A donut pan turns a simple cake batter into a tray of rings with no pot of hot oil to manage and no fryer to clean. The result is closer to a tender muffin than a yeast donut from a shop, and that is worth knowing before you buy.
The pans look alike, but they differ in the ways that decide whether a batch works: metal or silicone, full-size or mini, one pan or two. This guide compares seven donut pans from identifiable makers, and it says plainly where a listing leaves a question open.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a working kitchen looks for in a donut pan, the makers’ own specifications and published listings, which we name. We have not used these products ourselves.
Quick verdict: which donut pan to buy
For most home bakers, the best donut pan is the USA Pan 6-Well Donut Pan: heavy aluminized steel, a corrugated silicone-coated surface and a lifetime warranty stated on the listing. To bake a big batch in one go, buy the 20-well Wilton Perfect Results Donut Pan. If soft donuts keep tearing on you, the Wilton Silicone Set lets you flex the pan away.
Whichever you choose, the size of the wells matters as much as the brand, so read the buying section before you decide between full-size and mini.
Five donut pans side by side
Our five standout pans, one for each kind of baker, with the details each maker or listing states. All seven pans are reviewed in full below.
| Pan | Best for | Wells | Material | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
USA Pan 6-Well Donut PanBest overall
|
Frequent bakers | 6, full size | Aluminized steel | View on Amazon |
Nordic Ware Classic Donut Pan, 6 CavitiesBiggest donuts
|
Bakery-size donuts | 6, 3.9 in across | Formed aluminum | View on Amazon |
Wilton Perfect Results Donut Pan, 20-CavityBest for a big batch
|
A big batch in one bake | 20 in one pan | Coated steel | View on Amazon |
Wilton Silicone Donut Pans, Set of 2Best silicone
|
Easy release, small kitchens | 12 across 2 pans | Silicone | View on Amazon |
Fox Run Mini Donut Pan, 12-CavityBest mini pan
|
Parties and small storage | 12, 2 in across | Carbon steel | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Well sizes are as listed; where a maker gives no width, the table gives the well count only.
Our picks for the best donut pan, full-size to mini
These seven pans run from a heavy steel 6-well to a small 12-well mini, and they include two silicone options. Each write-up gives you the size, the material and the reason you might skip it. Where a listing is vague or contradicts itself, we say so rather than guess.
1. USA Pan 6-Well Donut Pan – Heavy Steel, Clean Release
USA Pan’s 6-well pan is the one to buy if you want a single metal pan that will last. It is aluminized steel in a commercial, heavy gauge, and the listing says it is made in the USA from globally sourced materials. Each well measures 3.5 by 3.38 inches and just under an inch deep, so you get a proper full-size donut.
The surface is what sets it apart. USA Pan presses a corrugated pattern into the pan to move air around the batter and help release, and it finishes the steel with Americoat, a silicone coating the listing says is free of PTFE, PFOA and BPA. Expect the ridges to show faintly on the donuts, which a coat of glaze will cover.
The care rules are stricter than the build suggests. USA Pan says to wash by hand with warm water and mild soap, to keep it out of the dishwasher, and to use silicone, nylon or wooden tools. It also advises against cooking spray, so grease and flour the wells as your recipe directs. The outer size is 15.75 by 11.125 inches, the largest of the metal pans here, so check your oven rack and your cabinet before you order.
Why we like it
- Aluminized steel in a commercial, heavy gauge
- Corrugated surface for air flow and release
- Silicone coating free of PTFE, PFOA and BPA, per the listing
- Made in the USA from globally sourced materials
- Lifetime warranty stated on the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 1260DN-6 |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminized steel |
| Surface | Americoat silicone coating |
| Wells | 6 |
| Well size | 3.5 x 3.38 x 0.88 in |
| Pan size | 15.75 x 11.125 x 0.88 in |
| Oven limit | 450°F |
| Care | Hand wash only |
Why we recommend it
It suits a home baker who makes donuts often and would rather buy one solid pan than replace a light one. The gauge and the warranty are the reasons to choose it.
Skip it if you need a dishwasher-safe pan. USA Pan rules that out, and the 20-well Wilton pan below is the better fit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Commercial-grade, heavy-gauge steel
- Well-defined, full-size wells
- Long warranty
Cons
- Hand wash only
- No cooking spray, per USA Pan
- Large outer footprint
2. Nordic Ware Classic Donut Pan, 6 Cavities – Largest Wells, Light Aluminum
If you want a donut that looks like a bakery donut, this pan has the widest wells on the page. Nordic Ware lists each of its six cavities at 3.9 inches across, with 3.75 cups of total capacity. That is about 0.4 inch wider than the USA Pan’s wells.
