A Pullman pan is a loaf pan with a sliding lid. With the lid on, the dough fills the square tin and bakes into even, flat-topped slices for sandwiches. With the lid off, you get a domed loaf. Most are aluminized or carbon steel, and size is stated in inches or dough weight.
The six picks below include two USA Pan sizes, three carbon steel pans and a ceramic covered baker. Sizes and materials come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these pans ourselves. Coating claims are the makers’ own.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Size | Match the pan to your dough weight, such as 1 lb |
| Material | Aluminized steel, carbon steel and ceramic heat differently |
| Coating | A non-stick finish eases release of the loaf |
| Lid | A sliding lid gives flat, square slices |
Specs at a Glance
| Pan | Size | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA Pan 9 x 4 | 9 x 4 x 4 in | Aluminized steel | Americoat finish; made in the USA |
| USA Pan 13 x 4 | 13 x 4 x 4 in; 14.25 in with lid | Aluminized steel | Americoat finish; made in the USA |
| KITESSENSU | Outside 8.27 x 4.8 x 4.53 in | Carbon steel | 1 lb dough; up to 450 F per maker |
| CARTMAN 2-pack | 8.4 x 4.7 x 4.1 in each | Carbon steel | Two pans, spatula and brush; bottom vents |
| CHEFMADE | Outside 7.9 x 4.5 x 4.4 in | Carbon steel | 450 g dough capacity; 0.5 mm steel |
| Emile Henry baker | 13.4 x 5.3 x 5.5 in | Ceramic | Domed lid; oven, freezer and microwave safe |
The 6 Best Pullman Pans
1. USA Pan Pullman Loaf Pan With Cover, 9 x 4 inch
A 9 by 4 by 4 inch pan made in the USA from aluminized steel, with a cover and an Americoat finish the maker describes as PTFE, PFOA and BPA free.
Suits: a medium square loaf. Strengths: a USA-made steel pan with a cover. Weaknesses: the listing gives no dough weight. Skip it if you want a two-pan set.
2. USA Pan Pullman Loaf Pan With Cover, 13 x 4 inch
The large version, with a 13 by 4 by 4 inch baking surface and 14.25 by 4.5 by 4 inches with the lid on. It uses the same aluminized steel and Americoat finish.
Suits: full-length sandwich loaves. Strengths: listed sizes both with and without the lid. Weaknesses: long, so check your oven. Skip it if you bake small loaves.
3. KITESSENSU Pullman Loaf Pan With Lid, 1 lb
A carbon steel pan for 1 lb of dough, with an outside size of 8.27 by 4.8 by 4.53 inches and an inside size of 7.5 by 4 by 4.4 inches. The maker lists a limit of 450 degrees F and says it is dishwasher safe, advising a full dry afterward.
Suits: a small sandwich loaf. Strengths: both inner and outer sizes stated. Weaknesses: corners must be dried after washing. Skip it if you want a hotter oven.
4. CARTMAN 2-Pack 1 LB Pullman Loaf Pan With Lid
Two carbon steel pans of 8.4 by 4.7 by 4.1 inches, each for 1 lb of dough, plus a silicone spatula and pastry brush. The lid slides on for square slices or stays off for a domed loaf, and the bottom has vents for air flow.
Suits: baking two loaves. Strengths: two pans and two tools. Weaknesses: a 1 lb size only. Skip it if you need a 13 inch pan.
View CARTMAN 2-Pack 1 LB Pullman Loaf Pan with Lid, Carbon Steel Set, Black on Amazon
5. CHEFMADE Pullman Loaf Pan With Lid, 1 Lb
A small champagne gold carbon steel pan, 7.9 by 4.5 by 4.4 inches outside, made from 0.5 mm steel with a 450 g dough capacity that the maker says yields a 400 g loaf. It targets one or two people and shokupan-style bread.
Suits: small households. Strengths: a stated loaf yield. Weaknesses: a small loaf. Skip it if you feed a family.
6. Emile Henry Ceramic Pullman Bread Baker
A burgundy ceramic baker, 13.4 by 5.3 by 5.5 inches, with a domed lid that the maker says traps steam for a crisp crust. It is listed as freezer, microwave and oven safe, and as dishwasher safe. Note it is an oval baker, not a square tin.
Suits: crusty artisan loaves. Strengths: a domed lid and ceramic walls. Weaknesses: it will not make square slices. Skip it if you want sandwich loaves.
View Emile Henry Ceramic Pullman Bread Baker, 13.4″ x 5.3″ x 5.5″, Burgundy on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Grease or line the pan, even if it is coated.
- Do not use sharp tools on coated surfaces.
- Dry corners fully after washing.
- Fill dough to the weight the listing states.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling a pan with the lid on.
- Skipping greasing and losing the crust.
- Buying 13 inch pans for a small oven.
- Expecting a ceramic baker to make square slices.
Pullman Pan FAQ
Do I have to use the lid?
No. Several makers say you can bake with the lid off for a domed loaf.
How much dough fits?
Go by the maker’s stated capacity, such as 1 lb, rather than the pan length alone.
The Short Version
For a medium USA-made pan, the USA Pan 9 x 4. For a full-length loaf, the USA Pan 13 x 4. For a stated inner size, the KITESSENSU. For two loaves, the CARTMAN. For a small household, the CHEFMADE. For crusty round bread, the Emile Henry.
