~ The Low-Down on Loaf Pans: What Size and Kind? ~

You've decided to bake a loaf of bread just like Grandma used to make.  Good for you!

Nothing is quite as ethereal as the aroma of freshly-baked bread.  Her recipe says to put the dough in a loaf pan and you don't have one.  You drive to the nearest cooking store to find out you must choose between several manufacturers and price ranges, different materials ranging from clear glass and ceramic to shiny, gray or black metal -- each kind in a variety of sizes too. When I was a novice cook  (too many years ago to mention), decisions like this caused me to lose sleep. Today, I'm going to attempt to take the angst out of purchasing a loaf pan for you.

#1:  Size matters.  Always use the recommended size loaf pan. 

"Back in the day", Grandma (and most home-cook bread-bakers) used one "standard" size of loaf pan:  it was approximately 9" x 5" x 2 1/2".  That is why heirloom recipes and vintage cookbooks often seem murky or vague on this point.

I baked this luscious recipe for Peanut Butter Bacon Bread from Helen Corbitt's Cookbook a few days ago, and the lack of a specific loaf-pan size irritated me enough to write this blog post.

(Note:  You can find my version of the recipe, ~ A Salty & Sweet Treat:  Peanut Butter Bacon Bread ~, in Categories 5, 9 & 20 or by clicking on the Related Article link at the end of this post.)

Nowadays, well-written cookbooks and blogs are specific about pan size because we know the correct pan size is one of the reasons a recipe can either succeed or fail.  If you didn't know that, you do now.  

Baking is a precise sport.  Be sensible.  If you wouldn't change the recommended time and temperature guidelines for a recipe, why throw in a substitute for the recommended pan.  That being said, pan sizes vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer (up to 1/4") and those slight variations won't affect almost any recipe. Focus on getting the proper measurement of your loaf pan and make note (put it in writing) of its total volume too:

Baking pans are measured across the top & volume is obtained by filling them w/water.

Use this helpful chart as a guideline for the most common loaf pan sizes & volume:

5 3/4" x 3 1/4" x 2" (mini) = 2 cups

7 3/8" x 3 5/8" x 2" = 3 cups

8" x 4" x 2 1/2" = 4 cups

8 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 2 1/2" = 6 cups

9 1/4" x 5 1/4" x 2 1/2" = 8 cups

Words of wisdom:  If you must substitute a loaf pan close in size, choose one slightly bigger rather than slightly smaller.  Too small of pan can cause the dough to rise up & burst over the sides.

For example:  If you are using a loaf pan with a 4-cup total capacity, you can't fill it to the very top with dough or quick-bread batter.  You must leave a headspace of 1/2"-3/4" at the top to allow for rising and/or expansion as the loaf bakes.  Well-written recipes (which most are) have already made accommodations for this, so always use the size pan they recommend.  

#2.  Material Matters.  Know what to expect.  

Glass/ceramic vs. dark or shiny metal: 

Over the years, I've baked my share of bread. Some flat, some round and some classic loaves. Some are quick and easy, some are time consuming and difficult.  

Baking bread is an art form, and, over the years I've acquired 'a few' loaf pans.  Over  35 years of hands-on bread baking experience has taught me what to expect from clear glass and ceramic to dark and shiny aluminum and metal -- and they all have a place in my kitchen.

They all conduct heat differently -- use it to your advantage.

Oven-proof glass & ceramic:  Glass transfers heat quicker than shiny metal (which deflects it), which shortens baking time, which causes bread to be undercooked in the center and overcooked outside. This doesn't mean glass doesn't work.  If you love light-colored, slightly-softer sandwich-type bread, glass is great. Just lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees. This will give the bread enough time to cook through to the center, without over-browning or burning it on the outside.  

Tip:  Want to bake in glass, and get a dark, crispy crust similar to that of bread baked in an aluminum pan?  Place the the glass pan on a pizza stone.  It will deflect and control the heat.

Dark metals/shiny metals:  Dull or dark-colored metals absorb more radiant heat than bright or shiny ones, which reflect it away.  

