Detroit-Style Pizza Pan: What's The Standard Size?

To make an authentic Detroit-style pizza, you need a square steel pan. The two traditional sizes for Detroit-style pizza pans are 8x10 inches and 10x14 inches, though some sources also list 10x17 inches as an option. These pans are fashioned after the automotive parts trays that were originally used when the Motor City Secret was born.

Pans are made from heavy-duty anodized aluminum and steel

Detroit-style pizza pans are made from heavy-duty anodized aluminum and steel. These materials are popular for pizza pan production because they are cost-effective, formable for manufacturing, and good conductors of heat.

Aluminum and steel are widely used in pizza pan production for their performance, durability, and heat conduction. Heavy-duty anodized aluminum, in particular, is known for its toughness and ability to withstand corrosion. Anodized aluminum pizza pans are created through an electrochemical process that involves immersing aluminum in an electrolytic solution and exposing it to an electric current. This process results in the formation of a protective oxide layer that guards the aluminum against corrosion, abrasion, and chemicals. The oxide layer also enhances the pan's durability, making it resistant to scratches and dents.

Additionally, the use of heavy-duty anodized aluminum and steel in Detroit-style pizza pans offers improved heat distribution and efficiency. These materials can be heated evenly, maintaining a steady cooking temperature to ensure the pizza dough is evenly baked. This prevents the pizza from being too burned or undercooked in certain areas.

The choice between anodized aluminum and steel for pizza pans depends on specific priorities and requirements. Anodized aluminum is a sturdy and non-reactive option, while steel offers a more cost-effective solution.

The pans made from heavy-duty anodized aluminum and steel are designed to be durable, efficient, and suitable for creating authentic Detroit-style pizzas. These materials ensure even cooking, prevent sticking, and enhance the overall pizza-making experience.

They come in two traditional sizes: 8x10 and 10x17 inches

To make an authentic Detroit-style pizza, you need to use a square steel pan. These pans were originally automotive parts trays, so they have a distinct shape and size. The two traditional sizes for Detroit-style pizza pans are 8x10 inches and 10x17 inches.

The smaller 8x10-inch pan is perfect for a personal-sized pizza. It's a great option if you're cooking for one or want to offer a variety of pizza options. This size pan is also mentioned in Tony Gemignani's book, "The Pizza Bible".

On the other hand, the larger 10x17-inch pan is ideal for a big, family-sized pizza. If you're feeding a crowd or just want a generous portion for yourself, this size is the way to go.

Both sizes of pans are available from different manufacturers and come with their own unique features. For example, some pans offer a revolutionary new seasoning process that eliminates the need for a break-in period, saving time and money for pizzerias. Others boast stick-resistant coatings, easy dough pressing, and improved water resistance.

No matter which size you choose, using a traditional Detroit-style pizza pan is essential for creating an authentic Detroit-style pizza with the perfect crust and those iconic crispy edges.

Pans are easy to clean and maintain

Detroit-style pizza is baked in square steel pans modelled after the early automaker parts trays traditionally used for pizza baking by Motor City pizzerias. The pans are typically 8x10 or 10x14 inches, but can also be 10x17 inches.

Cleaning and maintaining these pans is a straightforward process. Firstly, it is important to note that Detroit-style pizza pans should never be washed with soap and water or come into contact with water. Instead, use a 4- to 5-inch plastic scraper to remove excess oil and crumbs from the pans, ensuring that no food debris is left inside. After cleaning, the pans should be coated with a layer of vegetable-based oil and stacked for storage in a clean, dry place. If the pans will not be used for more than two weeks, it is recommended to oil them just before baking, rather than before storage. Additionally, it is advised to use a vegetable-based oil and coat the bottom, corners, and sides of the pans well to prevent sticking.

The new and improved pans by World Pizza Champion Shawn Randazzo feature a patent-pending seasoning process that eliminates the need for a break-in period, which was required for the original steel pans. This new process saves time and money for pizzerias, as they no longer need to invest in the costly and time-consuming process of breaking in the pans. The new pans also offer faster dough pressing, improved water resistance, and stick-free baking, making them easier to clean and maintain.

In summary, the pans used for Detroit-style pizza are typically square steel pans that come in a range of sizes. While the original pans required a break-in period and careful maintenance, the new and improved versions feature a revolutionary seasoning process that eliminates the need for a break-in period and provides better performance. Cleaning and maintaining these pans is simple and involves scraping any excess oil and crumbs, avoiding the use of water, and coating them with vegetable-based oil before storing them in a dry place.

They are stick-resistant and metal utensil-safe

A Detroit-style pizza pan is typically a rectangular shape, measuring 10 x 14 inches, and has a deep dish design with a sharp, defined edge. This unique pan creates a crisp, thick crust with a light and airy texture, characteristic of the Detroit-style pizza. When choosing a pan, it is essential to consider not only the size but also the material and coating, to ensure easy release and cleanup.

Detroit-style pizza pans are often made of heavy-duty materials like aluminum or steel, which provide durability and ensure even heating for a perfectly baked crust. The key feature to look for in a pan is its coating. A quality Detroit-style pizza pan will have a non-stick coating, specifically a stick-resistant and metal utensil-safe coating.

This type of coating is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the pizza can be easily removed from the pan without sticking, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the crust and the overall presentation of the pizza. A non-stick coating also makes cleanup a breeze, as any residual cheese or toppings can be quickly wiped away, requiring minimal scrubbing or soaking.

Additionally, being metal utensil-safe is a significant advantage. Detroit-style pizzas are known for their generous toppings, and the use of metal utensils is common when serving and eating this style of pizza. A metal utensil-safe coating ensures that the pan's surface won't be damaged or scratched by metal utensils, maintaining the pan's non-stick properties and extending its lifespan. This feature is especially important in commercial settings or for pizza enthusiasts who plan to use their Detroit-style pan regularly.

When purchasing a Detroit-style pizza pan, it is worth investing in a quality pan with a reliable non-stick coating. This small detail makes a significant difference in the overall pizza-making experience and the longevity of your pan. With the right pan, you can achieve that signature Detroit-style crust and easily recreate this iconic pizza at home, time and time again.

The pans are heat-safe up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit

The Detroit-style pizza pan is manufactured in Washington state by LloydPans. It is made of anodized aluminum, which is a good choice for bakeware because it's lightweight and conducts heat well. The pan is nearly black in colour due to the anodization process, which involves immersing the pan in a chemical bath and applying an electric current to it, resulting in a layer of oxide that hardens on the pan, making it durable, non-reactive, and rust and stick-resistant.

The Detroit-style pizza pan typically comes in two sizes: 8x10 inches and 10x17 inches. These pans are designed for pizzerias looking to create authentic Detroit-style pizzas, and their pre-seasoned finish eliminates the need for pre-seasoning, saving time and effort. The heavy-duty anodized aluminum construction ensures the pans will never rust, and the double-thick flat rim adds strength and durability.

The Detroit-style pizza pan is a versatile and durable tool for any kitchen, delivering consistent and delicious results, whether you're baking pizza, cookies, or cornbread. Its heat-safe capabilities up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit make it a reliable choice for high-heat baking, ensuring your creations emerge from the oven with the perfect crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions