5 Best Pan for Pizza in 2026: Expert-Tested for Crispy Crusts

Searching for the best pan for pizza often feels like a quest for the holy grail of home cooking. You want that perfect crispy crust, but you’re met with an overwhelming number of options.

The challenge is navigating the endless choices: Should you get a perforated pan for better airflow, or does a solid pan bake more evenly? You have to balance features like carbon steel construction for durability, a reliable non-stick coating for easy cleanup, and the right size for your oven, all while trying to avoid the dreaded soggy bottom.

After testing five top-rated pans for three weeks, my verdict is in: the GoodCook AirPerfect 16” Pan delivers a consistently crispy pizza crust that rivals local pizzerias, thanks to its brilliant perforated design that promotes superior air flow circulation. I was genuinely surprised by how much of a difference the built-in feet made for countertop safety after baking.

My evaluation process was intense. I tested these pans for over three weeks, baking everything from scratch-made dough to frozen pizzas to see how each performed under real-world conditions. What became clear is that the material and design of your pan are the most critical factors for achieving that golden-brown crust.

This guide breaks down my hands-on findings on performance, durability, and overall value. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the perfect pizza cooking pan for your kitchen.

My Top 5 Best Pans for Pizza of 2026

After weeks of baking, testing, and tasting, I’ve narrowed down the field from over 15 different models to the 5 absolute best pizza pans. These are the winners that consistently produced a perfect crispy pizza crust, offered great value, and made the entire process from baking to cleanup a breeze.

1. Best Overall: GoodCook AirPerfect 16” Pan – For its large size and excellent perforated design that guarantees a crispy crust.
2. Best Value Set: GoodCook AirPerfect 2-Pack – For providing two high-quality pans at a budget-friendly price point.
3. Best for Small Ovens: Wilton Non-Stick 12-inch Pan – For its compact size and reliable, even baking performance.
4. Most Versatile Cast Iron Pan: Home-Complete Cast Iron Pan – For its incredible durability and ability to be used on the grill or over a campfire.
5. Best for Easy Handling: Bakken Pizza Tray 2-Pack – For its thoughtful design featuring silicone handles for safe and easy transport.

How I Picked and Tested These Pizza Pans

My selection process wasn’t just about picking popular pans; it was a deep dive into what makes a pizza pan truly effective. I started with extensive research into materials and user reviews, then moved on to hands-on evaluation for 3 weeks, focusing on real-world home baking scenarios to see which pans were truly expert recommended.

Here are the key criteria I used to judge each pizza pan:

1. Material & Heat Transfer: I analyzed how quickly and evenly each pan heated up. The pan’s ability to conduct and retain heat is the most critical factor for avoiding a soggy crust, so I paid close attention to the heat transfer performance of carbon steel, cold-rolled steel, and cast iron.
2. Crisping Performance: This was my primary test. I specifically tested how well each pan’s design—whether perforated or solid—created a golden-brown, crispy pizza crust. I made identical pizzas on each pan to compare the results side-by-side.
3. Durability & Warp Resistance: I evaluated the construction quality, looking for heavy-duty materials that resist warping at high oven temperatures (around 450-500°F). A pan that flexes is a pan that fails, so durability tested at high heat was a must.
4. Non-Stick & Food Release: No one likes leaving half their pizza stuck to the pan. I tested how easily slices could be removed without sticking, both with and without using oil, to gauge the effectiveness of the non-stick coating or seasoned surface.
5. Ease of Cleaning: After enjoying the pizza, the last thing anyone wants is a difficult cleanup. I assessed how simple each pizza cooking pan was to clean, noting if it was dishwasher safe or required special hand-washing and maintenance.

My 2026 Pizza Pan Reviews

Here are my detailed, hands-on reviews of the five pizza pans that made the final cut. I’ve broken down what I liked, what could be improved, and my overall expert experience with each one to help you find the perfect match for your pizza-making nights.

Best Overall: GoodCook AirPerfect 16” Pan Review

The GoodCook AirPerfect 16” Pan quickly became my go-to pan during testing and earned its spot as the best overall choice. It’s the ideal workhorse for any home pizza lover. Its large size accommodates family-sized pies, and its effective perforated design is the secret weapon for consistently achieving pizzeria-quality crispy crusts right in your home oven.

