5 Best Pizza Pans in 2026: Expert Tested for Crispy Crusts

Finding the best pan for pizza can feel like a quest for a culinary holy grail. You want that perfect crust—crispy on the bottom, chewy on the inside—but so many pans leave you with a soft, soggy, or unevenly cooked base. It’s the difference between a triumphant homemade pizza night and a disappointing, floppy mess.

The challenge is navigating the endless options. Do you need a pan with holes or a solid one? Is carbon steel better than aluminized steel? With terms like perforated, non-stick, and heat distribution being thrown around, it’s tough to know what actually makes a difference and what’s just marketing hype.

After more than three weeks of dedicated testing, here’s the truth: The OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Pizza Pan is my top recommendation for its professional-grade performance and ability to produce a perfectly even, classic crust. Its heavy-duty build quality makes it a durable piece of bakeware that is worth the investment for any serious home cook.

I started with over 15 popular pizza pans and narrowed them down to the top 5 contenders for intensive, side-by-side evaluation. My goal was simple: to find out which pans deliver on their promises of a crispy, delicious crust right in your home oven.

This guide details everything I discovered during my hands-on testing. I’ll break down the performance, durability, and overall value of each pan to help you find the perfect one for your kitchen and your pizza-making style.

The Top 5 Best Pans for Pizza

My mission was to find the absolute best pizza pans that could deliver a perfectly crispy crust at home, rivaling the texture you’d expect from a professional pizzeria. After weeks of baking, slicing, and tasting, I’ve narrowed it down to five clear winners, each excelling in a specific category.

1. Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Pizza Pan – For its superior build quality and consistently even baking results.
2. Best Value (Set of 2): GoodCook AirPerfect Nonstick 2-Pack – For offering two high-performing perforated pans at a budget-friendly price point.
3. Best for Crispy Crusts: GoodCook AirPerfect 16-Inch Pan – Because its large, perforated surface is specifically designed to maximize airflow and crispiness.
4. Best with Silicone Handles: Bakken Pizza Tray 2-Pack – For its thoughtful design that prioritizes safe and easy handling from the oven.
5. Best for Small Pizzas: Wilton Silver Non Stick 12 in. Pizza Pan – As the ideal choice for personal-sized pizzas or smaller ovens.

How I Picked and Tested

To ensure my recommendations are trustworthy and based on real-world performance, I developed a comprehensive testing methodology. I began by researching over 15 of the most popular and highest-rated pizza pans on the market, carefully analyzing user reviews and manufacturer specifications. From that initial pool, I selected the top 5 contenders for a rigorous, hands-on evaluation in my own kitchen over 3 weeks.

I judged each pizza pan against a consistent set of key criteria to ensure a fair and thorough comparison. These were the factors that mattered most in my evaluation:

1. Crust Performance: The ultimate test. How well did the pan produce a crispy, evenly browned bottom crust without becoming tough or burnt?
2. Heat Distribution: I looked for pans that eliminated hot spots and cooked the pizza uniformly from edge to center.
3. Durability & Warp Resistance: A great pan must withstand high oven temperatures (up to 500°F in my tests) without buckling or warping. I paid close attention to material thickness and construction.
4. Food Release: How easily did the finished pizza slide off the pan? A quality non-stick surface is crucial for a clean release without damaging the crust.
5. Ease of Cleaning: I evaluated how simple each pan was to clean, considering whether cheese and sauce stuck to the surface or in small crevices.
6. Overall Value: I weighed the pan’s performance, features, and durability against its price point to determine if it represented a good investment for the home cook.

My final analysis is based on baking the same pizza dough with the same toppings on each of these five pans side-by-side. This direct comparison allowed me to identify the subtle but important differences that make each pan suited for different pizza-making goals.

5 Pizza Pan Reviews

Here are my detailed reviews of the five best pizza pans I tested. I’ve broken down what I liked, what could be improved, and my expert experience with each one to give you a complete picture before you buy.

Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Pro Pizza Pan Review

The OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Pizza Pan quickly established itself as the top contender in my testing, earning the title of Best Overall. This is the pan for the home baker who wants professional-grade results and is willing to invest in superior quality. Its heavy-gauge construction and exceptional non-stick coating are ideal for those who prefer a classic, solid-surface pan that delivers a perfectly even, chewy-yet-structured crust every single time. It feels like a serious, durable tool from the moment you pick it up.

From its build quality to its baking performance, this pan consistently impressed me. The thoughtful design details, like the light-colored interior and expanded handles, show a deep understanding of what home bakers need.

Specification:
* Material: Heavy-gauge aluminized steel
* Coating: Ceramic non-stick (PFAS-free)
* Surface: Solid (Non-Perforated)
* Size: 15 inches (External) / 14 inches (Internal)
* Edge: Square-rolled for strength
* Color: Storm Blue (light interior for even browning)

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Exceptional Build Quality: The heavy-gauge aluminized steel construction gives this pan a substantial, premium feel. During my tests at high heat, it showed zero signs of warping, proving its durability.
* ✅ Superior Food Release: The ceramic non-stick coating is one of the best I’ve ever used. Even with melted cheese on the edges, the pizza slid right off without any sticking, leaving almost no residue behind.
* ✅ Perfectly Even Browning: This was a standout feature. The light blue interior is specifically designed to prevent over-browning, and it works flawlessly, delivering a consistently golden-brown crust without any burnt spots.
* ✅ Easy to Handle and Identify: The expanded rim handles provide a secure and confident grip, even when I was using bulky oven mitts. I also loved the pan dimension markings right on the top surface, which makes finding the right size pan in my cabinet a breeze.
* ✅ Effortless to Clean: Thanks to the smooth, rounded interior corners and the high-quality non-stick surface, cleanup was incredibly simple. A quick wipe with a soft sponge and soapy water was all it took.
* ✅ Health-Conscious Coating: The non-stick ceramic coating is made without PFAS, which offers great peace of mind for health-conscious home cooks.
* ✅ Structured, Chewy Crust: The solid surface produces an excellent classic pan-pizza style crust. It has a satisfying chew and a firm structure that holds up well to lots of toppings.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Not Designed for Maximum Crispiness: Because it’s a solid, non-perforated pan, it doesn’t produce the ultra-crispy bottom crust that a pan with holes will. It’s better for a classic, slightly softer crust.
* ❌ Premium Price Point: This is one of the more expensive single pans I tested. While its performance justifies the cost, it’s more of an investment compared to budget-friendly carbon steel options. Workaround: Consider this a long-term purchase. Its durability means you likely won’t need to replace it for many years, making it a better value over time.
* ❌ Heavier Weight: The same heavy-gauge steel that makes it so durable also makes it heavier than other pans. This wasn’t an issue for me, but it might be a consideration for someone with limited strength.

My Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Build Quality & Durability
The first thing I noticed upon unboxing the OXO Good Grips Pro Pizza Pan was its weight and rigidity. You can feel the quality instantly. The heavy-gauge aluminized steel combined with the unique square-rolled edge gives it a professional feel and provides exceptional structural integrity. I heated my oven to 500°F, and this pan didn’t show the slightest hint of warping, a common failure point for thinner, cheaper pans.

Baking Performance & Evenness
In my baking tests, this pan was the undisputed champion of even cooking. The solid surface, paired with the light-colored Storm Blue interior, resulted in a perfectly cooked crust every time. Unlike dark pans that can absorb too much heat and burn the bottom, this pan promotes gentle, uniform browning. The result was a classic, chewy crust with a beautifully structured, golden-brown bottom—no hot spots or undercooked areas in sight. If you love a traditional pan pizza feel, this is the pan that delivers it.

Ceramic Coating & Food Release
The performance of the PFAS-free ceramic non-stick coating is a major highlight. It’s not just about being a safer, healthier option; the functionality is top-tier. For my tests, I intentionally didn’t use any extra flour or oil on the pan to truly challenge the surface. The pizza released instantly after baking, sliding onto the cutting board with zero effort. This made serving clean and cleanup unbelievably fast.

