This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
The best popover pans make the difference between a flat, dense roll and a tall, airy pastry. A standard muffin pan holds batter, but the shallow, wide cups can’t produce a true popover rise.
A dedicated pan for popovers solves this with deep, narrow, straight-sided cups that give rising batter something to climb. Cup depth, material, and heat circulation all affect how dramatic that rise turns out.
Cup count, cleaning needs, and construction all affect how a pan performs with everyday use. These differences are called out clearly here so you can choose what fits your kitchen and your baking style.
This review of popover pans applies our TopRatedKitchen Review Standard, focusing on performance, durability, and real-world value.
We picked our Top 5 best-in-class popover pans and if it’s listed here, it met that standard.
How We Chose These Popover Pans
- Rise Performance: Cup depth and shape that give batter something to climb for a tall rise
- Heat Circulation. An open frame design that lets hot air reach every side of each cup
- Nonstick Release. A coating or finish that releases popovers cleanly without deflating them
- Ease of Cleaning. Narrow, deep cups that don’t turn cleanup into a chore
- Value. Performance as it relates to price and build quality
Best Popover Pans at a Glance
Here’s the condensed version first, this list is the fastest way to compare the best popover pans in this Guide.
Use it to scan each pick by category, then click the product name to jump straight to the full review and see why it made the list.
Bellemain Popover Pan for Baking
- Best For: First-time popover bakers, budget bakers, dishwasher lovers
- Material: Welded Carbon Steel
- Top Feature: Deep, steep-sided cups built for a dramatic rise
- Not Ideal For: Aluminum pan loyalists, big-batch bakers, muffin bakers
Nordic Ware Grand Popover Pan
- Best For: Serious home bakers, gift shoppers, USA-made brand loyalists
- Material: Cast Aluminum
- Top Feature: Warp resistant heavy cast aluminum construction
- Not Ideal For: Dishwasher households, bargain shoppers, large-batch bakers
Fox Run Non-Stick Popover Pan, 6 Cup
- Best For: Budget bakers, dishwasher households, Yorkshire pudding fans
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Top Feature: Non-stick coating and linking wire rack frame
- Not Ideal For: PTFE/PFOA Conscious, Budget minimalists, dishwasher lovers
Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Petite Popover Pan
- Best For: Appetizer hosts, PFAS/PTFE-Conscious, USA made enthusiasts
- Material: Cast Aluminum
- Top Feature: 12 bite-sized cups with high cast aluminum performance
- Not Ideal For: Traditional popover purists, budget buyers, high heat bakers
Fox Run Linking Mini Popover Pan
- Best For: Cocktail party caterers, families with kids, value shoppers
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Top Feature: 12 linked mini cups rated oven safe to 500°F
- Not Ideal For: Toaster oven users, dishwasher user, textured pastry lovers
Our 5 Best Popover Pan Picks
Finding the right popover pan depends on your baking frequency and cleaning preferences as much as the pan itself. Material, cup depth, and dishwasher compatibility all factor into which option works best.
This list starts with our “Best Overall” recommendation and moves through other options for cast aluminum construction, easy cleanup, and bite-sized baking.
Bellemain Popover Pan for Baking
Our Rating: ★★★★★
Best For: Achieving a tall, dramatic rise thanks to deep, steep-sided cups built for climbing batter.
QUICK FACTS:
- Overall Dimensions:
- Material:
- Non-Stick:
- Max Temperature:
- Cup Count:
- Cup Size:
- Dishwasher Safe:
- Warranty:
- Origin:
- Approx. 16″ Long
- Welded Carbon Steel
- Yes
- 450°F
- 6
- 3″ Diameter x 2.25″ Deep
- Yes
- 5-Year Warranty
- Made in the USA
Why It Stands Out
- Extra-Deep Cups: Cups measuring 2.25 inches deep give batter room to climb for a taller rise
- Welded Frame: Strong welding at the edges creates a sturdy, warp-resistant baking surface
- Nonstick Release: Popovers slide out cleanly without sticking to the sides or bottom
- Dishwasher Convenience: The pan goes straight into the dishwasher instead of requiring hand scrubbing
Limitations to Consider
- Rust Issues: Despite being labeled as dishwasher-safe by some retailers, customer reviews note that washing it in the dishwasher can cause the welded joints to rust if not hand dried.
- Single Capacity Limits: With only 6 wells, you are restricted to baking six popovers at a time which may not be suited to larger families
- Bulky Storage: The extra-deep, 3.39-inch cups and wide-set frame take up significant cupboard space compared to standard flat baking sheets.
- Single-Purpose Unit: Unlike versatile muffin pans, this deep-well pan is specialized primarily for popovers and Yorkshire puddings.
Final Verdict
The Bellemain 6 Cup Popover Pan features extra deep cups that maximize heat distribution for an impressive, high rise.
Its durable carbon steel construction and slick nonstick coating allow for smooth food release and very straightforward kitchen cleanup.
