The Best Pie Pans, According to Our Tests

How We Tested

Each of our selected pies pans was tested by our baking expert for the most authentic home-baked pie results. We paid special attention to the size of the pans, including the true diameter of the pan as well as the depth and overall volume. The pans were used to test several different types of pies, from blind-baked shells to custard pies and large double-crust fruit pies. We watched closely to see how thoroughly the crusts cooked in each pan, if the pies stuck to the plates while serving, and how easy each pan was to clean after all the pie had been eaten. We tested the pie pans side by side to compare dishes with the same materials to each other, as well as to the entire set of pie pans as a whole. Each was given a rating for design, quality, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

What to Look for in a Pie Pan

Material

Pie pans come in ceramic, glass, metal, steel, cast iron, and porcelain. Each material has its pros and cons. Ceramic pans are well-insulated, hold the heat, and the pies bake and brown evenly. A glass pan lets you monitor the crust while baking so you don’t overbake or underbake it. Metal pie pans are inexpensive and conduct heat very well but that can lead to a brown crust well before the filling is done. The heavier a metal pan, the less likely it is prone to warping.

Especially when you intend to place frozen pies in the hot oven, make sure the material is resistant to thermal shock, which is usually indicated among the product specifications.

Disposable pies made of aluminum are a convenient option for freezing pies or giving them away as gifts. However, despite aluminum being recyclable, its drawback is that it is a less sustainable single-use product.

Size and Depth

Most pie pans are 9 or 10 inches in diameter, but there are also models in between, which is a good compromise for any standard-size pie. A 2-inch-deep pie plate works best for double-crust pies and single-crust pies with a generous filling. A 1.5-inch-deep pie plate can be used both for double-crust and single-crust pies.

Pies, once they are cut, can look a bit messy. For a nicer presentation, or to freeze single servings, get a set of mini pie pans.

Versatility

Additional features also make a pie pan more versatile. If you like to prepare pies ahead, buy a freezer-safe pie pan. Or, to reheat leftovers, check if the pie pan is microwave safe. Also, a pie pan that comes with a lid is convenient for handling leftovers. A pie pan with ruffled or fluted edges lets you create a pretty crimped edge, even if you are a less-experienced pie baker.

Serving Style

Pies, both sweet and savory, are usually served in the pan they were baked in. That’s why looks matter more for pie pans than for other baking pans. Many manufacturers offer different color options and attractive designs.

Tarts, on the other hand, are not served in the pan, that’s when a nonstick coating and removable bottom are helpful to release the tart and transfer it safely to a cooling rack or serving plate.

Cleanup

If easy cleanup is an important consideration, choose a pie pan that can be put in the dishwasher over one that requires hand-washing.

FAQs

Should you grease a pie pan?

There are a lot of different opinions about whether or not you should grease a pie pan, but generally speaking, a quick spritz of cooking spray on the bottom of a pie dish will help keep your pie from sticking to the bottom of the pan—but there’s no need to overdo it. Many people believe that greasing a pie dish will change the texture of your pie crust, making it less flaky. So if you’re more concerned with a flaky crunch than easily removing slices of pie, feel free to skip the cooking spray. If your pie does manage to stick to the bottom of the pan, gently heating the bottom of the pan by dipping the bottom in a shallow pan of hot water should help loosen the crust from the pan.

How do you measure a pie pan?

To get the correct diameter measurement of a pie pan, you’ll want to measure across the center of the pan from the inside rim to the opposite inside rim. Do not include the thickness of the lip of the pan, handles, or any other decorative elements. To find out if your pie dish is standard or deep-dish, measure from the top of the rim to the crease of the pan at the bottom.

How deep is a deep-dish pie pan?

A deep-dish pie pan can be anywhere from 1.5 inches to 2 inches deep. The depth of the pie dish is typically related to the diameter, with larger 10-inch pie dishes having a deeper measurement and an 8- or 9-inch pie dish having a slightly shallower measurement.

Can you use a pie pan to bake a cake?

Yes, you can use a pie pan to bake a cake, but you should be aware that pie pans typically have angled sides and cake pans have straight sides. Because of this difference, if you’re making a layered cake, the edges of the cake will be harder to frost. The cakes can be trimmed to get rid of the angled edges but may still be difficult to frost. Generally, cake pans should be used for baking cakes, but in a pinch, a pie pan will do if you aren’t interested in how good the final product looks.

How do you take a pie out of the pan?

A pie is typically served in the pan that it is baked in. For serving, a slice of pie is cut with a sharp knife and a pie server is inserted under the crust to lift the piece out to serve. If you want to remove the entire pie from the pan, the pie should be completely chilled or frozen first. A chilled or frozen pie is easier to handle and less likely to break. Once thoroughly chilled, use a knife or pie server to loosen the pie from the pan and either lift the pie out or carefully invert the pie to remove it. If you’re planning on removing the pie from the pan in advance, a disposable aluminum pie pan is the easiest to cut through and remove your pie with the least amount of damage.

For more information please see the list of Best pie plate for baking

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