Best Pizza Pans: No More Rust

Pizza pans are essential for making homemade pizza, and they come in a variety of materials, including cast iron, aluminum, and steel. The type of material you choose can affect the taste and texture of your pizza, as well as the cooking time.

If you're looking for a non-rusting pizza pan, your best bet is to go for one made of aluminum or stainless steel. These materials are known for their durability and rust-resistant properties. Here are some specific product recommendations:

- Crown 10-inch Pizza Pan (2-Pack): Made of high-quality, food-grade aluminum that will not rust or chip, with a smooth finish for easy baking, serving, and cleaning.

- TeamFar Pizza Pan (Set of 2): Made of pure stainless steel, which is a non-toxic and rust-free material. Features a smooth brushed surface for easy release and a rolled edge for comfortable holding.

In addition to the material, other factors to consider when choosing a pizza pan include the size, shape, weight, and whether it has a non-stick coating. Keep in mind that thicker, heavier pans tend to absorb more heat and bake the pizza more evenly, resulting in a crispier crust.

So, whether you're a home cook or a professional pizza maker, choosing the right pizza pan can make all the difference in creating the perfect pizza with your desired crust texture and taste.

Pizza pan materials: Metal, ceramic, stone, steel, cast iron, or aluminium

Pizza pans come in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a breakdown of the most common materials used for pizza pans:

Metal

Metal pizza pans are typically made from aluminium or steel, and sometimes tin. They are a good choice for even heat circulation, which will make your pizza taste better and last longer. Metal pizza pans are also durable and suitable for grills or ovens. However, they require extra care to avoid rust.

Ceramic

Ceramic pizza stones mimic the cooking process of brick oven pizza. They have a porous surface that absorbs excess moisture from the dough, resulting in a crispier crust. Ceramic pizza stones are easy to use and clean and can also be used for baking cookies, biscuits and bread. However, they must be preheated in the oven for at least 30 minutes and can be difficult to clean. They are also prone to cracking or breaking.

Stone

Stone pizza stones, typically made from clay or cordierite, are classic options that produce an ultra-crispy crust. They come in various shapes and sizes, and some people even make their own using inexpensive unglazed quarry tiles. Stone pizza stones offer a wide variety to choose from at different price points. However, like ceramic pizza stones, they require a long preheating time and are prone to cracking or breaking.

Steel

Steel pizza pans, also known as baking steel, conduct heat better than stone and can cook food more evenly at lower temperatures. They won't break or crack and are very durable. However, they are expensive, heavy, and difficult to move once heated.

Cast Iron

Cast iron pizza pans, such as the Lodge Cast Iron Pizza Pan, heat up quickly in the oven and are easier to clean than stone. They have handles for easy manoeuvring in and out of the oven and won't break or crack. However, they are heavy, and the Lodge pan has a lip that some reviewers complain about. The Lodge pan is also recommended only up to 400°F, which is cooler than the ideal temperature for cooking pizza at home.

Aluminium

Aluminium pizza pans are ideal for preparing your favourite pizza, but it is important not to let them get too hot, as they will warp and crack. Heavier pans are preferable as they will keep their shape better and distribute heat more evenly, resulting in a perfectly browned pizza bottom. Aluminium pans are lighter and thinner than steel pans and are better heat conductors. They are commonly used for Neapolitan-style pizza.

Pizza pan shapes: Round, square, or rectangular

Pizza pans come in a variety of shapes, including round, square, and rectangular. Each shape offers unique advantages and is suitable for different types of pizzas. Here's an overview of the different shapes and their characteristics:

Round pizza pans are the most traditional option. They are typically made of aluminum or hard coat anodized aluminum, which provides excellent heat conduction for even and quick cooking. Round pans are ideal for baking, slicing, and serving pizza on the same pan, making them a versatile choice for pizzerias. They come in various sizes, from 8 to 16 inches, making them suitable for both domestic and commercial kitchens.

Square pizza pans are often used for Detroit-style pizzas. They have flared sides that allow the pizza to spread out evenly. Square pans are typically made of dark hard anodized aluminum, which aids in browning and creating the signature thick, extra-crispy crust of Detroit-style pizzas. They usually measure about 10 inches by 14 inches and can also be used for making Sicilian-style pizzas and baked goods.

