Choosing the best deep dish pan for pizza depends on the style you want to bake, how many people you’re serving, and how much room you have in your oven and cupboards. A round Chicago-style pan suits tall, filled pizzas, while a rectangular pan is made for thick Detroit-style pizza. The options below range from single pans to multi-pan sets, with differences in material, depth, and care that can affect your choice.
Quick Comparison
| Pan | Size and shape | Material | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Metallic Deep Dish Pizza Pan | 14-inch round, 1.5-inch deep | Carbon steel | Large Chicago-style pizzas and cookie cakes |
| AKOLAFE 4-Pack Deep Dish Pizza Pans | 12-inch pizza capacity; 1.9-inch outer depth | Carbon steel | Making several personal-size pizzas |
| Chef Pomodoro Chicago Deep Dish Pan | 12-inch round, 2-inch deep | Hard-anodized aluminum | Traditional, tall Chicago-style pizza |
| Diakey 2-Pack Pizza Pans | 10-inch round, 1.2-inch deep | Carbon steel | Smaller pizzas and compact storage |
| Jisculo Detroit Style Pizza Pan | 10 by 14 inches, 2.5 inches deep | Hard-anodized aluminum | Thick, rectangular Detroit-style pizza |
Our Picks: Best Deep Dish Pan For Pizza reviews
Chicago Metallic: A roomy round pan for classic deep dish
This Chicago Metallic pan is a strong choice if you want a single, full-size pan for Chicago-style pizza. Its 14-inch diameter and 1.5-inch depth leave room for a substantial crust and toppings without moving to the taller profile of some deeper pans.
The pan is made from heavy-gauge carbon steel and has a silicone-based nonstick coating. It is oven-safe up to 450°F. The maker also lists cookie cakes, stuffed pies, layered desserts, and bread among its possible uses, so it can earn space in the cupboard beyond pizza night.
Compared with the smaller round pans here, this one offers more diameter for a larger pizza. The trade-off is that a 14-inch pan takes more storage room, and its 1.5-inch sides are not as deep as the Chef Pomodoro or AKOLAFE options. Hand washing is recommended to help extend the coating’s life, even though the pan is listed as dishwasher-safe.
Pros:
- Large 14-inch round cooking surface
- Heavy-gauge carbon steel construction
- Nonstick coating is designed for easier release
- Can also be used for cookie cakes, pies, and bread
Cons:
- Its 1.5-inch depth is less than some other round options
- Hand washing is recommended to help preserve the coating
Verdict: Choose this pan if you want a large, versatile round pan and do not need extra-tall sides.
AKOLAFE: A four-pan set for batches and personal pizzas
The AKOLAFE set includes four round carbon steel pans designed to hold 12-inch pizzas. Their stated outer dimensions are 12.6 inches across and 1.9 inches deep. Having several pans can be useful when you’re baking different toppings, preparing more than one pizza, or making pizzas for a group.
The pans have a nonstick coating and deeper edges than a flat baking sheet. The product description also lists cakes, pastries, sandwiches, and bacon as possible uses. Unlike some of the other pans in this guide, these are specified for hand washing only. The care instructions call for drying them thoroughly after washing and storing them in a dry, ventilated place.
This set is less suited to someone who only wants one pan or has limited storage space. Also, the listed depth is an outer measurement, so check your recipe and the pan’s usable interior dimensions before choosing it for a particularly tall pizza.
Pros:
- Four pans provide options for cooking multiple pizzas
- 12-inch pizza capacity with deeper edges
- Carbon steel construction and a nonstick coating
- Can be used for several other baked or cooked foods
Cons:
- Hand wash only; thorough drying is part of the care routine
- A four-piece set may take more storage space than a single pan
Verdict: Pick the AKOLAFE set if you value having multiple 12-inch pans and are comfortable with hand washing and careful drying.