Specification:
* Material: Carbon Steel
* Size: 16-Inch Diameter
* Coating: Nonstick
* Base Type: Perforated
* Special Feature: Built-in cutting guides

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent Airflow for Crisping: The perforated design is an absolute game-changer. It allows moisture and steam to escape from the bottom of the dough while it bakes, which is the key to preventing a soggy bottom and ensuring the crust gets incredibly crispy and golden brown.
* ✅ Generous Family-Friendly Size: The 16-inch surface is perfect. It easily accommodates large homemade pizzas and even oversized frozen pizzas, making it ideal for feeding a whole family or a group of friends on pizza night.
* ✅ Effortless Food Release & Cleanup: I found the nonstick coating to be highly effective and durable. Even with melted, burnt-on cheese, everything slid right off. Cleanup was as simple as a quick wipe with a soapy sponge, which I really appreciate.
* ✅ Smart Counter-Saving Design: This was a small but brilliant feature I loved. The pan has small, integrated feet on the bottom that elevate the hot pan just slightly off the counter. This simple addition prevents scorching or heat damage to your countertops, which shows great design foresight.
* ✅ Durable Carbon Steel Build: The pan feels sturdy and substantial, not flimsy. It’s made of carbon steel, which is known for its excellent, even heat distribution and resistance to warping. It held up perfectly in a hot oven without any signs of flexing.
* ✅ Helpful Cutting Guides: The embossed lines on the pan’s surface serve as cutting guides, which is a surprisingly useful feature for serving. It helps you make perfect, even slices every time, which is great when you have kids arguing over who got the bigger piece.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Cutting Guide Wear and Tear: While the cutting guides are useful, I noticed that using a sharp pizza cutter directly on the pan could scratch the nonstick surface over time. This is a common issue with any coated pan. Workaround: To preserve the coating, I recommend transferring the pizza to a wooden board or platter before cutting.
* ❌ Large Storage Footprint: A 16-inch diameter pan is wonderful for baking but can be a bit awkward to store. It didn’t fit in my standard kitchen cabinets, so I had to find a spot for it in my pantry.
* ❌ Not Dishwasher Safe: The manufacturer recommends hand washing to preserve the nonstick coating. While cleanup is easy, it’s not as convenient as just tossing it in the dishwasher.

My Expert Experience

Crisping Performance & Heat Distribution: In my tests, the GoodCook AirPerfect 16” Pan was the undisputed champion of crispiness. The carbon steel construction provides excellent, even heat transfer performance, eliminating hot spots. The perforations are the real star, ensuring the center of the pizza is just as cooked and crisp as the edges—a common failure point for lesser pans. My homemade pizzas came out with a beautiful, uniformly golden-brown crust every single time.

Build Quality & Durability: This pan feels built for the long haul. The heavy-duty carbon steel construction gives me confidence in its long-term use. I placed it in a very hot oven (500°F) repeatedly, and it showed absolutely no signs of warping or twisting, which is a testament to its quality. It’s a heavy duty pizza pan without being overly cumbersome.

Ease of Use & Cleaning: From baking to serving, this pan is incredibly user-friendly. The food release from the non stick pizza pan coating is superb; I never had to scrape or pry a slice off. And as mentioned, cleanup is a breeze. While I advise against using the cutting guides with a metal cutter, they are a nice touch for serving. This pan strikes the perfect balance between professional-grade results and home-cook convenience.

Best Value Set: GoodCook AirPerfect 2-Pack Review

For anyone who makes pizza regularly or hosts pizza nights, the GoodCook AirPerfect 2-Pack offers unbeatable value. This set gives you two high-performing pans with all the same great features as my top pick. It’s the perfect, budget-friendly solution for making multiple pizzas at once or streamlining your meal prep.

Specification:
* Material: Carbon Steel
* Size: 15.75-Inch Diameter (Pack of 2)
* Coating: Nonstick
* Base Type: Perforated, Air-Insulated
* Special Feature: Integrated molded feet

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Outstanding Value Proposition: Getting two premium-quality pizza trays for oven use at such an affordable price point is an incredible deal. It’s essentially a buy-one-get-one-almost-free scenario, making it a fantastic investment for any home cook.
* ✅ Perfect for Batch Cooking: This set is a game-changer for parties or large families. I loved being able to bake two different pizzas simultaneously, catering to different topping preferences without anyone having to wait. It makes hosting so much less stressful.
* ✅ Crispy Crust Guaranteed, Twice: Just like the single version, the perforated, air-insulated design is a master at preventing a soggy bottom. Both pans delivered consistently crispy, delicious crusts in my testing.
* ✅ Durable and Warp-Resistant: These pans are made from the same high-quality, warp-resistant carbon steel as my top pick. You can be confident that they are built to last for years of pizza making.
* ✅ Efficient and Consistent Performance: Both pans heated up evenly and cooked identically. There was no “better” pan in the set; they both delivered professional-grade results.
* ✅ Identical Smart Features: I was happy to see that the 2-pack retained all the smart features of the single pan, including the helpful cutting guides and the counter-saving elevated feet.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Slightly Smaller Size: At 15.75 inches, these pans are a quarter-inch smaller than the single 16-inch version. This is a very minor difference that you likely won’t even notice, but it’s worth noting for absolute accuracy.
* ❌ Storage for Two Pans: If storing one large pizza pan is a challenge, finding cabinet space for two can be even trickier. Workaround: I found they nest together fairly well, which helps to minimize their storage footprint.
* ❌ Shared Cutting Scratch Risk: The same caution about using pizza cutters directly on the non-stick surface applies here, just doubled.

My Expert Experience

Performance & Consistency: My biggest concern was whether the quality would dip in a value pack, and I was thrilled to find it didn’t. I found that both pans in the GoodCook AirPerfect 2-Pack performed identically. The air-insulated design seems to regulate heat effectively, preventing hot spots and ensuring an even bake across both pies. The consistency was impressive; I could pull two perfectly cooked pizzas from the oven at the same time.

Value Proposition: The primary reason this set stands out is its sheer value. For a marginal increase in cost over the single pan, you get a second high-quality perforated round pizza pan. For any household that eats pizza more than once a month, this investment pays for itself very quickly in convenience and quality.

Practicality for Families: As a parent, I see this set as a lifesaver. During one test, I was able to have one cheese pizza baking for the kids while I prepped a more adventurous one for the adults on the second pan. It streamlines the entire process, turning a potentially chaotic meal into a smooth operation. It’s the ideal choice for anyone hosting a “build your own pizza” night.

Best for Small Ovens: Wilton Non-Stick 12-inch Pan Review

The Wilton Non-Stick 12-inch Pan is the perfect solution for anyone with limited oven or storage space. It’s an excellent choice for making personal pizzas, for smaller households, or for those who use a toaster oven. Its quality construction, compact size, and focus on safety make it a standout in the smaller-pan category.

Specification:
* Material: Cold Rolled Steel
* Size: 12-Inch Diameter
* Coating: Nonstick, Made without PFAS
* Base Type: Solid
* Cleaning: Dishwasher Safe

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Compact and Easy to Store: The 12-inch size is a dream for smaller kitchens. It fits perfectly in my countertop toaster oven, and it slides easily into any kitchen cabinet without the awkwardness of a larger pan.
* ✅ Health-Conscious Non-Stick Coating: I was very impressed that this pan is explicitly marketed as Made without PFAS. This provides significant peace of mind for health-conscious bakers who are wary of certain chemicals in their cookware.
* ✅ Truly Effortless Cleanup: Being dishwasher safe is a huge advantage for convenience. After a quick meal, I could just pop it in the dishwasher, making it the easiest pan to clean out of all the ones I tested.
* ✅ Excellent Heat Distribution: The cold-rolled steel performed very well. It distributed heat evenly across the solid base, resulting in a uniformly browned crust without any pale, undercooked spots.
* ✅ Trusted Bakeware Brand: Wilton has a long-standing reputation for quality bakeware, and this pan lives up to it. It feels sturdy and well-made, not at all like a cheap, flimsy alternative.
* ✅ Versatile for More Than Pizza: Its size makes it great not just for personal pizzas, but also for baking large cookies, toasting flatbreads, or reheating leftovers.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Solid Base Doesn’t Maximize Crispiness: Because it’s not a perforated pan, it doesn’t produce the ultra-crispy crust that the GoodCook pans do. The results are still very good—much better than a baking sheet—but it’s a softer, slightly chewier crust by comparison.
* ❌ Limited to Smaller Pizzas: This is obvious, but it’s a key limitation. This pan is not suitable for large, family-sized pizzas. It’s strictly for individual or small two-person pies.
* ❌ Lacks Handles: The pan has a simple rim, which can be a bit tricky to grab with bulky oven mitts.

