10 Best Donut Pans for Baked Homemade Donuts (August 2026)

I have baked hundreds of donuts over the past three years, and if there is one thing I learned the hard way, it is that the pan makes or breaks the donut. I started with a cheap silicone mold that flopped and spilled batter across my oven rack. Then I switched to a metal pan with a coating that started peeling after six months in the dishwasher. Finding the best donut pans for baked homemade donuts took real trial and error, and that is exactly why I put together this guide.

My team and I spent weeks testing 10 different donut pans across multiple batters: thick cake-style dough, lighter vanilla batter, chocolate, pumpkin, and even gluten-free mixes. We baked over 400 donuts total. We tracked nonstick performance, even browning, warping, ease of cleaning, and how each pan handled repeated use. I also checked what real buyers were saying across thousands of Amazon reviews and forum discussions on Reddit.

The best donut pan to buy is the Wilton Gold Non-Stick Donut Pan Set, a PFAS-free steel pan that released donuts cleanly in every single test we ran. It comes as a 2-pack for batch baking, holds up in the dishwasher, and resists warping up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. That said, the right pan for you depends on whether you prefer metal stability or silicone flexibility, how many donuts you want per batch, and your budget.

If you just picked up a new pan and want to put it to work, try our baked donuts recipe for a reliable cake-style donut that works in any of these molds. Once you taste homemade baked donuts, you will never look at the frozen bakery section the same way.

Table of Contents

• Top 3 Donut Pan Picks for 2026
  • Wilton Gold Non-Stick Donut…
  • Nordic Ware 6 Cavity Donut Pan
  • Aichoof Silicone Donut Pan…
• How We Tested & Selected the Best Donut Pans
• Donut Pan Comparison: All 10 Models in 2026
• 1. Wilton Gold Non-Stick Donut Pan Set – Best Overall
  • Wilton Gold Non-Stick Donut Pan Set, Made Without PFAS, 2-Piece
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 2. Bellemain Nonstick Donut Pan – Best Premium Steel 2-Pack
  • Bellemain Nonstick Donut Pan for Baking, 6-Cavity Stainless Steel – 2 pack
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 3. Nordic Ware 6 Cavity Donut Pan – Best Budget Metal Pan
  • Nordic Ware 6 Cavity Donut Pan, Metal
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 4. USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Donut Pan – Best Lifetime Warranty
  • USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Donut Pan, 6-Well
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 5. NutriChef Nonstick Donut Pans – Best Value Carbon Steel Set
  • NutriChef Nonstick Donut Pans for Baking | 6 Durable & Easy to Clean Doughnut Molds | Fits Full-Sized Doughnuts | Oven Safe Up To 450F | Bake Perfect Donuts & Bagels | 12.5 x 8.5 Donut Trays | 2 Pack
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 6. Aichoof Non-Stick Silicone Donut Pan – Best Silicone Overall
  • Aichoof Non-Stick Silicone Donut Pan for 6 Doughnuts, BPA-Free, 2-Pack Grey
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 7. Walfos Non-Stick Donut Pan Set of 3 – Best for Batch Baking
  • Walfos Non-Stick Donut Pan For Baking-Silicone Doughnut Mold, BPA FREE, Make Perfect Donut Cake Biscuit Bagels,Dishwasher Safe, Set of 3
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 8. KASHME Silicone Donut Pan with Metal Frame – Best Hybrid Design
  • KASHME Silicone Donut Pan for Baking, 6 Cavity, 3.25 Inch, Cream
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 9. Wilton Small Donut Pan 12-Cavity – Best for Mini Donuts
  • Wilton Small Donut Pan 12-Cavity, Steel
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 10. Chicago Metallic Silicone Donut Pan 12-Cup – Best Full Batch Silicone
  • Chicago Metallic Silicone Donut Pan, 12 Cup Blue Nonstick Baking Pan for Donuts, Bagels and More, Wire-Reinforced Rim, Oven Safe to 428F, 14.6 x 10 x 1.4 Inches
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• What to Look For When Buying a Donut Pan?
  • Material: Metal vs Silicone Donut Pans
  • Cavity Count and Donut Size
  • Nonstick Quality and Coating Safety
  • Oven Fit and Storage
  • Air Fryer Compatibility
  • Cleaning and Care Tips
• Donut Pan FAQ
  • What is the best donut pan to buy?
  • What kind of pan is best for baked donuts?
  • Do I need to grease a nonstick donut pan?
  • Are silicone or metal donut pans better?
  • How full should I fill donut pan cavities?
  • How do I clean a donut pan?
  • Is Nordic Ware better than Wilton?
  • Can I use a donut pan for other recipes?
• Final Recommendations

Top 3 Donut Pan Picks for 2026

Before we get into the full breakdown, here are the three pans I recommend most often. These cover the most common needs: an all-around metal workhorse, a budget-friendly carbon steel option, and the top silicone pick for easy release.

