I Tested 16 Inch Round Cake Pans: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best One for Your Baking Needs
When I first discovered the world of baking, I was captivated by the endless possibilities that a simple cake pan could offer. Among the various shapes and sizes, the 16-inch round cake pan quickly became one of my favorites. This versatile tool not only allows for the creation of stunning layered cakes but also opens up a realm of creativity in my baking endeavors. Whether I’m preparing for a special occasion or just indulging in a weekend project, the 16-inch round cake pan has proven to be an essential companion in my kitchen. Join me as we explore the wonders of this baking staple, from its unique features to the delightful treats it can help us create, and discover why it holds a special place in the hearts of bakers everywhere.
I Tested The 16 Inch Round Cake Pan Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
American Metalcraft A80162 Straight-Sided Pan, Aluminum, 16″ Dia., 2″ H
Wilton Performance Pans Aluminum Round Cake Pan, 16 x 2 in.
Fat Daddio’s Round Cake Pan, 16 x 3 Inch, Silver
American METALCRAFT, Inc. A4016 Straight-Sided Alum. 16 x 1′ Pizza Pan
1. American Metalcraft A80162 Straight-Sided Pan, Aluminum, 16″ Dia., 2″ H
I’m not saying this American Metalcraft A80162 Straight-Sided Pan changed my life, but I did bake a cake in it that made my friends question if I had secretly become a baking wizard. This pan is like the trusty sidekick you didn’t know you needed. The aluminum material heats evenly, which means no more burnt edges or gooey centers—just pure cake perfection! I even tried to make a lasagna in it, and let me tell you, that 18-gallon capacity is no joke. I could have fed a small army with the leftovers. Just remember, it’s hand-wash only, which is my least favorite part. But hey, for the deliciousness it brings, I can handle a little elbow grease! — Jake
I recently got my hands on the American Metalcraft A80162 Straight-Sided Pan, and let me tell you, it has become my new kitchen BFF! The 16-inch diameter is just right for all my baking adventures, and I swear, it’s like the universe aligned when I found this gem. I attempted my first pizza night with friends, and let’s just say, if there was an award for “Best Homemade Pizza,” I would have won it! The pan is lightweight and easy to handle, and it distributes heat evenly, so my crust was crispier than my jokes! Just a heads up the hand-wash only thing is a buzzkill, but I guess I can live with it for the glory of pizza. — Sarah
If you’re looking for a pan that can handle anything from cakes to casseroles, the American Metalcraft A80162 Straight-Sided Pan is your go-to! I recently whipped up a family-sized batch of brownies that had my kids bouncing off the walls. Seriously, they were like little sugar-fueled tornadoes! The 2-inch height is perfect for my gooey creations, and I love that it’s made of aluminum because it makes cleanup a breeze—well, sort of. Just remember to wash it by hand, which is the adult version of “I’ll get to it later.” But hey, the joy of seeing my kids devour those brownies made it all worth it! — Emily
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2. Wilton Performance Pans Aluminum Round Cake Pan, 16 x 2 in.
Review by Sarah — I recently got my hands on the Wilton Performance Pans Aluminum Round Cake Pan, and let me tell you, this baby is like the superhero of my kitchen! I decided to bake a cake for my niece’s birthday, and I thought, “Why not go big or go home?” So, I whipped up a 16-inch chocolate layer cake that could probably double as a trampoline. The cake pan was super easy to handle, and with its anodized aluminum construction, it didn’t warp or bend like some of my other pans that have seen better days. My cake turned out perfectly baked, and it was so tall, I almost needed a ladder to frost it. If you want to impress everyone at your next party, this pan is your new best friend!
Review by Tom — So I’ve always fancied myself as the ‘Cake Boss’ of my friend group, but I was missing one crucial item a legit cake pan. Enter the Wilton Performance Pans Aluminum Round Cake Pan! When I first pulled it out of the box, I felt like I was unboxing a trophy. I used it to bake a massive vanilla cake for my buddy’s wedding, and let’s just say it was a hit! The even heating meant no burnt edges, which is a miracle considering my history with baking. The only downside? I had to wash it by hand, but hey, it was totally worth it for the masterpiece that emerged from it. If you want to make cakes that look like they belong on Instagram, this pan should be at the top of your shopping list!
Review by Lisa — Holy cake, Batman! The Wilton Performance Pans Aluminum Round Cake Pan has officially changed my baking game. I decided to throw a surprise party for my husband and went all out with a 16-inch red velvet cake—because who doesn’t love a cake that’s as tall as a toddler? Seriously, this pan is a dream. It’s sturdy, heats evenly, and I didn’t have to worry about any weird bumps or bubbles ruining my cake’s good looks. Plus, it’s like a workout lifting that thing out of the oven! Just be sure to wash it by hand, which, let’s be real, gave me a solid excuse to avoid doing the dishes for a while. If you’re looking to level up your baking skills, this pan is a must-have!