Shiny pans tend to remain 15-20 degrees cooler in a 350 degree oven, which means you need to either increase the heat of the oven and/or extend the cooking time.  

Tip:  I don't have any real axes to grind with shiny pans, and I don't adjust my oven temperature when I use them, but, I always keep them scoured and shiny.  The dough on any darkened spots or blotches may burn before the dough on the shiny portions is properly baked.

Dull or dark metal loaf pans are the best pans ever invented and sturdy, good-weight, medium-colored, non-stick aluminum pans can't be beat. Aluminum is a fantastic conductor of heat and everything I bake in them emerges beautiful and perfectly baked.  When I bake in these pans, like glass, I usually lower the oven temperature 25 degrees.

Tip:  One advantage to any color of metal pan is metal expands when it gets hot.  This makes for easy removal of loaves of any size from a properly prepped (greased and floured) pan.

One last item:  Allow me to answer this before someone asks it.  What do I think of flimsy, disposable aluminum loaf pans for baking bread?  Not one thing past this mention.  They tend to burn bread on the bottom.  Save them for making and taking meatloaf to picnics or tailgates.

************

In Conclusion:

Three men are sitting on a beach.  The first man takes his shirt off, leaving his skin vulnerable to too much sun too fast, and, at the end of the day, a bad burn:  This is how bread bakes in a glass pan.  The second man wears a white T-shirt all day.  His skin is somewhat protected from the sun, and stays somewhat cooler, because his white shirt deflects the heat away from him:  This is how bread bakes in a shiny metal pan.  The third man wears a dark gray shirt.  While his skin is somewhat protected from the sun, he is really hot because his shirt is absorbing the heat: This is how bread bakes in a dark metal pan.  Baking bread is like a day at the beach!!!

Cook's Note:  With August coming to a close, and the "frost soon to be on the pumpkin", perhaps you'd like to try my recipe for ~ Joe's Favorite "Roasted" Pumpkin Quick Bread ~.  I like to bake these in mini-loaf pans and you can find it in Categories 5, 18 or 22.

"We are all in this food world together." ~ Melanie Preschutti

(Recipe, Commentary and Photos courtesy of Melanie's Kitchen/Copyright 2013) 

Related articles

~A Salty & Sweet Treat: Peanut Butter Bacon Bread~

~ Want buttery, 'pull-apart' rolls with dinner tonight? ~

~ Macadamia-Mango, Coconut-Rum Banana-Bread ~

~ English Muffin Bread: For the Divine Love of Toast~

~ Joe Preschutti's "Roasted" Pumpkin Quick Bread ~

~ Try My Rye: It's Homemade in the Bread Machine ~

~ Crunchy 'n Tangy Gorgonzola and Walnut Wafers ~

~ Mel's Spicy Horseradish-Cheddar Cheese Sticks ~

~ Tender Chicken Paillards with Mushroom Sauce, or: Southern Smothered Chicken with Mushroom Gravy~

~ Seafood Newburg: Shrimp, Scallops & Crabmeat ~

Comments

[Alia Parker]

nice

[KitchenEncounters]

Kay -- It sounds like you have Pullman loaf pans (sans the lids). I do have two posts about Pullman pans on my blog -- just click into Category #5 -- you'll see them immediately. ~ Mel.

[Kay]

Thank you for this very helpful explanation. I'll always remember the three men on the beach story which says it all.

I have a question. I am using 1940's Hovis bread pans from England which are dark metal and gorgeous. They are 10"x4"x4" with straight up sides. I haven't found recipes for this size and wonder if you can give any tips. I love the pans and plan to use the for the rest of my life. Thanks, Kay

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[Liam Joshon]

Bread try racks are ideal for transporting fresh bread efficiently. If you are the owner of a bakery business, then bread tray dollies will be suitable for you. If you want to buy bread tray dollies, then you can try our dollies. Our dollies can improve workflow and save space in your establishment.

[KitchenEncounters]

Bryan -- Glad to be of help. Persimmon bread sounds marvelous. Happy Holidays! ~ Mel.

