10 Best Ramekins in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)
Are you looking for the best way to make small individual desserts such as crème brûlée or soufflé? Or maybe you need some individual dishes to serve sauces or dips? Ramekins are the ideal dishes for both of these jobs and more. They can be used to oven bake that perfect sweet dish or refrigerate a fruit tart. With so many ramekins available, however, it can be difficult to know which ones to choose.
That's why we've searched to find the best ramekins on the market. We chose the Bellemain Porcelain Ramekins as our favorites due to their classic design and great resistance to low and high heat. We've also picked our 10 best ramekins and have a buying guide reviewed by a professional chef to help you make your own choice.
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
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How to Choose Ramekins
Unsure which set of ramekins is the best for you? We have created the following guide to discuss the essential features and factors to consider while buying a set of ramekins.
Pick a Material Based on Performance and Durability
Ramekins are available in a variety of materials, like ceramic, glass, metal and silicone. What you choose affects how you can cook with them as well as clean-up.
Ceramic Ramekins Are the Best Overall
The most common material used for ramekins is ceramic. This is because it holds heat well and offers good thermal shock resistance, whether in a dishwasher or freezer. You generally don't need to worry about a ceramic ramekin shattering under the heat of your oven as the material can withstand high temperatures. Ceramic ramekins are also suited for desserts that are served cold, such as flans, as they can withstand low temperatures, too.
Due to the high glaze finish of most ceramic ramekins, they're naturally non-stick and this makes them easy to clean. Although many ceramic ramekins will be dishwasher-safe, if you want to prolong their shine and prevent chips to the glaze, it's advised to wash them by hand. You should use soapy water and soft materials to clean them, as metal pads or harsh cleaners can also damage the material.
Porcelain is a form of ceramic that's fired at higher temperatures than stoneware, and has a denser composition, so it's more resistant to cracks and chips than stoneware is. Both materials are very breakable if dropped, so be careful when you handle them, especially if they've just come out of the oven. Neither material is likely to survive a drop to the floor.
Stoneware, another type of ceramic, has a more earthy look than the fine white color associated with porcelain. Stoneware ramekins are usually thicker than porcelain ones.
Ceramic ramekins should be suitable for any ramekin use. They can be used in the oven, are safe for use with torches, and can also be used as serving dishes for sauces as the material doesn't capture odors. They're all usually dishwasher-safe, but washing by hand will prolong their life and shine.
Metal or Glass for More Specific Use
Metal ramekins are commonly made of stainless steel or aluminum. Stainless steel ramekins conduct heat well and are ideal for dishes that bake at high temperatures, like soufflés. Baked goods can easily stick to metal ramekins, so you will need to oil or butter them first, which can affect some recipes.
Most disposable ramekins are made from aluminum, and these are often used to serve muffins, crème brûlée, and puddings on special occasions. A good use for them is in a situation such as a bake sale, where getting bakeware back might not be an option. With disposable ramekins, you don't need to worry about anything being returned.
No matter the material, most metal ramekins are freezer-, oven-, and dishwasher-safe, although you should always check this before use. Metal ramekins will, of course, not be microwave safe. Due to their sleek appearance and stickiness, they are more commonly used for serving sauces, dips, or salad dressings instead of as bakeware.
Not all glass is oven-safe, so make sure you check before you use it. Ramekins that are made from tempered or borosilicate glass will be safe for use with high temperatures, but other types of glass might not be. Check with the manufacturer if you're not sure. Although your ramekin might be oven-safe, it's not recommended to use glass with open flames, so avoid using a torch to caramelize a crème brûlée topping.
Sudden temperature changes can shatter glass so don't use glass ramekins with any recipe that requires being transferred directly from the oven to the fridge or freezer. Glass can be used in the freezer, but if it is hot first, let it gradually cool down before putting it inside. Glass is an easy-to-clean material and is usually dishwasher-safe. It's often suggested to clean it on the top shelf only to prevent breakage. You can also clean it by hand with soap and water.
Overall, glass shares some similarities with ceramic but isn't as heat-resistant. Like ceramic, glass is also very likely to break if dropped or handled too roughly. In most circumstances, ceramic will outperform glass as a ramekin. However, if you're making a layered dessert and want the layers to be seen, then glass is the best choice. It can also be used for dips and sauces and won't absorb any odors.
Silicone Is Flexible and Versatile
Silicone isn't as common as the previous materials discussed, but it is still possible to find silicone ramekins. The material is commonly used for bakeware because it can withstand high and low temperatures and is naturally non-stick. Plus, the flexibility of silicone makes it easier to pop out your baked good when it is done.
However, silicone isn't always safe at the highest of heats. Some silicone bakeware can handle heats of 400 or 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's always best to check the limits of a silicone ramekin and what your recipe calls for before you buy. Their flexibility can help when getting baked products out but can be annoying when everything is still liquid, so you may need to place the ramekins on a baking sheet to keep them stable to begin with. Silicone is very easy to clean and is dishwasher-safe.
