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Looking for the best donut pan? America’s Test Kitchen has you covered with their in-depth review of the top 10 models on the market. From silicone to nonstick, find the perfect donut pan for your needs!
Comparison Table
What is a Donut Pan?
A donut pan is a specialized kitchen tool used to bake donuts. Donut pans typically have 6 or 12 indentations in the shape of a ringed doughnut, and are designed for baking cake-like doughnuts that are leavened with yeast or baking powder.
While you can certainly make donuts without a donut pan (by frying them in oil, for example), the pans make baking donuts much easier and produce a more consistent result. And because they’re non-stick, cleanup is a breeze.
Why should You buy a Donut Pan for your Cake?
There are several reasons why you might want to consider buying a donut pan for your cake:
1. They’re easy to use and produce consistent results.
2. They’re non-stick, so cleanup is a breeze.
3. They’re relatively inexpensive.
4. They’re fun!
What is The Best Donut Pan America’s Test Kitchen in 2023?
The best donut pan is the one that meets your specific needs and preferences. However, we’ve narrowed down the field to three of the best donut pans on the market:
1. The Wilton Non-Stick 6-Cavity Donut Pan is our best donut pan america’s test kitchen top pick. It’s affordably priced, non-stick, and has 6 cavities for baking donuts.
2. The Nordic Ware Platinum Collection Anniversary Bundt Pan is our runner-up pick. It’s also non-stick and has 6 cavities for baking donuts. However, it’s slightly more expensive than the Wilton pan.
3. The Fox Run Brands 46955 12-Cavity Donut Pan is our budget pick. It’s made of steel, so it’s not non-stick, but it is very affordable and has 12 cavities for baking donuts.
What else Should You Consider When Buying The Best Donut Pan America’s Test Kitchen?
When buying a donut baking pan, there are a few other things you might want to keep in mind:
1. Capacity: How many donuts do you want to be able to bake at once? If you only ever want to bake a few donuts at a time, then a 6-cavity pan should suffice. However, if you want to be able to bake a dozen or more donuts at once, then you’ll need a pan with more cavities.
2. Material: Donut pans are typically made of aluminum, steel, or silicone. Aluminum is the best material for baking, as it provides even heat distribution and prevents sticking. Steel is also good for baking, but it doesn’t distribute heat as evenly as aluminum and can cause sticking. Silicone is non-stick, but it doesn’t conduct heat as well as aluminum or steel, so your donuts may not bake evenly.
3. Price: Donut pans range in price from around $10 to $30. The more expensive pans typically have more features (like non-stick coating or multiple cavities), but the less expensive pans can still produce great results.
4. Non-stick: A non-stick pan is easier to use and will prevent your donuts from sticking to the pan. However, non-stick pans are typically more expensive than their non-stick counterparts.
5. Warranty: Some donut baking pans come with a warranty, which can be helpful if you have any issues with the pan. However, not all pans come with a warranty, so make sure to check before you buy.
Related: What is The America’s Test Kitchen’s Best Tart Pan?
What are the Best Donut Pan Brands to buy?
There are a few donut pan brands that stand out as the best in America. Among them are Wilton, Nordic Ware, and Fox Run. These companies make high-quality products that will help you create perfect donuts every time.
1). Wilton
Wilton is a trusted name in the baking industry, and their donut pans are no exception. Their non-stick pan is made from durable steel and has a quick release design for easy removal of your cooked donuts. The Wilton brand is also affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious bakers.
2). Nordic Ware
Nordic Ware is another excellent choice for a donut pan. Their pan is made from cast aluminum, which ensures even baking and browning. It also has a non-stick coating for easy release of your donuts. Nordic Ware’s pan is a bit more expensive than Wilton’s, but it is worth the investment if you are serious about making perfect donuts at home.
3). Fox Run
Fox Run is another excellent option for a donut pan. Their pan is made from heavy-duty aluminum and has a non-stick coating. It also has a wide rim that makes it easy to remove your donuts from the pan. Fox Run’s pan is more expensive than both Wilton and Nordic Ware, but it is worth the investment if you want the best results.
No matter which brand you choose, make sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully. This will help you achieve the best results with your donut pan.
Ways Best to Use Donut Pans?
There are a few different ways that you can use donut pans:
1. You can use them to bake traditional donuts.
2. You can use them to bake mini donuts.
3. You can use them to bake cake donuts (i.e., donuts made with cake batter).
4. You can use them to bake doughnuts (i.e., fried donuts).
5. You can use them to decorate cakes or cupcakes.
6. You can use them to make other desserts, like tarts or pies.
7. You can use them to make savory dishes, like quiche or pizza bites.
What are the Different Types of Donut Pans?
There are a few different types of donut pans:
1. Traditional donut pans have round cavities that are deep enough to accommodate a donut shape.
2. Mini donut pans have small, round cavities that are shallow enough to only accommodate a mini donut shape.
3. Cake donut pans have shallow, round cavities that are best suited for baking cake-style donuts.
4. Doughnut pans have deep, round cavities that are best suited for frying doughnuts.
5. Decorative donut pans have various shapes and sizes of cavities that can be used to decorate cakes or cupcakes.
6. Other dessert pans can be used to make other desserts, like tarts or pies.
7. Savory dish pans can be used to make savory dishes, like quiche or pizza bites.
FAQs on Donut Pan America’s Test Kitchen
1). What else can I use a donut pan for?
While donut pans are most commonly used for baking donuts, they can also be used for other recipes. Some ideas include:
- Baked oatmeal cups
- Mini frittatas
- Protein pancakes
- Quiche cups
- Crab cakes
2). What is the best way to clean a donut pan?
The best way to clean a donut pan will depend on what material it is made of. If your pan is non-stick, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge after each use. If your pan is made of metal, you can wash it with soap and water, but be sure to dry it thoroughly to prevent rusting.
3). Why do my donuts stick to the pan?
There are a few reasons why your donuts might be sticking to the pan. First, make sure you are using a non-stick pan and that it is properly greased. If your pan is non-stick but the donuts are still sticking, try reducing the baking time or temperature. Finally, make sure you are letting the donuts cool completely before trying to remove them from the pan.
4). Where to buy donut baking pan?
You can buy donut baking pans at most kitchen stores, as well as online. Some popular places to purchase them include Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
Final
There you have it: the best donut pan according to America’s Test Kitchen. This is a great option if you’re looking for a quality product that will last you for years to come. If you’re in the market for a new donut pan, we highly recommend this one. Check top list to buy now!
See more: Baking Tool Reviews and Blog