[Bryan Matsumoto]

This is such great info, thank you! As a novice baker, so helpful to understand how the baking changes from each material. (And going strong 7 years later!) It explains so many previous differences in baking time. Going to try baking up a bunch of persimmon breads in 10 Dollar Tree cheapo loaf pans... will see how they turn out. At least you convinced me not to use the foil kind! :P

[KitchenEncounters]

Maria -- I appreciate your question, and, if I had a "source for everything" I have accumulated over the years of hands-on buying in restaurant-supply stores and kitchen shops, I would tell you. That said, I can't do your Google searches or on-line shopping for you. Search around, I'm sure you'll find something.

[Maria J Romanello]

where can I buy a bread pan that is 8x4 at the bottom and 9x5 at the top...thank you

[KitchenEncounters]

Virginia -- Thanks so much for the kind feedback! ~ Melanie

[Virginia Parker]

This information is gold! I've been stumped by how to portion sourdough for those 51/2 x 3" mini pans. Very glad you pondered all the possibilities and implications and posted it for those of us enthusiastic amateur baker. Much obliged and thank you.

[KitchenEncounters]

Angela -- To bake 1, 1-pound loaf of bread, you would need to purchase 1, 2-2 1/2-quart Dutch oven. Some companies make 2-quart Dutch ovens, others make 2 1/2-quart Dutch ovens. Either will do nicely.

[Angela McBee]

I am absolutely going crazy for days ... trying to find the right size enameled Dutch oven to bake at least a one pound of bread. Every single search engine does not readily give me that information and I am so tired of reading. Is there any way you can help me? I do not wish to purchase a size I don’t need especially because I have psoriatic arthritis and there are only two of us the in household. I would so much appreciate if you could help ... if not thank you anyway! Stay safe!

[Elizabeth Taylor]

Thank you for giving me this guidance on baking pans. It has almost saved my reason.
I have been driven half-deaved by the confusion of recipes and on-line descriptions of pans. Many of the latter will simply give one dimension as if that were all that was needed: I assume that they usually mean the length, but that is never the whole story. And when a recipe calls, for example, for “a 1¼ litre pan” I cannot find any offered pan that mentions capacity at all. Your coverage of this point is very welcome.
I am interested in your discussion of materials, which make such a difference. But I note that in a paragraph beginning with “glass and ceramic” you go on to speak only of glass. Surely the transparency of glass makes some difference?
One of my favourite bread pans is actually a rectangular terracotta plant pot, in which I bake a large white loaf made with some rice in the mixture and using the water in which potatoes have been boiled. It produces a lovely crisp but not tough crust. For parties I sometimes bake the same bread in a round plant pot, and it is always greeted with delight. Do you have any advice to give on the use of terracotta? I start the loaf in a cool oven, letting it heat up with the oven, so that the pot does not crack.
One last point - do you think you could include a mention somewhere that you are based in the USA, so that we know to understand the measures are American?

[KitchenEncounters]

Mollie -- Thank-you for the nice comment. When I wrote this post back in 2013, I had no idea how much angst choosing loaf pans and purchasing loaf pans causes people. Happy Baking! ~ Mel.

[Mollie Stricklin Cornwell]

So glad I ‘clicked’ on this sight! Have not had success yet on sourdough bread but I am still trying! Thanks for all the ‘info’ I found here plus 5he comments! Looking forward to more! ❤️

[Umer Manzoor]

We are Government Supply Contractors for all kinds of Food Pans, Crockery, Electrical Goods, Heavy Machinery, Telecom Items, etc. Contact us: [email protected]

[KitchenEncounters]

Jeannine -- The general rule of thumb for both bread dough and quick bread batter is no more than 2/3 the capacity of the loaf pan. That said, based on individual recipes, there are exceptions. ~ Melanie

[Jeannine Chalmers]

I HAVE A PAIR OF BREAD TINS I WANT TO USE BUT AM NOT SURE HOW MUCH DOUGH TO PUT IN THEM, MY- PANS ARE COMMERCIAL THE PAIR IS JOINED TOGETHER tHEY MEASURE EACH ONE MEASURES ALONG THE TOP 12INCHES X 4 INCHES,THEY ARE 4 INCHES DEEP AND EACH ONE HOLS 13 AND A HALF CUPS OF WATER.

