The 9 x 13-inch pan is the workhorse of home baking. It holds a sheet cake for a birthday, a tres leches that has to soak overnight, a pan of brownies or cornbread, and, on another night, enchiladas or a sheet of roasted vegetables. One good metal pan covers all of it.
This guide is only about metal 9 x 13 pans: plain aluminum, nonstick-coated steel and ceramic-coated steel, with and without lids. Glass and ceramic dishes have their own guides. Every pan below was in stock on Amazon when we checked, and every spec comes from the maker or the listing.
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Quick verdict: which 9 x 13 cake pan to buy
For most bakers, the USA Pan Seamless Nonstick 9 x 13-inch Cake Pan is the one to buy: made in the USA from aluminized steel, with a silicone-based nonstick coating and seamless corners. If you would rather skip coatings, the Nordic Ware Prism 9 x 13 Pan is plain, made-in-USA aluminum. For tall sheet cakes and tres leches, the 3-inch-deep Fat Daddio’s 9 x 13 x 3 holds more.
Below: five standout pans compared, all nine reviewed in full, then what actually matters when you choose one.
Five 9 x 13 pans side by side
One pan for each kind of baker, with the material, coating and lid each listing states. All nine pans are reviewed in full below.
| 9 x 13 pan | Best for | Material and coating | Lid | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
USA Pan Seamless Nonstick 9 x 13-inch Cake PanBest overall
|
Easy release, clean corners | Aluminized steel, silicone nonstick | No | View on Amazon |
Nordic Ware Prism 9 x 13 PanBest uncoated
|
Even browning, no coating | Natural aluminum, embossed grid | No (sold separately) | View on Amazon |
Fat Daddio’s 9 x 13 x 3-inch Sheet Cake PanBest deep pan
|
Tall cakes, tres leches, lasagna | Anodized aluminum, uncoated | No | View on Amazon |
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Ceramic 9 x 13-inch Cake PanBest ceramic-coated
|
Straight walls, light interior | Aluminized steel, ceramic nonstick | No | View on Amazon |
Farberware Nonstick 9 x 13-inch Cake Pan with LidBest with a lid
|
Potlucks and leftovers | Heavy-duty nonstick, made without PFAS | Yes, carrying lid | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Materials, coatings, sizes and care are as stated by the maker or the Amazon listing; “not stated” means we found no statement. Check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best cake pans 9×13 bakers can buy
These nine pans cover the choices that matter: uncoated aluminum, nonstick and ceramic coatings, a deep 3-inch pan and two pans with lids. We left out every pan already reviewed on our cake pan, brownie pan and lasagna pan guides, including the Nordic Ware 9 x 13 with lid, the USA Pan rectangular cake pan and the Fat Daddio’s 2-inch pan. One pick, the Fat Daddio’s 3-inch, is a deeper size of that 2-inch pan; its review explains why.
1. USA Pan Seamless Nonstick 9 x 13-inch Cake Pan – Clean Corners, Easy Release
USA Pan makes commercial-style bakeware in the United States, and this is its seamless 9 x 13 (model 1117RC-6). The pan is aluminized steel, which the listing describes as steel for strength and aluminum for heat conductivity, finished with USA Pan’s own silicone-based nonstick coating. The bottom has the brand’s ridged texture, which USA Pan says helps air circulate for even baking.
“Seamless” matters in a 9 x 13. Folded corners on cheaper pans trap batter and grease and are hard to clean; a seamless pan has smooth inside corners, so a sheet cake comes out with clean edges and the pan rinses out quickly.
It is oven safe to 450°F, according to the listing. That covers cakes, brownies, cornbread and most casseroles. The light, gold-toned surface of aluminized steel bakes more gently than a dark nonstick pan, so edges are less likely to over-brown.
America’s Test Kitchen recommends USA Pan’s standard rectangular cake pan, which our main cake pan guide covers; this seamless version is a newer design and was not part of that review. The listing does not state care instructions, so follow the card that comes with the pan.
