If you're in the business of making and selling pizza, then you're probably wondering what you should look for in an aluminum vs steel pizza pan.

If you're a professional or a home cook, you'll want a pan that will provide you with the most even cooking possible. There are many things to consider when selecting a pizza pan, but the main factors are simple.

Hence, let's read all about selecting the pizza pan that suits you best! If you want to order hassle-free, quick, and authentic Neapolitan pizza, don't forget to check out Pizza Bien. 

Pizza Bien ensures to go to great heights to ship healthy pizza all the way from Italy. Their collection of authentic Neapolitan pizza will leave your tastebuds longing for more with every bite. 

Without any further ado, let's start knowing all about pizza pans!

Which Pizza Pan Should You Buy

Design is essential for a pizza pan. You want a pan that isn't just for making pies. Are you looking for a pan that will be used for other baking types or last for years? Are you planning to use the pizza pan for outdoor use? Then you'll want to choose a nonstick coating to make cleanup a breeze.

The thickness of a pizza pan is another critical factor. A thinner-gauge pan will give you a crispier crust and be more efficient at releasing excess fat. However, this material is more expensive, so you might want to look elsewhere. Whether cooking pies in the kitchen or a restaurant, a thin-gauge pan is perfect for a thin-crust pizza.

The shape of a pizza pan is also important. Deep-dish pizza pans are best for deep-dish pizzas, usually larger and more convenient. You'll have to choose a size that fits your needs. And remember that it is imperative to select a size that will fit into your kitchen. 

While you'll want to buy a pizza pan that's easy to clean and durable, you should also consider the shape of your pizza. A round, quarter-sheet pan is the best for small-sized pizzas. A large round, 12- to the fourteen-inch pan will allow for airflow, which will increase the quality of the finished product. A rectangular, perforated pan can be used for both baking and steaming.

Types of Pizza Pan

There are many types of pizza pans, each having a unique identity. You will need basic ingredients like tomatoes, pepperoni, sausage, and more to make homemade pizza. Nonetheless, your cooking utensil is also a critical point to consider! 

Pizza pans and pizza crispers will determine how well done your pizza will be. To know more about Pizza Crisper vs Pizza Pan, click here.

We have compiled all the mainstream pizza pan types below to make things easier for you!

1. Sicilian Pizza Pan

The first type is the Sicilian pizza pan. This is the most common type of pizza pan due to its deep, round design. The top layer of the Sicilian pan is a robust nonstick coating that is free of PTFE, and the bottom is made from a natural material that resists stains and smudges. The best part about this type of pan is that you can use it repeatedly without worrying about sticking.

2. Detroit Pizza Pan

The best pizza pan for making Detroit-style pizza is a square pan that measures about 10 inches by 14 inches. Its flared sides are designed to allow the pizza to spread out evenly. A blue steel design is attractive and easy to clean. It can withstand temperatures of up to 700 degrees, making it an excellent choice for any kitchen oven. You can also purchase a large one for outdoor wood-fired ovens.

The size of a Detroit pizza pan is essential when making a homemade pie. A large one will make the crust more crispy, so you'll need a large size for a smaller pie. A Detroit-style pizza pan should be large enough to cook a pizza with a wide base and a narrow width. For a smaller one, you should buy a rectangular one. Using a square pan may make it harder to create the desired crispy crust.

3. Aluminum Pizza Pan

The anodic-hardening pizza pans are heavy gauge steel and have a high-quality nonstick coating. They're also available in three sizes. These two pizza pans are also designed to be used as individual pieces. 

Nevertheless, they're not ideal for making gourmet pizzas. If you want to order authentic Neapolitan gourmet pizza made with the best cookware and ingredients, order from Pizza Bien! If you want to know more about gourmet pizza, click here.

