There are some days when all you want is to enjoy some delicious homemade pizzas with a chilled drink with your loved ones. Just because you have some spare time to prepare it rather than going to a pizza joint.
The smell of freshly baked pizzas can draw your neighbors to your home, especially during the weekend. Pizza pans are specific pans used in making all kinds of homemade pizza ranging from St Louis styled to New York style. But the right deep-dish pizza pan will help you make restaurant-quality Chicago-style pizza from the comfort of your home.
Deep dishpans are very distinctive compared to regular pizza pans due to their high walls and false base. There are several pans for making homemade pizzas on the market, but we’ve carefully reviewed the top 5 best deep-dish pizza pans that are suitable for commercial and home use. Let’s get started:
Top 5 Deep Dish Pizza Pans
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Manpans USA Made Deep Dish Pizza Pan | Hard-Anodized Aluminum |
| 2. | Lodge Seasoned Deep Dish Pizza Pan | 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet |
| 3. | Nordic Ware Natural Deep Dish Pizza Pan | Naturals Aluminum Bakeware |
| 4. | Home-Complete Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza Pan | Versatile Kitchen Cookware |
| 5. | Chicago Metallic Deep Dish Pizza Pan | Non-stick Bakeware |
Features To Look Out for When Buying the Best Deep-Dish Pizza Pan.
Different factors are taken into consideration when acquiring the best pizza pan for your use. They include:
Size
The size of the pizza you intend to make is dependent on the diameter of the pan. You know the size needed, so choose on the basis of that. The bigger the pan, the bigger the pizza. Getting something bigger is always better here because you can have numerous pies left even after satisfying your craving and family.
Even though pizza pans come in numerous sizes and shapes designed to suit various needs, it is best to measure your oven first to know the pan’s right size that will fit it before buying. Also, make sure that you have enough cabinet space to store them when purchasing your pizza pan. Or better still, just buy the size of the pan that will easily store it in your cabinet without jamming much of your storage space.
Handles
Handles are a very convenient part that is attached to some pizza pans. They provide a firm grip so that you can securely lift your pan and transport them within the kitchen quickly. The handles add to the comfort of using the pan, and some are usually shaped in the form of a loop.
So if you are looking for a pan that you can easily move even when your pizza is piping hot, invest in a pan with side handles.
Ease of Cleaning
The best method of cleaning your pizza pan is peculiar to the material used in the production of the pan. Pans with non-stick coating are best to be manually washed with warm water, soap, and a sponge. Also, preseasoned pans are best-taken care of by wiping the surface with a damp cloth so that the seasoning is not affected.
Nevertheless, no matter the material used in making the pan, avoid hard cleaning agents and strong sponges like a plague. And the user manual will often be the best guide.
Material
Pizza pans come in a variety of materials that include cast iron, aluminum, stainless steel, or a combination of all the materials.
Stainless pans are easier to use and have good heat transfer properties. But they are sticky, which makes them impossible to clean. Aluminum pans, on the contrary, are much lighter when compared with cast iron. They provide even heating and are often pre-seasoned or said with other materials.
Aside from the material, the type of coating used also matters. Some are detrimental to the user’s health because they contain toxins. Ensure to check the coating properties before buying.
Best Deep-Dish Pizza Pan Reviews
Some people might say that Chicago-style pizza is the best type of deep-dish pizza there is, but what’s really important is the pan. The top 5 best deep-dish pizza pans are:
1. Manpans USA Made 12 Inch Deep Dish Pizza Pan
The first on our list is a hard-anodized aluminum deep-dish pizza pan from ManPans. It is 2.25 inches deep and features perforations at the base. Besides, the holes prevent the pizza from getting soaked and soggy. It is safe to use a metal utensil as the material used is scratch and chip-resistant.
This is the best round pizza pan that is ready to be used without preseasoning the surface. It is heat-safe and can withstand extreme temperatures up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. The coating on the pan is PTFE-free and doesn’t flake into your dough or crust. It rather ensures a natural release of your baked pizza all the time without sticking to the surface.
