The pie-making process, as simplified by acclaimed author and blogger Irvin Lin, focuses on attention to detail, where even elements as seemingly trivial as the pie pan can make a significant difference. Though it might seem an easy task, there exists a wide array of pie pans on the market, each with its unique offerings. This array of choices, ironically, makes the task of picking one quite daunting. For both the novice and the seasoned pie maker, the correct pie pan can significantly optimize your pie-making process and enhance your pie’s overall appeal.
To assist you in this quest, our baking expert – in a very hands-on approach – tested each pie pan in a real-world scenario, right in his own kitchen. He evaluated essential aspects, like the time taken for a basic pie crust to blind bake, and how evenly cream-filled and fruit-filled pies cooked in each pan. This thorough testing and careful analysis aim to guide you to the best pie pans available in the market.
Our Best Picks
- Best Overall: Emile Henry Ruffled Pie Dish
- Best shallow pie plate: Pyrex® 9″ Glass Pie Plate
- Best with Lis: OXO Good Grips Glass Pie Plate
- Best Nonstick: Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Pie Dish
- Best Heat Resistant: Farberware Baker’s Advantage Ceramic Pie Dish
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SPECIFICATIONS:
- Material:Ceramic
- Brand:Emile Henry
- Colour:Burgundy Red
- Shape:Round
- Dimensions:10″D x 10″W x 2″H
- Special Feature:Freezer safe, Oven-safe, Microwave Safe, Dishwasher safe
Pros and Cons
- Durable and scratch resistant.
- Suitable for both shallow and deep pies
- Resistant against temperature change.
- Expensive
Bottom Line
The Emile Henry ruffled pie dish is not just visually appealing, but it’s also a powerhouse in the kitchen. Made from ceramic, it evenly bakes your pie crust to perfection and can withstand temperatures up to 520 degrees. Its unique ruffled design simplifies your pie-making process as the crust can be directly shaped on it.
This dish is extremely versatile, accommodating both small custard pies and larger fruit pies comfortably. One standout feature is its impressive 6-cup capacity, allowing for a hefty apple pie filled with over four pounds of apple slices. Moreover, the heightened sides of the dish prevent overflow from juicy fillings, ensuring no sticky mess.
Despite its direct contact with the pie, the glaze remains unmarked and unstained, even from the darkest fruits like blueberries. Post-baking, cleaning is a breeze with just a brief soak. This dish is so delightful to use; you’ll be inspired to try it for other dishes like casseroles and quiches as well.
What The Review Are Saying: Beautiful Ruffled Pie Plate
I broke my all-time favorite pie plate and never thought I’d find one I liked as much. I was wrong—this one is even better! Beautiful color and design. Plus I love the fact that it’s bigger in diameter than most pie plates I’ve seen. – Mother Mercury
02
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Material:Glass
- Brand:Pyrex
- Colour:Clear
- Shape:Straight
- Dimensions:9” diameter x 1.25” high
- Special Feature:Freezer safe, Oven-safe
- Warranty:2 Years
Pros and Cons
- The high-quality tempered glass is robust and long-lasting.
- The pie pan heats evenly, ensuring consistent cooking results every time.
- It’s not limited to baking; you can also use it to prepare no-bake and freezer pies.
- Requires careful handling to avoid breakage.
Bottom Line
The Pyrex glass pie plate is an exceptional, budget-friendly choice for your baking needs. Its tempered, patented glass ensures safety, durability, and ease of cleaning. With a 9-inch size, it’s ideal for single-crust pies. The slow-conducting glass guarantees evenly baked, golden crusts, eliminating undercooked bottoms.
The transparency of glass allows you to monitor the cooking process – a feature not possible with metal or ceramic dishes. For double-crust pies, consider the equally affordable Pyrex Grip Rite 9.5-inch Glass Pie Plate. Experience the unbeatable value of Pyrex today!
What The Review Are Saying: Well made!
