When shopping for the best pizza pan, you need to look into its type, material, and size, among many other factors. I have handpicked my favorite products in this article after considering these features. Read on to learn more about why they matter to you.
I do not know about you, but I really enjoy making pizza from scratch. Nothing beats using fresh vegetables, premium toppings, and uniquely seasoned sauce. Besides having the right ingredients, owning the ideal pizza pan is essential. It must meet certain standards to allow you to cook a delicious pizza.
But with so many pizza pans available today, choosing one that best suits your needs can be quite overwhelming.
Fortunately, I researched countless websites and user reviews to develop this article. I will walk you through the best pizza pans on the market. Each product will include pros and cons, so you can easily compare one item to another.
I will also talk about the factors you need to consider when shopping for a pizza pan. Hopefully, this section can help you make the right purchasing decision.
Finally, I will answer your most common questions about pizza pans.
Without any further ado, let us jump right into the article!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
---|---|---|
Editor’s Pick |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best for Deep-Dish Pizza |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Premium Choice |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Budget Pick |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review | |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review | |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
7 Best Pizza Pans
Whether you want to cook a homemade pizza or heat a frozen pizza, you will find these seven best pizza pans suitable for the task. Each one features a nonstick coating to ensure the smooth release of the crust without making a mess.
1. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Bakeware 14-Inch Pizza Pan – Editor’s Pick
The Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Bakeware 14-Inch Pizza Pan is the first product on this list of the best pizza pans.
It features heavy gauge aluminized steel. This material ensures even heat distribution and consistent baking results. At the same time, it is safe to put inside the dishwasher for convenient cleaning.
Additionally, this stainless steel pizza pan has a Whitford Xylan nonstick interior and exterior. It can prevent the crust from sticking to the pan. Hence, it leaves little to no mess, so you can easily clean it after use.
Furthermore, the Cuisinart Nonstick Pan comes with a perforated surface. The holes allow you to bake homemade pizza with a thin crispy crust.
As for its size, this pan can handle up to 14-inch pizzas. It is also suitable for heating flatbreads and quesadillas in a pizza stone.
This best pizza pan even has thick rolled edges to prevent warping, similar to cast iron pizza pans.
On top of all these benefits, most customer reviews for this product were positive. If there is any critique, it would be the holes in the pan. They might be too large, leading to the crust falling off. A few customers also noticed that the silver coating on the pan was easily scraped off.
However, the pros far outweigh the cons. As such, I picked the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Bakeware 14-Inch Pizza Pan as the best pizza pan available today.
Pros:
- The heavy gauge aluminized steel construction can ensure even heating
- A perforated design allows baking pizza with a thin crispy crust
- It has a nonstick interior and exterior for easy food release and convenient cleaning
- It is dishwasher-safe
- The thick rolled edges can prevent warping
Cons:
- The diameter of the holes might be too large, which can lead to the crust falling off
- A few customers said that the silver coating of the pizza pan was easily scraped off
2. Chicago Metallic Deep-Dish Pizza Pan – Best for Deep-Dish Pizza
If you want to make a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, consider checking out the Chicago Metallic Deep Dish Pizza Pan.
As its name suggests, it allows you to create a homemade deep-dish or stuffed pizza in your very own oven. This is made possible by the 1.5-inch high pan.
Meanwhile, it is 14 inches in diameter to easily handle large family pizzas. Besides making pizza, it is also ideal for baking a cookie pie or quesadillas.
Additionally, this best deep dish pizza pan features heavy-duty carbon steel. The material can withstand extremely hot temperatures and is oven-safe up to 450°F (232°C).
Moreover, a nonstick coating easily allows you to release the pizza without ruining the crust.
Finally, the Chicago Alloy Steel Deep Dish Pan is safe to use in the dishwasher for quicker cleaning. However, it might be best to handwash the product to extend its lifespan.
There are a few other downsides to consider before buying this deep-dish pizza pan. First, the height might not be enough if you want to cook authentic Chicago-style pizzas that are three inches deep. Second, some users received a baking pizza pan with minor dents.
Nevertheless, the Chicago Metallic Deep Dish Pizza Pan is still worth considering. It is among the best deep dish pizza pans available today.
