If you've ever wanted to make perfectly shaped sandwich bread at home — the kind with straight sides and a fine, even crumb — you need a Pullman loaf pan. But with so many options on the market, how do you pick the right one?
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about Pullman pans: what they are, how they work, and what to look for when buying one.
What Is a Pullman Loaf Pan?
A Pullman loaf pan (also called a pain de mie pan) is a rectangular bread pan with a sliding lid. The lid creates a sealed baking environment, which gives the bread its signature square shape, tight crumb, and soft texture.
The name comes from the Pullman railroad cars of the late 1800s, where this style of bread was served because the square slices stacked neatly in the narrow galley kitchens.
Pullman Pan vs. Regular Loaf Pan: What's the Difference?
A regular loaf pan is open on top, so the bread rises freely and forms a rounded dome. A Pullman pan, on the other hand, has a lid that constrains the dough, creating a perfectly square loaf.
Regular Loaf Pan: Open top, domed shape. More open crumb structure. Great for banana bread, quick breads, and rustic loaves.
Pullman Loaf Pan with Lid: Closed top, square shape. Fine, tight crumb. Perfect for sandwich bread, French toast, and pain de mie. Can also be used without the lid for a traditional rounded loaf.
What to Look for When Choosing a Pullman Pan
Size: Pullman pans come in two main sizes. A 1 LB capacity (approximately 9 x 4 inches) is ideal for smaller households. A 2.2 LB capacity (approximately 13 x 4-5 inches) is the standard size for full-sized loaves, perfect for families.
Material: Carbon steel is lightweight, heats quickly, and usually comes with a non-stick coating — the best choice for most home bakers. Aluminized steel is used in commercial bakeries with superior heat distribution. Stainless steel is extremely durable but heavier.
Non-Stick Coating: Look for food-grade, BPA-free, PTFE-free and PFOA-free coatings. Make sure the coating covers both the interior and the lid.
Lid Design: The lid should slide on and off smoothly and lock securely. Check that the lid is also non-stick coated.
Corrugated vs. Smooth Interior: Corrugated (ridged) interiors provide better heat circulation and improved non-stick performance. This is generally preferred over smooth surfaces.
Tips for Baking with a Pullman Pan
Fill the pan about 2/3 to 3/4 full with dough. Grease the lid too — not just the pan. Let the dough proof until it's about 1/2 inch below the lid before sliding it on. Bake at 375-400°F for 25-35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
How to Care for Your Pullman Pan
Hand wash only — dishwashers damage non-stick coating. Use soft sponges, never metal scrubbers. Dry thoroughly after washing to prevent rust. Store with the lid off for air circulation.
Our Recommendation
At Spmarkt, we offer Pullman loaf pans in both 1 LB and 2.2 LB sizes, crafted from premium carbon steel with food-grade non-stick coatings. Our corrugated interior design ensures even heat distribution and easy bread release, while the sliding lid creates perfectly square loaves every time.
Ready to bake? Browse our Pullman loaf pans and start making bakery-quality bread at home.