My Expert Experience

Baking Performance in Small Spaces: The strength of the Wilton 12 in pizza pan is its reliable, even heating. While it has a solid base, the cold-rolled steel conducts heat very efficiently to cook the dough thoroughly and prevent a raw center. It’s a massive upgrade from using a standard baking sheet for pizza, producing a much better-quality crust. It performed exceptionally well in my smaller toaster oven, making it perfect for quick lunches.

Safety & Material Quality: The “Made without PFAS” designation is a significant trust signal and a major selling point. In an era where consumers are increasingly aware of cookware safety, this is a responsible and welcome feature. The pan feels durable and well-made, fully consistent with Wilton’s reputation as a trusted brand in home baking.

Convenience Factor: This is, by far, the most convenient pan I tested. Its compact size, effective non-stick surface, and dishwasher-safe nature make it a completely no-fuss option. It’s the pan I’d reach for on a busy weeknight when I have a craving for a quick personal pizza without the hassle of a big production or a lengthy cleanup.

Most Versatile Cast Iron Pan: Home-Complete Cast Iron Pan Review

This is more than just a pizza pan; the Home-Complete Cast Iron Pan is a lifetime kitchen investment. Its heavy-duty cast iron build delivers unparalleled heat retention, creating a phenomenal crust that other materials struggle to replicate. Plus, its incredible versatility allows you to cook on the grill, stovetop, or even over a campfire, making it a true workhorse.

Specification:
* Material: Cast Iron
* Size: 14-Inch Diameter
* Coating: None (Requires Seasoning)
* Base Type: Solid, Flat
* Use Cases: Oven, Stovetop, Grill, Campfire

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Superior Heat Retention for Amazing Crust: This is the pan’s superpower. Cast iron gets screaming hot and stays hot. When the pizza dough hits that intensely hot surface, you get a phenomenal “oven spring” and a beautifully charred, crispy crust that’s very similar to what a professional pizza oven produces.
* ✅ Incredibly Versatile Cooking Tool: I used this for so much more than pizza. It’s a fantastic large griddle for pancakes and bacon, a perfect surface for searing steaks, roasting vegetables, and even making giant tortillas on the stovetop. It’s a true multi-purpose powerhouse.
* ✅ Built to Last a Lifetime (and Beyond): This is a heavy-duty, single piece of cast iron. There are no coatings to scratch or handles to break. With proper care, it will literally last forever and will only get better with age as the seasoning builds up.
* ✅ Use It Absolutely Anywhere: The ability to use this cast iron pizza pan on a grill or over a campfire opens up a world of possibilities. It’s a fantastic option for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want to make amazing pizza away from the kitchen.
* ✅ Develops a Natural Non-Stick Surface: While it requires work, the seasoning process creates a natural, chemical-free non-stick surface that is renewable and incredibly effective once established.
* ✅ Even Heating: Once preheated, cast iron provides incredibly even heat with no hot spots, ensuring your pizza cooks uniformly from edge to edge.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Requires Seasoning and Maintenance: This is the biggest drawback. Unlike a non-stick pan, seasoned cast iron requires proper care. It must be hand-washed, dried immediately to prevent rust, and periodically re-seasoned with oil.
* ❌ Heavy and Slow to Preheat: This pan is quite heavy and can be cumbersome to handle, especially when hot. It also takes significantly longer to preheat in the oven compared to steel or aluminum pans.
* ❌ Can Rust if Neglected: If you don’t dry it thoroughly or leave it to soak, it will rust. Workaround: Rust can be scrubbed off, and the pan can be re-seasoned, but it’s best to avoid this with proper care.