Pros:
- This 1.5-inch deep pizza pan is suitable for baking deep-dish or stuffed pizzas
- The carbon steel material ensures strength and heat resistance up to 450°F (232°C)
- It has a nonstick coating for easy release of the pizza crust
- It is dishwasher-safe to make cleaning quick and easy
Cons:
- The pan might be too low for an authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza
- A few users received a pizza pan with minor dents
3. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Baking Pan with Loop Handles – Best Premium Choice
The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Baking Pan is another high-quality pizza pan to consider.
It boasts a cast iron pan. This material provides unparalleled heat retention to ensure even cooking of food.
Additionally, this cast iron pizza pan offers a large cooking surface. It allows you to use it for baking, braising, frying, grilling, and even searing different kinds of food.
Furthermore, the Lodge 14-Inch Cast Iron Pan is safe to use in the oven, on the stove or grill, and over a campfire. It is also great for induction cooktops.
There is even a pre-seasoned surface. It uses 100% natural vegetable oil to guarantee an easy-release finish that improves over time.
Finally, this Lodge Cast Iron Pizza Pan comes with large loop handles. These enable better control and grip to help you handle the relatively heavy pizza pan. They can also make cleaning easier.
All these benefits come at a steep cost, though.
But if you are looking for a premium pizza pan, then the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Baking Pan checks all the boxes. It is among the most versatile pizza pans available today.
Pros:
- The cast iron baking pan offers unparalleled heat retention for even heating
- A large cooking surface is used to bake, broil, fry, grill, or sear
- It is safe to use in the oven, on the stove or grill, and over a campfire
- It is pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil for an easy-release finish
- The large loop handles make handling of the pan easier
Cons:
- It is the most expensive item on this list
- The pan is quite heavy, which makes cleaning difficult
4. Wilton Recipe Right 2-Piece Pizza Pan Set – Best Budget Pick
Are you looking for a high-quality yet budget-friendly pizza pan? Consider checking out the Wilton Recipe Right 2-Piece Pizza Pan Set.
The set includes not only one but two pizza pans. They are great to have when you need to feed and serve a hungry crowd, whether it is your family or a group of friends.
Additionally, these Wilton round pizza pans use durable alloy steel construction. It can bake pizzas evenly and prevent warping at the same time.
Moreover, this pizza pan set is built with a reinforced nonstick coating. It allows your pizza to slide or pop out easily from the pan without a mess. Hence, it can make cleanup almost effortless.
Speaking of cleaning, it is safe to use inside the dishwasher for your convenience. However, the manufacturer recommends washing these best pizza pans in warm water before and after each use.
Finally, the Wilton Pizza Pans come with large handles. They provide a secure grip, even if you are wearing oven mitts.
But before buying this best pizza pan set, it is essential to consider its downsides. First, the pans might have a too thick bottom, preventing you from achieving crispy thin crust pizza. Second, a few users noticed that the color of the pans changed after a few times of use.
With that said, the Wilton Recipe Right 2-Piece Pizza Pan Set is difficult to beat for its price. It is my top recommendation for those with a tight budget.
Pros:
- A budget-friendly pizza pan set
- The alloy steel construction ensures durability and even cooking
- It has a nonstick coating that allows pizzas to slide easily
- It is easy to clean and safe to use inside the dishwasher
- The large handles provide a secure grip
Cons:
- The stainless steel pans might be too thick to get a crispy crust on a pizza
- A few customers said that the color of the pans changed after a few times of use
5. LloydPans Kitchenware Detroit Style Pizza Pan
The LloydPans Kitchenware Detroit Style Pizza Pan features heavy-duty anodized aluminum material. It offers durability and heat resistance up to 700°F (371°C).
This best pizza pan is also built with a nonstick coating. It does not use any toxins. Instead, it is water-based and infused onto the pan surface to prevent the need for pre-seasoning. At the same time, the nonstick finish allows pizza to bake hotter and faster than bare aluminum pans. Hence, it can produce an excellent crust that is evenly baked.
Furthermore, the LloydPans Kitchenware Pan offers a large cooking area. It is ten by 14 inches with a 2.5-inch depth. It is perfect for creating Detroit-style and deep-dish pizzas.