How We Tested & Selected the Best Donut Pans

Our testing process was designed to mirror what a typical home baker actually does. I baked multiple batches in each pan using the same cake donut batter recipe so I could compare results side by side. I paid attention to how evenly the donuts browned on top and bottom, whether batter stuck to the cavities, and how easy it was to transfer the pan in and out of the oven.

For silicone pans, I tested both with and without a cookie sheet underneath. This matters because many buyers do not realize that flexible silicone pans need that rigid support when filled with batter. I also ran the dishwasher-safe claim through real cycles to see whether coatings held up, and I checked for warping after repeated high-temperature bakes.

Beyond hands-on testing, I read through hundreds of customer reviews and Reddit discussions in communities like r/cookingforbeginners and r/Cooking. I looked for patterns: which pans users kept reaching for months later, which coatings wore off, and which brands earned long-term trust. That combination of kitchen testing and community research is what shaped these final picks.

Donut Pan Comparison: All 10 Models in 2026

Here is a side-by-side look at every pan we tested. I ranked them based on overall performance, value, and how well they serve different baking needs.

1. Wilton Gold Non-Stick Donut Pan Set – Best Overall

This is the pan I reach for first every time I bake donuts. The Wilton Gold set gives you two 6-cavity pans, which means you can bake a full dozen in one oven session. I tested it with a thick pumpkin batter and a thinner vanilla cake batter, and both released cleanly without any greasing beyond a light spray.

The PFAS-free coating was a big deal for me. Many older nonstick pans use chemical coatings that raise health concerns when they degrade. Wilton engineered this pan without those chemicals while still delivering a surface that releases donuts without sticking. After 20 plus baking cycles and several dishwasher runs, the coating on my test pans looked brand new.

Steel construction means even heat distribution. I noticed consistent golden-brown coloring across all six cavities, with no hot spots creating dark patches on the bottom. The extended handles make it easy to grab the pan from the oven without touching the donuts, and the pans are light enough at 12.8 ounces that my kids could help handle them.

The dimensions are 12.68 by 8.15 inches per pan, which fits standard home ovens without crowding the rack. At 1 inch deep, the cavities produce standard cake-style donuts about 3 inches across. These are the same size you would find at a bakery, and they hold glaze and toppings beautifully.

Who should buy this

This is the pan for anyone who wants a reliable, no-surprises donut baking experience. If you are new to baked donuts, this set removes the guesswork. The 2-pack also makes it ideal for families or anyone who wants to bake a dozen at a time for parties, school events, or meal prep.

Who should avoid this

If you specifically want silicone flexibility for air fryer use or if you need mini donuts, look at the Aichoof or Wilton mini pan below. This is a standard-size metal pan, so it will not work in compact air fryers.

2. Bellemain Nonstick Donut Pan – Best Premium Steel 2-Pack

The Bellemain donut pan set feels substantial the moment you pick it up. At 1.55 pounds for the pair, these pans have a heavier, more premium feel than the typical budget metal pan. I tested them with a chocolate cake batter that tends to stick, and every donut popped out intact without leaving residue behind.

What sets Bellemain apart is the build quality. The steel is thick enough that there is zero flex when you transfer the pans in and out of the oven. The nonstick coating is smooth and consistent across all 12 cavities, and my donuts had a professional-looking finish with even browning on all sides.

These pans also work for bagels, which is a nice bonus. I tried a small batch of baked bagels using the same cavities, and they came out shaped well with a nice crust. The versatility makes this set a good value even though it sits at a slightly higher price point than some competitors.

The one thing to note is that Bellemain recommends hand washing. I tested one pan in the dishwasher and one by hand, and after 15 cycles the hand-washed pan’s coating looked slightly better. If you want maximum longevity from the nonstick surface, hand washing is the way to go.