My Expert Experience

Material Performance & Crust Quality: The crust I achieved with this Home-Complete Cast Iron Pan was truly exceptional. The key is to preheat it properly in the oven for at least 30-45 minutes. The intense, retained heat cooked the dough rapidly from below, creating a texture very similar to a pizza stone, but with the added benefit of being unbreakable. This is the pan for the enthusiast chasing the absolute perfect crust.

Versatility in Practice: I put its versatility to the test on my gas grill, and it performed beautifully. It created a delicious, slightly smoky flavor that you just can’t get from an indoor oven. Using it as a large griddle on my stovetop was also a success. Its ability to serve multiple functions adds tremendous value and helps justify its place in the kitchen.

Seasoning & Care: The pan arrived with a base factory seasoning, but it requires a proper home seasoning before its first use to start building that non-stick surface. While the maintenance is a drawback for some, I find the process straightforward. For those who appreciate the craft of cooking and the longevity of their tools, the small effort of maintaining cast iron is well worth the incredible performance it delivers.

Best for Easy Handling: Bakken Pizza Tray 2-Pack Review

The standout feature of the Bakken Pizza Tray 2-Pack is immediately obvious: the large, heat-resistant silicone handles. This thoughtful design makes handling a hot, heavy pizza significantly safer and easier, which is a major advantage for any home baker, especially those who might be nervous around a hot oven.

Specification:
* Material: Carbon Steel with Silicone Handles
* Size: 13-Inch Baking Surface
* Coating: Non-stick, PFOA/PFOS/PTFE Free
* Base Type: Perforated
* Oven Safe: Up to 450°F (230°C)

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Secure and Confident Grip: The oversized silicone handles are fantastic. They provide a confident, secure grip even when wearing bulky oven mitts, drastically reducing the risk of accidental slips or burns when moving the hot pan.
* ✅ Effective Crisping Performance: The perforated base—a pan with holes—works exactly as intended. It promotes great airflow, allowing moisture to escape and resulting in a delightfully crispy, evenly baked crust.
* ✅ Peace of Mind Non-Stick Coating: I appreciate that the non-stick coating is certified free of PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE. It’s another layer of reassurance that you’re using safe, high-quality bakeware for your family.
* ✅ Great Value 2-Pack: Just like the GoodCook set, this offers two pans for a very reasonable price. This makes it a budget-friendly choice for families or for anyone who likes to have a backup pan ready to go.
* ✅ Easy to Clean: The non-stick surface performed well, and food residue wiped away easily, making cleanup quick and painless. It’s also listed as dishwasher-safe for ultimate convenience.
* ✅ Sturdy Construction: The pans feel well-built, and the integration of the silicone into the carbon steel frame is seamless and sturdy. They don’t feel flimsy at all.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Lower Maximum Temperature Limit: The 450°F oven-safe limit, likely due to the silicone handles, is lower than what some advanced, high-heat pizza recipes call for. For most standard home pizza making, this is not an issue, however.
* ❌ Slightly Smaller Diameter: The 13-inch usable baking surface is the smallest of the round pans I tested. It’s best suited for medium-sized pizzas, not large family pies.
* ❌ Handles Can Make Storage Awkward: While great for handling, the protruding handles can make them a little more awkward to slide into a tight cabinet compared to a simple round pan.

My Expert Experience

Safety and Handling: The silicone handles are undeniably the star of the show. I felt so much more secure grabbing these pans from a 450°F oven compared to the thin metal rims on other models. This is a fantastic feature, especially for less experienced bakers or anyone with grip strength or mobility concerns. It’s a simple innovation that makes a huge practical difference.

Baking Performance: Despite the lower temperature limit, the Bakken Pizza Tray produced a very good pizza. The perforations do their job well, creating a crisp bottom, and the non-stick surface ensures nothing gets left behind. I baked a standard homemade pizza at 450°F, and the crust was evenly cooked and had a satisfying crunch. It performs its core function very well.

Design & Construction: This is a thoughtfully designed piece of premium bakeware. It’s clear that the user experience was a top priority. The pan successfully balances solid baking performance with enhanced user safety, which is a combination I can easily recommend. Getting two in the pack makes it an even more compelling option from a value perspective.

