Last Updated on January 31, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing, here are my top three 9×13 pans:
Best Overall: DOWAN Ceramic Baking Dish – Perfect heat distribution and beautiful design
Best Value: Nordic Ware Metal Pan – Durable and budget-friendly with a lid
Best Premium: MALACASA Ceramic Dish – Extra deep with stunning aesthetic
I baked lasagna, roasted chicken, and made brownies in each pan. I also tested how they clean and hold up to daily use.
Our Expertise
I’ve been baking for over 15 years. I test kitchen tools in my home every week.
I cook for my family of four daily. I make casseroles, lasagnas, and desserts multiple times per week.
For this guide, I bought all three pans with my own money. I used each one for at least 10 different recipes. I tested them in ovens at different temps.
I also washed each pan by hand and in the dishwasher. I checked for chips, cracks, and stains.
My goal was simple: find which 9×13 pan works best for real home cooks.
1. DOWAN Ceramic Baking Dish – Best Overall Pick
The DOWAN is my top choice. It’s beautiful, durable, and cooks food evenly.
Product Features
- Size: 15.6″ L x 9.3″ W x 3.1″ H
- Capacity: 4.2 quarts (135 oz)
- Material: Pro-grade ceramic
- Heat safe: Up to 500°F
- Weight: 2.43 kg (5.4 lbs)
- Handles: Double grip design
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Color options: Soft white, black, blue, red
- Non-stick glaze coating
What I Like
The soft white color looks great on my table. I can go from oven to serving without switching dishes.
The handles stay cool enough to grab with oven mitts. They’re thick and easy to grip.
The ceramic heats evenly. My lasagna cooked perfectly with no burnt edges.
The glaze is smooth. Food slides right out after I serve.
It’s deep enough for layered dishes. I made a four-layer lasagna with no overflow.
Why It’s Better
Most ceramic pans are too shallow. This one is 3.1 inches deep.
The glaze quality beats cheaper pans. I’ve used it 20+ times with no chips or cracks.
It’s lighter than other ceramic dishes. My old casserole dish weighed almost 4 pounds empty.
The price point is fair. You get pro-grade ceramic for under $30.
How It Performed
I tested this pan with five different recipes:
Lasagna: Cooked in 45 minutes at 375°F. The edges were golden and crispy. The center was hot and bubbly. No cold spots.
Chicken and potatoes: I roasted a whole cut-up chicken with potatoes at 425°F. Everything browned evenly. The chicken skin was crispy.
Brownies: I baked brownies at 350°F for 30 minutes. They came out fudgy in the middle with crisp edges. Perfect texture.
Mac and cheese: The cheese on top got golden and bubbly. The pasta on the bottom didn’t stick at all.
Bread pudding: This was the real test. Egg-based dishes can stick. The pudding slid right out after cooling for 10 minutes.
How I Clean It
I usually hand wash with warm soapy water. A soft sponge wipes it clean in seconds.
I’ve also run it through the dishwasher 10+ times. No issues with the glaze.
For stuck-on cheese, I soak it for 15 minutes. Then it wipes clean easily.
I never use steel wool or harsh scrubbers. They’re not needed and could scratch the glaze.
Testing Results
After three weeks of heavy use:
- No chips or cracks
- No stains from tomato sauce
- Glaze still perfectly smooth
- Handles still secure
- Heats evenly every time
- Still looks brand new
Rating: 9.5/10
The only downside? It doesn’t come with a lid. But that’s minor for me.
2. MALACASA Ceramic Casserole Dish – Best Premium Option
The MALACASA is gorgeous. It’s my choice for serving guests.
Product Features
- Size: 13.7″ L x 9.2″ W x 3.4″ H
- Capacity: 4.8 quarts
- Material: Premium ceramic
- Heat safe: Oven, microwave, dishwasher
- Weight: 7.1 pounds
- Handles: Enhanced grip design
- Color: Khaki and white with black spots
- Deep design for layered dishes
What I Like
The design is stunning. The khaki color with small black spots looks rustic and elegant.
It’s the deepest pan I tested. The 3.4-inch depth means I can make extra-large portions.
The handles are thicker than the DOWAN. They’re very secure and comfortable.
Heat distribution is excellent. I never get hot spots or burnt edges.
It’s heavy, which feels sturdy and premium.
Why It’s Better
The capacity beats most 9×13 pans. I can fit more food in this dish.
The aesthetic is unique. Most ceramic pans are plain white or solid colors.
The build quality is top-notch. It feels like it will last for years.
It comes from a trusted brand. MALACASA has great customer service.
How It Performed
I put this pan through the same tests:
Lasagna: Held five layers easily. I usually make four-layer lasagna, but this pan had room for more. It cooked evenly at 375°F.