The base of the pan is raised to prevent the flavored oil beneath the dough from dripping out. Although it features no handles, the rim of the pan is easy to grip even when hot. This 12-inch USA-made pan is suitable for commercial use. Moreover, the pizza does not get burned or half-cooked as the heat is distributed evenly.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Exceptional Durability
- Material: Aluminum
- Shape: Round
- Size: 12-Inch
- Deep: 2.25-inch
What We Liked:
- PTFE free
- Perforated base
- Durable hard-anodized pan
- Capable of withstanding high heat
- No preseasoning required
What We Didn’t Like:
- Quite expensive
2. Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza Pan
Lodge seasoned cast iron pan is one of the biggest pizza pans in our review. It is a versatile pan that is perfect for searing, frying, roasting, baking, simmering, sauteing, and braising. With the generous cooking surface that measures about 17 inches, you can cater to a large crowd in one serving. Due to its durability, this option can be passed down to families even after several years.
Even though this pizza pan has been pre-seasoned by the lodge with pure natural vegetable oil for a non-stick surface and durability, we recommend that you spray the cooking surface with oil before each use to enhance the non-stick property. The oil also offers an easy release of food without any contamination.
This durable cast iron pan is 2 inches deep. Plus, it is an ideal choice for all cooking tops, including a campfire. The two side handles attached to the pan offer convenient lifting. It is built to withstand heavy use without breaking apart or cracking. This product bakes evenly and has excellent heat distribution and retention. And although this pizza pan is not dishwasher friendly, it is easy to wipe clean, and maintain.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Versatility in Your Kitchen
- Material: Cast-iron
- Item Diameter: 12 Inches
- Item Weight: 7.90 lbs
- Warranty Description: Manufacturer Warranty
What We Liked:
- Even heat distribution
- Nonstick surface
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Retains heat for hours
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not an ideal option for a glass stovetop.
3. Nordic Ware Natural Commercial Deep Dish Pizza Pan
Next on our list is Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Deep Dish Pizza Pan. It is made from food-safe aluminum that will never rust or warp if adequately cared for. This round-shaped pizza pan is suitable for both home and commercial use.
Thanks to the reinforced encapsulated edge that enhances the durability of the pan and prevents deforming. You can either use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent your baked pizza from sticking to the surface.
To enhance the pan’s life span, avoid using harsh sponges and soaps that can cause damage. Moreover, aluminum is a good heat conductor, which makes this pizza pan heats up faster. Although the use of metal utensils will scratch the cooking surface, it won’t affect the heating ability.
The deep-dish pan features no handle, and the rim can get extremely hot to touch with bare hands. It is best advised to put a pair of mittens on when making use of the pan because of the high heat retention capacity. Plus, manual washing is highly recommended to prevent discoloration.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Commercial
- Material: Aluminum
- Shape: Round
- Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 1.75 inches
- Brand: Nordic Ware
What We Liked:
- Rust resistant
- Excellent heat circulation
- Suitable for large-sized baking
- Sleek design
- Warp resistant
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not dishwasher safe
- Require extra care
4. Home-Complete Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza Pan
Gourmet chefs mostly prefer this versatile pizza pan from home because it adds a unique taste to your pizza. It is made of non-toxic food-grade material that is strong and stable. This 14-inch cast iron pizza pan is not limited to making thin-crust pies but is rather suitable for broiling, roasting, grilling, preparing pancakes, cookies, and more.
Cleaning and maintaining the cooking surface is painless. Thanks to the natural coating on the pan. Even without using parchment paper or spray oil, your pizza releases naturally. Plus, the non-stick surface enhances with time.
This model heats up evenly and boasts handles that make moving the pan even when hot easier. Home-Complete Cast Iron Pizza Pan is compatible with induction ovens and all kinds of cooktops except glass.