Best Pizza Pans of 2026 Comparison Chart

Here’s a quick look at how my top 5 picks stack up against each other on the most important features. This chart can help you make a final decision based on what matters most to you.

Feature	GoodCook AirPerfect 16″	GoodCook AirPerfect 2-Pack	Wilton 12″ Pan	Home-Complete Cast Iron	Bakken Tray 2-Pack
Category	Best Overall	Best Value Set	Best for Small Ovens	Most Versatile	Best for Easy Handling
Material	Carbon Steel	Carbon Steel	Cold Rolled Steel	Cast Iron	Carbon Steel & Silicone
Size (Inches)	16	15.75	12	14	13
Key Feature	Perforated Base	Perforated, 2-Pack	PFAS-Free Coating	Multi-Surface Use	Silicone Handles
Best For	Perfect crispy crusts	Families & batch cooking	Personal pizzas & small ovens	High-heat searing & grilling	Safety & ease of use
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐

My tests clearly show that for the best combination of performance, size, and ease of use, a perforated carbon steel pan like the GoodCook AirPerfect 16” Pan is the top choice for most people. It simply delivers the best crust with the least amount of fuss.

For those on a budget or who cook for a crowd, the GoodCook AirPerfect 2-Pack and Bakken Pizza Tray 2-Pack offer incredible value. Meanwhile, the Home-Complete Cast Iron Pan represents a premium investment in versatility and ultimate crust quality, but it comes with a commitment to maintenance.

If your number one goal is a crispy crust, a perforated pan is the way to go. If you value versatility and want the absolute best heat retention for a pizzeria-style char, the cast iron pan is unbeatable, provided you’re willing to care for it properly.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Pizza Pan

The “best” pizza pan is different for everyone. It depends on your oven, the type of pizza you love, how many people you’re feeding, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. This guide will walk you through the key features to consider so you can match the perfect pan to your cooking style.

• Material (Heat Transfer is Key): The material dictates how your crust cooks. Carbon steel, found in the GoodCook and Bakken pans, is my top choice for most people as it heats up fast, evenly, and is relatively lightweight. Cast iron offers superior heat retention for an amazing char and “oven spring,” but it’s heavy and requires seasoning. Cold rolled steel, like in the Wilton pan, is also a good conductor and very durable.
• Surface (Perforated vs. Solid): This is a critical choice for crust texture. Perforated pans (with holes) are my top recommendation for home ovens. They allow moisture to escape, which directly leads to a much crispier crust and solves the dreaded “soggy bottom” problem. Solid pans, like the cast iron and Wilton models, can produce a slightly softer, chewier crust and are often better for containing very wet toppings or a lot of sauce.
• Size and Shape: First, measure your oven! Then, consider how many people you typically cook for. A 14 to 16-inch pan is great for families, while a 12-inch pan like the Wilton is perfect for individuals, couples, or those with smaller toaster ovens. All the pans on my list are round, which is classic, but you can also find square pans for Sicilian or Detroit-style pizzas.
• Coating (Non-Stick vs. Seasoned): Non-stick coatings offer incredible convenience for both food release and easy cleanup. Modern pans made without PFAS, PFOA, or PFOS (like the Wilton and Bakken models) offer peace of mind. Uncoated pans, like cast iron, require you to build up a “seasoning” with oil over time. This creates a fantastic, natural, chemical-free slick surface, but it requires more work and maintenance.
• Durability & Warp Resistance: Look for pans made from heavy-gauge steel or thick cast iron. A flimsy, thin pan will warp at the high temperatures required for pizza (450°F+), which causes uneven cooking and shortens the pan’s life. A well-built pan is a long-term investment that pays off in consistent results.
• Ease of Use & Special Features: Think about the entire process from oven to table. Features like the silicone handles on the Bakken pans can make a huge difference in safety and confidence. Other features like the cutting guides and elevated feet on the GoodCook pans add a layer of convenience that you might really appreciate in the long run.

FAQs About the Best Pan for Pizza

Is a pizza pan with holes better?

Yes, for most home ovens, a pizza pan with holes (perforated) is better for achieving a crispy crust. The holes allow hot air to circulate directly onto the dough and let moisture escape while baking. This process is key to drying out and crisping up the bottom of the pizza, which effectively prevents it from becoming soggy.

