Best Pizza Pans for Baking Crispy, Delicious Homemade Pizzas
I love making homemade pizza. There’s something immensely satisfying about preparing a delicious pie from scratch and sharing it with friends and family. Over the years, I’ve learned that having the right pizza pan makes all the difference when it comes to getting a crispy crust. The best pizza pans evenly distribute heat to ensure your dough turns out perfectly golden on the bottom.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a pizza pan and recommend some of the top-rated options in different categories. Whether you prefer thin-crust New York-style or deep-dish Chicago-style, you’ll find a pan that fits your needs.
Why the Pizza Pan Matters
The pizza pan plays a crucial role in baking. It impacts heat transfer to the dough, which determines:
- Crust texture: Crispiness, soft spots, color
- Cooking time: How quickly the crust bakes and the toppings heat
- Topping capacity: Deep dish vs thin crust
Choosing the right pan helps ensure your homemade pizza bakes evenly for that hot, crispy crust we all crave.
Key Buying Considerations
With so many pizza pans on the market, narrowing down the options can get overwhelming. Focus on these key factors as you shop to choose the best model for your needs:
Material
Common pizza pan materials include:
- Aluminum: Affordable, lightweight, conducts heat well
- Cast iron: Heavier, retains heat consistently for crisp crust
- Carbon steel: Durable, withstands high temps for pizzeria-quality pies
Size
Consider your standard pizza diameter and oven dimensions. Most home ovens accommodate 14-15 inch pizza pans.
Shape
Classic round pans work well for thin or thick crust. Deep dish pizza pans have taller sides to hold more toppings. Rectangular Sicilian pizza pans have edges to deliver a crisp exterior crust.
Coating
Non-stick coatings promote easy release. Uncoated cast iron or steel must be seasoned.
Price
Budget pizza pans run under $20, while high-end stainless steel or ceramic models cost over $50. Set a reasonable budget for your needs.
I’ll cover some of my favorite pizza pan models across these factors. Read on for recommendations!
The Best Pizza Pans of 2023
After extensive personal testing and research, I’ve determined the best pizza pans in various categories.
Best Cast Iron Pizza Pan: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan
Pros
- Cast iron heats slowly and evenly for consistent baking
- Pre-seasoned for immediate use; natural nonstick properties improve over time
- Superior heat retention for crisp, perfectly charred crust
- Spacious 14” diameter and durable design
Cons
- Heavy; not the most convenient for storage or serving
- Handwash only
Lodge makes the best cast iron cookware, and their pizza pan is no exception. The thick cast iron body provides unparalleled heat retention and distribution for that hot, crispy crust we crave. The pre-seasoned finish gets better with use, promoting pizza release with just a dusting of cornmeal or flour.
I love using this pan for both thin and deep dish crusts. It consistently delivers excellent results, especially when baking pizzas at over 500°F. The cast iron withstands the high heat while crisping up the crust beautifully.
Best Carbon Steel Pizza Pan: Blue Carbon Steel Pizza Pan
Pros
- Durable carbon steel withstands high temperatures
- Naturally nonstick for easy pizza release
- Great heat conduction for even baking; gets very hot
- Can use on grill or oven
- Made in USA
Cons
- Prone to rusting; must season properly
- Handwash only
For high-heat pizza baking at up to 800°F, I recommend this carbon steel pizza pan. The durable carbon steel body holds its shape while delivering efficient, uniform heat transfer.
While it lacks a protective coating, the metal develops outstanding nonstick properties once properly seasoned. I rub the pan with a thin coat of oil and bake it upside down for an hour at 450°F, then let it cool in the oven. After repeating the process 2-3 times, the pan has an almost enamel-like surface that crisps pizza dough beautifully.
From thin crust pizzas to deep dish pies loaded with toppings, this pan performs incredibly thanks to its heat retention abilities and slick surface.
