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I’m here to tell you it’s as relevant and useful today as it has ever been! You need a springform pan, pronto!
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Quick List of Top Picks
- MCIRCO 3-Piece Springform Pan set
- Farberware 46406 Nonstick Springform Baking Pan
- Anolon 57991 Advanced Nonstick Springform Baking Pan
- Fayy 7 Inch Springform Pan
- Hiware 4-Inch Mini Springform Pan Set
What is a Springform Pan?
A springform pan is a unique cooking vessel characterized by sides (or a collar) which can be removed for easy access to the baked or cooked item inside.
It consists of two parts, the base and the band which forms the side, usually held together by a locking clip or latch.
When the two pieces are locked together, they form what looks like an ordinary pie plate or cake pan.
It’s most commonly used for cheesecakes and other delicate cakes too fragile to invert (or flip over for us baking illiterate) or anything you’d rather serve on a fancy and frilly dish for whimsical presentation purposes.
We have standards, people. The cheesecake you took hours to create needs to be presented to the loving and adoring family in proper Martha Stewart pomp and circumstance. But… how?
In steps the illustrious and often overlooked springform pan. The answer to the age-old question of “how do I get this out of this pan without it turning into a huge mess?”
Simply layer your ingredients into the pan, bake, and, when it’s done, unhook the latch on the side and voila! Your cake is free from its bounds and perfectly presentable.
It’s Great for More Than Just Cake!
Okay, so now you’ve got the gist of what a springform pan is, but you’re probably thinking… why do I need one, though? I don’t even bake very much. And I haven’t had a cheesecake in years. I hear you but bear with me for just a bit.
Springform pans are useful for more than JUST cheesecake!! Heck, they’re good for more than cake, even!
These pans are super handy in the plant-based kitchen. You may even find yourself searching for new recipes to show off your new pan. I know I did.
What CAN you make with a springform pan? Honestly, the possibilities are virtually endless.
As someone who likes to experiment in the kitchen and also finds joy in breaking kitchen rules and orthodox traditions, this pan sparked some serious joy.
Dive into a Deep-Dish Pizza!
Deep. Dish. Pizza. Just the thought of this delicacy nestled into a springform pan makes me shiver with delight.
I love, love, love deep dish pizza, and no matter the recipe, have NEVER been able to create one as good as the ones at the local pizzeria. Until now. Seriously. This pan is a life-changer.
Dig out your favorite pizza recipe (or find a new favorite here) and you’ll never look back.
The springform pan makes deep dish (and stuffed crust) pizzas to perfection, and you won’t have to destroy your beautiful crust trying to scrape it out of your usual pan.
Layer Up a Luscious Lasagna!
Lasagna is a delicious, family pleasing meal already, but if you layer it into a springform pan it becomes a breathtaking masterpiece!
While it’s slightly more complicated to layer the noodles into a circular form, the result is definitely worth it.
Removing the side leaves an eye-pleasing circular tower of noodles, sauce, and ooey, gooey plant-based cheese.
What could be more tantalizing? Trust me when I say making lasagna in a springform pan is worth the effort, every time.
Cook Up a Crazy Crusty Casserole!
Casseroles are the epitome of ease for the harried mom and using a springform pan makes it even easier.
The only caveat of a picture perfect springform pan casserole is it needs a crust or a firm center.
Imagine the delight of your family when you present their favorite comfort casserole in a whole new and swanky way!
Release your inner Isa Chandra Moscowitz and you’ll never have a turned-up nose at dinner again
Kick Your Instant Pot Up a Notch!
Using a springform pan in your instant pot really kicks it up to the next level. Did you know you can use a springform pan in your instant pot to make cakes (and everything else!) in a jiffy?
This is breaking news, my friends, at least, it is for me! I had no idea this was even a possibility.
Imagine making all your favorite cakes and pasta dishes, deep-dish pizza and calzones, all with the speed and convenience of the instant pot!
This makes the instant pot even more exciting and versatile than it was before, which in my book, makes the springform pan and the instant pot best friends forever!
Freeze Up an Ice Cream Fantasy!
Do you fondly remember ice cream cakes of your childhood? Plant-based versions aren’t exactly easy to come by, and if you happen to find one, it’s probably going to be pretty pricey.
With your fancy new springform pan, though, you can whip up a whimsical ice cream delight in no time flat.
Your party guests will clamber to find out where in the heck you bought this beautiful plant-based ice cream wonder. And it’s up to you whether you share your secret or not. Either way, you’ll never pine for overpriced store-bought confections again.
Bake Up a Beautiful Torte!
Tortes and trifles are also born beautiful from a springform pan. You don’t need a special torte or trifle dish to create these magnificent morsels.
Your springform pan will mold and shape the perfect dish, and gently release it on the serving tray.
There’s nothing more harrowing than moving a special dessert from one location to another.
The springform pan also helps in transport, as you don’t have to take the delicate dish from its bonds until you arrive at your destination. Crisis averted. Whew!
5 Top Picks for Springform Pan
I could go on and on about how versatile the springform pan truly is, but hopefully you get the idea by now and are chomping at the bit to find out which pans are the best.
Well, wait no longer! Here are our picks for your new favorite kitchen accessory!
MCIRCO 3-Piece Springform Pan set
The first pan on our list is a set, and it’s a spiffy one! The 3-piece set from MCIRCO comes in a classic red and black color palate, which is a nod to the current retro kitchen trends.
It’s a great value with 3 sizes of pans, so you can create multiple dishes without added expense. If you’re feeling like a super baker, you could even make a three-tiered confection!