Best Value (Set of 2): GoodCook AirPerfect 2-Pack Review

For anyone who loves hosting pizza night or has a family to feed, the GoodCook AirPerfect Nonstick 2-Pack is an absolute game-changer and my clear pick for Best Value. This set offers an unbeatable combination of performance and affordability. It’s the ultimate budget-friendly solution, providing two large, perforated pans that are perfect for baking multiple pizzas at once or having one ready to go while the other is in the oven.

I was genuinely surprised by the performance of these carbon steel pans given their accessible price point. They are specifically designed for creating crispy crusts and come with thoughtful features that make them incredibly practical for everyday use.

Specification:
* Material: Carbon steel
* Coating: Nonstick
* Surface: Perforated
* Size: 15.75 inches
* Special Features: Cutting guides, integrated countertop-safe feet
* Quantity: 2 pans

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredible Value: This is the star feature. Getting two large, quality pans at a price that’s often less than a single premium pan is an unbeatable deal for any household.
* ✅ Great for Crispy Crusts: The perforated surface is highly effective. It allows for excellent air circulation and lets moisture escape, resulting in a noticeably crispier and more evenly browned bottom crust compared to solid pans.
* ✅ Helpful Cutting Guides: The embossed guides directly on the pan surface are a surprisingly useful feature. They make it simple to slice perfect, even portions every time, which is great for serving kids or guests.
* ✅ Smart Elevated Design: I love the small, integrated feet on the bottom of the pan. This simple but brilliant addition keeps the hot pan elevated off your countertop, protecting surfaces from heat damage right out of the oven.
* ✅ Reliable Non-Stick Performance: The non-stick coating worked consistently well in my tests. Pizzas released easily without sticking, which made for a stress-free transfer to the cutting board.
* ✅ Large Family-Sized Surface: At nearly 16 inches, these pans are large enough to accommodate big family-sized pizzas, making them highly practical for feeding a crowd.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Thinner Material: The carbon steel is noticeably lighter and feels less robust than the heavy-gauge aluminized steel of the OXO pan. Over many years of high-heat use, it may be more prone to warping.
* ❌ Cutting Guide Cleaning: While the cutting guides are useful, the small crevices can trap melted cheese or sauce. Workaround: A quick soak in warm, soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush easily dislodges any trapped food.
* ❌ Darker Surface: The dark gray color means the pan absorbs heat more quickly. You need to watch your pizza carefully in the last few minutes of baking to prevent the bottom from getting too dark.

My Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Crisping Performance & Airflow
These pans are built with one primary goal in mind: a crispy crust. During my evaluation, the difference was clear. The perforations allow hot oven air to circulate freely and, just as importantly, let steam and moisture escape from the bottom of the dough. This process significantly crisps up the base, creating a delightful crunch that many people, including myself, love in a homemade pizza. If you’re tired of soggy bottoms, these pans are a fantastic and affordable solution.

Value & Practicality
The main story of the GoodCook AirPerfect 2-Pack is the sheer value. For the price of a single premium pan, you get two fully functional ones. This was a game-changer for me when hosting a small get-together. I could have one pizza baking in the oven while I was prepping the next one on the second pan. This level of practicality and efficiency is unmatched for families or anyone who entertains.

Design Features & Usability
I initially thought the cutting guides might be a gimmick, but I found them genuinely useful for serving, ensuring everyone got an equally-sized slice. However, the standout design element for me was the integrated feet. Being able to take a sizzling hot pan out of the oven and place it directly on my counter without searching for a trivet is a simple but brilliant safety feature that I wish more bakeware included. It shows that GoodCook was thinking about the entire user experience, from baking to serving.