Best Nonstick Pizza Pan: OXO Good Grips Pro Nonstick Pizza Pan
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel core
- Commercial grade ceramic-reinforced PTFE nonstick coating
- Micro-textured pattern prevents sticking
- Rolled edges for durability
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Heavy; may bend lighter gauge baking sheets
- Won’t work on pizza stones
For convenient pizza night dinners, I use OXO’s nonstick pizza pan regularly. The thick aluminized steel base conducts heat evenly across the 15-inch surface. But what sets this pan apart is the high quality PTFE nonstick coating.
The double layer of ceramic-reinforced coating makes releasing baked goods a breeze. Its micro-textured pattern also minimizes surface contact with the dough, preventing sticking and promoting even baking.
While most nonstick pans lose their slippery properties quite quickly, this one cleans up like new after over a dozen uses. I find it releases dough more reliably than many premium ceramic nonstick pizza pans. The dishwasher safe construction is just the cherry on top for easy maintenance.
Best Perforated Pizza Pan: T-fal AirBake Nonstick Pizza Pan
Pros
- Hundreds of holes for faster, crispier baking
- Nonstick coating for easy release
- Spacious 15 3⁄4” diameter
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Prone to staining over time
- PTFE coating less durable than premium options
- Not broiler safe
For pizzas with light, crispy crusts, perforated pizza pans can’t be beaten. The hundreds of holes encourage air circulation, heating the bottom faster while preventing moisture from making dough soggy. I’m a loyal fan of T-fal’s AirBake pan for its reliable performance and affordable price.
The nonstick coating does an excellent job minimizing sticking. Compared to bare aluminized steel, it bakes pizzas faster with better texture and crunch factor. Just avoid using metal utensils to maintain the pan’s nonstick properties.
While its PTFE coating is not as high-end as pricier ceramic options, T-fal’s pizza pan costs a fraction of the price. For dependable results batch after batch, this perforated pan delivers quality that outperforms its price tag.
Best Deep Dish Pizza Pan: Chicago Metallic Deep Dish Pizza Pan
Pros
- Professional weight carbon steel
- Nonstick coating for easy food release
- 1.5” tall sides for loaded deep dish pizzas
- Rolled edges enhance durability
- Broad 14” diameter
Cons
- Not broiler or oven safe
- Handwash recommended
No roundup of the best pizza pans would be complete without one specialized for deep dish pies. Chicago Metallic’s heavy duty carbon steel pizza pan nails the design with its extra deep walls and high quality nonstick coating.
I load this puppy up with layers of cheese, sauce and toppings without overflow. The nonstick finish makes slicing gooey deep dish pizza portions a breeze. Compared to stainless steel, the carbon steel also bakes more evenly for a crispy, golden crust.
The rolled edges prevent warping, even when exposed to high oven temperatures required for a loaded stuffed pie. If authentic deep dish pizza is your jam, this pan proves you can recreate the Pizzeria Uno experience at home.
How to Season, Use and Care for Your Pizza Pan
To keep your pizza pan in peak form, proper seasoning, usage and cleaning are key. Follow these tips:
Seasoning
- Wash new pans in hot, soapy water before first use
- Coat bare carbon steel or cast iron evenly in oil
- Bake upside down at 200°F for 1 hour; repeat as needed
Usage
- Preheat your pizza pan slowly so it heats gradually
- Avoid drastic temperature changes to prevent warping
- Use soft utensils to protect nonstick coatings
Care
- Allow pans to cool fully before washing
- Handwash or use gentle dishwasher cycles
- Dry thoroughly and rub stainless steel interiors with oil to prevent rust
Serve Up Amazing Homemade Pizzas Tonight!
Having the right pizza pan makes all the difference for crispy crust and evenly baked toppings. The pans reviewed above provide excellent heat transfer and release for pizzeria quality results. Shop for your perfect match based on the material performance, dimensions and features you need.
What homemade pizza will you create first with your new pan? I can’t wait for you to enjoy the convenience of these exceptional pizza pans for making crave-worthy pies to share on your next family pizza night!
