The best loaf pans

The materials used to construct the USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan facilitate the even cooking of food, and items are discharged cleanly.

There are two features that contribute to the USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan's nonstick abilities. First of all, the pan is constructed of corrugated aluminized steel. The little ridges help with the release of baked goods, add to the rigidity and durability of the pan, and they may also allow for better airflow and even cooking.

The USA Pan also has a layer of Americoat on the top and bottom. This is an eco-friendly, PFOA- and PTFE-free silicone coating which has excellent non-stick properties.

The loaf pans come in three sizes: 8.5 by 4.5 by 2.75 inches (the 1-pound model), 9 by 5 by 2.75 inches (the 1-1/4-pound model), and 10 by 5 by 2.75 inches (the 1-1/2-pound model). They are each made in Pittsburgh, PA and come with a lifetime limited warranty.

The Wirecutter recommends the USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel Loaf Pan for baking tall breads and cakes. The reviewer found the construction of this pan to be heavy-duty. And, the breads she baked in it were evenly browned, popped out easily, and they looked handsome and tall, as opposed to squat.

Lesley Eats also noted the heavy-duty construction. She used the loaf pan to bake banana nut bread and was surprised by how easy it was to remove the loaf from the pan after cooking.

One helpful Amazon buyer recommended the 1-pound pan for dough with 3 cups of flour or less, 1-1/4-pound pan for 3 to 4 cup recipes, and the 1-1/2 pound pan for anything more than that.

Pros: Releases baked goods effortlessly, cooks foods evenly, easy to clean

Cons: Pricey, no handles

With its easy-to-see-through glass construction, the Pyrex 1.5-Quart Clear Basics Glass Loaf Pan is an excellent solution if you want to take the guesswork out of baking.

Though glass bakeware generally isn't as durable and doesn't cook as quickly as its metal counterpart, it does allow you to easily gauge how your baking is progressing, since you can see the side and bottom of your loaf without removing it from the pan. This is one of the main benefits of the Pyrex 1.5-Quart Clear Basics Glass Loaf Pan.

The Pyrex Loaf Pan measures approximately 8.25 by 4.5 by 2.5 inches and features handles for easy maneuverability. Made of soda lime glass, it is dishwasher, freezer, microwave, and oven safe. But, we advise against taking the pan out of the freezer and putting it in a preheated oven since it could experience "thermal shock" and burst into pieces. On the plus side, the nonporous glass is resistant to odors and staining.

The reviewer at the Wallet Path found the Pyrex 1.5-Quart Clear Basics Glass Loaf Pan distributed heat evenly. She recommended this pan because it allowed her to see the bottom of the loaf while it was still in the pan to determine whether it was done or not. The reviewer did suggest greasing the pan before adding ingredients because items tended to stick to it.

Cook's Illustrated highly recommends the Pyrex pan because baked goods browned nicely in it, but it was heavier than the site's top choice, which costs three times as much.

Pros: Browns food well, allows you to see how done the bottom of your loaf is

Cons: Concerns about durability, items may stick

If you are looking for a loaf pan that is easy to grab and cooks evenly, consider the Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Bread and Meat Loaf Pan.

The Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Bread and Meat Loaf Pan stands out from the other pans on our list because it has wide handles. They are not too wide to make storage an issue, but they are wide enough for you to easily maneuver the pan when wearing thick oven mitts.

The pan is 9 by 5 by 3 inches and is oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It is made of heavy-duty steel and features a rolled rim, which ensures durability and warp resistance. Though the pan is dishwasher safe, Farberware recommends handwashing it.

Though she stopped short of recommending it because the sides of the pan flare out wide making for an oddly-shaped loaf, the reviewer at The Wirecutter was impressed with the sturdy design of the Farberware Nonstick Bakeware Bread and Meat Loaf Pan. She also noted that the wide handles were easy to grip with their silicone coating.

Best Reviews recommends this Farberware product because the reviewer found the pan was warp-resistant and cooked ingredients evenly. Yet, the reviewer mentioned that the nonstick coating is not always effective.

Buyers on Amazon note that the Farberware pan is larger than other loaf pans. Most brands' size measurements go to the outer edge of the pan. Farberware appears to be using the inner edge.

There are also several comments about how evenly the pan bakes. Buyers recommend spraying it before adding your dough and using non-metal utensils to protect the nonstick coating.

Pros: Wide handles, nonstick coating, sturdy rolled steel construction

Cons: Sides flare wide

The Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick 2-Piece Healthy Meatloaf Set is designed for regular meatloaf eaters who prefer to keep the grease to a minimum.

The Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick 2-Piece Healthy Meatloaf Set is unique because it is specifically designed for making meatloaf. The set consists of a two-pound nonstick meatloaf pan made of heavy-weight aluminized steel and a perforated insert that elevates your meatloaf about ¾ of an inch above the bottom of the pan to allow for the grease to drain.

The pan has a maximum temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. And, Chicago Metallic backs it with a lifetime warranty.

Mom Does Reviews recommends the Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick Meatloaf Set because it keeps the bottom of the loaf from getting overcooked while sitting in its own grease. The reviewer appreciated that her meatloaves came out perfect each time and were easy to remove with the large handles. She also noted that cleanup was easier than with your standard loaf pan. Family Nano and Bright 8 also recommend this loaf pan.

Numerous Amazon reviewers warned against using metal utensils on this pan since it could affect the non-stick coating.

Pros: Allows for even baking, cooks meatloaf without the grease, large handles, lifetime warranty

Cons: Not very versatile, questionable durability of non-stick coating

The best bread machines

We combed through hundreds of reviews and ratings from home bakers and experts alike as we searched for the best bread machines. The units we chose can make a variety of different bread types, require minimal user oversight, and have a track record of dependability and performance. These are the best bread machines you can buy:

• Best overall: Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Breadmaker
• Best budget bread machine #1: Oster 2-Pound Expressbake Bread Maker
• Best convection machine: Convection Bread Maker by Cuisinart
• Best machine for unique breads: Breville Custom Loaf Bread Maker

The best cookie cutters

A great set of cookie cutters makes those delicious holiday treats even more of a pleasure to make and share. These are the best cookie cutters you can buy:

• Best overall: Ann Clark Cookie Cutter Set
• Best on a budget: Winblo 40-Piece Cookie Cutter Set
• Best for Chanukah: Rite Lite LTD Metal Chanukah Cookie Cutters
• Best 3D cutters: 3D Christmas Cookie Cutters Set
• Best indestructible set: Ateco Cookie Cutter Set in Various Shapes
• Best for kids: Wilton 101-Piece Cookie Cutter Set