Pizza Pans: Best Options For Home Ovens

Pizza pans are a great way to make homemade pizza easily and quickly. They are usually made from cast iron, steel, or aluminum, and can be designed with or without perforations. Pizza pans offer a variety of sizes to suit different serving styles, from personal pizzas to larger groups. They are typically durable, easy to clean, and store.

The best pizza pan for you will depend on the type of pizza you want to make. For example, if you want to make a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, you'll need a pan with high sides. If you're looking for a crispy crust, a pizza screen or stone is a good option.

Some popular brands of pizza pans include Lodge, New Star, Cuisinart, Nordic Ware, and American Metalcraft. When choosing a pizza pan, consider the material, size, and type that will best suit your needs.

Pizza pans with holes vs. no holes

Pizza pans with holes are typically made of aluminum and are suitable for those who prefer thin and crispy crusts. The holes allow heat to circulate underneath the pizza, cooking it quickly and evenly, and letting steam escape to create a crisp crust. However, they are not suitable for thick-crust pizzas as they can cause burning if not monitored properly.

On the other hand, pizza pans without holes are ideal for those who prefer a thicker, doughier, and chewier crust. These pans retain moisture, creating a softer crust. They are also more versatile and can be used for various baking needs beyond just pizza, such as pies, cakes, and cookies. However, they take longer to cook and distribute heat slowly, which may result in unevenly cooked toppings or a burnt crust.

The choice between a pizza pan with holes or no holes ultimately depends on your personal preference for crust type and cooking style. If you want a crispy crust and don't mind monitoring the cooking process closely, a perforated pan is a good option. But if you prefer a softer, chewier crust and want a more versatile pan for other baking tasks, a pan without holes might be a better choice.

Pizza screens vs. pizza pans

Pizza screens and pizza pans are two different tools used to make pizza, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a detailed comparison between the two:

Pizza Screens:

Pizza screens are flat mesh disks made of thin aluminum, which make them lightweight and easy to stack and store. They are ideal for cooking pizzas with crispy crusts and are often used when pizza stones are impractical or impossible to use. The mesh construction of pizza screens allows heat to circulate beneath the crust, making them perfect for achieving a crispy finish. Additionally, the holes in the mesh prevent condensation buildup, keeping the crust crispy after baking. Pizza screens come in various sizes, with round screens being the most common, and they are available in diameters ranging from 6 to 28 inches. Rectangular pizza screens are less common but can be up to 24 inches wide. Most pizza screens are non-stick, durable, and dishwasher-safe.

Pizza Pans:

Pizza pans offer a few more options than pizza screens, and they are typically made of aluminum or hard coat anodized aluminum. Coupe-style pizza pans, also known as pizza trays, are mostly flat with a slight lift at the edge, and some have a secondary ridge marking where the crust should be. Deep dish pizza pans have higher sides and are usually made of thicker metal, resulting in a slower bake and a bread-like dough. These pans are ideal for creating sturdy pizzas with thick, doughy crusts or stuffed crusts. Perforated pizza pans have holes in the bottom, allowing air to circulate and reach the bottom of the crust, resulting in a faster bake and a crispier crust.

Both pizza screens and pizza pans have their advantages depending on the desired pizza style and crust type. Pizza screens are ideal for achieving a crispy crust, especially for thin-crust pizzas, due to their mesh construction and heat circulation. On the other hand, pizza pans offer more versatility, with options like coupe-style pans and deep dish pans, making them suitable for a wider range of crust types. Coupe-style pans are preferred for their versatility, as they can be used for baking, slicing, and serving pizza all on one pan. Deep dish pans, with their thicker metal construction, are ideal for creating thick, doughy crusts or Chicago-style pizzas. Perforated pizza pans, with their holes, allow for faster baking and crispier crusts, similar to pizza screens. Ultimately, the choice between a pizza screen and a pizza pan depends on your personal preferences, the type of pizza you want to make, and the desired crust type.