These are constructed with high-heat resistant metal, able to withstand temperatures of up to 445 F or 230 C, so no fear of your pans warping or melting during cooking.
They are also coated with a non-stick coating, which, while somewhat controversial, has been deemed safe with proper cleaning and maintenance.
The latches which make the springform pan are heavy duty and durable, but not difficult to latch and unlatch.
The set also comes with 2 long handled icing spatulas and 3 different icing smoothers. These are perfect for getting the thickness and texture of icing you desire.
What We Like
- Versatile sizing for a multitude of uses
- Attractive color scheme
- Durable and inexpensive
What We Don’t Like
- Can leak with runny batters or in water baths
- 4-inch pan might be too small
Farberware 46406 Nonstick Springform Baking Pan
The next pan on our list is the Nonstick Springform Baking Pan from Farberware. This 9-inch light gray pan is perfect for light and airy crusts (think cheesecake) but also is superior for all other uses as well.
Its nonstick surface helps your dishes slide with ease, but without the fear of the surface flaking off.
The Farberware pan is tested to endurable high heat up to 450 degrees and are constructed to resist warping and hot spots. Nonstick coating inside and out ensures even baking and even easier release, without the need for spatulas or other scraping tools.
The latch on this pan are durable and secure, but not hard to open and close. The bottom of the pan has a slight lip around the edge. This helps prevent leakage but, can make sliding delicate dishes off in one piece a bit of a challenge.
What We Like
- Makes perfectly browned crusts
- Durable construction for years of use
- Versatile size for most of your baking needs
What We Don’t Like
- Lipped bottom edge makes release of some dishes difficult
- Can leak after prolonged use
Anolon 57991 Advanced Nonstick Springform Baking Pan
The Advanced Nonstick Springform Baking Pan from Anolon is the only square pan we highlight, and it has so many cool features!
Its unique shape is more fun to cook in than I ever would have thought and allows you to release the idea that cakes for example should always be round!
It features a lipped baking sheet which perfectly nestles the pan, catching any minor drips and drops which may leak out.
This additional pan helps reduce the need for tin foil or a cookie sheet to line your oven. Its light gray nonstick surface creates perfectly browned crusts with no burnt spots.
The latch is my favorite feature, as it has a rubberized grip, making it easy for all hands to open and close.
It’s especially useful for small hands and for those with limited dexterity. It’s such a thoughtful feature and unique to this brand. Most latches are easy to open, but these are easy and comfortable! Score!
What We Like
- Unique shape for unique dishes
- Rubberized grips on latches for comfort and ease of use
- Additional tray for occasional leaks
What We Don’t Like
- Square shape limits use (doesn’t fit in an instant pot)
- Like the others, can leak (though it really seems this is just a general issue with the pan design itself)
Fayy 7 Inch Springform Pan
This smaller sized 7-inch Springform Pan from Fayy is the perfect size for use in your instant pot. It may be a bit small for your other needs, but honestly, it’s ideal for most cakes and for portion control.
No one really NEEDS a huge cheesecake anyway, right? Well, maybe you should invest in more than one pan!
This pan features a double layer nonstick coating and a textured bottom which helps release the dish with ease.
Its darker coloring gives a deeper browning to your dishes, so be sure to adjust cooking times so as not to burn more delicate crusts.
The textured bottom does make for more difficulty in cleaning, but it’s not a deal breaker. The ease at which the cakes slide off more than makes up for this inconvenience. The latch holds tight and is easy to open and close.
What We Like
- Ideal size for instant pot use
- Double layer textured bottom is supremely nonstick
- Doesn’t leak like many others
What We Don’t Like
- Small size not as versatile
- Somewhat difficult to clean
Hiware 4-Inch Mini Springform Pan Set
This adorable set of mini Springform Pans from Hiware are perfect for holiday baking and gift giving! What could possibly be a sweeter gift than a tasty treat baked up by you?
These tiny pans make miniature masterpieces and are sure to please everyone on your list.
The steel construction and durable nonstick coating ensure your mini dishes come out perfect every time.
No need to flour or grease, these are ready for action right out of the packaging. They are easy to clean and maintain as well but, are recommended to hand-wash only.
These smaller pans are a match made in heaven for individual portions of ice cream cake and mini tortes. You can even put multiple pans in your instant pot at once! The latches are super secure and make a tight seal, with no leakage reported.
What We Like
- Little pans are cute and fun
- Durable construction for long term use
- Nonstick surface doesn’t flake or burn
What We Don’t Like
- Small size limits versatility
- Handwash only, somewhat difficult to store (they don’t nest or stack)
Top Choice for the Best Springform Pan
Learning about these pans and experimenting with them was so much fun, though it really made it difficult to decide on a clear winner.
Each one of the pans we reviewed had its positives, and they seemed to have so few negatives.
However, a winner must be crowned, and, after much deliberation, we’ve chosen the Advanced Nonstick Springform Baking Pan from Anolon. We loved the square shape and had so much fun trying out cakes and pasta bakes. It was a crowd pleaser every time!
We also were smitten with the rubberized silicone grip on the latch. We couldn’t get over how much more comfortable this made using it, and how it added to the overall ease of use for every baker.
It’s amazing how just one little design change can make something easier to use for everyone.
It seems like a latch wouldn’t really matter much, but if you’ve ever struggled with the use of your hands, whether it was from a medical issue, fatigue, strength, or different ability, you know how a comfort grip can make all the difference.
Add that to the included tray, durable nonstick coating, and ease of cleaning, and you’ve got the winner hands down. Form and function come together in this pan in the most perfect way!