Why we like it
- Made in the USA (listing)
- Seamless corners (listing)
- Silicone-based nonstick coating (listing)
- Oven safe to 450°F (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | 1117RC-6 |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminized steel |
| Coating | USA Pan silicone nonstick |
| Size | 9 x 13 in; depth not stated |
| Lid | No |
| Oven limit | 450°F |
| Made in | USA |
| Care | Not stated on listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits the baker who wants one 9 x 13 that releases cleanly, cleans easily and does cakes and casseroles equally well.
Skip it if you want no coating at all; the Nordic Ware Prism or Fat Daddio’s below are plain aluminum.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clean, seamless corners
- Light finish bakes evenly
- US-made
Cons
- Ridges show on the cake bottom
- No lid
- Depth not stated
2. Nordic Ware Prism 9 x 13 Pan – Plain Aluminum, Made in USA
Nordic Ware’s Prism pan (model 46670) is natural aluminum with no coating, stamped with an embossed grid. Nordic Ware says the grid adds strength and helps release and air flow, and that natural aluminum spreads heat well for even browning. A steel rim is rolled into the edge to stop warping.
Plain aluminum is what many bakeries use for sheet cakes: it heats fast, does not rust and has no coating to scratch or wear. The catch is release. Grease and flour the pan or line it with parchment, especially for sticky bars or glazed cakes.
The listing says made in the USA, hand wash only, with a lifetime warranty. Nordic Ware labels it 9 x 13; retailers give the interior as about 12.1 x 8.8 inches, so a box-mix recipe fits, but a cake may need a few more minutes than the recipe says. Nordic Ware also sells this pan with a matching Prism metal lid as a separate listing.
Why we like it
- Uncoated natural aluminum (listing)
- Steel rim against warping (listing)
- Made in USA (listing)
- Lifetime warranty (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | 46670 |
|---|---|
| Material | Natural aluminum, embossed grid |
| Coating | None |
| Size | Labeled 9 x 13 in; interior about 12.1 x 8.8 in (retailers) |
| Lid | No (Prism lid sold separately) |
| Oven limit | Not stated |
| Made in | USA |
| Care | Hand wash only |
Why we recommend it
It suits bakers who want a light, uncoated aluminum pan that will last for years and do not mind greasing it.
Skip it if you want food to slide out with no prep; a coated pan is easier for sticky bars.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No coating to wear out
- Even, light browning
- US-made with lifetime warranty
Cons
- Needs greasing or parchment
- Not dishwasher safe
- Interior a little under 9 x 13
3. Fat Daddio’s 9 x 13 x 3-inch Sheet Cake Pan – Extra Depth for Tall Bakes
Our brownie pan guide reviews Fat Daddio’s 2-inch-deep 9 x 13. This is the 3-inch version (POB-9133), included because the extra inch changes what the pan can do: Fat Daddio’s gives the interior as 9 x 13 x 3 inches and 12 cups, against 9.5 cups for the 2-inch pan.
That depth is useful for a tall sheet cake, a tres leches that needs room for the milk soak, a layered lasagna or a deep cobbler. For a thin batter like brownies, the 2-inch pan is the better fit.
It is 16-gauge anodized aluminum with no coating. Fat Daddio’s says it is safe for citrus-based foods, will not rust, peel or flake, and is made with no PFAS, PTFE or PFOA. It is rated to 550°F and is also listed as freezer, air fryer and pressure cooker safe. Hand washing is recommended; the listing gives a lifetime warranty.
America’s Test Kitchen tested the 2-inch Fat Daddio’s: it baked evenly, but without a coating sticky buns stuck and the surface showed scratches. Expect the same here. It was sold by BakeDeco, a baking-supply retailer, when we checked.
Why we like it
- 3-inch depth, 12-cup capacity (listing)
- Rated to 550°F (listing)
- Safe with citrus-based foods (listing)
- Lifetime warranty (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | POB-9133 |
|---|---|
| Material | 16-gauge anodized aluminum |
| Coating | None |
| Size | 9 x 13 x 3 in interior, 12 cups |
| Lid | No |
| Oven limit | 550°F |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Hand wash recommended |
Why we recommend it
It suits bakers making tall cakes, tres leches or deep casseroles that overflow a standard 2-inch pan.