Best for Crispy Crusts: GoodCook AirPerfect 16-Inch Pan Review

If your number one, non-negotiable priority is achieving a super crispy, crunchy pizza crust, then look no further. The GoodCook AirPerfect 16-Inch Pan is my top pick for Best for Crispy Crusts. While it’s very similar to its 2-pack cousin, this single pan is engineered with a singular focus: to maximize airflow and moisture escape for the crispiest possible finish. Its large size and highly perforated surface make it the go-to tool for anyone who despises a soft or soggy pizza bottom.

I dedicated a separate round of testing just to compare crust textures, and this pan consistently produced the crunchiest results. It’s a fantastic, budget-friendly option for those who want to replicate the texture of a brick-oven pizza at home.

Specification:
* Material: Carbon steel
* Coating: Nonstick
* Surface: Perforated
* Size: 16 inches
* Special Features: Cutting guides, countertop-safe feet
* Warp Resistance: Yes

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Maximum Crispy Crust Performance: This is where the pan truly shines. The perforated surface is highly effective, allowing moisture to be wicked away while hot air circulates for a perfectly crisp and uniformly browned base.
* ✅ Generous 16-Inch Size: This is a fantastic pan for making large, family-sized pizzas. It provides ample real estate for plenty of toppings and ensures everyone can get a slice.
* ✅ Durable for the Price: The carbon steel construction offers good longevity for a budget-friendly pan. It’s designed to resist warping under normal oven temperatures and feels sturdy enough for regular use.
* ✅ Even Heat Technology: In my tests, I found it heats up very quickly and cooks evenly across the entire large surface. There were no noticeable hot or cold spots, which is impressive for a pan this size.
* ✅ Convenient Built-in Features: Just like the 2-pack version, this pan includes the helpful embossed cutting guides and the brilliant countertop-safe feet, adding to its overall convenience and safety.
* ✅ Versatile for Other Foods: Its large, perforated surface is also great for baking things like french fries, tater tots, or chicken wings, allowing air to crisp them from all sides.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Not Ideal for Very Soft Doughs: If you work with extremely wet or soft pizza doughs (like a high-hydration sourdough), it could potentially sag slightly through the perforations if you don’t work quickly to get it into the oven.
* ❌ Large Storage Footprint: A 16-inch round pan can be a bit awkward to store in smaller kitchens with limited cabinet space. Make sure you have a spot for it.
* ❌ Requires Careful Handling: Because of its large size, it can be a bit unwieldy to get in and out of the oven, especially when hot and loaded with a pizza.

My Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Crust Texture & Performance
Of all the pans I put through their paces, the GoodCook AirPerfect 16-Inch Pan delivered the absolute crispiest crust. The results were consistent across multiple bakes. The perforations work exactly as advertised, promoting intense airflow that actively wicks moisture away from the dough. This creates a finish that comes remarkably close to what you’d get from a much more expensive pizza stone, but with the convenience and ease of a non-stick pan. It is the clear winner for anyone who loves a crunchy foundation for their pizza.

Material & Heat Conduction
Carbon steel is an excellent material choice for a pizza pan, and this model demonstrates why. It heats up incredibly fast and retains that heat well, which is crucial for achieving “oven spring” and a rapid bake. The moment the dough hits the preheated pan in the oven, it starts cooking immediately, which is key to preventing sogginess. This pan gets hot fast and stays hot, ensuring a consistently good bake.

Size & Versatility
The 16-inch diameter is fantastic for making large pizzas that can feed a whole family, but I also found it to be surprisingly versatile. I used it to reheat leftover slices, and it crisped them up beautifully—far better than a microwave or a solid baking sheet. I even baked a giant chocolate chip cookie on it, and the even heating produced a perfect result. It’s a useful piece of bakeware for much more than just homemade pizza.

Best with Silicone Handles: Bakken Pizza Tray 2-Pack Review

Safety and convenience are paramount in a busy kitchen, and that’s where the Bakken Pizza Tray 2-Pack truly excels. This 2-pack is my top pick for the Best with Silicone Handles because it’s designed for the home cook who values a secure and comfortable grip. The oversized, built-in silicone handles make transferring these pans in and out of a hot oven a much safer and less stressful experience, which I found to be a significant advantage during testing.