Rectangular pizza pans are commonly used for creating regional specialties like Detroit-style pizzas. The rectangular shape with high sidewalls results in a thick, crispy crust. These pans are typically made of dark hard anodized aluminum to enhance browning. They are available in various sizes and can also be used for baking cakes and other goods.

The choice between round, square, or rectangular pizza pans depends on the type of pizza you want to make. Each shape offers distinct advantages and is suitable for specific pizza styles. Consider the unique characteristics of each shape to determine which one aligns best with your pizza-making goals.

Pizza pan coatings: Non-stick, anodized hard, silicone glaze, or uncoated

Pizza pan coatings can determine how easy it is to clean the pan, as well as how your pizza cooks. Here are some of the most common types of pizza pan coatings:

Non-stick coating

Non-stick coatings are designed to make it easier to remove food from the pan, reducing the amount of residue left behind. This type of coating is particularly useful for pizza pans as it makes cleaning easier and can also reduce the amount of oil needed to cook the pizza. However, non-stick coatings can degrade over time, especially if the pan is overheated, so it's important to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Anodized hard coating

Anodized hard-coated pizza pans have a corrosion-resistant anodic oxide finish that prevents flaking. This type of coating also helps to reduce cooking time due to its dark finish, which retains more heat. Anodized hard-coated pans are known for their durability and are often used in commercial kitchens.

Silicone glaze

Silicone glaze is applied over an anodized hard coating to further enhance its non-stick properties. The silicone helps to reduce sticking and can cut down on the amount of oil needed by almost 50%. Pizza pans with silicone glaze also do not require seasoning before first use.

Uncoated

Uncoated pizza pans are the lightest in colour and typically have reflective properties, which can increase cooking time. These pans usually require seasoning before first use and may need more frequent seasoning to maintain their non-stick properties.

In addition to these coatings, it's worth noting that some pizza pans have perforated or super-perforated surfaces, which can also affect cooking time and the crispiness of the crust.

Pizza pan thickness: Thicker pans cook more evenly, thinner pans heat up faster

The thickness of a pizza pan is an important factor in determining the cooking time and texture of the pizza. Thinner pans heat up faster but thicker pans cook more evenly.

Thinner pizza pans are quicker to heat up but don't retain heat as well. This can lead to the bottom of the pizza cooking faster than the top and edges. They also cool down faster, making it difficult to cook multiple pizzas in a row. Thinner pans can also warp at high temperatures.

Thicker pans absorb and retain more heat, cooking the pizza more evenly. They crisp up the bottom layer while ensuring the top cooks through. They take a little longer to preheat but stay hotter for longer, which is ideal if you're cooking several pizzas.

For a thin and crispy crust, a thicker pan is recommended. For a softer crust, a thinner pan is better.

Pizza screens, which are flat mesh disks, are a good option for a crispy crust as they allow for superior airflow and heat distribution.

Pizza stones, made from ceramic or stone, absorb moisture and are also good for a crispy crust.

Pizza steels, a newer alternative to pizza stones, are made from thick slabs of stainless steel. They absorb moisture, get very hot, and cook the pizza evenly for a crispy, charred finish. They heat and cool faster than stones, making them a good option for cooking several pizzas.

Pizza pan sizes: Small (8-10 inches), medium (12-14 inches), or large (16-18+ inches)

Pizza pans come in a variety of sizes, with the most common being small (8-10 inches), medium (12-14 inches), or large (16-18+ inches).

Small pizza pans, typically with a diameter of 8-10 inches, are perfect for personal use or for serving 1-2 adults and a child. They usually contain 6 slices of pizza, offering a balance between crust and toppings.

Medium pizza pans, with a diameter of 12-14 inches, are a versatile option. They can serve around 3 adults and 4 children and usually contain 8 slices.

Large pizza pans, measuring 16 inches or more, are ideal for larger gatherings or families. They can serve approximately 4-5 adults and 6-7 children and often contain 8-10 slices.

When choosing a pizza pan size, it's important to consider the number of servings, the desired crust thickness, and the available oven or pizza stone size. Additionally, the type of pizza you want to make, such as thin crust or deep dish, will influence your choice of pan.

Some popular materials for pizza pans include aluminum, stainless steel, and cast iron, each offering unique benefits in terms of heat distribution, durability, and ease of cleaning.

Remember that pizza pan sizes may vary slightly between different brands and restaurants, so it's always a good idea to check the dimensions before purchasing or ordering.

Frequently asked questions