Silicone is available in a wide range of colors, making them a fun choice for a ramekin. They won't break and are easy to store, so although they don't perform as well as ceramic, they can still have their uses, such as serving desserts at a children's party. Silicone can hold onto odors, so avoid using them with strong-smelling sauces.
Get a Size That Suits Your Cooking Habits
To pick a ramekin size that will work for you, think about what kinds of dishes you often serve. Small ramekins can range from one to two ounces and are suitable for serving condiments and sides such as mayo, salsa, or salad dressing.
Ramekins ranging from three to five ounces are good for mini-desserts, like sample platters or puddings. If you only want one size that can serve a range of dishes and desserts, six-ounce ramekins are the most versatile. They can also come in handy for baking small delicacies and single-serving desserts.
Seven to nine-ounce ramekins are also fairly versatile. You can use them for baking desserts, like custards for two, or cooking small meals like potato gratin. They also come in handy while serving salads or snacks. If you want something larger, look for ramekins that are eight to 12 ounces. You can use them for almost anything, including pie, puddings, soup, or lasagna.
Most ramekins have a depth of two to four inches. However, this may be too deep for certain dishes. If you love crème brûlée and would like to try it at home, you will need a set of shallow ramekins with a height of between one to two inches and a width of around five inches.
If you bake crème brûlée in deeper ramekins, the inside will be undercooked, and the outside crust will be overcooked. A shallow and wide ramekin ensures that the caramelized sugar on the exterior stays crispy. The custard base will stay rich and smooth, too, just as you want it to be.
On the other hand, dishes used for soufflé or pot pies are typically deeper and narrower at over two inches deep and four inches wide. This gives you enough space to create the different layers needed.
Choose Between Classic or Modern Shapes
Ramekins are available in a variety of shapes and this can affect how your food bakes as well as how it looks when serving.
Ovals or Circles With Straight Sides for Even Cooking
Round ramekins have a timeless appeal and are easy to fill, so they are the most common. Traditional ramekins come with straight sides and the most common style of ramekins you will find are the circular, straight-sided ones.
Some recipes call for ramekins to placed in a baking tray to be cooked. Ramekins that are circular and have straight edges are usually the easiest to fit into baking trays and will leave some space around them, for heat to circulate and so the ramekins don't bump and cause potential damage each other.
If you're looking for that classic tall and circular soufflé look, then these are the type of ramekins to look for. Crème brûlée is usually baked in either circular or oval ramekins.
Unique Shapes or Tapered Sides for Serving
You can also find ramekins of several different shapes. Tapered ramekins, that have a narrow base and a wider rim, are also popular. The advantage they have over traditional straight ramekins is that they can be stacked, making them easier to store.
Other shapes, such as hearts, can be a fun choice for special events like Valentine's Day. The extra corners can make them more difficult to clean or to remove baked goods from, but the aesthetic can make that additional difficulty worth it. Square ramekins can add a more modern look to your traditional recipes.
When it comes to ramekins for sauces, tapered ramekins are a good option. The slanted sides can make it easier to for guests to pour the sauce as they eat.
10 Best Ramekins Ranking
| Products | Image | Click to purchase | Popularity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Porcelain Ramekins Bellemain |  | No.1 | |
2 | Oval Shape Ramekins Crate & Barrel |  | No.2 | |
3 | Souffle Dish Ramekins for Baking Duido |  | No.3 | |
4 | Ovenchef Ramekins Duralex |  | No.4 | |
5 | Ceramic Ramekins with Lids Le Creuset |  | No.5 | |
6 | Scalloped Ramekins Dowan |  | No.6 | |
7 | Crème Brulee Ramekins with Pan Chicago Metallic |  | No.7 | |
8 | Ceramic Souffle Dishes Trudeau |  | No.8 | |
9 | Souffle Ramekins EUSOAR |  | No.9 | |
10 | Stainless Steel Ramekins Tezzorio |  | No.10 |
Pros:
Cons:
These classic ramekins are perfect for baking, freezing, or serving your favorite dishes and desserts. They are made from ceramic thick, and that keeps them resistant to odors, flavors, and colors. The glazed finish makes them non-stick and they can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Some users felt the color was actually a light shade of gray instead of white. Overall, though, many said that these ramekins were the perfect size for desserts, like crème brûlée or lava cakes, or to serve salsa or snacks. They also reported that they're easy to clean. Plus, reviewers used these inside a pressure cooker without issues.
Crate & BarrelOval Shape Ramekins
Pros:
Cons:
This pair of ramekins from Crate & Barrel features a classic circular design. The shallow depth and wide diameter make them perfect for crème brûlée, but they can also be used for crumbles or fruit tarts. The ramekins are dishwasher-safe and can also handle high temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
A couple of reviewers pointed to how shallow these ramekins are and advised being very careful when placing them in water for baking due to this shallowness. However, many reviewers said they used these for crème brûlée and were able to make perfect desserts every time. They've also been used for other dishes and reviewers say they clean very easily.