Chef Pomodoro: A deep, 12-inch pan for Chicago-style pizza
The Chef Pomodoro is a round, 12-inch Chicago-style pan with 2-inch sides. That depth makes it a good fit for recipes with a tall crust, plenty of fillings, or a stuffed-pizza format. It is made from hard-anodized aluminum, which the product description highlights for heat conduction.
This pan is described as pre-seasoned and pre-oiled, so it is ready to use out of the package. The coating is intended to help food release, and the care instructions suggest soaking it in soapy water for cleanup. It can also be used for casseroles and sweet bakes such as pies, cinnamon rolls, cakes, and pastries.
Its 12-inch size is more compact than the Chicago Metallic pan, while its sides are deeper. That makes it a more focused pick for tall Chicago-style pizzas, but the product data does not specify an oven-safe temperature. If a recipe calls for a high oven temperature, confirm the pan’s guidance before baking.
Pros:
- Two-inch depth suits tall or generously filled pizzas
- Hard-anodized aluminum construction
- Pre-seasoned and ready to bake out of the package
- Can also be used for casseroles and desserts
Cons:
- Smaller diameter than the 14-inch Chicago Metallic pan
- No maximum oven temperature is provided in the supplied product details
Verdict: Choose the Chef Pomodoro if a deep 12-inch Chicago-style pizza is your priority and you want a pan described as ready to use.
Diakey: A compact two-pan set for smaller pizzas
Diakey’s set includes two carbon steel pans with a 10-inch outer diameter, a 9.3-inch inner diameter, and a depth of 1.2 inches. Their smaller size can make them a practical option for personal pizzas, smaller portions, or kitchens where a larger pan would be cumbersome.
The pans have a nonstick coating and are described as stackable for storage. They are listed as dishwasher-safe and rated for oven use up to 392°F. That temperature limit is worth checking against your recipe, especially if you normally bake pizza at a hotter setting.
These pans are shallower than the Chef Pomodoro and AKOLAFE options, so they are better suited to moderately deep pizza than a very tall stuffed pie. Keep in mind that the listed interior diameter is smaller than the outer diameter, which affects the size of the pizza base you can make.
Pros:
- Two pans in a compact, stackable format
- Nonstick coating for easier food release
- Dishwasher-safe according to the product details
- Useful for smaller pizzas, cookies, bread, and cakes
Cons:
- Smaller 9.3-inch interior cooking area
- Maximum listed oven temperature is 392°F
Verdict: Consider Diakey if you want a pair of small pans and your recipes stay within the stated oven-temperature limit.
Jisculo: A rectangular pan for thick Detroit-style pizza
Unlike the round pans in this list, the Jisculo is a rectangular 10-by-14-inch pan with 2.5-inch sides. Its shape and depth are designed for thick Detroit-style pizza, with room for a substantial dough base and toppings. It is also listed for Sicilian-style pizza and other creative recipes.
The pan is made from hard-anodized aluminum and is described as heat-resistant up to 500°F. It has a nonstick coating and a five-year warranty for product issues under normal use and proper care. The product information also says it is suitable for certain pizza ovens, including Ooni and Roccbox models; check your oven’s dimensions and instructions before use.
This is the most specialized option here. Its rectangular shape is not a substitute for a round Chicago-style pan, and the care instructions say not to put it in the dishwasher. If Detroit-style pizza is your goal, though, its taller sides and higher stated temperature limit make it a purpose-built choice.
Pros:
- Deep rectangular design for Detroit-style pizza
- Hard-anodized aluminum and a stated 500°F heat limit
- Nonstick coating and a five-year warranty
- Listed for Detroit-style, Sicilian-style, and other pizza styles
Cons:
- Not the right shape for traditional round Chicago-style pizza
- Hand washing is required; the pan is not dishwasher-safe
Verdict: Choose the Jisculo if you specifically want a deep rectangular pan for Detroit-style pizza rather than a round Chicago-style pie.
