Pizza Pan Size: What's Best?

Pizza pans come in a variety of sizes, and the right one for you will depend on several factors, including the number of people you're serving and the thickness of the crust you prefer. A personal pizza, the smallest size, typically has a diameter of 6 to 7 inches and serves one adult. A small pizza, usually 8 to 10 inches in diameter, can serve two adults and up to three children. Medium pizzas, typically 12 inches, serve around three adults and four children, while a large pizza, typically 14 inches, can serve four adults and up to six children. An extra-large pizza, typically 16 inches, serves up to five adults and around six to seven children. It's worth noting that the number of slices per pizza varies depending on the size, with a pan pizza typically having four slices and an extra-large pizza offering up to 12 slices. Aside from size, another consideration is the type of pizza you want to make. Pan pizzas, for example, are baked in a deep dish or sheet pan, resulting in a thick crust.

Pizza pan sizes

Pizza pans come in a variety of sizes, and the right one for you will depend on how many people you're planning to feed and how hungry they are!

The smallest pizza pan size is a 'personal' pan, which is 6-7 inches in diameter. This size serves one adult or two children.

The next size up is a 'small' pizza, which is usually 8-10 inches in diameter and serves two adults and three children.

A 'medium' pizza is 12 inches in diameter and serves around three adults and four children.

A 'large' pizza is 14 inches in diameter and serves four adults and five to six children.

And finally, an 'extra-large' pizza is 16 inches in diameter and serves four to five adults and around six to seven children.

It's worth noting that these sizes are not universal, and some brands may have their own dimensions, but they shouldn't vary too much from the numbers above.

If you're planning to cook your pizza in an outdoor oven, you'll need to choose one that's the right size for your pizza. For a 12-inch medium pizza, the Ooni Koda 12, Ooni Frya 12, and Ooni Karu 12 are all good options. For larger pizzas, you can either use a bigger oven, such as the Ooni Koda 16 or Ooni Karu 16, or you can cut your pizza into smaller pieces and cook them separately in a smaller oven.

Cost-effectiveness of pizza sizes

Pizza is a beloved food worldwide, with 5 billion pizzas ordered every year on Earth, 60% of which are sold in the US. But how can you ensure you're getting the best deal when ordering pizza?

When it comes to cost-effectiveness, bigger pizzas generally offer better value for money. While the price of a larger pizza is almost always higher than that of a smaller one, the price per square inch of pizza is typically lower for larger pizzas. This means that, in terms of the amount of pizza you get for your money, opting for a bigger pizza is usually the more economical choice.

For example, let's consider the prices and sizes of pizzas at Pizza Hut, as outlined in an article by Big Think. A personal pan pizza at Pizza Hut, with a diameter of 6 inches, costs $4.50. This works out to a price per square inch of pizza of 15.92 cents. On the other hand, a large pizza at Pizza Hut, with a diameter of 14 inches, costs $11.99, resulting in a price per square inch of 7.79 cents. As you can see, the larger pizza offers a better price per square inch, making it the more cost-effective option.

This principle holds true across most pizza places. An extensive study by NPR examined the prices from 3,678 pizza joints throughout the US and found that, in almost all cases, the larger pizza provided a lower price per square inch. Therefore, if you're looking to maximize the amount of pizza you get for your money, it's generally a good idea to go for the bigger option.

Of course, it's important to keep in mind that a larger pizza might not always be the best choice if you're ordering for one person or a small group, as it may result in unnecessary leftovers. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of pizza sizes can vary depending on the specific deals or promotions offered by different pizza places. Nevertheless, if you're feeding a large group or looking to stretch your dollar, opting for a bigger pizza size is usually the way to go.

Pizza serving sizes

It is worth noting that the number of slices per pizza may vary depending on the pizzeria or the size of the slices. Some establishments may cut their pizzas into more slices to encourage people to eat less. Additionally, the thickness of the crust can also affect the serving size. A thicker crust will yield fewer slices, while a thinner crust can be cut into more slices.

When ordering pizza, it is essential to consider the appetite of the people you are serving. If you are ordering for a group with a heartier appetite, you may want to order a larger size or opt for thinner crusts to get more slices.