DuidoSouffle Dish Ramekins for Baking
Pros:
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In this set of 16, you get eight differently colored ramekins with matching spoons. Each ramekin is made to withstand high and low temperatures so they can go from oven to freezer. The ceramic material means they don't retain any flavor or color from food. When not in use, they stack well without occupying much space inside your cupboard.
A few buyers received the set with a few spoons missing. But, overall, many buyers were happy with the ramekins' quality and size. They singled out the aesthetics of this set for praise, saying that the vibrant ramekins with matching spoons brightened up their tables. Reviewers used these ramekins for a wide variety of purposes, from baking to breakfasts.
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Cons:
These glass ramekins are made from duralex, a type of tempered glass that makes them more durable and resistant to thermal shock. These can be transferred from the refrigerator to the oven without shattering. They are also resistant to chipping and breaking with proper maintenance.
Some reviewers were not happy that these ramekins couldn't be used in ovens under high heat, so make sure your recipe doesn't call for high temperatures. Most reviewers liked using these ramekins and said that they were durable. They also praised them for stacking well when not in use. Reviewers appreciated that the clear glass allows them to see the dish inside.
Le CreusetCeramic Ramekins with Lids
Pros:
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This ramekin is made from stoneware and is extremely heat-resistant. It is safe from minus 9 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and can also be used under a broiler as long as the heating element is kept around two and a half inches away. The glaze is non-porous so it won't absorb stains or odors.
The ramekin was smaller than expected by some reviewers, and do keep in mind that these are sold singularly. However, the majority of reviewers praised the performance of the ramekin and said it was ideal for making various types of dishes. Many reviewers were impressed with the quality and durability.
Pros:
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Although these ramekins are square instead of circular, they share many features of the more traditional shapes. The ramekins are made from porcelain and are oven-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. They are freezer and dishwasher-safe and when not in use can be stacked to save space.
A few reviewers were caught out by the size of these ramekins, so ensure you double-check the measurements before you buy. Most reviewers praised the ramekins for their stylish look and said that guests complimented them. They used the ramekins for numerous purposes, such as crème brûlées, side dishes, and sauces.
Chicago MetallicCrème Brulee Ramekins with Pan
Pros:
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This professional-style set is perfect for any recipes that call for the ramekins to be baked on either a tray or in a water bath. The four ramekins neatly fit in the baking pan and the rack raises the ramekins so they bake without touching the pan or each other. Although dishwasher-safe, the manufacturers do recommend handwashing to prolong the product's life and luster.
Some reviewers reported rust forming on the baking tray and questioned if the capacity of the ramekins is truly six ounces. Overall, many said that this set made baking easy, especially when using a water bath. They praised the set for fitting neatly together and being easy to use. The ramekins have been used for many different purposes, such as crème brûlée and custard.
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This set of four ramekins is made from food-safe, BPA-free silicone. They are oven-safe to 428 degrees Fahrenheit, and their naturally non-stick properties make removing your cooked goods a breeze. They can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher and stacked together to take up minimal space when not in use.
Several reviewers remarked on how small these ramekins are, so make sure you check the measurements before you buy. However, reviewers reported that the ramekins are easy to use and confirm that food pops out easily without sticking. Some reviewers used these in their air fryer, as well as a regular oven.
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If you're looking for disposable ramekins, this set of aluminum ramekins is a great choice. They're oven-safe to 428 degrees Fahrenheit and are suitable for desserts such as crème brûlées, muffins, and cheesecakes. The plastic lids fit securely on top for easy transportation.
Some reviewers reported receiving boxes that had some damaged or missing lids. Overall, reviewers were very happy with these disposable ramekins. They said that the lids were very sturdy and protected their cakes well. Some reviewers used them for crème brûlées with no issues and the ramekins also held up to being frozen.
Pros:
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These stainless steel ramekins are your best bet if you need ramekins to serve sauces, dips, salsas, or snacks. They're available in quantities ranging from 12 to 576, so there's enough to serve multiple condiments and snacks to a group of people. Their sleek, tapered shape makes them easy to stack and store and the polished finish makes them easy to clean.
A few reviewers reported that some ramekins rusted after washing so make sure you don't allow the ramekins to soak in water and dry them immediately after use. Overall, however, reviewers said these ramekins were durable, well-made, and easy to clean. They said they were the perfect size for serving sauces, especially for kids.
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Amazon's Best Selling Ramekins
If you're looking for some more ideas when it comes to ramekins, then why not check out the best-sellers on Amazon?
Buying Guide Reviewed by Executive R&D Chef Jim Quast
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
