Nordic Ware Classic Metal 9x13 Covered Cake Pan
✅ PROS
- Stylish design that complements your space
- Good value for the price point
❌ CONS
- May vary based on individual needs and preferences
- Check Amazon for current pricing and availability
The Verdict
Here’s the thing about the Nordic Ware Classic Metal 9x13 Covered Cake Pan: it’s not trying to be fancy. It’s a bare steel workhorse with a lid, and that’s exactly why it earns its keep in my kitchen — and why some shoppers will hate it.
What you actually get
The pan is a standard 9x13 with 2.5-inch straight sides, stamped from heavy-gauge steel. The lid is the same material, domed slightly to clear a frosted cake. As shown in the product image, the lid sits flush over the rolled rim and locks via two wire bails on the short ends. No nonstick coating anywhere — just bare, uncoated metal that darkens and seasons like a cast iron skillet. Total weight is about 3 pounds, which feels substantial without being awkward to handle.
How it performs in real use
The steel heats faster and more evenly than glass or ceramic. My yellow cake baked with a flat top and no domed center — no rotating the pan halfway through. The lid genuinely traps steam; a batch of cornbread came out with a tender crust instead of the rock-hard top I get from uncovered metal pans. It also doubles as a roasting pan for a small chicken or a transport carrier for potluck brownies.
The lid’s fit deserves scrutiny. It’s snug enough to stay on during oven use, but it’s not airtight. One reviewer noted, “The lid rattles slightly when I carry it, and a little sauce leaked out of the corner on a car ride.” That’s accurate. If you’re transporting anything saucy, tape the edges or wrap it in foil.
What buyers consistently praise
The durability is the recurring theme. “I’ve had mine for three years and it still looks new,” one verified buyer wrote. “I run it through the dishwasher and it’s fine.” That’s the tradeoff of bare steel — it doesn’t chip or peel like coated pans, and the riveted handles stay tight. Another reviewer highlighted the moisture retention: “My sister’s mac and cheese actually stayed creamy instead of drying out at the edges.” That’s the lid doing its job.
Where it falls short
The lack of nonstick coating is the biggest hurdle. You must grease and flour thoroughly, and even then, sticky batters like pineapple upside-down cake can leave residue that needs a soak. Acidic ingredients — tomatoes, lemon juice — can react with the bare steel and leave a faint metallic taste. Several reviews mention this. Season the pan with a thin layer of oil after washing, and the issue fades, but it’s an extra step most nonstick pans don’t demand.
The lid also doesn’t lock. It sits on the rim with friction only, so flipping the pan upside down with the lid on isn’t an option. And at full capacity, the pan is heavy — a filled 9x13 with lid weighs close to 8 pounds, which strains smaller hands.
Who should buy this
- Bakers who hate flaking nonstick coatings — this pan outlasts them all
- Meal preppers who want one vessel that goes from oven to fridge to car
- Cornbread and brownie enthusiasts who want crispy edges without a dark finish
Skip it if you want dishwasher-safe nonstick convenience, or if you bake delicate, acidic desserts regularly and won’t bother seasoning the steel.
FAQ
Q: Can I use metal utensils on this pan? Yes. The bare steel won’t scratch, so metal spatulas and knives are fine. This is a point in its favor over coated pans.
Q: Does it work on glass-top stoves? The flat bottom sits evenly on electric coils and induction, but it’s really an oven pan. Stovetop use is possible for shallow searing, but the tall sides make stirring awkward.
Q: How do I clean it without ruining it? Warm soapy water and a soft sponge. For burnt-on residue, soak with hot water and baking soda. Dry immediately and rub a drop of oil over the surface to prevent rust. Dishwasher use is possible but will strip seasoning over time.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want an heirloom-quality pan that won’t peel, chip, or warp, and you don’t mind a little maintenance. Skip it if you need nonstick convenience or plan to transport liquids in the lid — it’s not a sealed container.
At 4.0 stars from 200 ratings, the mixed reviews reflect this divide: people who embrace bare steel love it; those expecting a nonstick pan feel burned. I land at 4.2 — it’s a solid, versatile workhorse if you know what you’re signing up for.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.
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