Pizza Pans: Essential For The Perfect Slice

Pizza pans are a crucial piece of equipment for making pizzeria-style pies at home. Pizza pans come in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes, and choosing the right one depends on the type of pizza and crust you want to make.

The most common types of pizza pans include regular pizza pans, which are typically round and made of aluminum or aluminized steel; cutter pizza pans, which have slightly raised edges for easier dough cutting; pizza stones, which are made of ceramic or cordierite and absorb moisture for a crispier crust; pizza screens, which are perforated metal pans that allow heat to circulate evenly; and deep-dish pizza pans, which have high sides for piled-high toppings.

Other types of pizza pans include cast iron pizza pans, wide-rim pizza pans, and pans with different surface styles and coatings, such as dark-coated, light-coated, uncoated, anodized hard-coated, and silicone-glazed pizza pans.

The type of pizza pan used can significantly impact the quality of the crust, with factors such as heat conduction, thickness, weight, shape, and coating influencing the cooking process and final texture.

Pizza stones vs pizza pans

Pizza stones and pizza pans are two of the most common ways to cook pizza at home. Both have their pros and cons, but which is better? Let's take a look.

Pizza Stones

Pizza stones are thick slabs of ceramic, stone, or cordierite designed to absorb and radiate heat for an intense, even bake. They are placed in the oven during the preheating process and can take up to two hours to reach the optimal temperature. Pizza stones are ideal for thick-crust pizzas as they absorb moisture from the dough, resulting in a light, airy interior and a crispy crust. They can also be used for baking bread and other baked goods. Pizza stones are generally more expensive than pizza pans and require more care as they can crack if dropped or exposed to extreme temperature changes. They also need to be cleaned with a brush and water, without soap, after each use.

Pizza Pans

Pizza pans are typically made of lightweight aluminum or steel and offer fast and even heat distribution. They are beginner-friendly, easy to clean, and affordable. Pizza pans are ideal for thin-crust pizzas as they heat up quickly and can be placed directly in the oven without preheating. However, they may not produce as crispy a crust as pizza stones, especially if they are non-perforated, which can trap steam and prevent the dough from crisping. Perforated pizza pans have small holes that allow steam to escape, resulting in a crispier crust. Cast iron pizza pans are a more durable option but are heavier and require more maintenance.

Both pizza stones and pizza pans have their advantages and disadvantages. Pizza stones produce a crispier crust and are better for thick-crust pizzas, but they are more expensive, require more care and practice to use, and have a longer preheating time. Pizza pans are easier to use and clean, more affordable, and ideal for thin-crust pizzas, but they may not produce as crispy a crust, especially if they are non-perforated. Ultimately, the choice between a pizza stone and a pizza pan depends on your priorities, such as convenience, crispiness, and durability.

Deep dish pizza pans

Deep-dish pizzas are known for their thick, buttery crusts and layers of toppings. To make this style of pizza, you'll need a deep-dish pizza pan with high sides. These pans are typically made from materials like aluminium, steel, or cast iron, and can be solid or perforated.

When choosing a deep-dish pizza pan, consider the material, size, and features that will best suit your needs. Aluminium is a good conductor of heat and is often used for pizza pans due to its ability to withstand high temperatures. Steel pans, especially black steel, are also recommended for deep-dish pizzas as they can help achieve a crisp crust, but they may require more maintenance. Cast iron skillets are another popular option as they are inexpensive, versatile, and can withstand high temperatures.

Some pans have non-stick coatings, which can make it easier to remove the pizza once it's cooked, but these coatings may prevent proper crisping of the crust. Other pans have perforated holes, which allow moisture to escape and promote even baking.

Deep-dish pizza pans come in various sizes, with diameters ranging from 10 to 19 inches. Consider the size of your oven and the number of servings you typically need when choosing a pan size. Additionally, some pans have features like angled sides for easy removal of the pizza and stacking capabilities for compact storage.

When using a deep-dish pizza pan, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance. Some pans may not be dishwasher-safe, and certain materials may react to acidic ingredients like tomato sauce, so be sure to review the care guidelines before use.

• Lloyd Pans offers a range of deep-dish pizza pans, including the Chicago-style pan, which received positive reviews for its ease of use and ability to produce evenly browned crusts.
• Nordic Ware's Naturals® 14" Deep Dish Pizza Pan is made of pure aluminium for superior heat conductivity and even browning. It has a lifetime warranty and will never rust.
• LloydPans also offers Detroit-style deep-dish pans and Sicilian-style pans, providing options for different preferences and recipes.

Pizza screens

Compared to pizza stones, pizza screens produce a similar style of crust but are much faster. Pizza screens are also lightweight, affordable, and easy to store.

Cast iron pizza pans

When it comes to size, the most popular cast iron pizza pans seem to be 14 or 15 inches in diameter, which is perfect for a traditional large 14-inch pizza crust. However, the size doesn't matter too much and will depend on personal preference and what you have available.

To use a cast iron pizza pan, preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 475-550°F. Stretch your pizza dough to fit the pan, then place it in the oven for a few minutes to par-bake the dough. Remove the pan from the oven, add your desired toppings, and return it to the oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Cutter pizza pans

A cutter pizza pan is a type of pizza pan with a flat (non-rolled) edge, which allows the use of a rolling pin to trim off excess dough. Typically, a cutter pizza pan is made of 14-gauge heavy-weight aluminium, with 1/2-inch deep sides at about a 63-degree angle. The unfinished top edge can be used to cut dough, and the thicker pan material creates a chewier crust. The perforations in the pan allow the crust to cook quickly and help to keep the finished pizza fresh for longer by allowing moisture to escape.

LloydPans is one manufacturer of cutter pizza pans, and their products are made in the USA. Their pans are pre-seasoned with a Tuff-Kote finish, which eliminates the need for messy oiling and improves browning. Amazon also offers a set of three 14-inch pizza pans with a pizza cutter wheel included.

Frequently asked questions