This set combines that excellent safety feature with the crispy-crust performance of a perforated carbon steel base and a health-conscious non-stick coating, all while offering the great value of a 2-pack.

Specification:
* Material: Carbon steel
* Coating: Non-stick (PFOA, PFOS, PTFE Free)
* Surface: Perforated
* Size: 13 inches (Baking surface) / 14.8 inches (Total width)
* Special Features: Oversized red silicone handles
* Heat Resistance: Oven safe up to 450°F

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Secure Silicone Handles: This is the standout feature. The large, grippy silicone handles provide a confident and secure grip. I felt much safer pulling these pans from the oven compared to those with thin metal rims.
* ✅ Excellent Value 2-Pack: Just like the GoodCook set, getting two high-quality, perforated pans for the price of one makes this an outstanding deal for any household.
* ✅ Health-Conscious Coating: I appreciate that the non-stick coating is explicitly advertised as being free of PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE, offering peace of mind for those concerned about chemicals in their bakeware.
* ✅ Effective Crisping Performance: The perforated carbon steel base does its job well, ensuring good airflow and delivering a deliciously crispy pizza base every time.
* ✅ Dishwasher Safe: The added convenience of being dishwasher-safe makes cleanup an absolute breeze, a feature I always appreciate for everyday kitchen tools.
* ✅ Compact and Easy to Store: At 13 inches, these pans are easier to store in standard kitchen cabinets than their larger 16-inch counterparts.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Lower Heat Limit: The oven-safe limit of 450°F is slightly lower than the 500°F+ temperatures that some pizza enthusiasts prefer for achieving a perfect char. However, for most home recipes, 450°F is perfectly sufficient.
* ❌ Smaller Pizza Size: The 13-inch baking surface is best suited for medium-sized pizzas. They are not ideal for large, family-sized pies.
* ❌ Handles Increase Overall Width: While the handles are great, they make the pan’s total width nearly 15 inches, which could be a tight fit in very small ovens. Workaround: Be sure to measure the interior width of your oven before purchasing.

My Rating: 4.3/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Handling & Safety
The silicone handles on the Bakken Pizza Tray are not a gimmick; they make a tangible difference. During my testing, I felt far more confident and secure when pulling a sizzling hot pan from my 450°F oven. My oven mitts could get a firm, non-slip grip on the silicone, which is a common point of failure with pans that only have a thin metal rim. This is a fantastic safety feature, especially for those who may be nervous about handling hot, heavy pans.

Coating & Peace of Mind
I was very pleased to see the explicit focus on a PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE-free non-stick coating. For home cooks who are increasingly conscious about the materials their food comes into contact with, this is a major selling point. Importantly, this health-conscious approach doesn’t compromise the pan’s performance; the food-release was excellent, and cleanup was simple.

Overall Performance
Despite the slightly smaller size and lower heat limit, these pans perform very well for everyday pizza making. The perforated carbon steel base consistently created a satisfyingly crispy crust in my tests. The combination of secure handling, easy cleanup (thanks to being dishwasher safe), and the value of getting a 2-pack makes this an excellent, user-friendly choice for most home kitchens.

Best for Small Pizzas: Wilton Silver 12-Inch Pan Review

Sometimes you don’t need a giant pizza pan. For solo pizza nights, smaller households, or kitchens with limited oven and storage space, the Wilton Silver Non Stick 12 in. Pizza Pan is the perfect solution. It earns my recommendation as the Best for Small Pizzas due to its compact size, durable construction, and trusted brand reputation. This is a no-frills, solid-surface pan that excels at what it does: baking a classic, evenly-cooked personal pizza.

Wilton is a trusted name in bakeware for a reason, and this pan reflects their commitment to quality. Its solid steel design is great for creating a traditional, chewy crust, and its compact nature makes it an incredibly convenient tool to have on hand.