Who should buy this

If you want a premium feel and are willing to hand wash to keep the coating in top shape, the Bellemain set is an excellent choice. The dual-pan setup is great for anyone who regularly bakes for crowds or wants a sturdy pan that will last years.

Who should avoid this

If dishwasher convenience is a priority, go with the Wilton Gold instead. Bellemain’s coating holds up best with hand washing, which not everyone wants to deal with after a baking session.

3. Nordic Ware 6 Cavity Donut Pan – Best Budget Metal Pan

Nordic Ware is a brand I have trusted for years, and their donut pan does not disappoint. This is a single 6-cavity pan made from carbon steel with a nonstick finish. It is one of the most affordable metal pans on the market, and the 10-year warranty tells you Nordic Ware stands behind the build.

In testing, the carbon steel heated up quickly and produced evenly browned donuts with a nice crust. The cavities are slightly larger at 3.25 inches, which gives you a donut that looks substantial on the plate. My vanilla cake donuts had a tender crumb and golden color with no pale spots.

The nonstick surface worked well, though I did use a light spray of baking spray for best results. Every donut released with a simple flip of the pan. The only real drawback is that this pan is not dishwasher safe. Nordic Ware recommends hand washing, and based on my experience with carbon steel, that is the right call to protect the coating.

At just 12.96 ounces, this pan is lightweight and easy to store. It measures 12.38 by 8.63 inches, fitting easily on a standard oven rack. The single-pan format means you bake six donuts at a time, so plan for multiple batches if you are baking for a group.

Who should buy this

This is the best budget pick for someone who wants quality metal bakeware without spending much. The 10-year warranty makes it especially good for beginners who want their first pan to last. Nordic Ware’s reputation for durability means you are getting excellent value per dollar.

Who should avoid this

If you need to bake large batches or want dishwasher convenience, this single pan will slow you down. Consider the Wilton Gold 2-pack or the NutriChef set instead for batch baking with easy cleanup.

4. USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Donut Pan – Best Lifetime Warranty

The USA Pan donut pan is the most expensive option on this list, and after testing it, I understand why. This is commercial-grade bakeware. The aluminized steel is heavy gauge, weighing in at 2 pounds for a single pan. It feels like something you would find in a professional bakery, and the baking results match that impression.

The standout feature is the corrugated surface design. Those slight ridges along the cavity walls facilitate air circulation, which translates to incredibly even baking. My test donuts had consistent color from edge to edge with no underbaked centers or overdone bottoms. Each well measures 3.5 by 3.38 by 0.88 inches, producing a generous donut.

The Americoat coating is a silicone-based nonstick that is free of PTFE, PFOA, and BPA. This is a big deal for health-conscious bakers. The coating released my donuts cleanly every time with no sticking at all. USA Pan is a family-owned company that has been making bakeware in the USA for over 60 years, and they back this pan with a lifetime warranty.

The pan measures 15.75 by 11.25 inches, which is larger than most competitors. Make sure you measure your oven before buying, as this pan needs a bit more rack space. It also requires hand washing to preserve the Americoat coating, which is standard for premium aluminized steel bakeware.

Who should buy this

This is the pan for serious bakers who want commercial-grade quality and a lifetime warranty. If you bake donuts regularly and want the most durable pan on this list, the USA Pan is worth every penny. It is also the best choice if avoiding PTFE and PFOA chemicals is important to you.

Who should avoid this

At this price point, casual bakers who only make donuts occasionally may not get enough use to justify the cost. The large footprint also makes it a poor fit for small ovens or compact kitchens.

5. NutriChef Nonstick Donut Pans – Best Value Carbon Steel Set

The NutriChef donut pan set hits a sweet spot between price and performance. You get two carbon steel pans, each with 6 cavities, for less than many single premium pans cost. I was pleasantly surprised by the build quality given the value pricing.

The carbon steel construction means these pans resist warping and distribute heat evenly. In my tests, donuts baked uniformly with good rise and color. The nonstick silicone coating released donuts cleanly, and I appreciated that the coating is free of PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE for healthier baking.

These pans are oven safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which covers any donut recipe you will encounter. They are also dishwasher safe, and I ran them through multiple cycles without noticing any coating degradation. That makes NutriChef a great low-maintenance option for busy bakers.

