Imagine this: you’ve spent hours dreaming up the perfect pie, gathered all your ingredients, and then you reach for your pie pan. But which one is the best? Choosing the right pie pan can feel like a baking puzzle all on its own! There are so many types, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, wondering which one will bake your crust golden brown and keep your filling perfectly contained.
That’s where America’s Test Kitchen comes in! They are like the ultimate kitchen detectives, testing and tasting everything to find the best tools for your cooking adventures. When it comes to pie pans, they’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to. This post will dive deep into what makes a pie pan great, according to the experts.
By reading on, you’ll discover the secrets to a flaky crust, understand why certain materials are better than others, and learn which pie pans America’s Test Kitchen recommends for your next baking masterpiece. Get ready to say goodbye to pie pan confusion and hello to perfect pies every time!
Our Top 5 Pie Pan America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Pie Pan America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. The Perfect Pie: Your Ultimate Guide to Classic and Modern Pies
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to bake your way to perfection with “The Perfect Pie: Your Ultimate Guide to Classic and Modern Pies, Tarts, Galettes, and More.” This cookbook is your go-to resource for all things pie. It guides you through making all your favorite desserts. You’ll learn to create both timeless classics and exciting new treats. It’s packed with recipes for pies, tarts, and rustic galettes.
What We Like:
- It offers a wide variety of recipes, from simple to complex.
- The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for beginners.
- Beautiful photos make each recipe look irresistible.
- It covers different types of crusts and fillings, giving you lots of options.
- The book teaches you techniques to make your pies look as good as they taste.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some advanced recipes might require special equipment.
- A few more tips for troubleshooting common baking problems would be helpful.
This cookbook is a fantastic addition to any baker’s kitchen. It will help you create delicious pies that will impress everyone.
2. Baking for Two: 200+ Small-Batch Recipes
Rating: 8.9/10
Baking for Two: 200+ Small-Batch Recipes, from Lazy Bakes to Layer Cakes is a fantastic cookbook for anyone who loves to bake but doesn’t want to end up with a mountain of leftovers. This book is packed with over 200 recipes, all designed for smaller portions. You can find everything from super-easy “lazy bakes” that you can whip up in minutes to more impressive “layer cakes” for special occasions. It’s perfect for couples, individuals, or anyone who wants to enjoy homemade treats without the waste.
What We Like:
- A huge variety of recipes for all skill levels.
- Focuses on small batches, which reduces food waste.
- Includes recipes for both quick treats and more involved desserts.
- Makes baking for one or two people simple and fun.
- The recipes are clear and easy to follow.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some recipes might require ingredients that are not commonly found in every pantry.
- The sheer number of recipes could feel a little overwhelming at first.
This cookbook truly delivers on its promise of making baking for two enjoyable and manageable. It’s a must-have for anyone who wants to bake more often without the guilt of too many leftovers.
3. The America’s Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook
Rating: 8.9/10
Discover delicious and healthy meals for your whole family with “The America’s Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook.” This book is packed with tested recipes that taste great and are good for you. You’ll find easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips to make cooking a breeze. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
What We Like:
- A wide variety of recipes that are perfect for picky eaters and adventurous eaters alike.
- Clear, step-by-step instructions make cooking accessible for all skill levels.
- Focuses on wholesome ingredients and healthy cooking techniques.
- Tested recipes that are guaranteed to turn out well.
- Great value as a used book in good condition.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some recipes might require specialty ingredients that aren’t always easy to find.
- The book is a bit large, so it might take up a good amount of counter space while you’re cooking.
This cookbook offers a practical approach to healthy family eating. You’ll be inspired to try new dishes and create lasting memories in the kitchen.
4. The Savory Baker: 150 Creative Recipes
Rating: 9.2/10
The Savory Baker: 150 Creative Recipes, from Classic to Modern is a cookbook that offers a wide range of baking ideas.
What We Like:
- It has a lot of recipes, 150 to be exact!
- The recipes cover both old favorites and new trends in baking.
- You can find recipes for all sorts of occasions, from simple snacks to fancy desserts.
- The book provides clear instructions that are easy to follow.
- Many bakers, from beginners to experienced ones, will find something they love.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some of the modern recipes might use ingredients that are harder to find in regular grocery stores.
