5 Best Pans for Frying Donuts in 2026 [Expert Tested]
Hot oil, soft dough, and the right pan can turn simple ingredients into perfect donuts. A good frying pan helps control heat, keeps oil steady, and cooks each donut evenly. Poor pans cause burnt edges, uneven color, or greasy texture. That ruins the taste and the look.
This guide shares five of the best pans for frying donuts at home. Each option offers strong heat control, durable material, and enough depth for safe frying. Some pans suit beginners, while others work well for frequent cooking. Clear details help you pick the right one for your kitchen.
Great donuts need more than a good recipe. The right pan plays a big role in texture, color, and flavor. Read on to find a pan that fits your needs and helps you fry donuts that look and taste amazing every time.
5 Best Pans for Frying Donuts
Our Top 5 Best Pans For Frying Donuts Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Bellemain 12.5” Nonstick Donut Pan with 6 Molds for Baking Perfect Bagels and Cake Donuts
The Bellemain Premiere Donut Pan is a standout choice for bakers who want professional-quality results at home. Made from heavy-duty steel with a premium nonstick coating, this pan delivers perfectly shaped donuts and bagels every time no warping, no sticking, and minimal cleanup.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Heavy-duty steel construction resists warping during high-heat baking
✓ Premium nonstick coating ensures easy release and quick cleanup
✓ 6-cavity design makes full-sized donuts and bagels
✓ Oven safe up to 450°F for versatile baking options
✓ Dishwasher safe (though hand washing is recommended for longevity)
Why We Recommend It
This pan consistently produces evenly baked, golden-brown donuts with clean edges and no broken centers. It’s durable enough for daily use yet refined enough for gifting. If you want reliability and performance in one package, this is it.
Best For
Home bakers who want restaurant-quality donuts without the oil or mess of frying. Ideal for families, weekend bakers, or anyone making gluten-free or cake-based donuts.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent heat distribution prevents hot spots
- Sturdy build lasts for years with proper care
- Nonstick surface works flawlessly with minimal greasing
- Compact size fits most standard ovens
Cons:
- Hand wash recommended to preserve coating
- Slightly heavier than silicone alternatives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I love these donut pans! This was my first and second attempt at making donuts and they came out great! The pans are heavy duty (doesn’t warp during baking) and easy to use. My donuts came out perfect both times … no sticking and the pans were easy to clean, dry and store.”
Customer Review: “Top of the chart for baking donuts. Easy clean up and these are the best made I have seen. The price was perfect. No issues with these. I love this product and rated them as a 5 star.”
2. NutriChef 6-Cavity Nonstick Donut Pans, Oven Safe to 450°F, Fits Full-Sized Donuts and Bagels
The NutriChef set includes two 6-cavity donut pans, giving you the flexibility to bake a full dozen donuts at once. Crafted from carbon steel with a reinforced nonstick coating, these pans offer even heat distribution and effortless release perfect for busy mornings or batch baking.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Set of two pans lets you bake 12 donuts simultaneously
✓ Carbon steel construction ensures durability and even baking
✓ Nonstick coating requires little to no grease
✓ Oven safe up to 450°F for wide recipe compatibility
✓ Resists warping and maintains shape over time
Why We Recommend It
Having two pans means you can double your output without refilling or waiting. The consistent performance and sturdy build make this set ideal for families or frequent bakers who value efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Best For
Anyone who regularly bakes in batches think birthday parties, brunch hosts, or meal preppers. Also great for trying multiple recipes at once (e.g., glazed and chocolate donuts).
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Double the capacity with two included pans
- Even browning thanks to excellent heat conduction
- Easy release donuts pop out intact every time
- Affordable price for a dual-pan set
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe hand wash only
- Edges can be sharp; handle with care
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This set includes two six-count donut pans, which is perfect for making a full batch at once. The non-stick coating works really well the donuts release easily and keep their shape. The pans feel sturdy, bake evenly, and clean up quickly with minimal effort. A great choice for homemade donuts.”
Customer Review: “The NutriChef Non-Stick Donut Pans are a hit in my house! I got these for my wife as she wanted to try making donuts herself. There are two pans in the set and each makes 6 donuts at a time. The weight and Non-Stick coating on the pans show the high level of quality!”
3. Large 9-Cavity Silicone Donut Pan, BPA Free, Non-Stick, Dishwasher Safe for Baking Donuts and Bagels
If you’re looking for an affordable, flexible, and easy-to-clean option, this 9-cavity silicone donut pan is a fantastic pick. Made from 100% BPA-free food-grade silicone, it’s naturally nonstick, dishwasher safe, and perfect for small-batch baking or experimenting with new recipes.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 9 cavities allow for more donuts per batch than standard 6-cavity pans
✓ Flexible silicone design makes unmolding a breeze
✓ BPA-free and food-safe materials
✓ Dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleanup
✓ Compact and space-saving storage
Why We Recommend It
Silicone pans like this one are forgiving and beginner-friendly. Even if you slightly underbake or overfill, the flexibility helps you get intact donuts out every time. Plus, the extra cavities mean more treats with less oven time.
Best For
New bakers, kids’ cooking projects, or anyone who wants a low-maintenance pan for occasional use. Also great for keto, vegan, or specialty diets where recipe testing is common.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Super easy to clean just toss in the dishwasher
- Flexible material prevents cracking or breaking
- More cavities = more donuts per batch
- Lightweight and easy to store
Cons:
- Less structural support can sag in the oven without a tray underneath
- May require longer baking times due to silicone’s lower heat conductivity
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Lately I have come across myriad of recipes that require a donut pan which are not donuts LoL. I have resisted them up to this point, but I finally found a ‘keto friendly’ appetizer recipe that I had to try and thus the need to order this type of pan.”
