Joybuy Insights

Buying a Muffin Tin: Materials, Sizes and Suitable Models for Your Kitchen

A muffin tin may seem straightforward at first glance. In practice, however, the material, cup design and care requirements determine whether it proves useful in everyday use. Anyone who focuses only on an eye-catching non-stick coating or a low price may overlook important details.

Typical buying mistakes include:

  • Assuming “dishwasher-safe” applies to every non-stick tin: Many coated metal tins are intended for hand washing only. Cleaning them in the dishwasher can affect the surface and its properties.
  • Not matching the number of cups to your actual needs: A muffin tin for 12 muffins is practical for families or larger batches. For smaller households, however, a more compact tin may be easier to store and fill.
  • Automatically assuming silicone is stable: A flexible silicone muffin tin is easy to remove baked goods from, but without a stabilising frame it can tip when being carried to the oven.
  • Leaving oven temperature and intended use unclear: Not every muffin tin is suitable for the microwave, grill, freezer or direct heat.

Technical details to check before buying

1. Material and heat distribution

Carbon steel and other types of steel heat up while retaining their shape well, making them suitable for classic muffins, cupcakes and savoury bakes. A non-stick carbon steel muffin tin can make releasing the muffins easier. At the same time, the coating must be protected from scratches. Metal cutlery, sharp objects and abrasive cleaners are unsuitable for many models.

A silicone muffin tin is lightweight, flexible and usually easy to remove baked goods from. For safe handling, it should either have a reinforced frame or be placed on a baking tray. Silicone tins can often be stored compactly because they can be bent or rolled.

Stoneware retains heat and can also be used as serving ware. However, it is heavier and sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. Do not place a hot tin directly on a cold or damp surface.

2. Number of cups, size and filling capacity

A muffin tin for 12 muffins is suitable for families, parties or preparing several portions. The spacing between the cups and the overall dimensions are also important. A model measuring 33 x 24 cm will not fit in every small oven and requires enough space on the oven rack.

As a general rule, fill the cups only according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For the Le Creuset Non-Stick Muffin Pan, it is recommended that the recesses be filled no more than two-thirds full. This leaves room for the batter to rise.

3. Oven safety and cleaning

Compare the stated maximum temperature with your recipes. Depending on the material, the models featured here are suitable for temperatures of up to 230 °C, 240 °C or 260 °C, for example. These temperatures do not automatically apply to hobs or naked flames.

Also pay attention to specific care instructions:

  • According to the product information, the 5five steel muffin tin is not dishwasher-safe.
  • The Le Creuset Non-Stick Muffin Pan is also intended for hand washing only.
  • The 5FIVE silicone muffin tin and several Le Creuset stoneware models are described as dishwasher-safe muffin tins.
  • The Ballarini PATISSERIE Muffin Pan is listed as having a PFAS-free coating; this model should also be cleaned by hand.

Our selection for different user profiles

The following models differ in terms of material, cleaning, stability and intended use. The selection is based on the product data provided for each model.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
5five Muffin Tin - Steel, 12-Cup, 33 x 24 x 3.8 cm

5five Muffin Tin – Steel, 12-Cup, 33 x 24 x 3.8 cm

Why this product suits this profile: This steel muffin tin has 12 cups, handles and overall dimensions of 33 x 24 x 3.8 cm. It is designed for use in the oven and is suitable for regular standard-sized batches.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states the number of cups and that the tin is not dishwasher-safe. This makes it easier to assess the cleaning effort realistically before buying.

Main benefit & strengths

12 steel cups, steel handles and a weight of 610 g. Not suitable for the microwave or dishwasher.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality standards
Le Creuset Non-Stick Muffin Pan for 12 Muffins

Le Creuset Non-Stick Muffin Pan for 12 Muffins

Why this product suits this profile: This carbon steel muffin tin has 12 deep cups, a non-stick coating and a stated oven temperature rating of up to 240 °C.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The care instructions explicitly rule out dishwasher use. Working with a soft sponge and suitable kitchen utensils from the outset helps protect the coating properly.

Main benefit & strengths

Heavy carbon steel, deep cups, a rolled rim with silicone inserts and a stated lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent bakers
MUFFINS 12 SILIC MOLD SILITOP

MUFFINS 12 SILIC MOLD SILITOP

Why this product suits this profile: This 12-cup silicone tin combines flexible cups with a steel structure. It is designed for muffins, cupcakes and other small bakes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The integrated steel structure addresses the limited inherent stability of many flexible silicone tins. The tin should still be filled on an oven rack or baking tray.

Main benefit & strengths

12 cups, 33.1 x 23.7 x 4.1 cm, a total capacity of 0.85 l and a weight of approximately 345 g.

Suitable for: Flexible kitchen organisation
5FIVE Silicone muffin mould

5FIVE Silicone muffin mould

Why this product suits this profile: This flexible food-grade silicone mould is designed for use in the oven and freezer and, according to the product information, is dishwasher-safe.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The dimensions of 35 x 20 x 4 cm and the flexible material make storage easier to plan. Before buying, check whether the mould fits on your existing oven rack.

Main benefit & strengths

100% food-grade silicone, a flexible rim, easy release and dishwasher cleaning according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

How to use and care for your muffin tin

Before using a muffin and cupcake tin for the first time, clean it with warm water and mild washing-up liquid. For coated tins, a thin layer of grease is usually sufficient unless the manufacturer’s instructions state otherwise. Silicone can also be lightly greased, particularly when using sticky or very sugary batters.

Keep the following points in mind when baking:

  1. Place flexible silicone moulds on a sturdy baking tray.
  2. Fill the cups evenly so that the baking time remains consistent.
  3. Use wooden, silicone or heat-resistant plastic utensils with coated tins.
  4. Allow the muffin tin to cool before cleaning it.
  5. Regularly check coatings and stoneware for scratches, cracks or other damage.

There are additional options for specialist tins: The Le Creuset Stackable Muffin Pan stoneware models each hold 200 ml and, according to the product information, are oven-safe up to 260 °C, dishwasher-safe and stackable. They are also suitable for individual desserts, savoury appetisers or baked eggs. For classic batches of 12, metal or silicone models with twelve cups are usually more practical.

Muffin tin FAQ

Which muffin tin is suitable for twelve muffins?

A 12-cup muffin tin makes sense if you want to prepare a standard baking mix or several portions at the same time. Before buying, check the overall dimensions, cup width and maximum oven temperature.

Is a silicone muffin tin better than a metal tin?

That depends on how you intend to use it. Silicone is flexible, lightweight and often dishwasher-safe. Metal or carbon steel is rigid and distributes heat according to the specific construction. With silicone, a sturdy base is recommended for carrying the tin.

How long does a non-stick muffin tin last?

There is no universal answer for its service life. It depends on use, cleaning, temperature and storage. Do not use sharp or abrasive objects, do not exceed the stated temperature and replace the tin if the coating is visibly damaged.