact.
And, of course, pay attention to where and how you store your springform pan. Even though they are made of steel, they are also quite gentle.
Or one day you will take it out as I did and find yourself in need of a new one.
See also: Ultimate comparison between Stainless Steel and Nonstick Cookware
Most Recommended Springform Pans: Detailed Reviews 2022
With the birthday coming, I needed to find a replacement as soon as possible, and it had to be the greatest springform pan I could find, which wasn’t a small thing concerning how big the market has become.
I’ve concentrated on the things that make a good springform pan.
So, I rolled up my sleeves, and here is what I tested so far:
Hiware 7 Inch Non-stick Springform Pan – Small & Functional, Perfect for Your Instant Pot
This is a bit smaller, 7-inch wide 2-inch tall stainless steel springform pan. It is coated with a non-stick and non-toxic material, which is a great feature. However, it is a coating though, and it seems it is easy to damage it in this pan. If you use metal utensils or something that makes it happen, it will start to peel off. The pan can tolerate heat up to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) with no problem.
Its size fits perfectly for most instant pots, and you can even order a glass lid if you need it. What you have to be careful while closed cooking is that the heat pressure might move the ring from its base in the springform pan. In that case, it will leak. I made a pie like that, and it did leak a little. So, watch out for the pressure.
The buckle is a seamless open, and so far, it didn’t get stuck. However, it seems that even though the pan itself is of stainless steel, the buckle is not, so you might want to take extra care with it to prevent it from rusting. That means, no washing it in a dishwasher. The base pan has a little ridge of a sort that makes it a bit difficult to slide the food off of it, but it’s not something that can’t be sorted with baking paper.
Things I liked
- Affordable
- Made of stainless steel
- It can fit in most instapots
- Non-stick and non-toxic coating
- Buckle doesn’t get stuck
Things I didn’t like
- Small
- The coating can peel off
- The buckle is not stainless steel
- Not dishwasher safe
- It can leak
KitchenAid Classic Nonstick 9″ Springform Pan – A Classic Beauty for Good Cooking
This springform pan is a classic 9-inch wide and 3-inch thick made of stainless steel. It has a non-toxic and non-stick coating that will make food preparation safe and ring separation very easy. Just be careful when handling it because the coating can peel off if it gets damaged. That means no cutting while food is still in the pan.
The price is also quite affordable for the size it has, and it supports a temperature up to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) for baking.
The base and the ring fit very nicely together when clipped and even though there was a little leak when I did the water test, there was no leaking when I made a lasagna. I did use the foil just in case, but no stains in it. After cooling it, the buckle opened with ease, and the taste was just perfect.
The buckle is also stainless steel seamless open, so it was easy to wash. It does say that it is dishwasher-safe; however, I do not advise washing your pan there.
Things I liked
- Affordable
- Right size
- Made of stainless steel
- The buckle is stainless steel as well
- Non-stick and non-toxic coating
- Buckle doesn’t get stuck
- Dishwasher safe
Things I didn’t like
- The coating can peel off
- It can leak
See also: Finest Bakeware Sets in 2022
Nordic Ware Leakproof Springform Pan – A Durable Viking for Your Kitchen
On the first touch, this springform pan seemed to be a solid stainless steel one coated with a non-stick non-toxic coating. A bit more expensive for a single pan, but it can support temperatures up to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) so you can use it in a regular oven.
The dimensions, however, appeared a little off for a 9-inch pan so I measured it myself and I was right. It’s 8.5 inches wide, and 2.5 inches thick, and dimensions are crucial when preparing food by following a recipe. It’s an odd mistake in a way, but it could happen. So if you ever doubt the size, better measure it before using it.
The buckle is a seamless-open, well-made unit. However, it is not made of stainless steel from what I noticed, so you need to be careful with washing and drying. It is not dishwasher safe – simple warm water and detergent are enough to wash it properly.
When assembled together, however, the pan leaked when I did the water test so I would not do the water-bath cooking in this one before securing it with foil. If the batter is a bit thicker, it probably won’t leak, but I did not trust the water not coming in from the outside.
