Anything But Square: 8×8 Pans You’ll Love (2024)

This Bayou Classic cast iron pan ($24) might take some heavy lifting, but your light-as-a-feather golden honey pan rolls will be worth the effort. This retro beauty is designed to transfer and retain heat evenly and is pre-seasoned for a smoother finish.

Bake your favorite family recipes in the Taste of Home non-stick metal baking pan ($13). The non-stick coating allows brownies, crisps and savory casseroles to come out easily.When it’s time to clean up, simply place your bakeware in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

Did someone say tangy lemon cheesecake? This Fat Daddio’s anodized aluminum pan with removable bottom($20) makes whipping up a square cheesecake (and many other delicate desserts) a breeze. The aluminum heats and cools quickly and is non-reactive and is safe for citrus-based foods.

When you’re looking to add some subtle detail to your tablescape, this embossed glass AnchorHocking Laurel pan ($27) is clearly the way to go. It’s dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven safe—but keep it off the stovetop!

When you don’t want to leave any of the above pans at a church potluck, these make-and-take (and leave)foil containers($20 for 30) come to the rescue. They’re sturdy and functional—but their beauty really shines when they allow you to keep your fancy pans safe at home.

What to Look for When Buying 8×8 Pans

Material:

Non-Stick Coating vs. Uncoated:

• Nonstick: These pans have a chemical coating for easier cleaning and food release. However, they require special care and are prone to breakdown over time, potentially leeching chemicals into food.
• Uncoated: These require more lubrication, and cleaning can be more difficult. But they don’t carry the chemical concerns associated with nonstick coatings.

Handles and Design:

• Handles: Attached handles make transferring pans in and out of the oven easier, with some offering heat-resistant properties.
• Design: Square pans are great for achieving crispy edges, and deeper pans help prevent spills but may result in longer cooking times.

Heat Resistance and Versatility:

• Metal and silicone: These materials resist heat well but can warp or crack with repeated use.
• Glass and ceramic: These also don’t handle sudden temperature changes and may shatter under direct flame exposure.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance:

Check for dishwasher-safe labels on your pans. Glass and ceramic are usually safe, while metals should be hand-washed to avoid warping or rust.

Price vs. Quality:

Silicone and aluminum may require more frequent replacement. More expensive options, like glass and ceramic, typically last longer.

Bonus Features

Some pans come with stacking designs or snap-on lids for easier storage. Reusable baking sheets can also prevent food from sticking.

Why You Should Trust Us

Cathryn Jakicic has written for MSN, Reader’s Digest, Family Handyman and Taste of Home. While she has written on various topics—including business, bacteria and beads—her crafting and baking expertise makes her the ideal candidate to speak on the subject of 8×8 pans.

Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.

How We Found the Best 8×8 Pans

To find the best 8×8 pans on the market, we started by researching the available options, paying special attention to materials, styles and brands (especially their reputation and standing among amateurs and professionals alike). Then, we narrowed our search, selecting stand-out 9×9 pans that were well-reviewed for their quality, durability, long-lastingness, etc. Finally, we cross-referenced professional and customer testimony to settle on a list representing the best options across various styles and budgets.

FAQ

What is an 8×8 pan equivalent to?

A 9×9 pan can hold about eight cups of batter, mixture, or other ingredients (about 1.9 liters, half a gallon or 64 ounces). For most recipes, if you do not have an 8×8 pan, you can probably use a slightly larger 9×9 one, so long as the recipe measurements still line up (which you should check beforehand).

What is an 8×8 pan used for?

An 8×8 pan is commonly used for desserts like brownies, shortbread and coffee cake. It also works for savory dishes like casseroles and cornbread.

Do I need to use parchment paper or a nonstick spray in my 8×8 pan?

Even with nonstick pans, using lubrication like butter, oil or parchment paper can prevent food from sticking and make cleanup easier. Parchment paper is great for baked goods, while butter or oil is ideal for savory dishes.