It is formed aluminum, and Nordic Ware calls it a lighter-weight pan. The maker says aluminum conducts heat evenly and will not rust or warp in the oven, and the interior has what it calls a premium nonstick surface. The listing doesn’t name the coating or give an oven limit, so follow the packaging.
The pan measures 10.3 by 14.9 inches and an inch deep, and the listing says it is made in the USA. This is the twilight blue version. Care instructions aren’t on the listing either, and retailers for similar Nordic Ware pans advise against metal tools and scouring pads, so treat the surface gently.
Why we like it
- Largest stated wells on this page, 3.9 inches across
- Aluminum, which the maker says won’t rust or warp
- Nonstick interior
- Made in the USA, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 30076AMZ |
|---|---|
| Material | Formed aluminum |
| Surface | Premium nonstick (type not stated) |
| Wells | 6 |
| Well size | 3.9 in across |
| Pan size | 10.3 x 14.9 x 1 in |
| Oven limit | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits bakers who care about size and who want a pan that is easy to lift. It also comes from the maker of the original Bundt pan, a name with a long record in home bakeware.
Skip it if you want every spec spelled out before you buy, because the listing leaves out the coating type, the oven limit and the care advice.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Widest wells here
- Lighter-weight pan, per the maker
- Aluminum body resists rust, per the maker
Cons
- Coating type not stated
- Oven limit and care not on the listing
- Only six per batch
3. Wilton Perfect Results Non-Stick Donut Pan, 20-Cavity – A Big Batch in One Bake
Many donut recipes make about a dozen, and a single 6-well pan means baking in two or three rounds. Wilton’s Perfect Results pan does the whole batch in one go: 20 wells on one sheet, each 3.25 inches across, which Wilton calls the size for standard donuts. A doubled recipe for a party or bake sale fits too.
The pan is steel with what Wilton calls a reinforced, scratch-resistant non-stick coating. It measures 21.5 by 15.5 inches and under an inch deep, and Wilton says it fits standard-size ovens. That is close to a half-sheet pan, so measure your oven and your sink before you buy. The listing does not give an oven temperature limit.
Wilton calls it dishwasher safe but recommends washing by hand in warm, soapy water before the first use and after each one. The listing gives a limited 10-year warranty.
Why we like it
- Twenty standard 3.25-inch wells in one pan
- Dishwasher safe, per Wilton
- Limited 10-year warranty, per the listing
- One pan instead of two or three rounds
Key specifications
| Model | 2105-1808 |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel |
| Surface | Non-stick, reinforced coating |
| Wells | 20 |
| Well size | 3.25 in across |
| Pan size | 21.5 x 15.5 x 0.8 in |
| Oven limit | Not stated |
| Care | Dishwasher safe; hand wash recommended |
Why we recommend it
It suits families and bake-sale cooks who want the whole recipe, or a double one, done in one bake.
Skip it if your oven or sink is small, or if you usually bake half a dozen; a 6-well pan is easier to store and wash.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Twenty donuts at once
- Stated well size
- Long warranty
Cons
- Very large pan
- Oven limit not stated
- Coating type not named
4. Bellemain Nonstick Donut Pan, 2-Pack – Two Pans for Donuts and Bagels
Bellemain’s pack gives you two 6-cavity pans, and the listing pitches them for bagels as well as donuts. That makes this a reasonable pick if you like the idea of baked bagel shapes or savory rings, not only sweet treats. This is the one Amazon-first brand on the page.
Each pan measures 12.5 by 8.5 inches. The listing says premium steel in its features and stainless steel in its title, so treat it as coated steel. It also gives the depth as 3 inches, which is more than a donut pan would need and may be a packaging figure, so don’t plan around it. The coating type isn’t named.
Bellemain asks you to wash these by hand, which puts them behind the dishwasher-safe Wilton pans on convenience. They have no stated oven limit or well size, so start with your recipe’s temperature and check the packaging. The attraction is simple: two pans in one pack, and a use beyond donuts.
Why we like it
- Two 6-cavity pans in the pack
- Sold for donuts and bagels
- Nonstick coating
- 12.5 by 8.5 inches, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | EB83031 |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel |
| Surface | Nonstick (type not stated) |
| Wells | 6 per pan, 2 pans |
| Well size | Not stated |
| Pan size | 12.5 x 8.5 in |
| Oven limit | Not stated |
| Care | Hand wash |
Why we recommend it
It suits a baker who wants a two-pan set and plans to try bagels or savory rings as well as sweet donuts.
Skip it if clear specifications matter to you. The material, depth, coating and oven limit are all vague on this listing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two pans
- Works for bagel shapes, per the listing
- Simple rectangular design
Cons
- Hand wash
- Coating and oven limit not stated
- Listing is inconsistent about material and depth
5. Wilton Silicone Donut Pans, Set of 2 – Flexible Wells, Easy Release
Silicone answers the classic donut pan problem, a soft donut tearing as you pry it out. You flex the pan away instead. Wilton’s set includes two 6-cavity silicone pans, and they can fold for storage and pop back into shape.