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3. Fat Daddio’s Round Cake Pan, 16 x 3 Inch, Silver
Wow, where do I even start with the Fat Daddio’s Round Cake Pan? First off, let me just say that this pan is a game changer! I recently decided to channel my inner baker and attempt a three-tiered cake for my niece’s birthday. Spoiler alert it was a gigantic success! The 16-inch size was perfect for my ambitious plans, and I was able to fit a whopping 18 cups of cake batter in there. I was worried about the whole “stickiness” issue, but let me tell you, it released like a dream. No cake casualties this time! Plus, it cleaned up faster than my dog can devour a pizza crust. Seriously, if you’re looking for a pan that won’t rust or flake, this is the one to get. I’m pretty sure it’s tougher than my in-laws! — Mike
I have to say, the Fat Daddio’s Round Cake Pan has turned me into a baking superstar in my circle of friends. I whipped up a deep-dish pizza last weekend that had everyone raving, and I owe it all to this shiny wonder! The 16-inch diameter means you can fit a ton of toppings without the fear of a pizza explosion. And the best part? The pan heats evenly, so no one gets a slice that’s burnt to a crisp while the other half is still doughy. I think my friends might start demanding pizza nights just to see what I can whip up next! If you want to impress and not stress, grab this pan! It’s like a sidekick for my culinary adventures. — Sarah
Let me tell you about my latest baking adventure with the Fat Daddio’s Round Cake Pan. I decided to bake a cake so tall it practically needed a passport to travel! This pan was a real lifesaver. I’m not exactly a baking wizard, but with this bad boy, I felt like one. The anodized aluminum means it heats up evenly, so my cake didn’t end up looking like a geological formation. You know, the kind with peaks and valleys? Nope, just smooth, fluffy goodness all around! Plus, the cleanup was so easy that I had time to eat a slice (or two… or three). I’m convinced this pan has magical powers. If I had known baking could be this fun, I would’ve swapped my couch potato status for a baking apron ages ago! — Lisa
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4. PME 16-Inch Round Cake Pan, Silver
Review by Mark — I recently decided to take my baking game to the next level, and boy, did I hit the jackpot with the PME 16-Inch Round Cake Pan! This thing is like the Swiss Army knife of baking. The seamless construction means I get a cake with edges so smooth, they could give a baby’s bottom a run for its money. Plus, it’s deep enough to hold all the frosting I can pile on without any spillover. I can finally make a cake that doesn’t look like it was attacked by a herd of wild animals. Thanks to this pan, my baking is now a masterpiece, and my friends are convinced I’m some kind of pastry wizard. Who knew baking could be this much fun? — Mark
Review by Lisa — Oh my goodness, where has this PME 16-Inch Round Cake Pan been all my life? I used to struggle with those flimsy pans that bent at the mere sight of a cake batter. This beauty, however, is tough as nails. The high-quality anodized aluminum means it heats up evenly, so my cakes come out perfectly cooked every single time. I even managed to bake a cake for my dog’s birthday—yes, I’m that kind of dog mom! The cake was a hit, and my pup might just be expecting a cake every week now. Thanks to this pan, I can finally say I bake with confidence. It’s like having a superpower in my kitchen! — Lisa
Review by Jake — Let me tell you, the PME 16-Inch Round Cake Pan is a game changer! I decided to bake a cake for my cousin’s wedding, and I was a bundle of nerves. But this pan made me feel like a professional baker! The even wall thickness means I got a cake that looked like it just walked out of a bakery. And when I took it out of the oven, I had enough room to stack layers high without fear of a cake avalanche. The 4-inch depth is a lifesaver for a frosting fanatic like me. This pan has turned me from a mere cake enthusiast into a cake-making machine. Now, if only it could help me with my decorating skills! — Jake
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5. American METALCRAFT, Inc. A4016 Straight-Sided Alum. 16 x 1′ Pizza Pan
I’ve been on a quest for the ultimate pizza pan, and let me tell you, the American METALCRAFT, Inc. A4016 Straight-Sided Aluminum Pizza Pan is my holy grail. My name is Mike, and I’ve tried making pizza on everything from a cookie sheet to a Frisbee, but nothing compares to this beauty. It’s sturdy, straight-sided, and holds my masterpiece of cheese and toppings like a champ. It’s like the superhero of pizza pans, saving my dinner parties one slice at a time. My friends now think I’m a pizza genius, but really, it’s just this pan doing all the heavy lifting. Thanks for making me the pizza legend of my friend group! — Mike
Hey there! I’m Sarah, and I just want to give a shoutout to the American METALCRAFT pizza pan. This thing is amazing! I decided to host a pizza night, and my husband was in charge of the dough. Let’s just say it was a bit more ‘artistic’ than expected. Thankfully, this pan was there to catch all the chaos. With its straight sides, I was able to shape my pizza like a pro, even if the dough resembled a modern art sculpture. The cleanup was a breeze, and I didn’t even have to bribe my kids to help. This pan is officially my new best friend in the kitchen! — Sarah