Deep dish pizza pans

If you're a fan of deep-dish pizza, you'll need a specialised pan to create that signature thick, buttery crust. Here are some of the best deep-dish pizza pans on the market:

Lloyd Pans Chicago Style Deep Dish Pan

This pan comes in two different depth options: 1.5 inches and 2.25 inches. It features a heavy-gauge aluminum construction and a unique Pre-Seasoned Tuff-Kote finish, which eliminates the need for messy oiling and ensures excellent crust consistency. The dark finish also improves browning. The pans can be stacked for easy carrying and storage, and the round rim makes handling safe and secure.

Nordic Ware Naturals 14" Deep Dish Pizza Pan

Made from pure aluminum, this pan promises superior heat conductivity and consistent, evenly browned results. The pan is also extremely durable and will never rust. The encapsulated galvanized steel rim prevents warping, and the 1.6-inch height provides ample space for your deep-dish creations.

Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick Deep Dish Pizza Pan

This 14.25-inch deep dish pizza pan is a great option for those seeking a non-stick, easy-release pan. It has a 4.8-star rating on Amazon, with many reviewers praising its performance and ability to create evenly browned crusts.

LloydPans Deep Dish Stacking Pans

These straight-sided pans from LloydPans eliminate the need for lids when dealing with full pans of proofing dough. The stacking design allows for easy storage, and the heavy-duty aluminum construction ensures durability.

LloydPans Deep Dish Nesting Pans

Angled sides on these pans from LloydPans make depanning and nesting for storage a breeze. Lids are required for proofing in these pans, and they come in a range of diameters to suit your needs.

When choosing a deep-dish pizza pan, consider the depth you desire, the ease of use and clean-up, and the durability of the pan. Happy cooking!

Cast iron pizza pans

Cast iron is a great material for pizza pans because it offers unparalleled heat retention, even heat distribution, and consistent high-heat cooking without hotspots. It is naturally non-stick, and its quick-release surface improves with use. Cast iron pans are also versatile, as they can be used on grills, stovetops, and even live fires.

The Lodge BOLD 14-inch Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan is a popular choice, with 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 7,000 ratings on Amazon. It features modern handles and a wide cooking surface perfect for pizzas or baking. The pan is made in the USA, in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, where Lodge Cast Iron has been crafting quality cookware since 1896.

Another option is the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Baking Pan, which was named the "Best Overall" pizza stone or steel by Food Network. This 14-inch pan yields pizza that "could be confused with some of the best pizza shops around," with a "gorgeous rise" and a "nice chew." While it is on the pricier side at around $87, it is built to last for generations.

Pizza stones

Unicook Large Cordierite Pizza Stone

This 15-millimetre-thick pizza stone is a great option for those wanting to cook larger pizzas or multiple loaves of bread. It retains heat well, cooking pizzas with puffy crusts and crisp bottoms. It is also heat-safe up to 1450ºF, meaning it can be used on a gas grill. However, at 11.22 pounds, it is quite heavy and may be difficult to handle.

Sur La Table Pizza Stone

This extra-wide, 22-inch pizza stone is perfect for cooking two smaller pizzas simultaneously. It is only nine millimetres thick, allowing it to reach 500ºF in just 30 minutes. While it is still quite heavy, it is a great option for those wanting to cook larger pizzas or multiple items at once.

CucinaPro Pizza Stone

The CucinaPro Pizza Stone is a great budget option that doesn't compromise on performance. It is slightly smaller at 16 by 14 inches, making it ideal for those with narrow ovens or charcoal grills. It is also heavier, but its affordable price makes it a popular choice.

Outset Pizza Grill Stone Tiles

This unique pizza stone option consists of four individual eight-by-eight-inch tiles that can be arranged in various patterns to fit your baking needs. They are easy to store and handle, making them a great choice for those with limited space or mobility issues. However, there may be potential for sauce spills between the tiles.

Emile Henry French Ceramic Pizza Stone

This chic and sturdy ceramic pizza stone comes in two sizes: 14 and 16 inches. It is dishwasher-safe and easy to store, making it a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. However, it takes longer to heat up, requiring 45 minutes to an hour to reach the desired temperature.

Frequently asked questions