Finally, it is easy to clean and maintain, despite its large surface area.
However, this pizza pan is unsafe to use in the dishwasher. A few users also noticed scratches on the exterior of their pans.
Nevertheless, the LloydPans Kitchenware Detroit Style Pizza Pan is still one of the best baking pans available today.
Pros:
- It has durable aluminum construction that can withstand extremely hot temperatures
- A large cooking surface allows you to bake deep-dish or Detroit-style pizzas
- A non-toxic and water-based nonstick coating
- It does not require pre-seasoning to save you time
- It is easy to maintain
Cons:
- It is not dishwasher-safe
- A few users received a pan with scratches on the exterior
6. AirBake Nonstick Pizza Pan
Those who prefer eating a perfectly crispy pizza might want to invest in the AirBake Nonstick Pizza Pan.
It boasts a perforated technology. These holes let the cooking surface heat faster and more evenly to create a crispy thin crust pizza.
Additionally, this best pizza pan measures 15.75 inches. It allows you to bake large-sized pizzas, which is ideal for feeding your family or group of friends.
There is even a nonstick finish. It prevents the crust from sticking to the pan, so you can enjoy the perfect slice of pizza.
Finally, the AirBake Pizza Pan is safe to use in the dishwasher without affecting the performance of the nonstick coating.
However, some users found the pizza pan too large to fit in their ovens and dishwashers. A few customers also had difficulty cleaning any crust or sauce stuck between the holes.
Overall, though, the AirBake Nonstick Pizza Pan is still worth checking out. It is one of the best perforated pizza pans on the market today.
Pros:
- It comes with a perforated design for faster and even heating of the crust
- A nonstick finish allows you to enjoy the perfect slice of pizza without making a mess
- It can handle extremely hot temperatures up to 425°F (218°C)
- The large cooking surface is ideal for baking family-sized pizzas
Cons:
- This pizza pan might be too large to fit inside a dishwasher
- It is difficult to clean out any sauce or crust that has gotten caught in the holes
7. Wilton Perfect Results Premium Nonstick Bakeware Pizza Pan
The last item on this list of the best pizza pans is the Wilton Perfect Results Premium Nonstick Bakeware Pizza Pan.
It features a round pizza pan that is 14 inches in diameter. It is perfect for baking homemade pizza or heating a store-bought pie.
Meanwhile, its alloy steel construction ensures durability by resisting warping. It can also provide reliable heat retention to guarantee an evenly baked pizza.
Moreover, this Wilton Pizza Pan has a premium nonstick coating. It allows your pizza to slide easily to make cleaning almost effortless.
Finally, it is safe to use in the dishwasher for your convenience.
Despite these benefits, this pizza pan is almost rimless. That means it might be hard to get the pizza out of the oven. A few users also said that the nonstick coating has quickly worn off after a few times of use.
With that said, Wilton provides a limited ten-year warranty. It allows you to ask for a refund or replacement if a product does not meet your expectations.
For this reason, I still consider the Wilton Perfect Results Premium Nonstick Bakeware Pizza Pan as among the best baking pans today.
Pros:
- A 14-inch baking pan is ideal for both homemade and store-bought pizza pie
- The alloy steel construction ensures durability and reliable heat retention
- A nonstick coating lets the pizza slide or pop out easily
- It is dishwasher-safe
- The manufacturer provides a limited warranty
Cons:
- The pan is almost rimless, which makes it difficult to get out of the oven
- A few users said that the nonstick coating has quickly worn off after a few times of use
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Pizza Pan for Your Needs
There are several things you need to consider if you want to buy the best pizza pan. I will discuss these factors below and explain how they might be important to you. Hopefully, by the end of this buying guide, you will be more confident to make a wise purchasing decision.
Type of Pizza Pan
One of the first factors to consider when buying a pizza pan is its surface type. This feature will depend on the kind of pizza you will be baking and your personal preferences.
The first style is a solid pan. It does not have any holes or nibs at the base, which might affect the heat flow. However, it is still a great option if you use ingredients that are mixed in the right proportion. A solid pizza pan is also easier to clean.
