Buying Guide for the Best Pie Pans
Choosing the right pie pan is essential for baking the perfect pie. The right pie pan can affect the crust's texture, the pie's shape, and even the baking time. When selecting a pie pan, consider the material, size, depth, and shape. Each of these factors can influence your baking results and should be chosen based on your specific needs and preferences.MaterialPie pans come in various materials such as glass, metal, ceramic, and silicone. The material affects how evenly the pie bakes and how the crust turns out. Glass pans allow you to see the bottom of the pie to check for doneness, metal pans heat up quickly and give a crispier crust, ceramic pans retain heat well and are great for even baking, and silicone pans are non-stick and flexible. Choose a material based on your baking preferences and the type of pies you make most often.
SizePie pans typically come in sizes ranging from 8 to 12 inches in diameter. The size of the pan will determine the amount of filling and crust you need. An 8 or 9-inch pan is standard for most recipes and is suitable for smaller pies, while a 10 or 12-inch pan is better for larger pies or if you want to serve more people. Consider the size of your oven and the number of servings you need when choosing the size of your pie pan.
DepthPie pans can be shallow or deep. Shallow pans are usually about 1 inch deep and are good for pies with less filling, like fruit pies. Deep-dish pans are about 1.5 to 2 inches deep and are ideal for pies with more filling, such as quiches or pot pies. Choose the depth based on the type of pies you plan to bake and how much filling you prefer.
ShapeMost pie pans are round, but you can also find pans in other shapes like square or rectangular. The shape can affect the presentation and how the pie slices. Round pans are traditional and work well for most pies, while other shapes can be fun for special occasions or unique recipes. Consider the type of pies you make and how you want them to look when choosing the shape of your pie pan.
Non-stick CoatingSome pie pans come with a non-stick coating, which can make it easier to remove the pie and clean the pan. Non-stick pans are great for beginners or those who want to ensure their pies come out perfectly. However, they may not brown the crust as well as other materials. If you prefer a perfectly browned crust, you might want to choose a pan without a non-stick coating.