Things I liked
- Solid utensil
- Non-stick and non-toxic coating
- Made of stainless steel
- Buckle doesn’t get stuck
- Easy to clean
- 10-year guarantee
Things I didn’t like
- The size is not as written
- It can leak
- Costs more
- The buckle is not stainless steel
- Not dishwasher safe
Miecux Non-stick Springform Pan Set,7 Sizes High-carbon Steel Cake Pans
These 7 colorful nonstick springform pans by Miecux are a dream come true for any beginner or advanced baker.
The set includes seven high carbon steel cake pans sized from 4 to 11 inches, which have a springform design with quick-release latches and removable bottoms so that you can make the perfectly round cake or other baked goods every time.
The release buckles are made of rust-proof steel and are ergonomically shaped to make fastening and opening the pans easy. Plus, they are secure, so you don’t have to worry about messy leaks in the oven.
The inside of the pans is coated with BPA-free nonstick coating, which will make removing the ready cake from the pan a breeze, as well as cleaning up after you are done.
The pans are heat resistant to 445 degrees Fahrenheit.
These 7 floral-designed springform pans are perfect for making cakes, cheesecakes, quiche, mousse, and all types of pies, cakes, and desserts or other baked goods. If you are confident enough, you can even prepare a gorgeous 7-tiered wedding cake with them.
The pans are stackable, so they are easy to store.
They are sold at a very good price and come with a set of spatulas and tools for easy removal of the ready cake.
Things I liked:
- They look great with a fun, colorful floral design
- A solidly built set
- A very good price for 7 pans and added utensils
- BPA-free nonstick coating for easy removal of the cake
- They are stackable for space-saving
- Easy to clean
- No leaks
- Sturdy and ergonomic steel buckles
- The set includes 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11-inch pans so that you can prepare almost any baked good or cake
Things I didn’t like
- The nonstick surface can get scratched if you are not careful when washing or handling it
See also: What Is Hard Anodized Cookware?
Wilton 3 Piece Springform Set – 3 Sizes for Many Various Tastes
This is a very affordable springform set containing three different-sized pans. It has an 8-inch, 9-inch, and 10-inch wide one, and each is 3-inch thick. They are all solid and made of stainless steel with a non-stick and non-toxic coating.
I did notice, however, that even greased, the batter gets stuck on the pan a bit more so the non-stick coating is not working as it should. I only had to put the baking paper next time I used it, and it was alright. I used them in a regular oven, and they did great with a temperature of 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
The base and ring clicked as they should in all three pans and only the biggest one leaked when I did the water test. The buckle seems sturdy enough, and it’s holding the base correctly, but it feels like it’s not made of stainless steel. The ring seems a bit stiff when you unclip to take the cake out, and it might need to open a bit more, so it’s easier to get the food out, but it is not a big problem.
It also says that it is dishwasher safe. However, I would not risk it by washing it like that even with the 10-year warranty.
Things I liked
- Solid firm set
- Non-stick and non-toxic coating
- Made of stainless steel
- Buckle doesn’t get stuck
- Dishwasher safe
- Has a 10-year warranty
Things I didn’t like
- Food gets stuck on the pan
- It can leak
- The buckle is not stainless steel
- The ring is stiff
I Made the Perfect Cheesecake for my Hubby
It wasn’t easy to pick only one as the best springform pan considering they each did their job well. For my needs, I chose the KitchenAid Classic Nonstick 9″ Springform Pan as my winner and made the perfect cheesecake in a water bath for my hubby’s birthday.
If you are looking for a complete set of all the springform pans you will ever need to prepare delicious and beautiful cakes, pies, and all types of baked goods, then you should opt for the Miecux Non-stick Springform Pan Set,7 Sizes High-carbon Steel Cake Pans.
The set includes 7 wonderful pans, sized from 4 to 11 inches, and is very sturdily built, comfortable to use, and easy to clean and store.