Customer Review: “Have used this once so far…never made donuts in the past…am after a recipe that I can endure. The silicone donut pan worked fine. I sprayed down with Pam oil and filled the mold just shy of the top. Baked for about 30 minutes. The donuts turned out fine…a little bland;”
4. 3-Pack Silicone Donut Pans, 6-Cavity Non-Stick Molds for Baking Doughnuts and Bundt Cakes
This versatile 3-pack includes round, heart, and pumpkin-shaped silicone pans perfect for themed baking throughout the year. Each pan has 6 cavities and is made from food-grade silicone, offering fun shapes without compromising on function.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Three unique shapes: round, heart, and pumpkin
✓ Food-grade silicone is safe, reusable, and flexible
✓ Dishwasher safe and easy to store
✓ Great for donuts, mini cakes, or even ice molds
✓ Ideal for seasonal baking (Valentine’s, Halloween, etc.)
Why We Recommend It
These pans add creativity to your baking routine. Whether you’re making heart-shaped donuts for Valentine’s Day or pumpkin-shaped treats for fall, they deliver consistent results with zero sticking.
Best For
Families with kids, holiday bakers, or anyone who loves themed desserts. Also useful for non-donut recipes like mini bundts, gelatin molds, or soap making.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fun shapes encourage creativity in the kitchen
- Easy release and cleanup
- Multi-use beyond donuts (great for crafts too!)
- Space-efficient nesting design
Cons:
- Shapes may not be uniform if not placed on a flat baking sheet
- Smaller cavity size than standard full-sized donut pans
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great pan for easy breakfast donuts for the kids! Shape it perfect for little hands to grab once done. Easily cleaned in the sink and set to dry.”
Customer Review: “I’m pretty happy with these, I use them for making air fried donuts at home. While they don’t come out looking absolutely store bought perfect in shape, they look good enough for me to enjoy at home. I can cover any slight imperfections with frosting.”
5. Wilton 6-Cavity Non-Stick Donut Baking Pan, Dishwasher Safe, Makes Full-Sized 3¾” Donuts
A trusted name in baking, Wilton delivers reliability with this 6-cavity steel donut pan. Designed for full-sized 3¾” donuts, it’s perfect for classic cake donuts and even mini bundt cakes. The nonstick coating and dishwasher-safe design make it a practical everyday choice.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Makes large, full-sized donuts (3¾” diameter)
✓ Steel construction with durable nonstick finish
✓ Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
✓ Compatible with most standard donut recipes
✓ Trusted brand with decades of baking expertise
Why We Recommend It
Wilton is known for quality, and this pan lives up to the reputation. It’s simple, effective, and built to last—ideal for bakers who want no-fuss performance from a reputable brand.
Best For
Traditional bakers who prefer metal pans over silicone. Great for gift-giving, especially for bridal showers or housewarmings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Produces large, satisfying donuts
- Dishwasher safe unlike many nonstick metal pans
- Even baking with no dark spots
- Affordable and widely available
Cons:
- Only 6 cavities (less output per batch)
- Nonstick coating may wear over time with abrasive scrubbing
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great for Gluten Free baking and the donuts are such a cute size. Donuts slip out easily, no problem. Would buy again if need for shower gift or birthday for my granddaughter.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Pans for Frying Donuts
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best pan for frying (or baking) donuts, we evaluate several key factors: material (steel vs. silicone), cavity count, nonstick performance, ease of cleaning, and durability.
Steel pans offer superior heat distribution and structure, while silicone provides flexibility and easy release. Consider whether you want full-sized donuts or mini versions, and whether you prioritize speed, health (baking vs. frying), or versatility.
Budget Planning
Prices for donut pans range from under $15 for basic silicone sets to around $25–$30 for premium steel options. The Bellemain and NutriChef pans offer the best value for performance, while silicone packs like the 3-shape set are great for occasional or themed use. Invest in steel if you bake often; choose silicone for convenience and low-cost experimentation.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking healthier donuts at home or crafting festive treats for special occasions, the right pan makes all the difference. Our top picks balance quality, usability, and value – so you can focus on enjoying the process (and the results!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use these pans for frying donuts in oil?
A: No, these are baking pans, not frying vessels. They’re designed for oven use to bake donuts instead of deep-frying. If you want fried donuts, you’ll need a deep pot or fryer with oil. These pans give you the same shape and texture with less fat and mess.
Q: Do I need to grease the pan before baking?
A: Most nonstick pans (especially steel ones) require minimal or no greasing. However, for silicone pans or extra insurance, a light spray of oil or parchment paper can help—especially with sticky batters like chocolate or caramel.
Q: Are silicone donut pans safe for the oven?
A: Yes, as long as they’re labeled BPA-free and food-grade. Always check the temperature rating—most are safe up to 450°F, but avoid placing them directly on heating elements.
Q: How many donuts can I make at once?
A: It depends on the pan. Standard pans have 6 cavities, but some (like the 9-cavity silicone option) let you bake more. The NutriChef set includes two 6-cavity pans, so you can make 12 at once.
Q: Can I make bagels in these donut pans?
A: Absolutely! Many of these pans especially the Bellemain and Wilton are marketed for both donuts and bagels. Just adjust baking time slightly, as bagel dough is denser.