Chicken thighs with vegetables: Eight chicken thighs fit perfectly with room for veggies around them. Everything roasted beautifully at 425°F.
Brownies: The deeper pan made thicker brownies. They were fudgy and perfect. Baked at 350°F for 35 minutes.
Baked ziti: I made a huge batch for a family gathering. The depth was perfect. The top got crispy while the bottom stayed moist.
Apple crisp: The fruit filling bubbled perfectly. The topping got golden and crunchy. No overflow despite the juicy filling.
How I Clean It
This pan is heavier, so I usually wash it in the sink instead of the dishwasher.
Warm water and dish soap work great. The glaze is smooth and releases food easily.
I’ve never had to scrub hard. Even baked-on cheese comes off with a soak.
The khaki color hides stains better than white pans.
Testing Results
After three weeks:
- No chips despite being heavier
- Glaze still perfect
- No discoloration
- Handles remain sturdy
- Cooks evenly every time
- Gets compliments from guests
Rating: 9/10
The weight is the only drawback. At 7.1 pounds empty, it’s heavy when full of food.
3. Nordic Ware Metal Cake Pan – Best Value
The Nordic Ware is a classic. It’s affordable and comes with a lid.
Product Features
- Material: Pure aluminum
- Exterior: 15.63″ x 9.63″ x 3.25″
- Interior: 13″ x 9″ x 2.5″
- Includes: Fitted lid
- Heat safe: Oven safe
- Made in: USA
- Finish: Natural aluminum
- Reinforced steel rim
- Hand wash only
What I Like
The price is unbeatable. It costs less than $25 with a lid included.
The lid is perfect for transport. I bring dishes to potlucks without spills.
It’s lightweight. Even when full, it’s easy to carry.
Aluminum heats up fast. My oven time is often shorter with this pan.
The steel rim prevents warping. I’ve used it at high heat with no issues.
Why It’s Better
You can’t beat the value. Two ceramic pans cost more than this metal one with a lid.
It’s made in the USA. The quality control is excellent.
The aluminum conducts heat better than ceramic. Food cooks faster and more evenly.
It will never rust. Pure aluminum lasts forever if you care for it properly.
How It Performed
I tested it with the same recipes:
Lasagna: Cooked faster than in ceramic pans. Done in 40 minutes at 375°F. The edges were perfectly browned.
Roasted chicken: The chicken skin got super crispy. The aluminum’s heat conductivity made a difference. Cooked at 425°F.
Brownies: These were the best brownies I made. The edges were crispy and the center was fudgy. The aluminum created perfect texture.
Sheet cake: I made a vanilla sheet cake. It rose evenly with no dome in the middle. The crumb was perfect.
Enchiladas: The tortillas on the edges got crispy. The center stayed moist. Everything heated through evenly.
How I Clean It
This pan requires hand washing. Dishwashers can discolor aluminum.
I wash it with warm water and mild soap. I dry it right away to prevent water spots.
For stuck-on food, I make a paste with baking soda and water. I let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe clean.
I avoid harsh scrubbers. A soft sponge works fine.
Testing Results
After three weeks:
- No warping at high heat
- Rim still perfectly straight
- Lid fits snugly
- Minor discoloration (normal for aluminum)
- Heats incredibly fast
- Still performs like new
Rating: 8.5/10
The aluminum can discolor over time. It’s just cosmetic, but some people mind it.
You also can’t use metal utensils as freely. Aluminum scratches more easily than ceramic.
Detailed Comparison: Ceramic vs Metal
Heat Distribution
Ceramic heats slowly and evenly. It holds heat longer after you remove it from the oven.
Metal heats up fast. Aluminum is the best conductor. Your food cooks quicker.
For lasagna and casseroles, both work great. For cakes and brownies, I prefer metal.
Durability
Ceramic can chip if you drop it. But it won’t scratch from utensils.
Metal won’t shatter. But it can scratch and dent.
Both will last years with proper care.
Cleaning
Ceramic is easier. Most are dishwasher safe. The glaze prevents sticking.
Metal requires hand washing. It can discolor in the dishwasher.
Ceramic wins for convenience.
Appearance
Ceramic looks beautiful. You can serve directly from it.
Metal looks functional. You’ll probably transfer food to a serving dish.
If presentation matters, choose ceramic.
Price
Metal pans are cheaper. The Nordic Ware costs about $23.
Ceramic ranges from $30-$40. But you’re paying for aesthetics and convenience.
Weight
Metal is lighter. The Nordic Ware weighs much less than ceramic options.
If you have wrist or arm issues, metal is easier to handle.