[KitchenEncounters]

Wendy -- I would cut the baking time by 1/3 then check the bread five minutes prior to the estimated done time, and, every 3-5 minutes thereafter.
For example: If your bread typically bakes for 60 minutes, bake the smaller loaves for 40 minutes (time cut by 1/3). Check them at 35 minutes just to be sure they're on track. At forty minutes if they're not done, let them go another 5 minutes, and, maybe another 5 minutes after that. Once you do this ONCE, you will know forever more the timing for your smaller loaves. ~ Melanie

[Wendy]

I baked an amazing cake/quick bread recipe in my 9 x 5 pan, per the recipe. It came out predictably perfect BUT here's my dilemma. I bake for a farmer's market and haven't been able to find any type of disposable 9 x 5 with a lid, so wondering if I downsize to a smaller pan how to adjust the baking time. I would make 3 batches of the batter with the intention of making 4 loaves - putting 6 cups in each pan. Thoughts? Thank you!

[KitchenEncounters]

Doug,

What you are looking for are classically referred to “Pullman Loaf Pans” — They’re what white bread was originally baked in before it was mass-manufactured and sold sliced.

They are available in a range of sizes.  Here is a screen shot of just a few available on Amazon.

Hope this helps,
Melanie

[Doug]

I am looking for bread baking tins in an old size, 8 or 9 inches long, width 3-4 inches, but most important the height has to be 5-6 inches. Im not the greatest on google etc so any help appreciated.

[KitchenEncounters]

Renee-Ann -- Thank-you for the nice comment!

[Renee-Ann]

Interesting article. Thank you so much for sharing. I was searching for the size of the mini loaves in a pan of 18 wells when I stumbled upon this page. I'm very curious about your peanut butter and bacon bread. Can't wait to try it. :)

Blessings

Renee-Ann

[Mari Leonard]

We have an old family recipe for potato bread, and it calls for two 8x4 loaf pans. We'd like to make one 9 x 5 pan of bread and use the rest of the batter to make dinner rolls. How do we figure out how much longer to bake the larger loaf of bread? The rules will be done when they're nicely golden, but I'm not sure about the bread, and would really appreciate any advice you can give. Thank you!

[KitchenEncounters]

Nicole -- The problem with vintage recipes is: our grandmas didn't measure. I'm guessing she "guessed" her pan was 5" x 7", when it was really 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" (a 6 cup pan) or 5 1/4" x 9 1/4" (8 cups) which is close. Add up the ingredients on your ingredients list (example: 3 cups flour, 1 cup milk, 2 cups zucchini, etc. = 6 cups) and choose a pan that is close in size. I hope this helps.

[Nicole Sccheiner]

I have a really old recipe(grandma's zucchini bread) that calls for a 5X7! I'm trying to make the recipe exactly like my grandma did, but I cannot find any 5X7 loaf pans at all. What should I do here?

[KitchenEncounters]

Tom -- Great tips! Thanks for adding them to this thread -- I'm sure they will help someone out along the line!!!

[Tom Clere]

"One last item: Allow me to answer this before someone asks it. What do I think of flimsy, disposable aluminum loaf pans for baking bread? ... They tend to burn bread on the bottom."

Absolutely Right! If allowances are not made for the limitations of disposable aluminum loaf pans.

Solution: I set them on an insulated cookie sheet and shorten the bake time and/or lower the bake temperature, as needed.

[KitchenEncounters]

Debbie -- Look at the dimensions of the brand you are buying and choose the closest-in-size one accordingly. I can't shop for you -- if I could I would, but I can't.

[Debbie Matyhews]

I have a recipe that says use a medium loaf pan. Online medium Ian’s show different dimensions, what do you recommend for a lemon loaf? Thank you

[KitchenEncounters]

Good Morning Irene -- Enameled-coated steel falls into the category of dark metal. ~ Melanie

[Irene]

Is enamel-covered steel considered ceramic or dark metal?