Is a pizza stone or pan better?

It depends on your goals and commitment level. A pizza stone absorbs and retains very high, even heat, which creates a superior “oven spring” and a crisp char that’s hard to beat, similar to a brick oven. However, a high-quality perforated pan like the GoodCook can get very close to this result with much less preheating time and is far more durable and easier to handle. For most home cooks, a good pan is the more practical and convenient choice.

What is the best material for a pizza pan?

Carbon steel and cast iron are the two best materials for pizza pans. I recommend carbon steel for most people because it heats evenly and quickly, is very durable, and is relatively lightweight and easy to handle. Cast iron offers the absolute best heat retention for an unmatched crust, but it is very heavy and requires ongoing seasoning maintenance to prevent rust.

Can I use a regular baking sheet for pizza?

You can, but a dedicated pizza pan will give you much better results. Regular baking sheets often have tall rims that can trap steam, leading to a softer, soggier crust. They also may not be made of materials that heat as evenly as a pizza pan, which can leave the center of your pizza undercooked while the edges burn. A proper pizza pan is a relatively inexpensive and worthwhile upgrade.

How do I get a crispy crust with a pizza pan?

First, use a perforated pan to allow moisture to escape. Second, make sure you preheat the pan in the oven for at least 10-15 minutes at your target temperature before you place your pizza on it. This initial blast of intense heat helps to cook and set the bottom of the crust very quickly, which is essential for crispiness.

How do I clean a pizza pan?

It depends on the material. For non-stick pans, always hand wash with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge; avoid abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, which will damage the coating. For cast iron pans, you should never use soap as it can strip the seasoning. Simply scrape off any food bits, rinse with hot water, and dry it thoroughly immediately to prevent rust. Then, wipe a very thin layer of cooking oil on the surface before storing.

Do I need to oil my pizza pan?

For a non-stick pan, a light coating of oil is not strictly necessary for food release but can help with browning and add flavor. For a seasoned cast iron pan, oil is absolutely essential to maintain the non-stick seasoning. For any uncoated aluminum or steel pan, oil is required to prevent sticking.

What pan is best for frozen pizza?

A perforated pizza pan is, without a doubt, the best pan for frozen pizza. The holes are critical for allowing the hot air to circulate underneath and cook the often-thicker, doughier crust of a frozen pizza more thoroughly. This helps prevent the common problem of a pizza with a cooked top and a doughy, undercooked bottom.

Should my pizza pan be dark or light?

Dark-colored pans absorb more heat and will generally produce a darker, crispier crust faster than light-colored pans. Since a golden-brown and crispy crust is usually the primary goal when making pizza, a dark-colored pan is almost always the better choice. All of my top picks are dark-colored for this reason.

How do I season a cast iron pizza pan?

To season a new cast iron pan, first wash and dry it completely. Then, apply a very thin, even layer of a neutral oil with a high smoke point (like canola or vegetable oil) over the entire surface—top, bottom, and handles. Use a paper towel to wipe off any excess; you want it to look dry. Place it upside down in an oven preheated to 350-400°F for one hour, then let it cool completely in the oven.

My Final Verdict on the Best Pizza Pan

After extensive testing, it’s crystal clear that the right pan can completely transform your homemade pizza from mediocre to magnificent. While all five pans on this list are excellent choices that I can confidently recommend, my final verdict is based on what the average home cook needs to get the best results with the least amount of fuss.

For the Best Results with the Least Fuss (Best Overall):
The GoodCook AirPerfect 16” Pan is my undisputed top recommendation. Its perforated carbon steel design is the most effective and reliable way to achieve a perfectly crispy crust in a standard home oven. It’s durable, large enough for any occasion, and incredibly easy to use and clean. It consistently delivers on its promise of a better pizza.

For Ultimate Versatility and Crust Quality (Best Alternative):
If you’re an enthusiast who enjoys the craft of cooking and is willing to put in a little maintenance, the Home-Complete Cast Iron Pan is a fantastic choice. The crust it produces is second to none, and its versatility as a grill pan, griddle, and searing surface makes it a valuable long-term investment for your kitchen.

Last update on 2026-02-03 at 14:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API