Choosing the right popover pan matters: cup depth, material, heat conduction and non-stick finish determine rise, crust and cleanup. This article synthesizes hands-on testing, manufacturer specs, and user feedback to recommend the top popover pans available today for home and pro bakers.
How we tested and chose
What we tested: I baked several batches of popovers, Yorkshire puddings and muffins in each pan, assessing rise, crust, release, and cleanup. Tests included identical batter recipes and consistent oven placement to isolate pan performance.
Key evaluation criteria:
- Heat conduction & evenness — how well the pan browns and produces uniform rise.
- Cup geometry & depth — taller, tapered cups generally yield better rise for popovers.
- Release & coating durability — how easily popovers come out, and how coatings hold up to repeated use.
- Build quality & safety — material thickness, warping resistance, and whether coatings are PTFE/PFOA-free.
- Value & use cases — price, warranty, and whether the pan fits air fryers, small ovens, or commercial use.
Sources & context: Observations were cross-checked with manufacturer specs, long-term user reviews, and established baking-brand reputations to balance lab-style testing with real-world experience.
6-Piece Jumbo Muffin Set
A very affordable set of six individual carbon-steel muffin/popover cups that fit small ovens and air fryers. Nonstick coating and stackable design make them space-efficient and great for occasional bakers or those with limited oven space.
Why we picked it as the Budget Choice
This 6-piece individual muffin/popover set gives excellent flexibility at a low price. The carbon-steel construction heats to 446°F and the nonstick surface helps release and cleanup. Each cup is compact (top outer dia. ~3.11") so the set is ideal for air fryers, counter ovens, or making small batches.
Standout features: portable individual cups, stackable storage, oven and air-fryer compatibility.
Good for: beginners, those with limited oven space, or anyone who wants single-serving molds.
Limitations: not as deep as professional popover cups — expect smaller rises than deep, tapered pans.
USA Pan 6-Well Popover
Commercial-grade 6-well popover pan constructed from aluminized steel with Americoat silicone coating. Durable, PTFE/PFOA-free Americoat gives reliable release and professional results — ideal for bakers who prioritize food-safe nonstick and longevity.
Premium pick for long-term performance
USA Pan’s 6-well popover pan is built like commercial bakeware: heavy gauge aluminized steel with Americoat silicone top and bottom coating. Americoat is PTFE/PFOA-free yet gives dependable release and a durable finish. The pan conducts heat evenly and resists warping — you get consistent rise and browning batch after batch.
Standout features: commercial-grade construction, PTFE/PFOA-free Americoat nonstick, excellent durability.
Good for: home bakers who want professional reliability and clean release without PTFE/PFOA coatings.
Limitations: higher price than simple carbon steel pans, but the durability justifies the investment.
Cuisinart 6-Cup Popover
Solid 6-cup popover pan from a trusted brand: heavy-gauge steel with nonstick interior and exterior, tapered cups for air circulation, dishwasher-safe construction and a lifetime warranty — strong performance at a fair price.
Best blend of price, features and reliability
Cuisinart’s 6-cup popover pan balances performance and value. Heavy gauge steel promotes even heating; tapered cups encourage ideal air circulation for good rise. Nonstick interior and exterior make release and cleaning straightforward, and the lifetime warranty is a rare plus at this price point.
Standout features: lifetime warranty, tapered cup design, dishwasher-safe convenience.
Good for: cooks who want reliable popovers without paying a premium.
Limitations: finish and nonstick longevity depend on care — hand washing extends life despite dishwasher-safe labeling.
Chicago Metallic 6-Cup Pan
A professional-style, heavy-weight aluminized-steel 6-cup popover pan with deep, tapered cups and a silicone-based nonstick coating. Produces consistent tall popovers and even browning — the top choice for serious home bakers.
Our Editors' Choice for most bakers
Chicago Metallic’s 6-cup popover pan delivers professional results: heavy aluminized steel for superior heat conduction, deep tapered cups (approx. 2.75" x 2.25") for dramatic rise, and a silicone-based nonstick finish for dependable release. It’s built to last and performs well across recipes from Yorkshire pudding to large muffins.
Standout features: depth and cup shape that maximize rise, strong heat conduction, trusted brand pedigree.
Good for: enthusiasts and small-batch pros who want the best popover performance.
Limitations: coating care matters — hand washing recommended to prolong life.
Comparative overview — at a glance
- Chicago Metallic 6-Cup Pan (Editors Choice) — Best overall for rise and professional results. Heavy aluminized steel, deep tapered cups, silicone-based nonstick. Price: $24.99.
- USA Pan 6-Well (Premium Choice) — Best for long-term durability and PTFE/PFOA-free nonstick (Americoat). Commercial-grade build; great for serious cooks who want a safer nonstick. Price: $24.99.
- Cuisinart 6-Cup (Best Value) — Best balance of features, warranty and price. Heavy-gauge steel, lifetime warranty, tapered cups; excellent everyday pan at $20.95.
- 6-Piece Jumbo Muffin Set (Budget Pick) — Most affordable flexibility for small ovens/air fryers. Individual carbon-steel cups, stackable and portable; best for occasional bakers. Price: $11.99.
Which is best overall? For most home bakers the Chicago Metallic 6-Cup Pan is the best overall: it produces the tallest, most consistent popovers thanks to cup depth and aluminum-steel heat conduction.
Best alternatives by need:
- For PTFE/PFOA-free nonstick and commercial durability: USA Pan.
- For tight budgets or air-fryer use: the 6-piece individual set.
- For the best value (warranty + performance): Cuisinart.
Final recommendation
After hands-on testing and cross-referencing manufacturer specs and user experience, the Chicago Metallic 6-Cup Popover Pan is our top recommendation for most users who want consistent, tall popovers and reliable browning. If you prioritize PTFE/PFOA-free coatings and commercial durability, choose the USA Pan. If budget or small-oven compatibility matters, the 6-piece individual set delivers great value. For everyday balance of performance, warranty and price, Cuisinart is an excellent pick.
This review combined controlled baking trials, technical evaluation of materials and coatings, and consumer feedback to reach these recommendations. Pick the pan that best matches your oven size, frequency of baking, and preferences on coatings — and you’ll be on your way to better popovers, reliably.