Furthermore, the price per square inch of pizza decreases as the size of the pizza increases. Therefore, if you are looking for the best value, it is more cost-effective to order a larger pizza. However, this does not take into account the potential waste if you cannot finish the pizza.

In summary, pizza serving sizes depend on the size of the pizza, the number of slices, and the appetite of the individuals. It is always a good idea to consider the number of people you are serving and their hunger levels when deciding on the size of the pizza to order or make.

Pizza oven sizes

Pizza ovens come in a variety of sizes, and choosing the right one depends on several factors, including your available space, budget, and intended usage. Here is a guide to help you select the appropriate pizza oven size for your needs:

Space and Budget Constraints

The first step in choosing a pizza oven size is considering the space you have available and your budget. Pizza ovens can be installed indoors or outdoors, and the size you choose should fit comfortably in your selected area. Remember that larger ovens typically require more space and can be more expensive. However, it is worth noting that the price increase for larger ovens is often marginal compared to the additional capacity you gain.

Intended Usage

Think about how often you plan to use the pizza oven and for what purposes. If you have a large family or frequently host gatherings, a larger oven might be more suitable to accommodate higher volumes of food. Larger ovens can fit more pizzas or other dishes simultaneously, making them ideal for entertaining. On the other hand, if you plan to use the oven occasionally or for smaller groups, a more compact option might be preferable.

Heating and Startup Time

Another factor to consider is the heating and startup time of the oven. Larger pizza ovens may take longer to heat up and cool down, affecting your cooking time and energy consumption. Smaller ovens, like the Piccolo, are excellent options if you want quicker startup times and don't need the extra capacity.

Thermal Mass

Thermal mass refers to the heat-holding capacity of the oven. Ovens with higher thermal mass, such as the Prima models, are ideal for those who plan to use the oven frequently or for large-scale cooking. These ovens absorb and retain more heat, making them more energy-efficient for high-volume usage. However, higher thermal mass also means longer heating times, so they may not be the best choice for occasional use.

Installation Type

You can choose between a modular oven or a custom-built brick oven. Modular ovens are easier to install and come in various sizes, while custom-built brick ovens offer a traditional aesthetic but may require more time, skill, and cost to construct. Prefabricated ovens made from refractory materials are a popular choice due to their cost-effectiveness, functionality, and range of sizes.

In summary, selecting the right pizza oven size depends on your space, budget, intended usage, and installation preferences. Consider your unique needs and choose an oven size that aligns with them to ensure an enjoyable and efficient cooking experience.

Pizza slice sizes

The number of slices per pizza is not an exact science and can be influenced by the size and shape of the pizza, as well as the size of the slices. A large pizza, for example, can be cut into anywhere between 8 and 12 slices, depending on how generous you want the slices to be. To calculate the number of slices in a pizza, you need to determine the pizza's diameter and the desired slice size. Using this information, you can apply the formula: number of slices = pizza diameter x pizza diameter x 0.7854 / slice area. For instance, if you have a 12-inch pizza and want 6-inch slices, the calculation would be: number of slices = 12 x 12 x 0.7854 / 36 = 3.1416 / 3 = 1.0472. So, a 12-inch pizza could be cut into about 10 slices of 6 inches each.

When ordering pizza for a group, it's important to consider factors such as the number of children and adults, other food options, the type of pizza, and the level of hunger of your guests. Typically, children eat less than adults, and it's safe to assume that most adults will consume two to three slices. If your guests have been engaging in strenuous activities, they will likely be hungrier, and you may need to order extra pizzas. Thin-crust pizzas and plain cheese pizzas are usually less filling than deep-dish or stuffed crust pizzas with hearty toppings. As a rule of thumb, it's better to have too much pizza than too little, and you can always freeze any leftovers.

In terms of value for money, it's worth noting that while a smaller pizza may be cheaper, the price per square inch is usually lower for larger pizzas. So, if you're looking to get the most pizza for your money, opting for a bigger size is often the way to go.

Frequently asked questions