However, some home bakers report that the dishwasher safe metal frame can occasionally rust if not thoroughly dried manually.
Nordic Ware Grand Popover Pan
Our Rating: ★★★★★
Best For: Even heat distribution and warp-resistant baking from heavy cast aluminum construction.
QUICK FACTS:
- Overall Dimensions:
- Material:
- Non-Stick:
- Max Temperature:
- Cup Count:
- Cup Size:
- Dishwasher Safe:
- Warranty:
- Origin:
- 14″L x 9″W x 2.125″H
- Cast Aluminum
- Yes (Made Without PFAS)
- 425°F
- 6
- 3/4-Cup Capacity per Well
- No (Hand Wash Recommended)
- 10-Year Limited Warranty
- Made in USA
Why It Stands Out
- Heavy Cast Aluminum: Warp-resistant construction holds its shape through years of regular baking
- Center Heat Vents: Built-in vents let hot air surround each cup for even cooking
- PFAS-Free Coating: The nonstick interior releases popovers cleanly without added PFAS chemicals
- Made in USA: Manufactured domestically by a family-owned brand since 1946
Limitations to Consider
- Not Dishwasher Safe: Nordic Ware recommends hand washing to protect the nonstick coating
- Higher Price Point: Cast aluminum construction costs more than the carbon steel picks in this lineup
- Size and Weight: The solid cast design takes up a lot of cabinet space for storage. And, at 2 pounds it is heavier for handling when filled with batter.
- Single Full Batch: Six cups mean a second batch is needed for larger gatherings
Final Verdict
The Nordic Ware Grand Popover Pan brings professional-grade cast aluminum construction to a home kitchen. Even heating and a PFAS-free coating make it a dependable long-term investment.
The tradeoff is hand washing and a higher price than the carbon steel options here. For serious bakers, the durability justifies the cost.
Fox Run Non-Stick Popover Pan, 6 Cup
Our Rating: ★★★★
Best For: Dishwasher cleanup without hand-scrubbing narrow, deep popover cups.
QUICK FACTS:
- Overall Dimensions:
- Material:
- Non-Stick:
- Max Temperature:
- Cup Count:
- Cup Size:
- Dishwasher Safe:
- Warranty:
- Origin:
- 15″L x 9″W x 2.25″H
- Carbon Steel
- Yes
- 446°F
- 6
- 2.75″ Diameter x 2.25″ Deep
- Yes (Top Rack Recommended)
- 5-Year Warranty (Fox Run Brands)
- China
Why It Stands Out
- Dishwasher Safe: Top-rack dishwasher cleaning skips the hand-scrubbing most popover pans require
- Wire Rack Frame: An open frame design distributes heat and air evenly around each cup
- Steep Well Design: Deep, tapered cups produce crispy sides and a beautifully puffed top
- 5-Year Warranty: Backed by Fox Run Brands’ standard bakeware warranty term
Limitations to Consider
- Carbon Steel Construction: Less warp-resistant over time than the cast aluminum picks in this lineup
- Delicate Coating: The thin non-stick finish scratches easily if it comes into contact with metal utensils. The can cause batter to stick when removing popovers.
- Corrosion Care: Rolled steel edges and welded joints trap water droplets leading to orange rust spots along the seams if not immediately towel-dryed.
- Temp. Limitations: At a maximum temperature of 446°F, it is below the recommended initial high-heat blast at 450°F.
Final Verdict
The Fox Run Non-Stick Popover Pan is the only pan in this lineup rated dishwasher safe. That convenience, paired with a steep well design, makes daily use simple.
The tradeoff is carbon steel construction and no published oven rating. For budget-conscious bakers who value easy cleanup, it’s a solid, dependable choice.
Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Petite Popover Pan
Our Rating: ★★★★
Best For: Bite-sized popovers for parties, using the same cast aluminum performance as the Grand pan.
QUICK FACTS:
- Overall Dimensions:
- Material:
- Non-Stick:
- Max Temperature:
- Cup Count:
- Cup Size:
- Dishwasher Safe:
- Warranty:
- Origin:
- 14.25″L x 8.5″W x 1.875″H
- Cast Aluminum
- Yes (Made Without PFAS)
- Oven Safe to 400°F
- 12
- 1.75″ Diameter, 1/4-Cup Capacity per Well
- No (Hand Wash Only)
- Limited Warranty
- Made in USA
Why It Stands Out
- 12 Bite-Sized Cups: Petite wells make individual portions ideal for dinner parties and gatherings
- Heavy Cast Aluminum: The same warp-resistant material used in Nordic Ware’s full-size Grand pan
- PFAS-Free Coating: Nonstick release without added PFAS chemicals in the coating
- Made in USA: Manufactured domestically by a family-owned brand since 1946
Limitations to Consider
- Not Dishwasher Safe: Nordic Ware recommends hand washing only for this pan
- No Full-Size Popovers: The petite cups can’t produce a traditional full-size popover
- Higher Price Point: Cast aluminum construction costs more than the Fox Run mini option in this lineup
- Lower Oven Rating: Rated to 400°F, lower than the Fox Run Linking Mini Pan’s 500°F rating
Final Verdict
The Nordic Ware Petite Popover Pan brings the same cast aluminum reliability as the Grand pan to bite-sized portions. It’s a strong choice for entertaining.
