The best springform pans

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• High-quality springform pans cook cakes evenly, release your baked goods without fuss, and have bases that leak minimally.
• The Nordic Ware Springform Pan is our top pick because it's easy to put together, is backed by a 10-year warranty, and comes in a few different styles, including a model that fits in an Instant Pot.

If you have ever made a proper cheesecake, you know how hard it can be to get it right. Sure, the flavors may be spot on, but the presentation requires a delicate touch. Your standard cake pan won't cut it since you can't just flip it upside-down. Instead, you need a good springform pan.

Springform pans have two pieces: a circular collar that opens and closes with the help of a latch and a round, flat base. This design allows you to unmold delicate cakes or tarts upright. However, it does leave the pan susceptible to leaking.

Few springform pans are completely leakproof, despite what they may claim. Why do they need to be leakproof? Many recipes call for cooking cheesecake in a water bath to keep it from cracking. Even if you aren't using a water bath, butter from your recipes may leak out and make a mess in your oven. Since even the best springform pans leak, wrap the outside of the pan in foil to keep water out.

Whether making cheesecake or a savory dish, such as meatloaf, lasagna, pot pie, or a deep quiche, nonstick stainless steel or aluminized steel are your best bet for even browning, quick release, and easy cleanup. Silicone pans are also popular, but they tend not to perform as well. Silicone pans often smell bad in the oven, destroy crusts with their soft sides, and their glass or ceramic bases tend to under-brown crusts.

While researching the best springform pans, we examined hundreds of buyer and expert ratings and reviews of several models. Our guide features pans that have a track record of easy usability, durable construction, and frustration-free performance.

Here are our picks for the best springform pans:

• Best overall: Nordic Ware Springform Pan
• Best for use in Instant Pots: Hiware 7-Inch Non-Stick Springform Pan
• Best for durability: Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Spring Form Pan
• Best set: Wilton Springform Cake Pan Set

Updated on 7/21/2020. We updated prices and links for accuracy and added a selection of relevant buying guides. We also updated the category "Best high end" to "Best for durability" to better reflect the product. 

The best overall

The Nordic Ware Springform Pan is ideal for home bakers who like to make beautiful cheesecakes without much fuss.

The body of the Nordic Ware Springform Pan is made of stainless steel, which is ideal for slow, even baking and durability. Covering the steel is a nonstick coating, which allows for quick food release and simple hand cleaning.

The buckle is designed to create a tight seal to help you avoid messes. In addition to 9-inch and 7-inch versions of this pan, there is also a Bundt attachment. Nordic Ware backs this product with a 10-year limited warranty.

While it's not specifically designed for it, this pan will also work with an Instant Pot, though smaller options are easier to use with Instant Pots. Some reviewers have also noted leaking can occur, despite the name.

Pros: Evenly browns cheesecake, easy to put together, comes in a few different styles, including one that fits an Instant Pot

Cons: May not live up to its "leakproof" name

The best for use in Instant Pots

If you would like to make cheesecake and other delights in your Instant Pot, the Hiware 7-Inch Non-Stick Springform Pan is a must-have accessory.

The Hiware 7-Inch Non-Stick Springform Pan fits inside 5-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart Instant Pots. This is helpful when you want to use this appliance to make cheesecake or other baked foods that require delicate handling.

The pan has a double layer of non-stick coating, which is crucial for easily releasing your items and makes clean-up effortless (handwashing is recommended to prevent rusting). Yet, it does mean that you should avoid using metal utensils since these could scratch the coating. The Hiware pan is oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

You do need to be careful with the high-pressure cooking since it may cause the ring to move from its base and leak. Some reviewers warn against overfilling the pan because it may make a mess. 

Pros: Easy to unbuckle, fits in a variety of Instant Pots, excellent nonstick coating

Cons: Only seven inches in diameter

The best for durability

If you have a little extra to spend, the Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Spring Form Pan leaks minimally and is designed to last you a lifetime.

The heavy-gauge aluminum core of the Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware Spring Form Pan can withstand oven temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas other brands are usually only made to handle 450-degree temps. This makes for a more versatile pan that can add a nice crust to a savory recipe. Plus, Calphalon also backs its quality with a full lifetime warranty.

The metal is covered with interlocking nonstick layers for simple release. Dishwashing this pan is okay, but protect the nonstick coating from potential scratching by keeping it away from metal utensils.

This pan is especially great at producing beautiful crusts that are evenly browned. However, some reviews have stated that while the pan releases cakes easily, the base may stick to the collar. Some people also warn that cakes cook quickly with this pan so cooking times may need to be adjusted.

Pros: Relatively leakproof, browns evenly, durable, full lifetime warranty

Cons: Slightly pricier than other options

The best set

The Wilton Springform Cake Pan Set is an affordable pan set that can be used for a broad range of recipes and purposes.

The Wilton Springform Cake Pan Set comes with three pans: 8 inches diameter by 2.5 inches deep, 9 by 2.75 inches, and 10 by 2.75 inches.

This set is useful for creating layered cakes and following various recipes. The pans are made of heavy-duty cold-rolled steel and feature a durable nonstick coating. The textured bases help with heat distribution, even browning, and releasing your finished baked goods. They are oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Reviews are hit and miss with some having great success with no leaking and others experiencing heavy leaking. 

Wilton offers a 10-year limited warranty with the set.

Pros: Can be used for a variety of different recipes and purposes, durable construction, 10-year warranty

Cons: Reports of leaking, nonstick coating could be better

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