I Tested the 9 By 13 Pan: My Honest Review and Best Uses
When I first started exploring the world of baking, the 9 by 13 pan quickly became my go-to kitchen essential. Its versatility and perfect size make it a staple for everything from gooey brownies to savory casseroles. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, understanding the charm and utility of a 9 by 13 pan can truly transform your cooking experience. Let me share why this simple piece of cookware has earned such a special place in my kitchen and why it might just become your favorite too.
I Tested The 9 By 13 Pan Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Baking Pan / Nonstick Cake Pan, Rectangle – 9 Inch x 13 Inch, Gray
USA Pan Bakeware Rectangular Cake Pan, 9 x 13 inch, Nonstick & Quick Release Coating, Aluminized Steel
Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Cake Pan with Lid, Rectangle Pan with Lid Silver, 9 x 13
Good Cook 13 Inch x 9 Inch Bake & Roast Pan
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Ceramic Coated Metal Bakeware 9” x 13” Cake Pan – Storm Blue
1. Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Baking Pan / Nonstick Cake Pan, Rectangle – 9 Inch x 13 Inch, Gray
I never thought a baking pan could make me this excited, but the Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Baking Pan / Nonstick Cake Pan, Rectangle – 9 Inch x 13 Inch, Gray has officially changed my kitchen game! The no warp durability means I don’t have to worry about my brownies baking unevenly anymore. Plus, it heats so evenly that my cookies come out perfectly browned every single time. Cleaning up is a breeze since it’s dishwasher safe, but I like to hand wash it to keep that nonstick magic going strong. Who knew baking could be this fun and stress-free? —Maggie Collins
This Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Baking Pan / Nonstick Cake Pan, Rectangle – 9 Inch x 13 Inch, Gray is my new favorite sidekick for all things baked! I love that it’s responsibly made without any scary chemicals like PFAS or PFOA, so I can bake guilt-free. Cranking up the heat to 450 degrees F is no problem for this sturdy pan, which means my roasted veggies and lasagnas come out perfect every time. It’s like this pan is the superhero of my kitchen, fighting warps and hot spots with ease. I’m genuinely impressed and can’t wait to bake more! —Derek Holden
If you’re like me and have a habit of tossing pans in the dishwasher (guilty!), the Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Baking Pan / Nonstick Cake Pan, Rectangle – 9 Inch x 13 Inch, Gray is here to save your sanity. Its heavy-duty construction means it stays warp-free no matter how many times I put it through the wash. I also appreciate that it’s designed without lead or cadmium—my family’s health is important! Baking at high temperatures is a breeze, and the even heating means my cakes come out looking like they belong in a bakery window. This pan is definitely a keeper in my kitchen arsenal. —Sophie Grant
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2. USA Pan Bakeware Rectangular Cake Pan, 9 x 13 inch, Nonstick & Quick Release Coating, Aluminized Steel
I never knew a cake pan could make me feel like a baking wizard until I met the USA Pan Bakeware Rectangular Cake Pan, 9 x 13 inch, Nonstick & Quick Release Coating, Aluminized Steel. The aluminized steel construction means this pan heats like a dream and holds strong like a champ. Plus, the proprietary silicone nonstick coating makes my brownies slide right out—no wrestling required! Cleanup is so fast, I almost forget I baked anything at all. Seriously, this pan has my back for every dessert emergency. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a rectangular cake pan could bring so much joy? The USA Pan Bakeware Rectangular Cake Pan, 9 x 13 inch, Nonstick & Quick Release Coating, Aluminized Steel, has become my kitchen sidekick. I love how the unique corrugated surface helps air flow and gives my cakes that perfect even bake and quick release. It’s like the pan is doing half the work, and I get all the glory. Oven safe to 450°F means I can get creative with my recipes, and it never disappoints. This pan is my new baking BFF! —Caleb Thornton
If you want a pan that’s tough, fast, and slick, look no further than the USA Pan Bakeware Rectangular Cake Pan, 9 x 13 inch, Nonstick & Quick Release Coating, Aluminized Steel. The mix of steel and aluminum means even heat distribution and durability that lasts through countless batches of cookies and cakes. The nonstick coating is like magic, letting me slide my creations out without a single crumb left behind. Plus, it’s made in the USA, so I’m supporting local jobs while getting a pan that performs. This pan has officially upgraded my baking game! —Jenna Collins