The tradeoff is hand washing and a lower oven rating than the Fox Run mini pan. For dinner parties and gifting, it remains a premium pick.
Fox Run Linking Mini Popover Pan
Our Rating: ★★★★
Best For: High-heat roasting up to 500°F for extra-crisp mini popovers.
QUICK FACTS:
- Overall Dimensions:
- Material:
- Non-Stick:
- Max Temperature:
- Cup Count:
- Cup Size:
- Dishwasher Safe:
- Warranty:
- Origin:
- 14.5″L x 10.75″W x 2″H
- Carbon Steel
- Yes
- Oven Safe to 500°F
- 12
- 2.3″ x 2″ per Cup
- Hand Wash Only
- 5-Year Warranty (Fox Run Brands)
- Taiwan
Why It Stands Out
- Linked Cup Design: Separated, linked cups let hot air circulate for crisp, evenly baked domes
- Highest Heat Rating: Oven safe to 500°F, the highest rating of any pan in this lineup
- Versatile Beyond Popovers: Also works well for Yorkshire pudding, panna cotta, and mini muffins
- Budget Friendly: Lower price than the Nordic Ware Petite pan for a similar 12-cup format
Limitations to Consider
- High Risk Rust: The linking wire frame and the recessed crevices around the 12 individual cups can easily trap water droplets. If you do not towel-dry the pan immediately after washing, it is highly prone to flash-rusting along the welded seams.
- Bulky Size: Measuring roughly 14.5″ x 10.75″ x 2″, the fixed metal wire framework does not collapse or stack neatly. It requires a significant amount of flat cabinet space and will not fit inside smaller countertop toaster ovens.
- Delicate Nonstick: The specialized nonstick coating can easily scratch or flake if it comes into contact with metal forks, toothpicks, or wire cooling racks. Minor surface scratches will cause the delicate mini-popover shells to stick and tear when you try to pop them out.
Final Verdict
The Fox Run Linking Mini Popover Pan combines the highest oven rating in this lineup with a budget-friendly price. It’s a versatile pick beyond popovers alone.
The tradeoff is unconfirmed dishwasher safety and carbon steel construction. For mini popovers and party appetizers, it remains an affordable, capable choice.
Popover Pans and Their Use – FAQs
What They Don’t Tell You
What a brand leaves out is frequently just as important as what they put in print. Truly understanding a product requires looking past the surface to uncover the hidden trade-offs, omissions, and fine print that manufacturers hope you will overlook. Here’s what you need to know…
The Solo Cup of Baking
Despite what manufacturers suggest, a popover pan is almost completely useless for anything other than popovers or Yorkshire puddings. Because the cups are exceptionally deep, steep, and narrow, you cannot use them to bake standard muffins or cupcakes. That would result in overfilling or ending up with disproportionate, weirdly shaped, and hard-to-frost baked goods.
The Nonstick “Grip” Gripe
To achieve a mile-high rise, popover batter must physically grip the sides of the pan as it expands. Many modern popover pans feature a nonstick, Teflon-style coating, which is notoriously too slippery for the batter to properly “climb”. As noted by baking experts, slippery nonstick surfaces cause the batter to slide, resulting in a flatter, denser product compared to bare or seasoned cast-aluminum tins.
The Cleaning Calamity
Manufacturers often market their popover pans as “dishwasher safe” for consumer convenience. However, the extremely narrow diameter and deep corners of the cups make them notoriously difficult to clean. Dishwasher detergents can also cause rust on steel pans or strip the nonstick coating over time. Proper maintenance requires rigorous hand-washing with specialized tools like a bottle brush.
A Space Odessey
Standard popover recipes often call for making 6 or 12 popovers at a time, and pans are manufactured with this exact number of cavities. The secret nobody tells you is that you usually cannot bake in every single cup simultaneously. Popovers require massive heat circulation on all sides to rise. Baking a full batch of 12 in a single pan typically results in cramped, steam-starved, and lopsided pastries. Bakers often must leave half the cups empty to allow the necessary airflow for a perfect rise.
Our Final Thoughts
Choose your popover pan based on cup depth and cleaning needs, not just cup count. The Bellemain pan is the easiest all-around starting point for most home bakers. The Nordic Ware Grand pan adds cast aluminum durability for serious, repeat use.
The Fox Run 6-Cup pan is the clear pick if dishwasher cleanup matters most to you. For bite-sized portions, the Nordic Ware Petite pan offers premium construction, while the Fox Run Linking Mini pan delivers similar results at a lower price.
Whichever pan you choose, base your decision on cup depth and material more than marketing claims alone. Match that to your baking frequency, and the rest of the decision becomes easy.