How to Choose a Deep Dish Pizza Pan
Match the shape to your pizza style
Start with the pizza you plan to make most often. Round pans are the natural fit for Chicago-style deep dish, while the rectangular Jisculo is designed for Detroit-style pizza. A pan made for one shape can still bake other foods, but choosing the right form helps you follow recipes as intended.
Check the diameter and usable cooking area
Pan measurements can refer to the outside edge rather than the flat area where the dough sits. For example, the Diakey pans have a 10-inch outer diameter and a 9.3-inch inner diameter. Think about the finished pizza size you want, and check both the pan’s exterior and interior measurements when they are available.
Choose a depth that suits your toppings and crust
Pan depth affects how much dough and filling the sides can hold. A 1.2-inch pan is a more modest option, while pans with sides around 2 inches or taller better suit thicker or more generously filled pizzas. Deeper sides can also be useful for stuffed pies and other bakes, but they do not replace a recipe’s instructions about dough and baking time.
Consider material and temperature limits
The products here use carbon steel or hard-anodized aluminum. Their stated oven limits vary: the Chicago Metallic is rated to 450°F, the Diakey to 392°F, and the Jisculo to 500°F. The supplied details do not list a maximum temperature for the Chef Pomodoro or AKOLAFE pans, so check the manufacturer’s instructions if your recipe calls for a specific heat level.
Think about coating care and cleanup
Nonstick coatings can make release easier, but care instructions differ. The Chicago Metallic pan is dishwasher-safe with hand washing recommended to extend its life. Diakey is listed as dishwasher-safe, while AKOLAFE and Jisculo call for hand washing. Use the care directions for your chosen pan, and consider whether you are willing to wash and dry it by hand.
Plan for storage and how many pans you need
A single pan is usually simpler to store, while a two- or four-pan set can be useful for making several smaller pizzas or baking in batches. Measure your cupboard and oven before buying, especially for the larger round pan or the rectangular Detroit-style model. A set only helps if you have room to keep and use the extra pans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pan should I use for Chicago-style pizza?
Choose a round pan based on the finished pizza size you want and the recipe you follow. The options here include 12-inch pans with 2-inch sides and a larger 14-inch pan with 1.5-inch sides. Compare interior measurements when available, since the outside diameter may be larger than the usable cooking area.
Is a deeper pan always better for deep dish pizza?
Not necessarily. A deeper pan can hold a taller crust and more filling, but the best depth depends on your recipe and preferred style. A 1.5-inch pan may be enough for one recipe, while a stuffed or especially tall pizza may call for higher sides.
Can I use a deep dish pizza pan for foods besides pizza?
Yes. The product details list uses such as cookie cakes, pies, cakes, bread, pastries, and casseroles for some of these pans. Check the pan’s care instructions and temperature limit before using it for another recipe.
Which pan is best for Detroit-style pizza?
The Jisculo is the option in this guide specifically shaped for Detroit-style pizza. It is rectangular and has 2.5-inch sides. The round pans are better matches for round pizza styles.
Can these pans go in the dishwasher?
Care instructions vary by product. The Chicago Metallic and Diakey pans are listed as dishwasher-safe, though hand washing is recommended for the Chicago Metallic to help extend its life. AKOLAFE and Jisculo specify hand washing. Follow the instructions supplied with your pan.
What should I check before buying a nonstick pizza pan?
Look at the pan’s size, depth, material, oven-temperature limit, and cleaning instructions. Also consider how you will store it and whether its shape matches your pizza style. Avoid assuming that all nonstick pans have the same care needs or heat limits.
Final Recommendation
For a versatile round pan with room for a larger pizza, the Chicago Metallic is a practical place to start. If you want taller sides for a 12-inch Chicago-style pie, consider the Chef Pomodoro. Choose the Jisculo for Detroit-style pizza, or look at the AKOLAFE and Diakey sets if multiple smaller pans better fit your cooking plans. Before ordering, confirm that the pan’s dimensions, oven limit, and care requirements work for your recipes and kitchen.
