Pie Pans: Where To Buy Oversized Options

A quick Google search will reveal a plethora of options for purchasing oversized pie pans. Retail giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Target offer a wide variety of options, often at competitive prices, and with the convenience of online ordering and home delivery. For those who prefer a more tactile shopping experience, specialty kitchen stores such as Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, and Crate & Barrel provide an opportunity to browse a curated selection of pie pans, with knowledgeable staff on hand to offer advice. For the truly dedicated pie enthusiast, a trip to a restaurant supply store or a baking specialty store may be in order, where a wider range of sizes and shapes may be available. Whether shopping online or in-store, it's clear that there are numerous options available to those seeking oversized pie pans.

Online retailers that sell oversized pie pans

A quick online search reveals that there are several online retailers that cater to bakers seeking oversized pie pans. These specialty cookware retailers offer a variety of options for those looking to bake larger-than-standard pies.

One notable retailer is WebstaurantStore.com, which offers a comprehensive range of restaurant-grade cookware and baking supplies. Their selection includes oversized pie pans in various materials, such as aluminum and stainless steel. With a focus on commercial-style kitchen equipment, WebstaurantStore is a go-to source for professional bakers and cooking enthusiasts. Their oversized pie pans typically measure 10 inches in diameter, offering a larger baking surface compared to standard 9-inch pans.

Another online retailer specializing in baking supplies is BakeDeco.com. This website offers a wide assortment of baking tools and ingredients, including oversized pie pans. BakeDeco's selection features heavy-duty aluminum pie pans that are ideal for both commercial and home baking. These pans are designed with a durable, thick gauge aluminum construction, ensuring even heat distribution and consistent baking results.

For those seeking a more unique or specialized pie pan, online craft and handmade goods marketplace Etsy is worth exploring. Various independent sellers on Etsy offer oversized pie pans in different materials and styles. Cast iron pie pans with a rustic finish, for instance, can be found on Etsy, offering a unique and charming option for bakers. Additionally, some sellers offer personalized or customized pie pans, allowing buyers to add a special touch to their baking creations.

Amazon, the online retail giant, also carries oversized pie pans in a variety of materials. From non-stick steel to ceramic, Amazon offers a diverse range of options to suit different baking needs and preferences. With a simple search on their website, one can find pie pans measuring 10 inches or more, as well as sets that include multiple pans, ideal for batch baking or preparing different pie flavors.

Lastly, specialty cookware retailer Sur La Table offers a curated selection of oversized pie pans. Their buyers prioritize quality and performance, sourcing pie pans made from premium materials. Sur La Table's selection includes ceramic pie pans with elegant designs, as well as heavy-duty steel pans that offer durability and even baking. With a focus on both function and aesthetics, Sur La Table appeals to bakers who value style alongside performance in the kitchen.

Different materials used to make oversized pie pans

Oversized pie pans come in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a detailed overview of the most common materials used:

Metal

Metal pie pans, typically made of aluminum, stainless steel, or cast iron, are excellent heat conductors. They heat up quickly and evenly, making them ideal for achieving a crispy crust. Metal pans are also durable, lightweight, and safe for extreme temperature changes, making it possible to move them directly from the freezer to the oven. Additionally, their non-stick coating can be beneficial for certain types of pies. However, the non-stick surface can also be a disadvantage, as it may cause the crust to slip down the sides and is easily damaged when cutting the pie. Metal pie pans are generally moderately priced.

Glass

Glass pie pans, often made of tempered or borosilicate glass, offer the advantage of being able to monitor the browning of the crust during baking. They are also inexpensive, versatile, and suitable for all types of pies. Glass pans heat up more slowly than metal ones, resulting in a more delicate crust. While they are safe for temperature changes, it's important to ensure the glass is borosilicate to prevent shattering.

Ceramic

Ceramic pie pans, usually made of stoneware or porcelain, are known for their aesthetic appeal. They come in various colours and shapes, often doubling as serving pieces. Ceramic pans distribute heat evenly but heat up slowly, making them a popular choice for delicate pies like pumpkin or custard. However, they can be more expensive, heavier, and prone to inconsistent sizing. Ceramic pans are ideal for table presentation and are pretty for serving.

Other Materials

In addition to the three primary materials, disposable aluminium pie pans are also an option, especially if gifting a pie or taking it to a party. They are flimsy and not very sustainable, but they eliminate the need to ask for the pan to be returned.

Pros and cons of different oversized pie pan materials

When it comes to choosing the right pie pan, there are several factors to consider, including the type of pie you want to bake, the size of the pan, the material it is made of, and the price. While all pie pans can be used to bake a fantastic pie, each material has its pros and cons. Here is a detailed overview of the pros and cons of different oversized pie pan materials:

Metal Pie Pans

Metal pie pans, typically made of aluminum, are excellent conductors of heat. They heat up quickly, maintain that heat well, and are usually moderately priced. This makes them ideal for achieving a crispy crust, especially for pies that require blind-baking or par-baking. However, metal pie pans with non-stick coatings should be avoided for crumb crusts as the slippery surface can cause the crust to slip down the sides. Additionally, the non-stick coating can be easily damaged by cutting into the pie while it's still in the pan.