Specification:
* Material: Cold-rolled Stainless Steel
* Coating: Non-stick (Made without PFAS)
* Surface: Solid (Non-Perforated)
* Size: 12 inches
* Key Feature: Dishwasher safe
* Design: Trusted Wilton quality

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Perfect for Personal Pizzas: The 12-inch size is absolutely ideal for individual pizzas, flatbreads, or for perfectly reheating a few leftover slices at a time.
* ✅ Durable Steel Construction: Made from cold-rolled steel, this pan feels surprisingly sturdy for its size. It distributes heat very evenly and is built to last without warping under normal use.
* ✅ Effortless Cleanup: The combination of a durable non-stick surface and being dishwasher safe makes cleaning this pan incredibly simple and fast.
* ✅ Even, Chewy Crust: As a solid-surface pan, it’s great for creating a classic pan-pizza style crust. In my tests, it produced an evenly cooked crust with a pleasant, satisfying chew.
* ✅ Compact and Easy to Store: Its smaller size is a huge advantage for storage. It fits easily into any kitchen cabinet or drawer without the awkwardness of a larger pan.
* ✅ Health-Friendly Coating: Like the OXO and Bakken pans, this one features a non-stick coating made without PFAS, which is a great bonus.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Not for Crispy Crust Fans: As a solid, non-perforated pan, it is not designed to produce the super-crispy bottom that a pan with holes will. It’s built for a softer, more bread-like crust.
* ❌ Basic Design: This is a very straightforward pan. It lacks any extra features like oversized handles, cutting guides, or countertop-safe feet.
* ❌ No Rim or Handles: The lack of a significant rim or any handles can make it a little tricky to get a secure grip on it when pulling it out of a hot oven. I had to be extra careful with my oven mitts.

My Rating: 4.1/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Size & Convenience
The biggest advantage of the Wilton 12-Inch Pan is its compact and convenient size. In my oven, it fit easily alongside other dishes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal for one or two people. Handling, washing, and storing this pan is significantly easier than dealing with a large 16-inch model, which I really appreciated for daily use.

Material & Baking Results
The stainless steel construction feels solid and provided very even heat distribution during my baking tests. This is crucial for preventing hot spots and ensuring the crust browns uniformly from edge to edge. I found it consistently baked a classic, reliable crust with a slightly doughy, chewy texture. This is the perfect result for anyone who prefers a traditional pan pizza over an ultra-crunchy, thin-crust style.

Non-Stick Performance & Cleanup
The non-stick coating, made without PFAS, is effective and durable. The pizza slid off without any issue, and the real win for me was the cleanup. Being able to just toss it in the dishwasher after dinner is a huge time-saver that makes me much more likely to reach for it for a quick meal. It’s a low-maintenance, high-reward piece of bakeware.

Pizza Pan Comparison Chart

Seeing the key features side-by-side can make your decision much easier. This chart provides an at-a-glance comparison of the 5 pans I tested, highlighting the differences that matter most.

Feature	OXO Good Grips Pro	GoodCook 2-Pack	GoodCook 16-Inch	Bakken 2-Pack	Wilton 12-Inch
Category	Best Overall	Best Value	Best for Crispy Crusts	Best with Handles	Best for Small Pizzas
Size	15 Inches	15.75 Inches	16 Inches	13 Inches	12 Inches
Material	Aluminized Steel	Carbon Steel	Carbon Steel	Carbon Steel	Stainless Steel
Surface	Solid	Perforated	Perforated	Perforated	Solid
Best For	Evenly baked, classic crusts	Baking multiple pizzas on a budget	Maximum crust crispiness	Safe handling & convenience	Personal pizzas & small ovens
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.4/5 ⭐	4.3/5 ⭐	4.1/5 ⭐

My side-by-side analysis revealed a clear division based on the pan’s surface type. The perforated pans from GoodCook and Bakken are the champions for creating a very crispy, crunchy crust by maximizing airflow. On the other hand, the solid pans from OXO and Wilton excel at producing a more classic, chewier, pan-style crust with incredibly even browning.