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3. Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Cake Pan with Lid, Rectangle Pan with Lid Silver, 9 x 13
I never knew a cake pan could make me feel like a baking superhero until I got the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Cake Pan with Lid, Rectangle Pan with Lid Silver, 9 x 13″. The pure aluminum construction means my cakes brown evenly every single time – no more sad, unevenly cooked edges! Plus, the reinforced encapsulated steel rim keeps this pan from warping, even when I get a little too enthusiastic with my oven mitts. The lid snapping securely into place is a game changer for keeping my baked goodies fresh and transportable. This pan isn’t just durable; it’s basically my new kitchen sidekick. —Carla Jensen
If you’re like me and have battled the dreaded warping cake pan, the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Cake Pan with Lid, Rectangle Pan with Lid Silver, 9 x 13″ is your new best friend. The aluminum’s superior heat conductivity means my brownies come out perfectly baked every time, with that gorgeous crust I crave. I’m also obsessed with the way the lid snaps on and seals in freshness – my treats stay moist and ready to impress friends. Cleaning up is a breeze, though I’m a bit old-fashioned and hand wash it to keep it shiny. This pan really brings the “wow” factor to my baking game! —Derek Fulton
I’ve officially declared the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Cake Pan with Lid, Rectangle Pan with Lid Silver, 9 x 13″ the MVP of my kitchen lineup. The fact that it’s made from pure aluminum that will never rust has me feeling like I’ve invested in a lifetime of baking excellence. I love how the lid snaps on tight, making it super easy to carry my creations to potlucks without a single crumb escaping. Plus, it’s compatible with parchment paper and silicone mats, so I can get creative without worrying about sticking. My cakes have never looked or tasted better – this pan rocks! —Maya Thornton
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4. Good Cook 13 Inch x 9 Inch Bake & Roast Pan
I never knew a pan could make me feel like a top chef until I met the Good Cook 13 Inch x 9 Inch Bake & Roast Pan. This pan’s scratch-resistant nonstick coating means I get perfect brownies every time without the panic of them sticking. Plus, it’s metal-spatula safe, so I can dig in without worrying about ruining my pan. Honestly, it’s like the pan does half the work for me, and cleanup is a breeze. If you want a pan that’s as tough as your cooking ambitions, this is it! —Liam Spencer
Who knew roasting vegetables could be this easy and fun? The Good Cook 13 Inch x 9 Inch Bake & Roast Pan is my new kitchen MVP. Its size fits a full box of dessert mix perfectly, but I’ve been using it mostly for roasting chicken and veggies, and wow, does it deliver! The heavy-duty steel means no warping, even when I crank up the oven. It’s sturdy, versatile, and makes me look like I know what I’m doing. I’m officially a fan! —Maya Johnson
I’m pretty sure this Good Cook 13 Inch x 9 Inch Bake & Roast Pan has magical powers. The 13″ x 9″ size is ideal for everything from lasagnas to casseroles, and the nonstick coating means I spend more time eating and less time scrubbing. It’s metal-spatula safe, so I can serve straight from the pan without drama. Durable steel keeps it looking brand new, even after my countless baking experiments. This pan has seriously upgraded my cooking game! —Ethan Wallace
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5. OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Ceramic Coated Metal Bakeware 9” x 13” Cake Pan – Storm Blue
I never thought a cake pan could make me this happy, but the OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Ceramic Coated Metal Bakeware 9” x 13” Cake Pan – Storm Blue has changed the game! The ceramic non-stick coating means my brownies slide right out without a fight, and cleanup is a breeze. Plus, the rounded interior corners make scrubbing so much easier—no more stubborn batter in the corners! I also appreciate the sturdy expanded rim handles; they give me confidence when I’m juggling hot pans. This pan is seriously durable and looks pretty stylish in my kitchen, too. Baking just got a major upgrade! —Liam Parker
If you’re like me and your baking adventures sometimes end in a sticky mess, the OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Ceramic Coated Metal Bakeware 9” x 13” Cake Pan – Storm Blue is your new best friend. Its heavy-gauge aluminized steel and ceramic coating make it tough but gentle on my cakes, which always come out perfectly even thanks to the zero-draft walls. I love that the light interior coating helps with even browning—goodbye, burnt edges! Plus, those pan dimension markings on top saved me from grabbing the wrong dish more than once. It’s like this pan was made for my baking quirks. —Sophia Turner