Another popular pizza pan dish comes with a perforated design. It has holes at the base to ensure the heat gets to the middle of the pizza. Hence, it allows you to cook the middle part at the same rate as the edges. A perforated pizza pan is also ideal for creating pizzas with a thinner and more crispy crust.
The last pizza pan style to consider is the nibbed one. It features little bumps at the base that allow heat to reach the crust to achieve the perfect crisp evenly.
Material
It is also essential to consider the pizza pan material before finalizing your purchasing decision.
The most common ones you will encounter are aluminum, cast iron, and steel. Each material has its pros and cons. Thus, it is up to you to choose one that best suits your needs.
First, aluminum pizza pans transfer heat evenly. They are also lighter than other materials. The only downside is that most of them are not dishwasher-safe. They require you to clean them manually, which can be a hassle.
Meanwhile, pizza pans with cast iron material heat quickly. They can also effectively retain this heat to save you cooking time. They are also durable and easy to clean. However, they can be relatively heavy. They also require you to maintain them regularly with an oil coating.
Finally, steel pizza pans offer reliable heat transfer ability. These pans are also easy to use and clean because they are dishwasher-safe. However, they tend to burn the crust when using high heat easily.
Size and Shape
You will come across pizza pan products in different sizes and shapes. Choosing one will depend on the size of your oven, how many servings you usually prefer eating, and what type of pizza you want to bake.
Obviously, you will want to get a larger 12 or 14-inch pan if you want to bake for your family or group of friends.
Meanwhile, those who intend to bake Chicago-style or stuffed pizzas can invest in a deeper baking pan.
Weight
You can choose between a lightweight or heavy pizza pan, depending on your preferences.
If you want something that can withstand extremely hot temperatures, you can go with a heavyweight pan. You can also expect them to last longer. However, you might find them a little bit difficult to clean due to the heft.
If so, you can opt to invest in a lightweight pizza pan. You will find them more comfortable to hold and easier to clean.
Nonstick Coating
A nonstick coating is another essential feature of a pizza pan.
You will find it easier to slide the pizza from a nonstick pan than other types of pans. There is also no need to worry about the crust sticking at the bottom. Hence, you can easily clean the pan after use.
However, do note that nonstick pans often contain chemicals that may react with your food. You might also encounter a crunchy brown look, which does not happen to other types of pans.
Ease of Cleaning
The last factor you need to consider is how easy it is to clean the pizza pan and if it is dishwasher-safe.
Most pizza pans with a nonstick coating might get damaged when washed inside a dishwasher. They also should not be harshly scrubbed to prevent damage to the coating.
Meanwhile, stainless steel pans are usually safe to put inside a dishwasher. But it is still best to check the product manual in advance.
On the other hand, pre-seasoned and cast iron pans should not be washed with excess soap. A damp washcloth is enough to clean these types of pans to protect their top layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pizza pan with holes better?
While a perforated pizza pan offers several advantages, it might not always be the best option for you. Pizza pans with holes evenly distribute heat to aid the cooking process. They also keep excess moisture away from the pizza. Hence, they can help you bake a crispy and brittle pizza.
Despite their benefits, perforated pans might not always be your best option. They might be difficult to clean because the crust or toppings tend to get stuck in the holes.
Do I need to preheat my pizza pan?
It is best to preheat the pan first if you want to achieve a crispy pizza crust. Note that the appropriate time to heat the pan will depend on its material. You might also want to refer to the guide or instructions from the manufacturer regarding preheating.
Should I add oil to the pizza pan?
While most pizza pans have a nonstick coating, applying a layer of oil is still recommended. You can also use butter, cornmeal, or a combination. Doing so can prevent the pizza from sticking to the pan. It also adds great flavor and texture to the crust.
Conclusion
There you have it—my top choice for the best pizza pans on the market today! I highly recommend each one for its durability and nonstick finish.
But my absolute favorite is the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Bakeware 14-Inch Pizza Pan. It has a heavy gauge aluminized steel construction. This material provides even heat distribution and consistent baking results. Additionally, it features a nonstick coating to prevent the crust from clinging to the pan. Moreover, this best pizza pan comes with a perforated design. These holes allow you to bake pizza with a thin crispy crust. Finally, it is safe to put inside the dishwasher for convenient cleaning.