Skip it if you mostly bake brownies and bars; the extra depth makes them harder to cut and serve.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Holds a third more than a 2-inch pan
- Highest oven rating here
- No coating to wear
Cons
- Sticky bakes need lining
- Shows scratches
- Sold by a third-party retailer
4. OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Ceramic 9 x 13-inch Cake Pan – Straight Walls, Light Coating
OXO’s ceramic-coated pan (model 11414200) is heavy-gauge aluminized steel with a ceramic nonstick coating. The listing gives an interior of 9 x 13 x 2.25 inches, “zero-draft” straight walls for even cake edges, and rounded interior corners for easier cleaning.
The interior coating is a light color, which OXO says is chosen for even browning. The rim extends into wide handles, easier to grab with thick oven mitts, and the pan size is marked on the rim so you can find the right pan in a stack.
Ceramic coatings release well when new but need gentle care. OXO’s guidance for this bakeware, as published on its site, is to keep it under 450°F, not to broil it, and to hand wash it. Use wood, silicone or nylon tools.
Our cake pan guide reviews the 9-inch round from the same OXO line; this is the 9 x 13 version.
Why we like it
- Straight, zero-draft walls (listing)
- Light-colored ceramic interior (listing)
- Wide rim handles (listing)
- Size marked on the rim (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | 11414200 |
|---|---|
| Material | Heavy-gauge aluminized steel |
| Coating | Ceramic nonstick |
| Size | 9 x 13 x 2.25 in interior |
| Lid | No |
| Oven limit | Under 450°F, no broiling (OXO) |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Hand wash (OXO) |
Why we recommend it
It suits bakers who want a coated pan with straight sides for neat sheet cakes and prefer a ceramic coating.
Skip it if you want to broil in your 9 x 13 or put it in the dishwasher.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Neat, straight cake edges
- Easy to grip
- Light interior for even color
Cons
- No broiling
- Ceramic coating needs gentle care
5. Farberware Nonstick 9 x 13-inch Cake Pan with Lid – Bake It, Cover It, Carry It
A lid turns a 9 x 13 into something you can take to a potluck or keep on the counter overnight. Farberware’s covered pan (model 52181) pairs a heavy-duty nonstick pan with a snug carrying lid, which the listing says is not meant for the oven: bake uncovered, cool, then put the lid on.
Farberware says the pan resists warping and heats evenly, and that the nonstick is made without PFAS, PFOA, lead or cadmium. The pan is oven safe to 450°F, so it also works for roasting and lasagna.
The listing does not state the base metal, the depth or care instructions, and covers it with a “quality assurance guarantee” rather than a set warranty term. Nonstick pans generally last longer with hand washing and no metal utensils.
Why we like it
- Carrying lid included (listing)
- Made without PFAS, PFOA, lead or cadmium (listing)
- Oven safe to 450°F (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | 52181 |
|---|---|
| Material | Not stated (heavy-duty) |
| Coating | Nonstick, made without PFAS |
| Size | 9 x 13 in; depth not stated |
| Lid | Yes, carrying lid (not oven safe) |
| Oven limit | 450°F (pan) |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who regularly carries a cake, brownies or a casserole to family, church or work.
Skip it if you need a lid that can go back in the oven to reheat; this one cannot.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Lid for travel and storage
- Easy nonstick release
- Low cost of entry
Cons
- Lid not oven safe
- Material and depth not stated
6. GoodCook Everyday Nonstick 9 x 13-inch Pan with Lid – Snap-On Lid, Wide Rims
GoodCook’s covered oblong pan (model 04009) is heavy-gauge steel with a nonstick coating and a clear plastic lid that snaps closed. The listing pitches it for cakes, brownies, biscuits and side dishes, and says the steel is heavy enough to prevent warping.
The lid lets you see what is inside a cooler or a fridge without opening it, and it replaces plastic wrap for leftovers. The pan has a wider lip along the sides, which the listing says makes it easier to get in and out of the oven.
The listing does not state an oven limit, the nonstick type or care instructions. Treat the plastic lid as cold-only, keep it away from the oven, and hand wash the pan to protect the coating. It carries a limited lifetime warranty.
Why we like it
- Clear snap-on lid (listing)
- Heavy-gauge steel against warping (listing)
- Wider side lip for grip (listing)
- Limited lifetime warranty (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | 04009 |
|---|---|
| Material | Heavy-gauge steel |
| Coating | Nonstick (type not stated) |
| Size | 9 x 13 in; depth not stated |
| Lid | Yes, clear plastic snap-on |
| Oven limit | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a budget-minded baker who wants a covered 9 x 13 for sheet cakes and side dishes on the go.