An aluminum pizza pan is ideal for preparing your favorite pizza, but the most important thing is to make sure that it's not too hot. If your pan is too hot, it will warp and crack. A heavier pan will keep its shape better and distribute heat evenly. This is good because a heavier pan will result in a perfectly browned bottom on your pizza. 

After slicing your dough, coat the pan with nonstick cooking spray or cooking oil. Roll out the dough until it's the desired thickness and keep it on the edges of the pan.

4. Steel Pizza Pan 

Another type of pizza pan is the solid-surfaced pan made of steel. These are made of a smooth surface ideal for baking rolled pizza dough. They are easy to clean and double as a serving tray. A solid-surfaced pan will allow even heating and a crispier crust. They come with different sieve hole designs. The larger the hole, the better. A dense-holed pan will make the crust stick to the bottom, which will increase the crispiness of the bottom crust.

5. Deep-hole Pan

Another type of pizza pan is the deep-holed pan. This type of pan has multiple holes for the crust, making it more uniform and faster to cook. It is best for thin-crust pizzas. A deep-skinned metal pan will only make your crust soggy. If you're a fan of stone ovens, a brick-oven pizza pan is a way to go. A metal-oven pizza pan is generally not recommended for this application.

6. Non-Stick Pan

Besides the standard square and rectangular pizza pans, there are also several nonstick pizza pans. The basic flat sheet pan is thick aluminum that won't warp. The second type of nonstick pan is the tin-plated aluminum pan. These are durable, lightweight, and come with a nonstick surface. They're also great for making grilled pizza. The latter is best suited for baking a thin crust pizza.

Aluminum Vs Steel Pizza Pan: Which is Better For Neapolitan Pizza

When it comes to cooking, metal is a good choice for the pizza pan. This material allows more heat to circulate and cook food evenly, which will make your pizza taste better and last longer. 

Another benefit of steel is its durability, making it a good option for grills or ovens. While you'll have to take extra care to avoid rust, it will enhance your cooking experience. 

One advantage of aluminum is its strength and low weight. Compared to the steel pizza pan, the aluminum pizza pan is lighter and thinner. It is a much better heat conductor than steel. 

On the other hand, stainless steel is costly and unsuitable for baking pizza crusts. Despite the shortcomings of aluminum, it remains the most common choice for cooking pies and pizza. Besides, light gauge steel is just as durable as its heavier counterpart.

Thus, an aluminum pizza pan is best for baking Neapolitan pizza from home. 

How to Season Your Pizza Pans

Before using your pizza pans, you must first correctly season them. Once you've seasoned the pan, you can use it without coating the bottom. 

A few steps are involved in seasoning your pizza pans. The first step is to clean them thoroughly before using them. You can wipe them with a cloth or a paper towel after using them. After being cleaned, you can start your seasoning procedure. All you need to do is to coat your pan with cooking oil thoroughly and let it bake in the oven until the oil burns into the pan. 

After seasoning the aluminum pizza pan of your choice, don't wash them. Doing so will remove the seasoning from the surface and not help you get a great-tasting pie. It also prevents the pan from rusting, ensuring a longer life for your pans. If you are unsure whether to season your pan, follow the directions carefully. They'll make a big difference for your kitchen

Using a pizza pan with a nonstick finish will prevent sticking. This means your pizza will taste great without the need to be coated with oil. In addition, the nonstick surface will prevent your pan from rusting, which will extend its life. It would be best if you only washed your seasoned pizza pans after using them to avoid the risk of a greasy bottom. Once your pan is seasoned, you can wash it immediately afterward.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pizza pan you select should best match the type of pizza you will be cooking. This article covered how to choose a pizza pan and gave tips and considerations for each type of pizza pan.

Now that we know what we're looking for, all we need to do is decide which type of pizza we want! Hence, till the next time, happy feasting and stay with Pizza Bien!

Our delicious pizzas are handmade with all-natural of high quality and fresh ingredients in Italy shipped to your home, anywhere in the U.S. Free Shipping to most locations. Click Here to Buy Now!