Our Expertise
I started in my tiny apartment kitchen and fell in love with making muffins every Sunday morning.
Over the years, I’ve tested more than 30 different muffin pans. Some were great. Others were a waste of money.
I’ve baked thousands of muffins and cupcakes. I’ve tried cheap pans from discount stores. I’ve tried expensive ones from specialty shops.
I know what works and what doesn’t. I know which pans warp after a few uses. I know which ones stick no matter how much you grease them.
Today, I’m sharing my top 3 picks. These are the pans I actually use in my own kitchen. I’ve tested each one multiple times with different recipes.
I baked blueberry muffins, chocolate cupcakes, corn muffins, and even savory egg cups. I tested how they clean up. I checked if they warp in high heat.
This guide is based on real experience, not just reading product descriptions.
Our Top Picks
After months of testing, here are my top three muffin tins:
Best Overall: Boxiki Kitchen 12 Cup Silicone Muffin Pan with Steel Frame
- Perfect balance of durability and ease of use
- Nothing sticks to it
- Dishwasher safe
Best Value: BRONYPRO Silicone Muffin Pan with Metal Frame
- Great price for the quality
- Easy release every time
- Very stable
Best Budget Option: Bake Choice 2 Pack Carbon Steel Muffin Pans
- Two pans for less than $20
- Comes with 100 cupcake liners
- Good for beginners
Let me tell you why I chose each one.
What Makes a Good Muffin Tin?
Before I dive into my reviews, let me explain what I look for.
A good muffin tin should release your baked goods easily. You shouldn’t need to pry them out with a knife.
It should heat evenly. You don’t want some cups to be burnt while others are undercooked.
It should be sturdy. Flimsy pans bend when you carry them. That’s a recipe for disaster.
It should clean up easily. Life’s too short to scrub baked-on batter for 20 minutes.
It should last. A good pan should work just as well after 100 uses as it did on day one.
1. Boxiki Kitchen Non-Stick 12 Cup Silicone Muffin Pan With Steel Frame
This is my go-to pan. I use it at least twice a week.
The Boxiki Kitchen pan combines silicone cups with a steel frame. It’s the best of both worlds.
Product Features
The pan has 12 standard-size cups. Each cup is made from food-grade silicone.
The steel frame keeps everything stable. You can carry it with one hand without worrying.
It measures 17.72 inches long by 10.71 inches wide. It fits in standard ovens with no problem.
The silicone is rated safe from freezer to oven. You can use it from -40°F all the way up to 450°F.
It comes in several styles. I tested the 12-cup steel frame version.
What I Like
The release is incredible. I mean it. Nothing sticks to this pan.
I don’t even use cupcake liners anymore. I just pop the muffins out from the bottom.
The steel frame makes it so much easier to handle than pure silicone pans. I can fill the cups and move the pan without everything wobbling.
It’s dishwasher safe. I throw it in the top rack and it comes out perfect.
The silicone doesn’t stain. I’ve made carrot cake muffins, chocolate cupcakes, and blueberry muffins. No discoloration at all.
Why It’s Better
Most silicone pans are too floppy. You need to put them on a baking sheet.
The Boxiki pan solves this problem with its steel frame. It’s rigid enough to carry but still has that easy-release silicone.
Traditional metal pans stick even when you grease them. I’ve wasted so many muffins trying to dig them out.
With this pan, I just push up from the bottom. The muffin pops right out.
How It Performed
I tested this pan with my standard blueberry muffin recipe first.
I filled each cup about three-quarters full. I slid the pan into a 375°F oven.
The muffins baked evenly. No dark spots. No undercooked centers.
After 22 minutes, they were perfect. Golden brown tops with no sticking.
I let them cool for 5 minutes. Then I pushed up from the bottom of each cup.
Every single muffin came out clean. Not a crumb was left behind.
I also tested it with chocolate cupcakes. Same results. Perfect release.
Then I tried something savory. I made mini quiches with cheese and vegetables.
Again, no issues. The quiches released perfectly.
I’ve used this pan over 50 times now. It still performs like new.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is super easy. Most of the time, I just rinse it with warm water.
For tougher jobs, I use a drop of dish soap and a soft sponge.
I never scrub hard. I don’t need to because nothing sticks.
After washing, I shake off the excess water. Then I let it air dry.
Once a month, I put it in the dishwasher. It comes out looking brand new.
Testing Results
Baking Performance: 10/10 Ease of Release: 10/10 Durability: 9/10 Cleaning: 10/10 Value: 8/10
The only downside is the price. It’s more expensive than basic metal pans.
But you get what you pay for. This pan will last for years.
2. BRONYPRO Silicone Muffin Pan with Metal Frame
This pan surprised me. It costs less than the Boxiki but performs almost as well.
Product Features
The BRONYPRO pan has 12 regular-size cups. The cups are made from food-grade silicone.
The frame is carbon steel, not regular steel. It’s very strong.
It comes in four colors: blue, red, rose pink, and yellow green. I tested the blue one.
The temperature range is impressive. It handles -104°F to 446°F.
It’s safe for ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers.
What I Like
The price is excellent. You get premium features without the premium cost.