Skip it if you want full specs before you buy; the listing leaves out the oven limit and coating type.
Pros and cons
Pros
- See-through snap lid
- Steel resists warping
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Few stated specifications
- Plastic lid stays out of the oven
7. Wilton Aluminum 9 x 13 x 2-inch Sheet Pan – Simple Anodized Aluminum
Wilton, which dates its baking business to 1929, sells this plain 9 x 13 x 2-inch sheet pan (part 2105-1308), in natural anodized aluminum with no coating. Wilton says it is made without PFAS, resists rust and spreads heat evenly to cut down on hot spots and over-baked edges.
It is the simple pan cake decorators reach for: light-colored, straight-sided enough for a frosted sheet cake, and nothing to peel or flake. Like any bare aluminum pan, it needs greasing and flouring or parchment.
Wilton’s care is strict: hand wash in warm soapy water before and after each use, dry thoroughly, and never put it in the dishwasher. Acidic foods may stain it, which Wilton says does not affect performance. The listing says designed in the USA; it does not state where it is made.
Why we like it
- Anodized aluminum, no coating (listing)
- Made without PFAS (listing)
- Even heating, fewer hot spots (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | 2105-1308 |
|---|---|
| Material | Natural anodized aluminum |
| Coating | None |
| Size | 9 x 13 x 2 in |
| Lid | No |
| Oven limit | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated (designed in USA) |
| Care | Hand wash only, not dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
It suits cake bakers and decorators who want a plain, light aluminum sheet pan at a modest price.
Skip it if you need a dishwasher-safe pan.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Light color bakes gently
- No coating to wear
- Sold by Amazon
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Acidic foods can stain it
8. KitchenAid Nonstick Aluminized Steel 9 x 13-inch Cake Pan – Dishwasher Safe, Extended Handles
Most pans on this list want hand washing. KitchenAid’s 9 x 13 (model KQ960OSNSA) is listed as dishwasher safe, which is the reason it is here. It is aluminized steel with what KitchenAid calls a Swiss-engineered, heavy-duty nonstick coating.
The extended handles at each end are the other draw: the listing says they give a secure grip for moving the pan in and out of the oven, even with pot holders. KitchenAid pitches it for cookies, bars, jelly rolls and sheet cakes as well as one-pan dinners.
The listing does not give an oven limit, depth or country of origin, and retailers disagree on the temperature rating, so check the instructions in the box before roasting at high heat.
Why we like it
- Dishwasher safe (listing)
- Extended handles (listing)
- Aluminized steel for even heat (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | KQ960OSNSA |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminized steel |
| Coating | Nonstick (type not stated) |
| Size | 9 x 13 in; depth not stated |
| Lid | No |
| Oven limit | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
It suits busy households that put everything in the dishwasher and want handles that are easy to grab.
Skip it if you want to know the oven limit and coating type before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy-grip handles
- Sold by Amazon
Cons
- Oven limit not stated
- Coating type not stated
9. Winco 9 x 13 x 2-inch Aluminum Cake Pan – Restaurant-Supply Basic
Winco supplies restaurants and caterers, and its 9 x 13 x 2-inch aluminum cake pan (ACP-0913) is a plain food-service pan. The listing describes aluminum construction for consistent baking and 2-inch sides to keep batter and casseroles from overflowing.
Restaurant-supply retailers list it as 16-gauge aluminum with straight sides and an extended flange of about half an inch around the rim for grip. It is light and stacks easily, which is why food-service kitchens keep them by the dozen.
There is no coating, so grease it or line it. Winco does not list an oven limit or care instructions on Amazon; restaurant-supply retailers advise hand washing aluminum rather than putting it through the dishwasher.
Why we like it
- 2-inch sides against overflow (listing)
- 16-gauge aluminum (retailers)
- Light and stackable (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | ACP-0913 |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum, 16-gauge (retailers) |
| Coating | None |
| Size | 9 x 13 x 2 in |
| Lid | No |
| Oven limit | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Hand wash (retailers) |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who want a no-frills aluminum pan, or several of them, for cakes, casseroles and catering-style batches.