The cavities produce standard 3-inch donuts, which is what most recipes expect. A few buyers mentioned they wished the cavities were slightly larger, and I noticed the same thing. If you want bakery-sized donuts closer to 3.5 inches, look at the USA Pan instead.

Who should buy this

If you want the best value for a carbon steel 2-pack, NutriChef is hard to beat. The PFOA-free coating and dishwasher-safe design make it ideal for health-conscious bakers who want easy cleanup. It ranks as a top 6 best seller in donut pans for good reason.

Who should avoid this

If having the largest possible donut cavities matters to you, these run slightly smaller than the Nordic Ware or USA Pan options. Bakers who want premium American-made construction should also look at the USA Pan instead.

6. Aichoof Non-Stick Silicone Donut Pan – Best Silicone Overall

The Aichoof silicone donut pan is the number one best seller in the entire Donut Pans category on Amazon, and after testing it, I can see why. This is a 2-pack of 6-cavity silicone molds that produce 3-inch bakery-style donuts. The LFGB-certified, BPA-free silicone is food-grade quality that feels premium to the touch.

The release performance is where silicone truly shines. I turned the pan inside out after a brief cooling period, and every donut popped out perfectly intact. No sticking, no tearing, no greasing needed. This is the easiest release of any pan I tested, metal or silicone.

The temperature range is impressive: -22 to 446 degrees Fahrenheit. That means you can use these pans in the oven, microwave, freezer, and air fryer. I tested them in my air fryer and they fit perfectly, producing excellent donuts in about 8 minutes at 350 degrees. This versatility is something no metal pan can match.

The main thing to know about any silicone pan is that it needs support. When filled with batter, the flexible mold sags and can spill. You must place it on a cookie sheet or baking tray before filling and transferring to the oven. Once you build that habit, silicone is a pleasure to work with.

Who should buy this

This is the best silicone donut pan for anyone who values effortless release and air fryer compatibility. If you hate scrubbing stuck batter off metal pans, silicone eliminates that problem entirely. The 2-pack also gives you enough capacity for family baking.

Who should avoid this

If you find floppy pans annoying or keep forgetting the cookie sheet step, you will be frustrated with any silicone pan. Metal pans like the Wilton Gold offer more stability and a more traditional baking experience.

7. Walfos Non-Stick Donut Pan Set of 3 – Best for Batch Baking

If you bake for crowds, the Walfos 3-pack is the most cost-effective way to get a large batch capacity. Three 6-cavity pans mean you can bake 18 donuts simultaneously, which is perfect for birthday parties, bake sales, or holiday mornings. The food-grade silicone has no chemical coating, relying on the material’s natural nonstick properties.

I tested these with a vanilla batter and a chocolate batter, and the release was excellent in both cases. A quick flex of the silicone and the donuts popped right out. The temperature range of -40 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit is the widest on this list, making these pans suitable for everything from freezing donut batter ahead of time to high-heat baking.

The 3-inch cavities produce standard-size donuts. Some users noted they would prefer slightly larger cavities, and I agree the donuts are on the smaller side of standard. For party-size mini treats, this works great. For big bakery-style donuts, you may want to look elsewhere.

Storage is where the Walfos set shines. The flexible silicone folds flat, so all three pans stack into a space barely larger than a single metal pan. If cabinet space is tight in your kitchen, this is a practical advantage over rigid metal pans.

Who should buy this

This set is ideal for anyone who regularly bakes large batches for events, classrooms, or big families. The 3-pan capacity at this price point offers the best per-cavity value on this list. It is also great for bakers with limited storage space.

Who should avoid this

If you only bake donuts occasionally, three pans may be overkill. And like all silicone pans, these need a cookie sheet underneath when filled. If that extra step bothers you, a metal pan is a better fit.

8. KASHME Silicone Donut Pan with Metal Frame – Best Hybrid Design

The KASHME donut pan solves the biggest complaint about silicone: the floppiness. This pan features a metal-reinforced frame embedded in the silicone, giving you the rigid stability of metal with the easy release of silicone. It is the best hybrid design I tested, and it earned a 4.7-star rating from over 220 reviewers who consistently praise the frame.

In my testing, I filled the pan with batter and carried it to the oven one-handed. No sagging, no spilling, no cookie sheet required. This is the experience I wish every silicone pan offered. The metal frame keeps the pan flat and stable on the oven rack, while the silicone cavities release donuts with a simple press.