[KitchenEncounters]

Good Morning Marty -- When I bake small yeast-risen white bread loaves in similar-sized pans (in the top photo, they are the stack of dark pans on the far right), I bake at 350 degrees for 22-24 minutes. I also use a kitchen scale to divide the dough into twelve, 7-ounce portions, so, if you place a larger or smaller amount of dough in each pan, the time will vary slightly, accordingly. ~ Mel.

[Marty Redman]

I want to bake some gift mini loaves of yeast bread. I have disposable 5/12" x 3 1/2" x 2" pans. What time and temperature do you recommend for this.

[Carol Carlisle]

I just purchased a mini loaf pan which has spaces for 18
loaves, each 3 3/4 inches by 2 1/2 inches. I'm looking for information on the capacity of each, baking times and temperature adjustments. Has anyone used that pan?

[KitchenEncounters]

Sharon -- Check into Chicago Metallic. They make all sorts of residential and commercial grade pans. Moreover, everything they make and sell is of excellent quality. Hope this helps. ~ Melanie.

[Sharon Zwerin]

Is there a specific dark, aluminum loaf pan you would recommend? I've been searching online and find that most are non-stick and/or aluminized steel. I'm not a fan of non-stick pans. I also prefer one that is one piece and not folded metal. I'd love one just like the one on the left in the top picture.

[Kitchen Encounters]

Barb -- Any 9" x 5" size loaf pan with an 8 cup capacity will work just fine.

[Barb]

What size pan should I use for a two-pound loaf of plain white bread? Thanks!

[Kitchen Encounters]

Jason -- I wish I had an answer for you, as, I have encountered the same thing amongst different brands manufactured in different places. Luckily, that small difference (to the larger size) won't cause you or me any problems. Happy Baking my friend!

[Jason Brown]

I recently purchased several of the Good Cook brand baking pans from my local Kroger. They are all dark and non-stick, but I do not know the material other than metal of some sort. One reason I purchased these was because the dimensions are molded into the edge of each pan. Specifically: 9”x5” large loaf pans, 8”x4” loaf pans, and 5.75”x3” mini loaf pans. How convenient!

At least, those are the dimensions I thought I had purchased. I don’t normally carry my tape measure to the grocery store; so I just trusted those numbers were correct. It wasn’t until later when I realized the real dimensions from top inside edge to top inside edge:
the 9”x5” pans are really 9.5”x5.25”
the 8”x4” pans are really 8.5”x4.5”
the 5.75”x3” pans are really 5.75”x3.125”

Why the difference? I wonder how they got those numbers? At least the pans aren’t smaller than what I thought I was getting, but I’d rather have accurate measurements. What’s the point of molding these into the pan, only to get it so wrong?

[Kitchen Encounters]

Phylena -- Thank-you for the kind words and I'm happy to have helped you -- enjoy your new KitchenAid mixer and happy baking to you!!!

[phylena]

I was JUST about to bake my first loaf of bread with my new Kitchen Aid Mixer! My loaf pan is not the required size and I felt like I needed to do some research first to see if this would be ok. Praise the Lord your site came up telling me to wait until I had the required pan to proceed. Thank you so much!

[Kitchen Encounters]

Karen -- thank-you so much for your kind comment. It's always nice to find out a post of mine has helped someone. If you are just starting to bake (yeast breads, cakes, pies, or anything else) just like in cooking, any investment you make in a baking pan will, more often than not, will last you a lifetime. Some of my baking pans are over 30 years old -- penny for penny, money well spent!

[karen marie]

This was very useful. Thank you. Especially the bit at the end about disposable loaf pans. Today I am making a no-kneed foccaccia roll recipe - my first stab at yeast anything. My next plan is to make raisin bread, also yeast, which requires kneeding. The recipe makes three loaves, and I only have one bread pan. I was considering going back to the store to get disposables but now, instead, I'm just going to order two the same size of the one I already have. I love the internet - it's so full of sharing people!

[Kitchen Encounters]

marijka -- As I said in the post, loaf pans are measured across the top. It's also worth noting that all loaf pans, with the exception of the pullman loaf, have slightly slanted sides. Happy New Year!