I usually buy tin pie pans and they rust after a few years and into the trash can. I decide to go with a glass one and I am very happy I did. Got some weight to it and seems really sturdy. A added bonus is you can see if the bottom of pie is getting too brown. – Andrew
03
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Material:Glass
- Brand: OXO
- Colour:Clear
- Shape:Round
- Dimensions:9″D x 9″W x 2.1″H
- Special Feature:Freezer-safe, Oven-safe, Microwave Safe, Dishwasher safe
Pros and Cons
- Made from thermal-shock-resistant borosilicate glass, enabling it to handle dramatic temperature changes without cracking.
- Features easy-read, 9-inch dimension markers to aid in recipe measurements.
- Comes with a BPA and PVC free lid which prevents food spillage, making it ideal for picnic or potluck use.
- The glass nature of the pie dish might make it fragile and prone to breakage with rough handling or accidental drops.
- Not so attractive
Bottom Line
This borosilicate glass dish is ideal for cooking and serving both hot and cold foods. Unlike other dishes, you can place it in a hot oven straight from the fridge or freezer. It comes with a cover, making it great for carrying to parties and keeping leftovers fresh. The pan is 9 inches wide and 2 inches deep, perfect for a well-sized pie.
It also has a grip-friendly rim for easy handling and a smooth surface for effortless cleaning. The crust cooks evenly, giving you a delightful pie every time. If you frequently prepare food in advance or host parties, this pie dish is the perfect choice.
What The Review Are Saying: Perfect thanksgiving dish
Ordered it for a pumpkin pie. Good study dish of a perfect size. I love how firmly the lid snaps on, it makes it easy to carry and store. Also, lid vents are helpful, I don’t have to worry about it being still a little warm before covering it – Dariia Y.
04
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Material: Metal
- Brand: Williams Sonoma
- Shape:Round Shape
- Dimensions:9″ diam., 1 1/2″ high
- Special Feature:Freezer safe, Oven-safe
- Warranty:2 Years
Pros and Cons
- The high-quality tempered glass is robust and long-lasting.
- The pie pan heats evenly, ensuring consistent cooking results every time.
- It’s not limited to baking; you can also use it to prepare no-bake and freezer pies.
- Requires careful handling to avoid breakage.
Bottom Line
Experience the joy of perfect pie baking with our commercial-grade, aluminized steel pie pan. The Goldtouch® Pro nonstick coating not only ensures seamless pie release but also facilitates effortless cleaning. Designed to accommodate a wide variety of pies, this highly durable, dishwasher-safe pan measures 9 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches high, offers a substantial 3.25-cup capacity, and weighs merely 1 lb. Crafted in the USA, the pan can endure oven heat up to 450°F.
We recommend an initial wash with warm water and mild dish soap, and the use of wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils to prevent scratches. The pan contains safe quantities of materials like PTFE, iron, manganese, aluminum, and vanadium. We’re at your service for any further questions or assistance.
What The Review Are Saying: Good Product
I recommend this baking products. They will last you a life time, always quality construction. – Gary Jechorek
05
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Material:Ceramic
- Brand:Farberware
- Colour: Teal
- Shape:Apple
- Dimensions:10.24″D x 10.24″W x 2.17″H
- Special Feature:Durable nonstick coating, Easy food release and cleanup.
Pros and Cons
- Made from commercial-grade aluminized steel for even heat distribution.
- The versatile design is suitable for single and double-crust pies.
- Dishwasher safe for easy maintenance.
- Manufactured in the USA with quality materials.
- Contains certain chemicals that may raise concerns.
- Oven use is limited to 450°F max temperature.
- Hand-washing is recommended for longer product life, which may be inconvenient.
- Use only wood, silicone or plastic utensils to prevent scratches.