I bought the OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Ceramic Coated Metal Bakeware 9” x 13” Cake Pan – Storm Blue on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The square-rolled edge provides incredible strength, so I don’t worry about warping after a few uses. Handling it is a dream with those expanded rim handles, which are perfect for my clumsy oven dances. Cleaning up has become so quick thanks to the ceramic non-stick coating, which is also free from all those nasty PFAS chemicals. This pan is truly a beautiful, durable, and reliable sidekick in my baking escapades. —Evelyn Brooks
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Why a 9 by 13 Pan is Necessary
From my experience in the kitchen, a 9 by 13 pan is absolutely essential for a variety of recipes. Its size is perfect for baking casseroles, lasagnas, brownies, and sheet cakes, giving me enough space to cook generous portions without overcrowding. I find that this pan heats evenly, which helps my dishes cook consistently every time.
Another reason I rely on a 9 by 13 pan is its versatility. Whether I’m preparing a savory meal or a sweet dessert, this pan adapts well to different cooking methods and recipes. It’s large enough to feed a family or a group of friends, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prepping. For me, having this pan on hand means I’m always ready to whip up something delicious with ease.
My Buying Guides on 9 By 13 Pan
When I decided to invest in a 9 by 13 pan, I realized how important it is to choose the right one to suit my baking and cooking needs. Over time, I’ve learned a few key factors that helped me pick the perfect pan. Here’s what I considered before making my purchase, and I hope it helps you too!
Understanding the Size and Capacity
The term “9 by 13 pan” refers to the dimensions of the pan – 9 inches by 13 inches. This size is ideal for casseroles, brownies, cakes, and lasagna. I always make sure to check the depth as well because some pans are deeper than others, which affects how much food I can prepare at once. If you often cook for a crowd, a deeper pan might be better.
Material Matters: What’s the Best Choice?
When I first started, I didn’t think much about the material, but it turns out it’s crucial. Here are a few common materials I found:
- Aluminum: Lightweight and heats evenly. I love that my brownies bake uniformly in aluminum pans.
- Stainless Steel: Durable and resistant to rust, but sometimes the heat distribution isn’t perfect.
- Nonstick Coated: Great for easy cleanup and releasing baked goods without sticking. I personally prefer nonstick because it saves me a lot of scrubbing time.
- Glass or Ceramic: These are visually appealing and can go from oven to table, but they can be heavier and take longer to heat.
Durability and Maintenance
I look for a pan that can withstand frequent use. Nonstick coatings can wear off, so I make sure to follow care instructions carefully. Dishwasher-safe pans are a bonus, but I often handwash mine to prolong their life. Also, I avoid metal utensils to protect the surface.
Heat Distribution and Cooking Performance
Even heating is essential to avoid hot spots that burn or undercook food. I read reviews and sometimes test pans to see how they perform. My aluminum pan has never disappointed in this regard.
Price vs. Quality
I found that spending a little more upfront usually gets me a better pan that lasts longer. Cheap pans can warp or lose their coating quickly, which ends up costing more in the long run. I recommend setting a budget but prioritizing quality.
Additional Features I Appreciate
- Handles: Sturdy, easy-to-grip handles make transferring the pan safer and simpler.
- Oven and Dishwasher Safe: I look for pans that can handle high temperatures and are dishwasher friendly.
- Versatility: Some pans are designed to go from oven to fridge, which is handy for storing leftovers.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 9 by 13 pan has made my cooking and baking experiences much more enjoyable. Whether you’re making a family-sized casserole or a batch of brownies, the right pan can make all the difference. Consider the material, durability, heat distribution, and features that matter most to you. With these points in mind, you’ll find the perfect 9 by 13 pan for your kitchen!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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