What to Look for in a 9×13 Pan
Size and Capacity
Check the actual interior dimensions. Some pans labeled 9×13 are smaller inside.
Look for at least 3 inches of depth. Shallow pans overflow with layered dishes.
The DOWAN and MALACASA both have great depth.
Material Quality
For ceramic, check for pro-grade or porcelain. Cheap ceramic chips easily.
For metal, pure aluminum is best. Avoid thin aluminum that warps.
Handles
Handles must be large enough for oven mitts. Small handles are dangerous.
They should be securely attached. Weak handles can break when the pan is full.
Test the grip before you buy if possible.
Heat Resistance
Ceramic should handle at least 450°F. The best go up to 500°F.
Metal typically handles higher temps. But check the manufacturer’s specs.
Warranty and Return Policy
Good brands stand behind their products. Check the return policy.
MALACASA offers free replacements for defects. That’s reassuring.
How I Tested These Pans
Week 1: Baking Tests
I made lasagna in each pan on the same day. I used the same recipe and oven temp.
I tracked cooking times. I checked for hot spots and uneven browning.
I measured how well each pan released the lasagna.
Week 2: Roasting Tests
I roasted chicken and vegetables in each pan.
I checked for sticking. I looked at browning patterns.
I tested how easy cleanup was after roasting.
Week 3: Dessert Tests
I baked brownies, sheet cake, and apple crisp.
I evaluated texture and doneness.
I checked for warping or damage from repeated use.
Daily Use
I used each pan for regular weeknight dinners.
I washed them different ways to test durability.
I looked for chips, cracks, scratches, and stains.
My Top Recommendation
For most people, I recommend the DOWAN Ceramic Baking Dish.
It’s affordable, beautiful, and performs excellently.
The 4.2-quart capacity handles family meals perfectly. The depth prevents overflow.
It goes from oven to table. You don’t need separate serving dishes.
The quality is outstanding for the price. It will last for years.
When to Choose MALACASA
Pick the MALACASA if you want the deepest pan. The 4.8-quart capacity is huge.
It’s also the best choice if aesthetics matter. The khaki and white design is gorgeous.
The extra depth helps with large gatherings. You can make bigger portions.
When to Choose Nordic Ware
Choose the Nordic Ware if you’re on a budget. It’s the cheapest option.
It’s also best if you want a lid. The fitted cover is great for transport.
If you bake a lot of cakes and brownies, the aluminum is ideal. It creates perfect texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a standard 9×13 pan?
A standard 9×13 pan measures 9 inches by 13 inches at the top. Interior dimensions vary. Most are about 8.5 x 12.5 inches inside. Check the product specs for exact measurements.
Can I use a metal 9×13 pan for lasagna?
Yes. Metal pans work great for lasagna. They heat up faster than ceramic. Your lasagna will cook in less time. Just watch for burning on the edges at high heat.
Are ceramic baking dishes better than metal?
It depends on your needs. Ceramic looks nicer and goes from oven to table. Metal heats faster and costs less. For casseroles, I prefer ceramic. For cakes, I prefer metal.
How do I prevent food from sticking?
Spray the pan with cooking oil before adding food. For ceramic, the non-stick glaze helps. For metal, greasing is more important. Let food cool slightly before serving.
Can I put a 9×13 pan in the dishwasher?
Ceramic pans are usually dishwasher safe. Check the product details. Metal pans should be hand washed. Dishwashers can discolor aluminum and damage non-stick coatings.
What’s the best 9×13 pan for brownies?
Metal pans make the best brownies. The aluminum creates crispy edges and a fudgy center. The Nordic Ware is my top choice for brownies and cakes.
How deep should a 9×13 pan be?
Look for at least 3 inches of depth. This prevents overflow with layered dishes. The MALACASA at 3.4 inches is the deepest I tested. Shallow pans work for sheet cakes but not casseroles.
Final Thoughts
After testing all three pans, I have a clear winner.
The DOWAN Ceramic Baking Dish is the best overall choice.
It balances price, performance, and beauty perfectly. It cooks food evenly. It looks great on the table. It’s easy to clean.
I use mine at least three times per week. It’s become my go-to pan for everything from lasagna to brownies.
The MALACASA is excellent if you need extra depth. The Nordic Ware is perfect for budget shoppers or cake bakers.
You can’t go wrong with any of these three. They all performed well in my tests.
Choose based on your priorities: aesthetics, capacity, or price.
No matter which you pick, you’ll have a quality 9×13 pan that lasts for years.
Ready to upgrade your baking?
Get the DOWAN Ceramic Dish on Amazon
Check the MALACASA Premium Option
View the Nordic Ware Value Pick
Happy baking!