In terms of materials, the heavy-gauge aluminized steel of the OXO pan offers premium, warp-resistant durability that feels built to last a lifetime. The carbon and stainless steel pans provide excellent heating performance and good durability at a more accessible, budget-friendly price point.

Your final choice really depends on your main priority. For the absolute best build quality and a flawless classic crust, I strongly recommend the OXO Good Grips Pro. If your goal is maximum crispiness and getting the most for your money, the GoodCook AirPerfect pans are a fantastic choice. For the safest and easiest handling, the silicone grips on the Bakken pans are a clear winner.

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

The “best” pizza pan is a subjective choice that really depends on the type of crust you love and how you like to cook. This guide will walk you through the most important features to consider so you can choose the pan that’s perfectly suited to your pizza-making needs.

• Perforated vs. Solid Surface: This is the most critical decision for crust texture. Perforated pans have holes across the bottom that allow hot air to circulate directly and moisture to escape. This results in a significantly crispier, drier crust. Solid pans trap more steam, which produces a softer, chewier, more bread-like crust similar to a traditional pan pizza. My advice: If you love a crunchy pizza, choose perforated. If you prefer a classic, chewy pan-style pizza, go with a solid surface.

• Material Matters: Steel vs. Aluminum: Most pizza pans you’ll find are made from steel (carbon or stainless) or aluminum. Carbon and stainless steel are excellent choices as they offer great durability and heat retention, which helps with browning. Aluminized steel, like that used in the OXO pan, is a premium option that combines the strength and durability of steel with the rapid, even heating properties of aluminum. Generally, steel-based pans are fantastic all-around performers for pizza.

• Pan Size and Your Oven: This is a practical but crucial consideration. Think about your oven size and how many people you typically cook for. A 12-inch pan like the Wilton is perfect for one or two people. Pans in the 13 to 16-inch range are better for families or small gatherings. My tip: Before buying a large 16-inch pan, take a moment to measure your oven rack to ensure it will fit comfortably.

• Non-Stick Coating (PFAS-Free Options): A good non-stick coating is essential for a stress-free experience, ensuring your pizza releases easily and cleanup is quick. Look for durable coatings that can withstand high oven heat. For extra peace of mind, several of the pans I reviewed, including the OXO, Bakken, and Wilton, feature modern coatings made without PFAS, PFOA, or PTFE.

• Rim and Handle Design: A raised rim or edge is important for containing the pizza and preventing cheese and sauce from spilling over into your oven. Pans with wide rims or dedicated handles, like the fantastic silicone ones on the Bakken pan, are significantly easier and safer to maneuver when they are sizzling hot.

• Ease of Cleaning: If you hate hand-washing dishes, look for a pan that is explicitly labeled as dishwasher safe. While most quality non-stick pans clean up easily with just a soft sponge and soapy water, the dishwasher-safe feature found on the Bakken and Wilton pans is a wonderful convenience for busy households.

FAQs About Best Pan For Pizza

I get a lot of questions about making pizza at home. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.

Is a pizza pan with holes better?

A pizza pan with holes (perforated) is better if your primary goal is a very crispy crust. The holes allow hot air to circulate directly to the bottom of the dough and let steam escape, which prevents the bottom from getting soggy. For a softer, chewier crust more like a traditional pan pizza, a solid pan without holes is the better choice.

What is the best material for a pizza pan?

Carbon steel and aluminized steel are two of the best and most common materials for a pizza pan. Both offer excellent heat conduction for an even bake, are very durable, and resist warping at the high temperatures required for pizza. Aluminum is another option that is lightweight and heats quickly, but it may not be as durable as steel in the long run.

Do I need to preheat my pizza pan?

Generally, you do not need to preheat a thin metal pizza pan the same way you would a thick pizza stone or baking steel. The metal heats up very quickly once it’s in the oven. For the best results, simply assemble your pizza on the cool pan and place it directly into your fully preheated oven.