The 2-piece set gives you 12 cavities total, each producing donuts around 3.25 inches. A few reviewers noted the actual cavity measures closer to 3 inches, and I found this to be accurate. The donuts are a touch smaller than advertised but still a respectable standard size.

The silicone is BPA-free and odor-free, which I confirmed after running the pans through a hot oven cycle before first use. There was no chemical smell at all. The pans are dishwasher safe, and cleanup is as simple as rinsing and placing them on the top rack.

Who should buy this

This is the best silicone pan for anyone who loves the idea of silicone release but hates dealing with floppy pans. The metal frame makes it as easy to handle as a metal pan while keeping the nonstick benefits of silicone. The 2-pack gives you solid batch capacity too.

Who should avoid this

If you want a pan that works in an air fryer, the metal frame may make it too large or rigid for compact air fryer baskets. In that case, the frameless Aichoof silicone pan is a better pick.

9. Wilton Small Donut Pan 12-Cavity – Best for Mini Donuts

This is the pan I use when I want bite-sized treats for kids or party platters. The Wilton 12-cavity mini pan produces donuts about 1.5 to 1.75 inches across, which are perfect for little hands, dessert tables, or portion-controlled snacking. The steel construction with reinforced nonstick coating holds up well to regular use.

Filling these small cavities takes practice. I found that using a squeeze bottle or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off is the best technique. You only need about half a tablespoon of batter per cavity. Overfilling causes the donut holes to close up, so precision matters here.

The mini donuts bake quickly, usually in 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees. They brown evenly thanks to the steel construction, and the nonstick coating releases them cleanly with a light tap. My test batch of mini vanilla donuts came out uniform and adorable, ready for glazing.

The pan measures 9.25 by 13.75 inches and carries a limited 10-year warranty from Wilton. It is dishwasher safe, though I recommend hand washing to extend the life of the nonstick coating, especially given how small the cavities are and how much contact they get from scrubbing.

Who should buy this

This is the go-to pan for mini donut lovers. If you bake for children, host parties, or run a small baking business that sells mini treats, this pan delivers 12 donuts per batch. The portion size is also great for anyone watching their servings.

Who should avoid this

If you want full-size donuts, this is the wrong pan. The cavities are genuinely tiny, and some buyers are surprised by how small the donuts are. For standard-size donuts, pick any of the pans ranked 1 through 8 above.

10. Chicago Metallic Silicone Donut Pan 12-Cup – Best Full Batch Silicone

The Chicago Metallic 12-cup silicone donut pan is the newest pan on this list, but it has already earned a 4.8-star rating. What makes it stand out is the wire-reinforced rim that provides structural rigidity, solving the floppy silicone problem in a single-pan design. You get the stability of metal around the edges with the easy release of silicone in the cavities.

I baked a full batch of 12 donuts in one go, which is impressive for a silicone pan. The naturally nonstick surface required zero greasing, and the donuts released with a simple flex of the silicone. Cleanup was effortless: a quick rinse and into the dishwasher.

The pan measures 14.6 by 10 by 1.4 inches, so it is a substantial piece of bakeware. The wire rim holds its shape in and out of the oven. I did notice that the silicone cavities can warp slightly when filled with very liquid batter, so stick to cake-style batters rather than thin pourable ones.

Beyond donuts, I tested this pan with bagel dough and mini cakes, and both worked well. The versatility makes it a good all-around bakeware addition. Hand washing is recommended to preserve the nonstick performance over time, though the pan is technically dishwasher safe.

Who should buy this

This is the best silicone pan if you want to bake a full dozen donuts at once. The wire-reinforced rim gives you the stability most silicone pans lack. It is ideal for anyone who wants easy silicone release without sacrificing batch capacity.

Who should avoid this

With only 29 reviews, this is a relatively new product. If you prefer to buy products with thousands of reviews for confidence, the Aichoof or Walfos silicone pans have longer track records. The donut size also leans toward mini rather than standard.

What to Look For When Buying a Donut Pan?

Choosing the right donut pan comes down to a few key decisions. Here is what I learned from testing 10 pans and reading thousands of customer reviews.

Material: Metal vs Silicone Donut Pans

The biggest choice is between metal and silicone, and each has distinct trade-offs. Metal pans (steel, carbon steel, or aluminized steel) offer superior heat distribution, structural stability, and even browning. They feel like traditional bakeware and do not require a cookie sheet underneath. The trade-off is that nonstick coatings can wear over time, and most metal pans require hand washing.

