Train-shaped cakes are a fun centerpiece for birthdays and celebration tables, but choosing between two very similar Nordic Ware 5-cup train pans can feel tricky. One is the Railroad Locomotive Heavy Aluminum Pan listed at $35.14; the other is the Non-Stick Cast Aluminum Railway Train Pan listed at $22.99. Both are used, both are made in the United States, and both produce a 5-cup train cake. The real question is which build and handling details matter more to you.
Quick Verdict
If you want a heavier pan with a Teflon interior and a shorter 1.5-inch side, the Nordic Ware Railroad Locomotive Train Pan is the one to pick. If you'd rather have a taller 2-inch non-stick pan with double handles, the Nordic Ware Non-Stick Railway Train Cake Pan is the more convenient choice. Both are 5-cup train-shaped molds, so pan depth and handles are the meaningful differences.
Comparison Table
| Consideration | Railroad Locomotive Pan | Railway Train Pan |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | $35.14 | $22.99 |
| Price bar | ||
| Pan depth | 1.5 in | 2 in |
| Finish | Teflon interior | Non-stick |
| Color | Gray | Gold |
Where Each Pan Wins
- Railroad Locomotive Pan wins if you want a heavy cast-aluminum build with a Teflon interior and a lower cake profile.
- Railway Train Pan wins if you want double handles, a taller 2-inch pan, and a non-stick finish.
Product Notes
Nordic Ware Railroad Locomotive Train Pan
This 9-section locomotive pan is built from heavy cast aluminum with a Teflon interior. It measures 15.5 by 9.5 inches across with a 1.5-inch depth, so the cake sits lower than the Railway pan. The listing describes good used condition with no cracks, chips, or flaws and only minor scuffs on the bottom. The gray finish gives it a classic kitchen look. Choose it if you prefer a heavier pan with a shorter profile; if double handles are a must-have, the Railway pan is the one that includes them.
Nordic Ware Non-Stick Railway Train Cake Pan
This 9-cavity cakelet mold is made from non-stick cast aluminum and comes with double handles for moving the pan around. It stands 2 inches tall, giving your train cake a slightly taller silhouette. The gold color is a bright alternative to the gray locomotive pan. Care instructions say hand wash only, and the listing describes it as pre-owned with possible minor wear. Choose it if you want a taller mold with double handles and a non-stick finish; just plan for gentle hand washing and some signs of previous use.
Final Choice by Use Case
- If you want a heavier, shorter train cake pan with a Teflon interior, pick the Nordic Ware Railroad Locomotive Train Pan.
- If you want double handles and a taller 2-inch pan with a non-stick finish, pick the Nordic Ware Non-Stick Railway Train Cake Pan.
Both are 5-cup train-shaped pans, so either can carry your cake project. Use the pan depth and handle style as the final tie-breakers.