This particular pan is one of the best deep-dish pizza pans on the worth-purchasing market. Plus, the handles also make it convenient for compact storage. This heavy-duty cookware is an ideal option for both home cooks and skilled chefs.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Oven, on the Stovetop, Grill
- Material: Cast Iron
- Shape: Round
- Size: 14-inches
- Manufacturer: Trademark Global
What We Liked:
- Features side handles
- Non-toxic material
- Food-grade cast iron
- Durable construction
- Multipurpose pan
What We Didn’t Like:
- Heavyweight
5. Chicago Metallic Deep Dish Pizza Pan
Making authentic Chicago-style pizzas from your home is more comfortable with this pan, thanks to the round shape. This pizza pan is made from food-grade stainless steel that is alloyed with carbon for durability and strength.
Although using a dishwasher is safe for cleaning the pan, hand washing is advised to elongate the lifespan of the pan.
The pan is deep and wide enough to create the perfect thin or thick-crust pizza for a large number of people all the time. This model is one of the safest as it doesn’t react harmfully to heat. It is suitable with an oven and can withstand temperatures up to 232 degrees Celsius.
The silicone base has a non-stick coating that eliminates the need for greasing the pan before adding the dough. To avoid scratching the cooking surface of the pan, the use of wooden utensils is highly recommended. This model is warp-resistant and suitable for preparing other meals. Even those with wrist pains can make St Louis-style pizzas from the comfort of their home, thanks to their lightweight.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Durability and Strength
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Shape: Round
- Size: 14-Inch Diameter
- Item Weight: 1.80 lbs
What We Liked:
- Easy to wipe clean
- Compatible with ovens
- Lightweight
- Suitable for the dishwasher
- Durable carbon stainless steel.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not scratch resistant
- No side handles.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answered
In this section, we tackled some of the questions that are frequently asked by both new and old users.
Well, we recommend that you purchase a deep dish pan that requires low maintenance to relieve you of stress. But the kind of care the pan will need is ultimately determined by the type of material and the size of the pan that you prefer. Some pans can be both dishwasher-safe and hand-washed. However, hand washing your pizza pan irrespective of the material is the best option.
Absolutely yes, pizza pans can be used for carrying out a variety of other purposes in the kitchen. They are suitable for making other foods such as cookies, pancakes, roasted chicken, and more. Some can even be used to grill or bake cakes in the oven.
One of the major reasons your pizza gets soggy is that the pan was sprayed with excess oil, or the oven used in preparing the pizza was not heated to the maximum temperature required for baking.
Another reason why this happens is that you put too much dough in the pan, which prevents the crust from rising properly.
You won’t have to grease the pan before adding the dough if the pan has a non-stick property. All you need to do is sprinkle some floor on the surface.
If the cooking surface is not coated, you will have to apply some spray oil to the pan before sprinkling flour.
Conclusion
Making homemade pizzas can be quite tricky, especially if you are yet to master the art. However, having the right kitchenware, such as a deep-dish pan, can change the narrative.
However, our favorite option is the Manpans USA Made Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Perforated Deep Dish Pizza Pan for its durable construction, good heat conduction, and hassle-free maintenance.
We are sure that no matter the type of pizza you intend to make, when you invest in any of our top 5 deep-dish pizza pans, you will make excellent crust all the time, from thinly New York pizzas to thick pies.
Great blog post! I’ve always struggled with making homemade pizzas, but your tips and recommendations for the deep-dish pan are very helpful. I love that the Manpans USA Made Hard-Anodized 12-inch Perforated Deep Dish Pizza Pan is durable and has good heat conduction. It seems like it would be a great investment for anyone who loves making pizzas at home. Can’t wait to try it out myself!
We are sure that no matter the type of pizza you intend to make, when you invest in any of our top 5 deep-dish pizza pans, you will make excellent crust all the time, from thinly New York pizzas to thick pies.