Pros:

• Efficient heat conduction for a crispy crust
• Heats up quickly and maintains heat
• Inexpensive and lightweight
• Safe for quick temperature changes (freezer to oven)

Cons:

• Non-stick coatings can be easily damaged and are not knife-friendly
• May not be suitable for all types of pies, especially those with crumb crusts

Glass Pie Pans

Glass pie pans are moderately priced, making them a versatile option for all types of pies. They heat up slowly and evenly, promoting consistent baking and browning. Glass pie pans are also see-through, allowing you to monitor the browning of the crust during baking. However, glass plates may cause dough shrinkage, and their lightweight construction might not be ideal for transporting pies.

Pros:

• Inexpensive and versatile
• Slow and even heating for consistent baking
• See-through for monitoring browning
• Safe for quick temperature changes

Cons:

• May cause dough shrinkage during baking
• Lightweight construction might not be ideal for transporting pies

Ceramic Pie Pans

Ceramic pie pans, often made of porcelain or stoneware, are known for their slow and even heat conduction. They retain heat well and are usually safe for quick temperature changes. Ceramic pans are also aesthetically pleasing and can double as serving pieces. However, they tend to be more expensive, heavier, and larger than standard pie pans, which may require adjustments to your recipe. Additionally, the thick rim of standard ceramic pans can cause the crust to brown faster than the rest of the pie.

Pros:

• Slow and even heat conduction
• Retain heat well
• Aesthetically pleasing and can double as serving pieces
• Safe for quick temperature changes

Cons:

• More expensive, heavier, and larger than standard pie pans
• Thick rim can cause the crust to brown faster than the rest of the pie

In summary, the choice of pie pan material depends on your specific needs and preferences. Metal pie pans are ideal for crispy crusts and quick baking, glass pie pans offer versatility and even heating, while ceramic pie pans provide slow and even heating and a beautiful presentation. Consider the type of pie you want to bake, your budget, and the features you value the most to make an informed decision.

Oversized pie pans with lids

If you're looking for oversized pie pans with lids, there are a few options available. For a pack of disposable pie pans with lids, you can try online retailers such as Amazon, which offers packs of 6 Reynolds Kitchens Disposable Pie Pans with Lids in 9-inch size. These are great for baking and come with clear plastic lids for easy storage and transport. Another option is the Hefty EZ Foil Aluminum 10" Pie Baking Pans with Lids, available at Walmart. These pans are extra-large and perfect for baking larger pies.

If you're looking for a more permanent option, OXO offers a Glass Pie Plate with a lid, which can be purchased online from Amazon or other retailers. This option is great if you're looking for a reusable and durable pie pan.

Additionally, you can find disposable aluminum foil pie pans with clear plastic lids in various sizes and pack quantities on Amazon. These are perfect for baking and serving pies, and the lids make them convenient for storing leftovers or transporting your baked goods.

When purchasing pie pans, it's important to consider the size and depth that best suit your needs, as well as whether you prefer disposable or reusable options.

Oversized pie pans for specific types of pies

If you're a fan of pies, you'll know that some pies need a deeper dish than others. For pies with a lot of filling, you'll need a deeper pie pan to accommodate the extra filling and create a perfect ratio of crust to filling.

Deep-dish pies are perfect for summer when berries and stone fruits are in season. Blueberry pie, for example, is best made in a deep-dish pie pan, as you'll want to fit in as many of those juicy, limited-edition berries as possible. The same goes for strawberry-rhubarb pie—you'll want to maximise the potential of that rhubarb! Apple pie is another pie that works well as a deep-dish pie, and you can even make a deep-dish pumpkin meringue pie for a fun twist on a classic.

When it comes to choosing a pie pan, you'll want to consider the material and shape. Metal pans are great thermal conductors and will give you an evenly golden crust. Stoneware pans, on the other hand, retain heat better but may result in less evenly browned crusts. As for the shape, look for a pie pan with slightly slanted sides, which will make it easier to remove slices of pie. A flat edge is also preferable to a wavy one, as it gives you more versatility when it comes to crimping.

Some specific pie pans that are great for deep-dish pies include the Emile Henry Modern Classics Pie Dish, which is 2 inches deep, and the Pyrex Glass Bakeware Pie Plate, which is also perfect for deep-dish pies. The Made In pie dish is another excellent option, with its flat edge and good depth, making it a top choice for pies with lots of fillings.

So, if you're looking to bake some deep-dish pies, be sure to choose a pie pan that's 9.5 to 10 inches wide and around 2 inches deep. And remember, every pie can be a deep-dish pie if you so desire!

Frequently asked questions