Silicone behaves differently from metal in three ways. It is floppy, so Wilton tells you to set the pan on a level baking sheet before it goes in the oven. It is rated lower, at 375°F, which rules out a hotter recipe. And Wilton warns that baking times may differ from metal pans, so check early.
The usual trade with silicone is color, so expect paler sides than a dark metal pan gives, which matter less under glaze or cinnamon sugar. The pans are dishwasher safe and also go in the microwave, fridge and freezer, per Wilton, so they can double as molds for chilled treats. Let the donuts cool in the pan, as Wilton advises, before you take them out.
Why we like it
- Flex the wells to release soft donuts
- Two pans in the set
- Dishwasher safe
- Safe for oven to 375°F, microwave, fridge and freezer, per Wilton
- Folds for storage
Key specifications
| Model | 2105-0-0104 |
|---|---|
| Material | Food-grade silicone |
| Surface | Silicone |
| Wells | 6 per pan, 2 pans |
| Well size | Not stated |
| Pan size | Not stated |
| Oven limit | 375°F |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
Why we recommend it
It suits small kitchens, and bakers who are tired of stuck donuts. It also suits cooks who want one set of molds for baking and freezing.
Skip it if you want the browned edge of a metal pan, or if your recipe calls for an oven above 375°F.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy release
- Folds into a drawer
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Needs a baking sheet under it
- Lower heat limit
- Usually less browning than dark metal
6. Chicago Metallic Silicone Donut Pan, 12-Cup – A Dozen in a Reinforced Rim
Most 12-well pans are minis. This one is a 14.6 by 10 inch silicone pan with 12 cups, which means one pan can hold a whole recipe. Chicago Metallic doesn’t state the width of each cup, and twelve on a pan this size are likely narrower than the USA Pan’s wells, so think of this as a dozen smaller donuts rather than twelve bakery rounds.
The wire-reinforced rim is the feature to look at. Plain silicone sags as you carry it. Chicago Metallic builds a wire into the rim for rigidity, so the pan can go in and out of the oven without bending or spilling. A baking sheet underneath is still a cautious choice with a full tray of batter.
The food-grade silicone is rated to 428°F, the higher of the two silicone picks here. Chicago Metallic says no greasing is needed and that donuts, bagels and other treats release with a flex of the pan. It is dishwasher safe, though the maker recommends hand washing in warm water with mild detergent to help the surface last.
Why we like it
- 12 cups in a single pan
- Wire-reinforced rim for stiffness
- Oven safe to 428°F
- No greasing needed, per the maker
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 5332186 |
|---|---|
| Material | Food-grade silicone |
| Surface | Silicone |
| Wells | 12 |
| Well size | Not stated |
| Pan size | 14.6 x 10 x 1.4 in |
| Oven limit | 428°F |
| Care | Dishwasher safe; hand wash recommended |
Why we recommend it
It suits a baker who wants one pan for a dozen, and who wants silicone’s easy release without the floppiness of a bare mold.
Skip it if you want full-size donuts. Twelve wells on a pan this size are unlikely to match a 6-well pan for width.
Pros and cons
Pros
- One pan for a full batch
- Stiffer than plain silicone
- Higher heat limit than the Wilton silicone
Cons
- Cup width not stated
- Big pan to store
- Usually less browning than dark metal
7. Fox Run Mini Donut Pan, 12-Cavity – Bite-Size Donuts, Compact Size
Fox Run’s pan is the small, plain option. It is carbon steel with a nonstick coating, makes twelve 2-inch donuts and measures just 10.1 by 7.6 inches, so it takes up less room than anything else on this page. It weighs 9.6 ounces.
A 2-inch donut is a true bite. That is a good size for a dessert table and for lunch boxes. Fox Run says the rounded wells allow even heat transfer and that the coating releases easily, but it doesn’t name the coating or give an oven limit.
This is a basic pan, so treat it that way. Use tools that won’t scratch the coating and dry it right away, because carbon steel can rust where the coating is damaged. The listing gives no care instructions, so washing by hand is the cautious choice, and it states no warranty cover.
Why we like it
- Twelve 2-inch bite-size donuts
- Smallest footprint here, 10.1 by 7.6 inches
- Carbon steel with a nonstick coating
- Weighs 9.6 ounces
Key specifications
| Model | 4496 |
|---|---|
| Material | Carbon steel |
| Surface | Nonstick (type not stated) |
| Wells | 12 |
| Well size | 2 in across |
| Pan size | 10.1 x 7.6 x 0.6 in |
| Oven limit | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits occasional bakers with little storage, and anyone making small treats for a dessert table or a school event.
Skip it if you plan to bake every week. A pan with no stated warranty is a poor choice for regular work.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact
- Twelve wells
- Simple and light
Cons
- No warranty stated
- Coating and oven limit not stated
- Carbon steel can rust if the coating is damaged
How to choose a donut pan for baking
Decide on the donut size first
Stated full-size wells on this page run from about 3.5 to 3.9 inches across. The mini pan here has 2-inch wells. Full-size donuts feel like breakfast, while minis suit a party tray, but a recipe written for one size won’t time correctly in the other. Minis usually bake in about 7 to 10 minutes, and the recipes we read list a wider range for full-size pans, so start checking early.
Choose metal for color, silicone for release
Coated metal gives firmer sides and more color, and it stays flat when you carry it. Silicone flexes, so a soft donut can come out without tearing. It needs a baking sheet under it unless it has a stiff rim, and it usually browns less. Wilton warns that baking times may vary from metal pans, so treat your recipe’s timing as a starting point.
Count the wells against your recipe
Many donut recipes make about a dozen. With one 6-well pan, you bake twice and let the pan cool between rounds. A two-pan set or a 12-well pan handles the batch at once, and that is often the better buy if you make donuts for a family.
Read the coating and care rules
Coatings differ, and so do the rules. USA Pan’s silicone coating is hand wash only and the maker advises against cooking spray. Wilton calls its 20-well metal pan dishwasher safe, though it recommends hand washing. Several listings here don’t name the coating at all. If you want to avoid a specific material, look for a maker who says what the surface is made of, and rely on what the maker states rather than a loose marketing word.
Check the oven limit and the pan size
Most baked donut recipes we read use about 350°F, and a few run hotter. The stated limits here go from 375°F for Wilton’s silicone to 450°F for USA Pan. Measure your oven rack too. The USA Pan is nearly 16 inches long, a two-pan set needs room side by side, and the 20-well Wilton is 21.5 inches long.
Plan on a piping bag and a rack
Baking sites agree on one thing: spooning batter into a ring is messy. Fill a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut, and keep batter off the center post so the hole stays open. Fill each well about two-thirds full, let the donuts rest in the pan for a few minutes, and move them to a cooling rack before you glaze them.
How we picked these seven donut pans
We started with pans from identifiable bakeware makers that were in stock on Amazon, then compared their material, surface, well count, well size, oven limit and care instructions. We used the Amazon listings, USA Pan’s own product page and published baking recipes for the technique. Where a maker gave no figure, we wrote “Not stated.” Pans shown as low in stock when we checked were left out, and only one Amazon-first brand made the list.
We have not used these products ourselves, and nothing here means Julia’s uses them. We also searched the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall records for each brand and found no recall covering these pans. You can look up a specific product at cpsc.gov.
Donut pan questions, answered
Do you need to grease a donut pan?
Usually, yes, for metal. USA Pan says to grease and flour as the recipe directs and advises against cooking spray. Chicago Metallic says its silicone pan needs no greasing. For any other pan, follow the maker’s packaging and your recipe.
How full should you fill a donut pan?
Recipes we read mostly say about two-thirds to three-quarters full, with a little less for minis. If you overfill, the batter can rise over the center post and you lose the hole.
Can you use yeast dough in a donut pan?
These pans are meant for a pourable cake-style batter. Nordic Ware describes its pan as a way to make a homemade version of a bakery treat with no frying. For a raised, fried donut, you need a yeast dough and a pot of oil or a deep fryer.
Is a silicone or metal donut pan better?
Neither is better in every way. Metal gives more color and holds its shape, and silicone releases more easily and stores flat. If you’ve had trouble with sticking, try silicone. If you care about the look of the donut, choose metal.
Why do my baked donuts stick?
Common causes are too little grease, a worn coating or turning the donuts out while they are still too soft. Many recipes suggest about five minutes in the pan before you remove them. Then a gentle tilt, or a flex on a silicone pan, should free them.
What else can you bake in a donut pan?
Bellemain and Chicago Metallic both pitch their pans for bagels as well as donuts. For a bigger ring, see our bundt pan guide.
Our final pick for homemade rings
Buy the USA Pan 6-Well if you want one pan to keep for years, and the 20-well Wilton Perfect Results pan if you want a big batch in one bake. Choose the Wilton Silicone set for easy release, the Nordic Ware Classic for the biggest donuts and the Fox Run Mini for parties. For other coated pans, start with our best nonstick baking pan guide, and for muffins in the same flexible material, see our silicone muffin pan guide.
Related guide: Donut pan alternative.
And if you would rather leave the baking for another day, see the Julia’s menu and call to order.