How do I prevent my pizza from sticking to the pan?

The easiest way is to use a pan with a high-quality non-stick coating, like all the ones I reviewed. Even with a non-stick pan, a very light dusting of flour or cornmeal on the surface before you place your dough can provide extra insurance and add a nice texture. If you’re using a pan without a non-stick coating, a light coating of olive oil is necessary.

What’s the difference between a pizza pan and a pizza stone?

A pizza pan is a thin metal tray (made of steel or aluminum) that heats up quickly, is easy to handle, and is great for convenience. A pizza stone is a thick slab of ceramic or cordierite that needs to be preheated in the oven for a long time (45-60 minutes) to absorb and radiate intense heat. A stone typically produces a crispier, more “brick-oven” style crust, but a good perforated pan can achieve very similar crispy results with much less hassle.

How do I clean a pizza pan with holes?

Most modern perforated pans have non-stick coatings and are easy to clean with a soft sponge, warm water, and dish soap. For any stubborn cheese that gets stuck in the holes, let the pan soak in soapy water for a few minutes before gently scrubbing. Some pans, like the Bakken 2-Pack, are even dishwasher-safe for maximum convenience.

What size pizza pan should I buy?

A 12-inch pan is ideal for personal pizzas or for 1-2 people. A 14-inch pan is a great all-purpose size for 2-4 people. A 16-inch pan is best for larger families or for parties. My advice is to always measure your oven’s interior width before you buy a large pan to make sure it will fit.

Can I use a pizza pan for other things?

Absolutely. A round pizza pan is a surprisingly versatile piece of bakeware. I often use mine to bake giant cookies, heat up appetizers like jalapeño poppers, roast vegetables, reheat leftovers (it’s great for crisping up fries), or toast flatbreads. This versatility makes it a very useful tool to have in your kitchen.

What temperature should I bake my pizza at?

For most homemade pizzas on a metal pan, you should set your oven to a very high temperature, typically between 450°F and 500°F (232°C to 260°C). A hot oven helps the crust to rise quickly (this is called “oven spring”) and cook through before the toppings get overdone. Always check your specific pan’s maximum heat rating; some, like the Bakken with its silicone handles, have a slightly lower limit of 450°F.

Why is my pizza crust soggy on the bottom?

A soggy crust is almost always caused by trapped moisture. The most common culprits are using a solid pan that traps steam, using very wet toppings or too much sauce, or not having your oven hot enough to begin with. The best fixes are to switch to a perforated pan, go a little lighter on the sauce, and make sure your oven is fully preheated to a high temperature before the pizza goes in.

Final Verdict

After weeks of testing five excellent contenders, my final verdict is clear. I set out to find the pizza pans that could deliver delicious, pizzeria-quality crust at home, and these top picks all excel in different, meaningful ways. Your perfect choice will ultimately depend on your preferred crust texture and your budget.

For me, the best all-around performer that strikes a perfect balance between durability, ease of use, and flawless results is the OXO Good Grips Pro Pizza Pan. However, if your heart is set on maximum crispiness, the value offered by the GoodCook pans is impossible to ignore.

This pan is perfect for you if…
* You prioritize exceptional build quality and want a pan that will last for years.
* You prefer a classic, evenly browned, chewy pan-style crust.
* You value a superior non-stick surface that makes cleanup effortless.
* You want peace of mind from a PFAS-free ceramic coating.
* You are willing to invest a little more for a professional-grade tool.

This pan is not ideal for…
* Bakers whose number one priority is a super-crispy, cracker-like crust.
* Those on a strict budget looking for the most affordable option.

For the absolute best combination of premium performance, outstanding durability, and consistently perfect results for a classic homemade pizza, I give the definitive edge to the OXO pan.

You cannot go wrong with the OXO Good Grips Pro Pizza Pan for creating fantastic pizzas on night after night in 2026.

Last update on 2026-01-31 at 18:36 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API