The pop-out feature works great. Just push from the bottom and your muffins release.
The carbon steel frame is stronger than I expected. It doesn’t flex at all.
No chemical coating means no weird smells or tastes. My muffins taste exactly how they should.
The blue color is pretty. It looks nice hanging on my kitchen wall.
Why It’s Better
At this price point, most pans are basic metal with weak non-stick coating.
Those coatings scratch easily. They stop working after a few months.
The BRONYPRO uses silicone instead. Silicone doesn’t wear out like coating does.
The metal frame gives it stability that cheap silicone pans lack.
You don’t need a baking sheet underneath. That saves time and cleanup.
How It Performed
I started with my go-to banana muffin recipe.
The batter filled the cups nicely. The pan didn’t flex when I carried it.
I baked at 350°F for 25 minutes.
The muffins came out evenly browned. No hot spots or undercooked areas.
After cooling, I pushed up from the bottom. Perfect release on all 12 muffins.
Next, I tried egg bite muffins. These are tricky because eggs stick easily.
I was worried, but I shouldn’t have been. They popped right out.
I also made mini meatloaves. Again, no problems at all.
The pan has held up well through 30+ uses. No warping or damage.
How I Clean It
I hand wash this pan most of the time. It only takes a minute.
I use warm water and a small amount of dish soap.
A soft sponge wipes away any residue. Nothing ever sticks hard.
I’ve put it in the dishwasher a few times. It came out fine.
The silicone dries quickly. I usually just shake it off and put it away.
Testing Results
Baking Performance: 9/10 Ease of Release: 10/10 Durability: 9/10 Cleaning: 9/10 Value: 10/10
This pan is a steal. You get premium features at a budget price.
The only reason it’s not my number one is the slightly less premium feel compared to the Boxiki.
But for the price difference, it’s an amazing deal.
3. Bake Choice 2 Pack Carbon Steel Muffin Pans
These are traditional metal pans, but they’re done right.
Product Features
You get two pans in this set. That’s 24 cups total.
Each pan measures 14.2 inches by 11 inches. Standard size for most ovens.
The pans are made from carbon steel. This material heats evenly.
They’re coated with a non-stick surface. The coating is dark gray.
The set includes 100 cupcake liners. That’s a nice bonus.
They can handle temperatures up to 450°F.
What I Like
Two pans for under $20 is incredible value.
The carbon steel feels solid. These aren’t flimsy cheap pans.
The non-stick coating works well when you use it correctly.
Having two pans means I can bake 24 muffins at once. Perfect for parties.
The included liners are actually good quality. I was expecting paper-thin ones.
Why It’s Better
Most budget pans bend and warp after a few uses.
These Bake Choice pans stay flat. I’ve used them 25 times with no warping.
The non-stick coating is better than cheap alternatives. It actually works.
Getting two pans for this price is unbeatable. Most brands charge this much for one pan.
The included liners save you money right away. You don’t need to buy them separately.
How It Performed
I was skeptical at first. I’ve been burned by cheap pans before.
But these surprised me. I made corn muffins first.
I sprayed the cups with cooking spray. I filled them two-thirds full.
At 400°F for 18 minutes, they baked perfectly.
The bottoms were golden brown. The tops were nicely domed.
I let them cool for 10 minutes. Then I used a butter knife to loosen the edges.
They came out cleanly with minimal effort.
With cupcake liners, the release is even easier. The liners don’t stick to the pan.
I also used these pans for egg muffins. I sprayed well and had good results.
The key with metal pans is proper greasing. Do that and they work great.
How I Clean It
I hand wash these pans. The instructions say not to use the dishwasher.
Dishwashers can damage the non-stick coating over time.
I use warm soapy water and a soft sponge. I never use steel wool or harsh scrubbers.
Most of the time, everything wipes off easily.
If something is stuck, I soak the pan for 10 minutes first.
After washing, I dry it completely. I don’t want rust to form.
Every few weeks, I rub a tiny bit of oil on the surface. This keeps the coating in good shape.
Testing Results
Baking Performance: 8/10 Ease of Release: 7/10 Durability: 8/10 Cleaning: 7/10 Value: 10/10
These pans require a bit more care than silicone options.
But for the price, they’re fantastic. Perfect for beginners or anyone on a budget.
The two-pack feature makes them great for big baking projects.
Comparing All Three Muffin Tins
Let me break down how these pans stack up against each other.
Release Factor
The Boxiki and BRONYPRO are winners here. Nothing sticks to silicone.
The Bake Choice pans need grease or liners. But they still work well.
Ease of Use
The Boxiki is the easiest. Fill and bake. No prep needed.
The BRONYPRO is nearly as easy.
The Bake Choice pans require greasing or liners.
Cleaning
Both silicone pans are super easy to clean. Just rinse and done.
The Bake Choice pans need hand washing. They take more time.
Durability
All three have held up well in my testing.
The steel and carbon steel frames are very durable.
The silicone shows no signs of wear.
The Bake Choice coating is still intact after many uses.
Price
The Bake Choice is the cheapest. Two pans for under $20.
The BRONYPRO is mid-range. Great value for the quality.
