Best Pie Pan Reviews 2018

The material used, size and style of a pie pan can influence what you pay for one. For instance, large pans cost more than their smaller counterparts. Although these baking plates are generally not pricey, their addition to your kitchen is absolutely important. Therefore, it’s important to pick a good pan that’s both functional and attractive for the pies you intend to make.

Cheap pie pans are mostly tin foil pans meant for single use only and might not withstand the weight of pie fillings. If you’re a regular baker, you need a plate you can rely on each time you need to bake. Go for quality and consider plates being sold in packs to get good bargains. You’ll find a good pie pan in the price range of $5 to $50, depending on the factors mentioned above.

The most important feature of pie pans is the material used to make them. It determines how well a pan can distribute heat to enable thorough and even cooking of the pie on all sides. Also choose size based on how large or small you want your pies to be. Consider one large plate for a big pie that can serve your entire family or a plate with cavities if you prefer mini pies.

Here are some of the features to look out for in a pie pan:

• The diameter of the pan to determine the size of your pies
• The material used, such as steel, anodized aluminum, etc.
• The depth of the pan, based on how thick your want your pies to be
• Non-stick surface for quick release and easy cleaning
• Stain and odor-resistant properties
• Contoured edges for a good-looking pie
• Handles for easy carrying
• Lid for covering the pie while in transit

With the right pie plate, you’ll be able to cook the right size and depth of pie to serve your friends, guests or family whenever you bake your favorite delicacies.

Shopping for a pie plate? Whether you’re a newbie or professional baker, these factors will help you choose the best pan for your given needs:

Size

Pie pans come in different sizes that determine their diameter, depth and weight. Most pans are 9 to 9.5 inches in diameter. The depth of a pan varies from one plate to another, but most people prefer shallow pans so the pie can cook quickly and evenly at the bottom. The weight of a pan is mostly determined by the material it’s made of. Ceramic, burgundy clay and cast iron plates are usually heavy, while those made of aluminum are light.

Material

There are many materials used to make pie pans, such as ceramic, clay, cast iron, glass and aluminum. For the heavy materials such as clay and ceramics, the pie might take long to cook and not have a crispy, brown crust. This is attributed to the fact that these materials conduct heat slowly. Lightweight materials such as aluminum and glass conduct heat quickly, giving your pie a crispy and well-browned crust.

Glass can allow you to peek at the bottom of your pie if you want to see whether it’s as brown and crispy as you want it. The best material is one that conducts heat evenly and quickly, atop being non-reactive and non-toxic. The materials are usually given a non-stick, stain-resistant and odor-resistant glaze so the pie you make comes out whole and fresh.

Lid

If you want a pan that’ll make it easy for you to store your pie hygienically and carry it around, find one with a lid. A lid allows you to cover your pie so it doesn’t collect dust or become contaminated, for instance, if you want to take it to a picnic.

Care

Just as with any other kitchen utensil, hygiene is important. Find a pie pan with a finish that’s stain and odor resistant, and easy to clean. Also, pie plates are either dishwasher safe or can easily be cleaned by hand so the cleaning is thorough.

Pack Size

Pie pans might also come as packs containing a number of plates. Since tin foil pans are disposable, they mostly come in large packs. On the other hand, durable pans come in packs with one, two or three plates. The more pans you get in a pack, the better value for your money.

Pie pans come with contoured edges to ensure the pie you bake looks beautiful, professional and appetizing. Some also come with handles so you can easily carry your pie out of the oven or even outside your house. The finish on the pie pans is non-stick, ensuring you can get your baked pie out of the pan without any portion of the pie sticking to it or breaking the pie open.

You can also easily cut and serve your pie on a shallow plate using a pie server or pie knife. Your pie pan will require thorough cleaning either by hand or using a dishwasher to ensure it’s ready for storage or the next use. Finally, make sure the material your pan is made of isn’t just durable, but supports even heat distribution so your pie cooks evenly.