Bottom Line
Meet the Farberware Baker’s Advantage Pie Dish – your new baking partner that is designed to accommodate larger portions and deliver ideal results. Its charming teal exterior and creamy white interior not only bring aesthetics but also the promise of robust performance. We put this ceramic pie dish to the test and found that it can comfortably handle up to 4.5 pounds of apples – a more substantial load than your average apple pie.
Despite the generous fill, the results were consistently impressive. The pie maintained its structure, the apples baked evenly without becoming mushy, and the crust browned perfectly without any sogginess.
In a side-by-side comparison with the Great Jones pie plate, this pie dish stood out with only minor differences, such as slightly more depth. It is not only gorgeous but also versatile, being freezer-safe for prepping ahead and microwave-safe for reheating leftovers.
What The Review Are Saying: Great purchase
I was looking for some bakeware that I could cook quiche and pies in that was a bit larger than the normal size. When I saw this bakeware, I thought it was very modern-looking and stylish. It’s the perfect size for what I was looking for and clean-up is a breeze! It sat on the counter empty for over an h pop it before I could wash it. I thought it would have to soak, but no! It only needed some soap and warm water and a sponge. No heavy-duty scrubbing. The price was reasonable as well. I absolutely love this bakeware! – DMH
What to Look for in a Pie Pan
Material Considerations for Pie Pans
Pie pans come in a variety of materials, each unique in their own way. For instance, ceramic pans are excellent at retaining heat and ensuring an even bake. Glass pans, on the other hand, allow you to keep an eye on your crust to prevent over or under baking. Metal pans are a cost-effective option that heat up quickly, but they may result in an overcooked crust before your filling is ready. If you’re using a heavy metal pan, it’s less likely to warp over time.
Versatility and Environmental Impact of Pie Pans
You should look for pans that can withstand sudden temperature changes, especially when baking frozen pies. If you’re planning to freeze pies or give them away, aluminum disposable pans are a handy option, although they’re not the most environmentally friendly due to their single-use nature.
Comparing Heat Conduction Among Pie Pans
Pies baked in metal pans often cook faster than in ceramic or glass due to better heat conduction. However, this might lead to uneven cooking, especially in custard pies. Ceramic and glass pans offer more insulation, resulting in a more uniform bake, though it may take longer.
Size and Depth Options for Pie Pans
Most pie pans have a diameter of 9 or 10 inches, but you can also find intermediate sizes. For pies with a double crust or a generous filling, a 2-inch-deep pan is recommended. A 1.5-inch-deep pan can handle both types of pies. For a neat presentation or freezing single servings, you can get mini pie pans.
Extra Features to Look for in Pie Pans
Extra features can make a pie pan more useful. Look for freezer-safe or microwave-safe options if you often prepare pies in advance or reheat leftovers. Pans with lids are great for storing leftovers. Pans with ruffled or fluted edges help you create decorative crusts. Since pies are usually served in their baking pan, consider the pan’s appearance.
Aesthetics and Functionality of Pie Pans
Many brands offer different colors and designs. For tarts, opt for pans with a non-stick coating and removable bottom for easy removal and transfer.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Pie Pans
Finally, for hassle-free cleaning, choose dishwasher-safe pie pans.
Conclusion
The perfect pie pan is not just about aesthetics, but about top-notch baking results. Our extensive research and hands-on testing have shown that Emile Henry Ruffled Pie Dish stands out as the best overall, attributing its success to optimal baking performance, attractive design, and superior durability.
For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Pyrex® 9″ Glass Pie Plate offers remarkable value without compromising on quality. To those who prioritize versatility and convenience in transportation and storage, the OXO Good Grips Glass Pie Plate takes the lead with its BPA and PVC free lid. The Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Pie Dish is an excellent choice for those who prefer nonstick pans for easy cleaning and perfect pie release, while the Farberware Baker’s Advantage Ceramic Pie Dish won the title for the best heat-resistant pan.
Ultimately, the choice of pie pan should align with your baking needs, preferences, and budget. We hope our comprehensive guide and top picks assist you in making an informed choice. Happy baking!
