Choosing one pizza pan out of the crowd can be tricky with so many options out there, especially if you are a newbie. Several factors such as appearance, price, and quality will differ from one brand to the other. Some of the factors you should consider before you buy the best pizza pan includes the following.
· Pan material
There are different materials used in making pizza pans, with many of them being metals such as stainless steel, cast iron, steel, aluminum, and the like. Although stainless steel pans are pretty durable, they may cause your pizza to get scorched. If you are a newbie with making pizza from the comfort of your home, you will need to get something else. For instance, cast iron pans are a great option because they bring out a unique flavor associated with pizza crust, and they last long. The major drawback with cast iron pan is that you need to take good care of it hygienically.
· Pan style
You will find different surface types out there for deep-dish pizza pans, and each of the surface types plays a massive role in baking pizza the right way. Some of the popular styles out there include the following.
i. Solid
This ranks as the most popular style among pizza pans because the solid surface works well when all the ingredients are mixed in the right proportion. However, because there is no hole or nib at the base, such pans do not allow for easy flow of heat/air.
ii. Perforated
These pans come with holes at the base of the pan, and the holes ensure that heat gets to the middle of the pizza and cooks it at the same rate as the edges. If you are searching for a more even and quicker cooking style, this is the perfect option for you.
iii. Nibbed
This type of pan is made with little bumps at the base, and the style works in the same manner as perforated surfaces and gives room for the heat to evenly reach the pizza. Also, the crust will become crisped during this process.
· Shape and weight
Depending on your preferences, you could choose between a lightweight or heavy pan for your pizza making. Note that heavyweight pans are designed to withstand more heat while lasting longer. But you will need to get a pan that offers a decent balance in weight that can comfortably hold. Some pizza pans out there are built to be stackable, while some are rectangular and others circular. Some pans measure twenty-two inches in diameter.
Before choosing, ensure you explore the different sizes and shapes before deciding which one is easier to store in your kitchen. Also, if you are looking for something that fits well into your budget, you will find different deep-dish pizza pans for sale out there.
· Resistance to stick
Note that the nonstick nature of the pan should determine if you should buy the pan or not. With a stick-resistant pan, you will find it easy to clean the pan. Also, with such a pan, you will make the best pizza pies without an issue. But note that nonstick pans will not give you the crunchy brown look other pans offer. Also, you should consider if the nonstick layer has chemicals that may react with your food before you buy.
· Where can it be used to cook
If you intend to make your pizza at home, the chances are high that it will be made in an oven in your kitchen. However, some pans are also made to work on a grill. This option is ideal if you want to grill your pizza, as the pan can be set on top of grill grates.
Why should I get a pizza pan for my kitchen?
The advantage of buying a good quality pan is that aside from getting tasty, homemade pizza every time, the pan itself will last you for many years. It suffices to say that the long-term value of the pan is worth investing in.
How to clean the best pizza pans
If you want to clean your pizza pan effectively, you should understand what it is made of and the instructions for cleaning it. Here is a guide that should help you effectively clean your pizza pan.
· Pizza pans that come with a nonstick coating should not be washed inside a dishwasher because it may damage the coating and the pan. Also, such pans should not be harshly scrubbed— you can just use some soapy water and a sponge to clean the parts.
· Stainless steel pans can be washed inside the dishwasher, but, make sure you check the product manual in advance.
· Additionally, pre-seasoned and cast iron pans should not be washed using excess soap. Ideally, it would help if you only cleaned those using a damp washcloth, the only way to protect its seasoning.
· Ensure you properly dry the pizza pan after washing and cleaning. This will prevent it from getting rusted and ensure it is ready for subsequent use.
FAQs
Q. How safe are aluminum pizza pans?
A. Aluminum pans generally pose no serious health risks, but they can be fragile, which means using metal cutting tools can damage them. It, therefore, means that great care should be taken when using it so that you don't scratch the surface of the bakeware.
Q. How much care does my pizza pan need?
A. This depends mainly on the type of pan you opt for. It is highly recommended that you go for low resistance pans because homemade pizzas can be a disaster without them. Remember that a pizza tray or pan cannot be washed in a dishwasher because it will lose some key features.
Q. Can I bake pizza on my baking tray?
A. Yes, you can do that. You will get crispy, bigger pizzas that can be cut into squares.