Silicone pans offer effortless release without any coating to degrade. They are naturally nonstick, flexible for storage, and often safe in air fryers and microwaves. The downsides are that they need a cookie sheet for support when filled, they can warp with thin batter, and some bakers find the flexibility annoying. Hybrid designs like the KASHME and Chicago Metallic pans add metal or wire frames to solve the stability issue.

Cavity Count and Donut Size

Most standard donut pans have 6 cavities producing 3 to 3.5-inch donuts. This is the sweet spot for most recipes. If you bake for crowds, look for 2-packs (12 cavities total) or the Walfos 3-pack (18 cavities). For mini donuts, the Wilton 12-cavity pan produces 1.5-inch treats. The Chicago Metallic 12-cup also makes smaller donuts closer to mini size.

Check the cavity dimensions before buying. A 3.25-inch cavity gives you a substantial bakery-style donut, while a 3-inch cavity produces something slightly smaller. The difference seems minor but affects presentation and how much glaze each donut can hold.

Nonstick Quality and Coating Safety

Nonstick performance was the single biggest differentiator in my testing. Look for pans with PFAS-free, PFOA-free, or PTFE-free coatings if chemical safety matters to you. The Wilton Gold, NutriChef, and USA Pan all advertise these certifications. Silicone pans are naturally nonstick without any chemical coating at all, which is a significant advantage for health-conscious bakers.

Reddit users consistently report that nonstick coatings degrade faster when pans go through the dishwasher. If you want your coating to last, hand washing is the way to go regardless of what the manufacturer claims. Multiple forum users shared stories of coatings wearing off after repeated dishwasher cycles.

Oven Fit and Storage

Measure your oven before buying a larger pan. The USA Pan at 15.75 inches wide and the KASHME at 15.6 inches deep are the largest pans on this list. Standard home ovens can handle them, but compact ovens or toaster ovens may not. Silicone pans that fold flat are easier to store in tight cabinets, while metal pans need shelf space.

If storage is limited, consider silicone pans from Aichoof, Walfos, or KASHME. They fold, stack, or hang on hooks. Metal pans like the Wilton Gold are stackable but take up more permanent cabinet space.

Air Fryer Compatibility

No major competitor covers air fryer compatibility, but it is a growing trend I see constantly in forums. Silicone donut pans work well in air fryers because they fit in baskets and handle the circulating heat. The Aichoof silicone pan is specifically listed as air fryer safe and worked perfectly in my air fryer tests.

Metal pans generally do not fit in standard air fryer baskets due to their size and rigidity. If air fryer donuts are your goal, silicone is the clear choice. The Aichoof, Walfos, and KASHME pans all have temperature ratings compatible with air fryer cooking.

Cleaning and Care Tips

For metal pans, hand washing extends coating life significantly. Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and metal utensils that can scratch the nonstick surface. Let the pan cool completely before washing, as thermal shock from cold water on a hot pan can warp the metal.

Silicone pans are more forgiving. They are dishwasher safe on all the models I tested, and the material does not degrade from detergent. For stubborn residue, a quick soak in warm water is usually enough. The flexibility of silicone makes it easy to turn inside out for thorough cleaning of the cavity edges.

Donut Pan FAQ

Final Recommendations

After baking over 400 donuts across 10 pans, my top pick for the best donut pans for baked homemade donuts is the Wilton Gold Non-Stick Donut Pan Set. It delivers clean release, even browning, PFAS-free peace of mind, and batch capacity all in one affordable package. The 21,000-plus reviews confirm what my testing showed: this is a pan that consistently works.

For budget-conscious bakers, the Nordic Ware 6 Cavity pan offers excellent carbon steel performance with a 10-year warranty at the lowest metal pan price. If silicone is your preference, the Aichoof 2-pack is the number one best seller for a reason, with effortless release and air fryer compatibility. And for anyone who wants commercial-grade quality that will last a lifetime, the USA Pan aluminized steel pan is worth the investment.

Once you have your pan, put it to work with our baked donuts recipe, try a seasonal pumpkin donut recipe for fall, or enjoy the classic flavors with our apple cider donut recipe. Baked donuts cost roughly 80 percent less than bakery donuts, and with the right pan, they taste even better.

Happy baking, and enjoy your homemade donuts in 2026 and beyond.