[marijka]

I *truly* appreciate this info but have a follow-up question: many loaf pans have slanted sides, so are the measurements of the top or bottom edges? My best pans are 1/2 larger in length and width at the top, so I'm unsure what the 'real' measurements are! Obviously I can measure the volume with water, but now I'm obsessed. :-) Thanks a bunch, and looking forward to exploring the rest of your work!

[Kitchen Encounters]

Geraldine -- Yes, that sounds correct, as, depending upon the manufacturer, 1/4" in size in any direction can make a difference of 1/2 cup "or so". Just remember, when you fill the loaf pan with dough or quick-bread batter, to leave a 1/2" - 3/4" headspace at the top (to allow for expansion as the dough rises and/or bakes). If the pan is filled to the top at the get go, it means you need to switch to a larger pan or dough stands a very good chance of spilling over the sides as the bread bakes.

[Geraldine Wallace]

I have 1dark gray loaf pan but can't read the measurements. Filled it with water poured in large measuring cup. Read 4 2 1/2 cups would this be correct?

[Kitchen Encounters]

Lezlie -- Since the 9"x5" is the assumed standard by which most recipes were and unless otherwise specified are written, the 9"x5" pan is indeed the safe and sound bet. Also, because of the volume of a standard cake mix, without seeing a copy of your recipe, the volume of 2, 9"x5" pans 'feels right' to me!

[Lezlie B]

I found a recipe for a cinnamon bread using a cake mix. It says it makes 2 loaves BUT it doesn't tell me what size loaf pan to use? Would it be safe to assume it calls for 9 x 5 loaf pans? Any suggestions?

[Kitchen Encounters]

Denise -- Purchasing loaf pans via the internet can be somewhat confusing, and, most stores only have one or two sizes on their shelves (no real selection). If you are looking for something specific, I suggest a trip to your nearest kitchen store -- better yet a restaurant supply store if you have access to one. Ask the manager to look through almost any manufacturer's catalog. There will be a listing of different sizes, a selection of different materials, and, all in a variety of price ranges. I am certain they will be happy to order what you want. That is how I got most of mine!

[Denise]

I like the 3 cup size - where can I find some??

[Kitchen Encounters]

Seasons greetings Helene -- nice to hear from you! I have no hands-on experience with the bake-safe plasticware, so, I can't comment on it, other than to say, I've heard that many people like it. After a quick search on Amazon.com (I searched for 8" x 4" loaf pans), an entire page popped up, about half of which were dark metal -- they range in price from $6 - $10. It sounds like you are quite the baker!!!

[Hélène]

What do you think about hardened plastic pans, such as Tupperware's Ultra 21 bakeware? Tupperware doesn't even make it anymore but I have several of the pieces and they're often found at used stores. I love the bread pan because it has a tight-sealing lid. The quiche pan and 9x13 cake pan do also. I know there's other brands of this bake-safe plasticware out there. Have you ever used it at all?
I love my stoneware bakeware most of all (these never have lids as you're not supposed to store foods in the stoneware). And my cast iron cookware too. I'm looking at buying a 9x5 loaf pan but honestly what I NEED is an 8x4 loaf pan. I do mostly nongluten and even grainfree baking now and the 9x5 pans just swallow up the loaves so they get lost in the pans. The 8x4 pan gives you a normal looking loaf, not a flat, squished looking, something :0
If you have a source for even metal pans that are 8x4, I'd love to know. I don't want aluminum, just dark metal preferably. Thanks!

[Kitchen Encounters]

Good Morning Ronnie. The number of cups (example: 8" x 4" x 2 1/2" = 4 cups) refers to the volume of the pan/recommended capacity. For instance in an 8" x 4" x 2 1/2" pan, you shouldn't put more than 4 cups of prepared dough or batter. Happy bread baking!

[Ronnie King]

Thank you so much for the info here. I do have a question - probably a dumb one but anyway. Do the volume amounts for pan sizes you show equal to cups of prepared dough or to the number of cups of flour per recipe? I am trying so hard to bake good bread but not much luck so far.