Rectangular Pizza Pans: Why The Shape?

Rectangular pizza pans are used for cooking pizzas, bread, and other dough-based foods. They are made from a variety of materials, including blue iron, carbon steel, aluminium, anodized aluminium, and cast iron. Rectangular pizza pans come in a range of sizes, from 5 inches by 15 inches to 18 inches by 12 inches. Some rectangular pizza pans have holes, which can help to crisp up the pizza base.

Grandma style pizza pans

Grandma-style pizza pans are rectangular and designed to create a thin, crispy crust. They are typically made from highly conductive aluminium, which allows for faster baking than steel pans. The pans are also designed with angled sides and double-thick flat rims, which add strength and durability.

The unique feature of these pizza pans is their stick-resistant coating, which eliminates the need for pre-seasoning and ensures easy cleaning, even in tight corners. This coating is non-toxic, metal utensil-safe, and PTFE-free. The pans are also designed with a 76-degree angle, which allows for nesting inside each other, maximising storage space.

Grandma-style pizzas are known for their square, thin crusts and generous toppings, especially cheese and tomato. The pans are designed to create a crispy base with a chewy middle, similar to Sicilian-style pizza but with a thinner, denser crust.

These pizza pans are typically 16 x 12 inches and 1 inch deep, fitting perfectly in standard home ovens. They are also used in commercial settings, with some of the largest pizza chains, bakeries, and restaurants utilising them.

Sicilian style pizza pans

Sicilian-style pizza pans are rectangular and deep, allowing for the thick and soft crust that this style of pizza is known for. They are typically made from heavy-duty aluminium, which allows for faster bake times than steel pans.

The pans are designed with a double-thick flat rim, which adds strength and long-lasting durability. The heavy-duty aluminium is also essential for effective and timely heat transfer.

Some Sicilian-style pizza pans feature a Pre-Seasoned Tuff Kote (PSTK) finish, which adds a stick-resistant coating and eliminates the need for pre-seasoning. This coating is permanent, metal utensil safe, PTFE-free, and non-toxic. It also makes it easy to bake, clean, and maintain the pan. The pans are designed with a 76-degree angle that allows them to nest when empty, saving storage space.

Sicilian-style pizza pans are available in various sizes, including 10x10x1.5 inches, 12x12x1.5 inches, 14x14x1.5 inches, 12x18 inches, and 16x16 inches.

Roman style pizza al taglio pans

Pizza al taglio, or "pizza by the slice", is a Roman-style pizza that is served by the slice and designed for a grab-and-go eating experience. The pans used for pizza al taglio are rectangular and typically made from heavy-gauge anodized aluminium.

LloydPans, a US-based pan manufacturer, has designed a range of pizza al taglio pans that replicate the sizes and shapes of classic Roman pans. These pans are made from 12-gauge heavy anodized aluminium and feature a double-thick folded rim for increased durability. The company's PSTK coating ensures that the pans are stick-resistant, metal utensil-safe, and will never rust. The full-size pan measures 40x60 cm (15.75x23.62 inches) and the half-size pan measures 20x60 cm (7.87x23.62 inches). Both pans are 2 cm deep.

Another option for pizza al taglio pans is the "blue steel" pan manufactured by Fiero Casa and imported from Italy. These pans are also available in full-size and half-size, with dimensions of 23.62" x 15.75" x 0.8" (60 x 40 x 2 centimeters). Unlike the LloydPans product, the Fiero Casa pans are made from uncoated steel and must be seasoned with vegetable oil, animal fat, or salt.

Whether you choose the LloydPans or Fiero Casa option, these pizza al taglio pans will help you create delicious, authentic Roman-style pizzas with a light and airy crust.

Pizza sheet pans for bar pizza

Pizza sheet pans are a staple for any pizzeria or home enthusiast. They are versatile, efficient, and can be used to create a variety of pizza styles, including the beloved bar pizza.

Choosing the Right Pan

When selecting a pizza sheet pan for bar pizza, consider the size, material, and features that will best suit your needs. Standard sheet pans typically measure 18x26 inches, but it's important to measure your oven before purchasing, as these pans may not fit in all home ovens.

Pizza pans are commonly made of aluminum, aluminized steel, carbon steel, or cast iron. Each material has its own advantages, such as durability, heat distribution, and non-stick properties. Some pans also have perforated holes, which allow for even cooking and a crispier crust.

Preparing the Pan

Once you've selected the perfect pan, it's essential to prepare it properly before baking your pizza. Grease the pan with oil, such as olive oil, to prevent the dough from sticking and to promote a crispy crust. You can also use cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking and add texture to your pizza.

Baking Tips

When baking your bar pizza, it's recommended to rotate the pan halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Additionally, letting your pizza dough come to room temperature before shaping it will make it easier to work with and prevent snapping back.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Proper cleaning and maintenance of your pizza sheet pan are crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions, as they may vary depending on the pan's material and coating. Some pans have stick-resistant coatings that eliminate the need for parchment paper or sprays, making cleanup easier.

Where to Buy

You can find pizza sheet pans for bar pizza at various retailers, including specialty baking supply stores and online marketplaces like Amazon. LloydPans, for example, offers a wide range of pizza pans and is known for its durable and innovative products.

In conclusion, pizza sheet pans for bar pizza are an essential tool for any pizza enthusiast. With the right pan and techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy, and perfectly cooked bar pizzas.

Detroit style pizza pans

Detroit-style pizza pans are rectangular and made of steel or heavy-duty anodized aluminum. They are typically 10 by 14 inches or 8 by 10 inches in size, with a depth of about 2.5 inches. These pans are designed to create the signature square-shaped Detroit-style pizzas with a crispy exterior and light and airy interior.

The pans are known for their durability and stick-resistant properties, thanks to their exclusive Dura-Kote or Tuff-Kote finish. This non-toxic coating eliminates the need for pre-seasoning, making them low-maintenance and easy to clean. The double-thick flat rim adds strength and long-lasting durability, while the nesting feature allows for efficient storage by saving space.

Detroit-style pizza pans are available in both seasoned and unseasoned varieties. The seasoning process can be time-consuming and costly, but it ensures that the pans are ready for use without the need for a break-in period. The new pans feature improved water resistance and a flake-free seasoning that eliminates the issues of sticking and peeling associated with previous versions.

These pans are not limited to pizza-making; they can also be used for baking macaroni and cheese, chicken parm, and enchiladas.

Frequently asked questions