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What are Different Types of Muffin Tins?

Sherry Holetzky
Sherry Holetzky

The term muffin tin is reminiscent of old-fashioned muffin pans made from tin. Some vintage pans are still available, often on auction sites or in antique shops, and there are also reproductions. Vintage pans and reproductions often have patterns on the bottom of each muffin cup.

Besides tin or aluminum, there are various other finishes currently available. These include non-stick, stoneware, cast iron, and even silicone muffin tins. In addition to being available in a variety of materials, muffin tins also come in different shapes and sizes.

Silicone is used in the manufacturing of wide array of products, including as molds for muffins.
Silicone is used in the manufacturing of wide array of products, including as molds for muffins.

Muffin tins treated with a non-stick coating are handy, because muffins slide out easily and there is no need for paper muffin cups or non-stick cooking sprays. Non-stick options tend to cost a little more, but they are worth the extra cost, especially for the serious baker. Muffin tins can also be used for other recipes besides muffins or cupcakes, and non-stick options are perfect for foods like cinnamon rolls, egg dishes such as mini quiche, and even individual servings of meatloaf. It is advised that separate muffin tins are reserved for baking muffins, rather than using the same pans used for preparing meats or similar dishes.

Miniature pans allow bakers to make mini muffins or cupcakes.
Miniature pans allow bakers to make mini muffins or cupcakes.

Stoneware tins give the texture and flavor of items baked on a stone hearth or in a brick oven. The more you use these muffin tins, the better your baking will be. They darken and season with use, and foods will attain a richer flavor and will not stick to the pan.

Cast iron muffin tins also mimic baking pans from the past. These used to be placed directly over a camp or hearth fire, and many people enjoy the charm, texture, and flavor achieved by cooking or baking in seasoned cast iron pans. Cast iron muffin tins are also available in different shapes. Probably the two most popular are cactus and corncob shapes, often used for baking corn muffins.

Silicone muffin tins are dishwasher-safe.
Silicone muffin tins are dishwasher-safe.

Silicone muffin tins are unique. They look and feel like rubber, and you might assume that they are intended for making muffins in the microwave. However, silicone muffin tins and other baking pans can withstand oven temperatures and are even dishwasher safe. One drawback to silicone muffin tins is that they are quite flexible, and you may need to slide a cookie sheet beneath them when transferring them into or out of the oven. High quality silicone pans can go in the microwave, conventional oven, toaster oven, dishwasher, and freezer without being damaged, and they are non-stick and easy to clean.

Most muffin tins are very affordable, and any of the great options listed above will help make baking a breeze.

Discussion Comments

jlmk

I like silicone muffin tins as they are easy to get clean. However, they are also very easy to make a mess with too!

I did not heed the warning to put a tray beneath it when making the trip to the oven. The result was a kitchen floor covered in sticky muffin batter. Not only was it a mess, but I had used up all of my ingredients in that batch, and couldn't even make more. It was very upsetting. Now I put a tray beneath it every time.

geronimo8

I just love using stoneware. The flavor is so much better than if you use something like aluminum muffin tins.

It is true though, that the flavor gets even better with time. So make sure you do a lot of baking -- you get to enjoy delicious treats that get better and better each time!

reader888

I like the idea of non-stick muffin pans, but I have heard that some non-stick coatings may actually be a health hazard. For this reason, I'm a bit nervous about using any non-stick pans.

I haven't heard anything about silicone, so using silicon muffin tins may be a safer non-stick alternative. Although it's not as convenient, I tend to stick to using paper muffin cups. Plus, using them makes the pans a lot easier to clean.

bookworm

I prefer the dark non stick muffin tins. They heat more evenly for a better final product.

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    • Silicone is used in the manufacturing of wide array of products, including as molds for muffins.
      By: nito
      Silicone is used in the manufacturing of wide array of products, including as molds for muffins.
    • Miniature pans allow bakers to make mini muffins or cupcakes.
      By: annie1961
      Miniature pans allow bakers to make mini muffins or cupcakes.
    • Silicone muffin tins are dishwasher-safe.
      By: mitev
      Silicone muffin tins are dishwasher-safe.