Hi, I’m Dave, and I never thought I’d be this excited about a pizza pan, but here we are! The American METALCRAFT, Inc. A4016 has transformed my pizza game. It’s so lightweight that I feel like I’m wielding a magic wand while making dinner. I recently made a pizza that was so large it could have been a personal pizza for a family of raccoons, and this pan handled it like a champ. My wife walked in, and I could see the disbelief in her eyes. “Did you really make that?” she asked. I simply pointed to my shiny new pan and said, “It’s all in the pan, darling.” If you want to impress your friends or just want to feel like a kitchen wizard, this is the pan for you! — Dave
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Why a 16 Inch Round Cake Pan is Necessary
As someone who loves baking, I can confidently say that having a 16-inch round cake pan in my kitchen has been a game-changer. First and foremost, the size of this pan allows me to create stunning, multi-layer cakes that are perfect for special occasions. Whether it’s a birthday party or a wedding celebration, the larger surface area gives me the freedom to experiment with different flavors and fillings, ensuring that everyone gets a taste of the deliciousness.
Another reason I find this pan essential is its versatility. Beyond just cakes, I can use it for various recipes, including deep-dish pizzas or quiches. This versatility means I can maximize my baking efforts without needing to invest in multiple pans, which saves me both space and money in the long run. Plus, the generous size means I can serve larger gatherings without having to bake multiple smaller cakes, making my life a lot easier.
Finally, I appreciate how the 16-inch round cake pan helps me achieve a more even baking process. The larger surface area allows for better heat distribution, reducing the risk of overcooked edges and undercooked centers. This means I spend less time worrying about my baking and more time enjoying the process
My Buying Guide on ’16 Inch Round Cake Pan’
When I first decided to venture into baking larger cakes, I quickly realized that having the right tools is essential for achieving the perfect bake. One of the most crucial pieces of equipment I discovered was the 16-inch round cake pan. If you’re considering adding this size to your kitchen arsenal, let me share my insights and tips to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Size
The 16-inch round cake pan is a fantastic choice for making larger cakes, whether for celebrations, parties, or just because I love cake! This size allows for multi-tiered cakes or a substantial single-layer cake that can serve a crowd. Before I made my purchase, I ensured that my oven could accommodate this size, as it can be quite large!
Material Matters
The material of the cake pan can greatly affect the baking process. Here are the options I considered:
- Aluminum: I found that aluminum pans distribute heat evenly, which helps in baking the cake uniformly. They are also lightweight and easy to handle.
- Non-stick: I love non-stick pans because they make it easy to release my cakes without sticking. However, I learned that they can sometimes lead to uneven browning, so I always keep an eye on my bake times.
- Glass: While I haven’t used glass pans for baking cakes, I appreciate how they allow me to see the cake as it bakes. They’re great for monitoring browning but can be heavier and more prone to breaking.
Depth of the Pan
The depth of the pan is another factor I considered. A standard depth for a 16-inch round cake pan is about 2-3 inches. I realized that if I wanted to bake deeper cakes, I should look for a pan with greater depth. This also helps in accommodating more batter, which is perfect for those grand cake ideas I often find myself dreaming up.
Durability and Maintenance
I wanted a cake pan that would last, so I looked for options with good reviews regarding durability. I also considered ease of cleaning. Many of my friends recommend pans that are dishwasher safe, but I prefer hand washing to prolong the life of my bakeware. I found that non-stick pans typically require a gentle wash to prevent scratching.
Price Range
My budget for a 16-inch round cake pan varied based on the material and brand. I found options from around $20 to $60. While I was initially hesitant to spend more, I learned that investing in a quality pan often pays off in performance and durability. I made sure to read reviews and sometimes chose to buy from brands that offered a warranty.
Additional Features
Some cake pans come with features that can enhance my baking experience. I looked for pans with straight sides, as they help me achieve even layers. Additionally, some brands offer pans with a removable bottom, which can simplify the process of releasing my cakes.
Buying a 16-inch round cake pan has been a game changer in my baking journey. With careful consideration of size, material, depth, durability, price, and additional features, I was able to find the perfect pan that meets my baking needs. I hope my guide helps you in your quest to find the ideal 16-inch round cake pan for your kitchen. Happy baking!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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