Skip it if you want a nonstick surface or a warranty spelled out on the listing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Plain, durable food-service pan
- Light and stackable
- Sold by Amazon
Cons
- Needs greasing or parchment
- Few stated specs
How to choose a 9 x 13 cake pan
Metal, not glass, for cakes
Metal heats and cools faster than glass or ceramic, which gives cakes and bars a more even bake and edges that do not overcook while the center catches up. Glass and stoneware still shine for casseroles that go straight to the table; see our glass baking dish and ceramic baking dish guides.
Light or dark finish
America’s Test Kitchen found that dark pans absorb heat faster and brown more deeply, and can dome a cake; it preferred light, gold-toned interiors. If your pan is dark, check doneness a few minutes early.
Coated or uncoated
Uncoated aluminum (Nordic Ware Prism, Fat Daddio’s, Wilton, Winco) lasts for years and has nothing to wear off, but needs greasing or parchment. Nonstick and ceramic coatings release easily and clean fast, but need soft utensils and gentle washing.
Straight sides and sharp corners
For a sheet cake you plan to frost or cut into neat squares, look for straight walls and square corners. Sloped sides and rounded corners make a thinner cake with soft edges.
Depth and lid
Two inches is standard. A 3-inch pan suits tall cakes, tres leches and lasagna. A lid matters only if you carry food or store it in the pan; most lids are not oven safe.
How we chose these nine 9 x 13 pans
We did not bake in these pans, and we do not claim Julia’s kitchen uses them. We searched Amazon’s product data for metal 9 x 13 pans from established bakeware makers, checked stock, and kept only pans that were in stock. Specifications come from the Amazon listings and the makers (USA Pan, Nordic Ware, Fat Daddio’s, OXO, Farberware, GoodCook, Wilton, KitchenAid, Winco), with a few details from restaurant-supply retailers where the maker is silent. Context on finishes, corners and specific pans comes from America’s Test Kitchen’s review of 13 x 9 metal baking pans. We excluded pans already recommended on our other cake, brownie and baking-dish guides.
Williams Sonoma’s Goldtouch nonstick pan, America’s Test Kitchen’s top pick, is sold by Williams Sonoma rather than on Amazon, so it is not listed here.
9 x 13 cake pan questions, answered
What is the best 9×13 cake pan according to America’s Test Kitchen?
America’s Test Kitchen’s top-rated 13 x 9 metal pan is the Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Nonstick Cake Pan, with USA Pan’s rectangular cake pan recommended. Both are light, gold-toned nonstick pans. The USA Pan Seamless pan on this page is a different, newer USA Pan model.
Is a 9 x 13 pan the same as a quarter sheet pan?
Not quite. Quarter sheet pans are about 9 x 13 but usually only about an inch deep (Fat Daddio’s lists its quarter sheet at 13 x 9 x 1 inch), made for roasting and cookies. Cake pans are 2 inches or deeper to hold batter.
Do I need to grease a nonstick 9 x 13 pan?
A light greasing or parchment sling still helps, especially for sticky bars and if you want to lift the whole cake out. For uncoated aluminum, always grease and flour or line the pan.
Can I bake a box cake mix in a 9 x 13 pan?
Yes. Most box mixes give a 13 x 9 time. Check a few minutes early in a dark pan and allow a little more time in a slightly smaller pan.
Are aluminum cake pans safe?
Plain and anodized aluminum pans are widely used for baking. Fat Daddio’s says its anodized pans are safe for citrus-based foods; Wilton notes acidic foods may stain its natural aluminum pans.
Our pick for your next sheet cake
Related guide: 8 inch vs 9 inch cake pan.
Related guide: Best sheet cake pan.
Start with the USA Pan Seamless 9 x 13 for easy release and clean corners. Choose the Nordic Ware Prism for plain aluminum, the 3-inch Fat Daddio’s for tall bakes, and the Farberware if you need a lid to carry it. For round layers and springforms, see our best cake pan guide, and for casserole dishes the best baking dishes guide. And when you would rather leave the baking to someone else, call Julia’s at (346) 546-8283 to order.