The Boxiki is the most expensive. But it’s worth it if you bake often.
Best For Different Needs
Best for frequent bakers: Boxiki Kitchen
Best for value seekers: BRONYPRO
Best for beginners: Bake Choice
Best for parties: Bake Choice (you get two pans)
Best for easy cleanup: Boxiki Kitchen
Tips for Using Muffin Tins
Here are some things I’ve learned over the years.
Fill Cups Correctly
Don’t overfill the cups. Two-thirds to three-quarters full is perfect.
Overfilled cups spill over and make a mess.
Preheat Your Oven
Always preheat fully before baking. This ensures even cooking.
I wait for the oven to beep before putting my pan in.
Use the Right Temperature
Most muffins bake between 350°F and 400°F.
Check your recipe and follow it closely.
Don’t Overbake
Muffins dry out quickly if you overbake them.
Check a few minutes before the recipe says. Use a toothpick to test.
Let Them Cool
Let muffins cool for 5-10 minutes before removing them.
This helps them set up and makes removal easier.
Grease Metal Pans Well
With metal pans, don’t skip the grease.
I use cooking spray or butter. Make sure to get the sides of each cup.
Store Properly
Keep your pans in a dry place.
I hang my silicone pans on hooks. I stack my metal pans with paper towels between them.
Don’t Use Metal Utensils on Non-Stick
Metal scratches non-stick coating.
Use silicone or wooden utensils instead.
Common Muffin Tin Problems and Solutions
Problem: Muffins Stick
Solution: Use more grease or switch to silicone pans.
With metal pans, I grease generously. I spray every surface.
Silicone pans solve this problem completely.
Problem: Uneven Baking
Solution: Rotate the pan halfway through baking.
Most ovens have hot spots. Rotating helps even things out.
Also make sure your oven is calibrated correctly.
Problem: Pan Warps
Solution: Don’t use thin, cheap pans.
All three of my recommendations are thick enough to resist warping.
Also, don’t put hot pans in cold water. Let them cool first.
Problem: Muffins Have Flat Tops
Solution: Check your oven temperature and don’t overmix batter.
Flat tops usually mean the oven isn’t hot enough.
Overmixing can also cause this.
Problem: Coating Peels Off
Solution: Hand wash metal pans and avoid harsh scrubbers.
Dishwashers and steel wool damage non-stick coating.
Treat your pans gently and they’ll last longer.
What About Other Types of Muffin Pans?
I’ve tried many different styles over the years.
Mini Muffin Pans
These make tiny muffins. Great for parties or kids.
The same brands make mini versions. Look for 24-cup mini pans.
Jumbo Muffin Pans
These make huge muffins. Usually 6 big cups.
Perfect for breakfast muffins or large cupcakes.
Specialty Shapes
Heart-shaped, star-shaped, and other fun designs exist.
These are fun for special occasions but not practical for everyday use.
Cast Iron Pans
Cast iron muffin pans are heavy and require seasoning.
They bake well but are too much work for most people.
My Final Recommendation
If I could only keep one pan, I’d choose the Boxiki Kitchen.
It’s the easiest to use. It cleans up in seconds. It never fails me.
Yes, it costs more. But I’ve had mine for two years and it’s still perfect.
If you’re on a budget, get the BRONYPRO. It’s 90% as good for half the price.
If you’re just starting out, the Bake Choice set is perfect. Two pans and liners for under $20.
You really can’t go wrong with any of these three.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cupcake liners with silicone pans?
No, you don’t. Silicone releases so well that liners are optional. I rarely use them with my Boxiki or BRONYPRO pans. But you can use liners if you want easier cleanup or for presentation.
Can I put silicone muffin pans in the dishwasher?
Yes, both the Boxiki and BRONYPRO are dishwasher safe. I put mine on the top rack. They come out perfect every time. Hand washing is fine too and takes just a minute.
Why do my muffins stick to metal pans?
You probably need more grease. Spray or butter every surface of each cup, including the sides. Or the non-stick coating might be worn out. Time for a new pan.
How long do muffin tins last?
Silicone pans can last 5-10 years with proper care. Metal pans with non-stick coating last 2-5 years. It depends on how often you use them and how well you care for them.
Can I bake other things besides muffins?
Yes! I use mine for cupcakes, egg bites, mini quiches, mini meatloaves, and more. Muffin tins are very versatile. Get creative with them.
What size muffin tin should I buy?
Standard 12-cup pans are most versatile. They fit regular recipes. If you bake a lot, consider getting both a standard and a mini or jumbo pan.
Do I need a baking sheet under silicone pans?
Not with the Boxiki or BRONYPRO. Their metal frames make them stable enough. Pure silicone pans without frames do need baking sheets for support.
Conclusion
Choosing the right muffin tin makes baking so much more enjoyable.
I’ve tested dozens of pans over the years. These three are the ones I actually use.
The Boxiki Kitchen pan is my daily driver. It never lets me down.
The BRONYPRO is an incredible value. You get premium features at a budget price.
The Bake Choice set is perfect for beginners or anyone who needs two pans.
All three will serve you well. Choose based on your budget and baking frequency.
Happy baking!