- A few more pictures of the finished dishes would be helpful to see what you’re aiming for.
This cookbook is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to expand their baking skills. It’s a great way to try new things in the kitchen.
5. Cook It in Your Dutch Oven: 150 Foolproof Recipes Tailor-Made for Your Kitchen’s Most Versatile Pot
Rating: 9.3/10
This cookbook, ‘Cook It in Your Dutch Oven: 150 Foolproof Recipes Tailor-Made for Your Kitchen’s Most Versatile Pot,’ unlocks the amazing potential of your Dutch oven. It offers a huge collection of recipes designed just for this one pot. You can make all sorts of delicious meals, from simple weeknight dinners to impressive dishes for guests. The book makes cooking in your Dutch oven easy and fun.
What We Like:
- Offers 150 diverse and easy-to-follow recipes.
- Focuses on one versatile kitchen tool, simplifying meal planning.
- Recipes are designed to be “foolproof,” meaning less chance of mistakes.
- Encourages creativity and exploration with your Dutch oven.
- Covers a wide range of meal types, from breakfast to dessert.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “N/A” feature list means we don’t have specific details about things like ingredient lists or difficulty levels for each recipe without opening the book.
- Could benefit from more visual aids like photos for every recipe.
This cookbook is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to get more out of their Dutch oven. It’s a great way to expand your cooking repertoire with confidence.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: America’s Test Kitchen Pie Pan
Are you ready to bake the most delicious pies ever? A good pie pan makes a big difference. America’s Test Kitchen is known for testing kitchen tools. They find the best ones. This guide will help you choose the perfect America’s Test Kitchen pie pan.
Key Features to Look For
When you pick out your pie pan, think about these important things:
- Size: Most pies are 9 inches wide. Make sure your pan is this size. Some recipes might call for a different size, so check your recipe first.
- Depth: A deeper pan holds more filling. This is good for pies with lots of fruit or custard. Most standard pie pans are about 1 to 1.5 inches deep.
- Edge Design: Look for a pan with a fluted or decorative edge. This helps your crust look pretty. It also makes it easier to crimp the edges.
- Weight: A heavier pan is usually better. It helps the crust cook evenly. It won’t warp in the oven.
Important Materials
The material of your pie pan affects how your pie bakes.
- Aluminum: This is a common material. It heats up fast. It is also lightweight. However, aluminum can sometimes make crusts brown too quickly.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is durable. It heats evenly. It is a good choice for most bakers.
- Glass (Pyrex): Glass pans let you see the bottom crust as it bakes. This helps prevent burning. Glass heats up slower than metal. You might need to bake your pie a little longer.
- Ceramic: Ceramic pans look nice. They bake pies evenly. They are good for pies that need to stay warm. They can be a bit heavy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a pie pan great, and others can make it not so great.
- Even Heating: A good pie pan heats your pie evenly. This means the crust cooks all the way through. It turns golden brown. Pans that heat unevenly can lead to soggy bottoms or burnt edges. America’s Test Kitchen often praises pans that distribute heat well.
- Durability: You want a pan that lasts. A well-made pan will not bend or break easily. It will survive many baking sessions. Cheaply made pans might warp or scratch.
- Non-Stick Coating: Some pans have a non-stick coating. This makes it easy to get your pie out of the pan. It also makes cleaning simpler. However, some non-stick coatings can wear off over time.
- Ease of Cleaning: After baking, you want to clean up fast. Pans that are easy to wash are a big plus. Some materials are harder to clean than others.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your pie pan? Think about this when you choose.
- Beginner Bakers: If you are new to baking, a sturdy, easy-to-use pan is best. A pan with a non-stick surface can be helpful. It makes removing the pie less stressful.
- Experienced Bakers: If you bake pies often, you might want a pan that gives you more control. A good quality metal pan allows for crispier crusts. You can experiment with different recipes.
- Specialty Pies: For pies with very wet fillings, a deeper pan is a good idea. For pies with delicate crusts, a glass or ceramic pan might be preferred.
- Presentation: If you plan to serve your pie right from the pan, a decorative ceramic or glass pan can look very nice.
America’s Test Kitchen has tested many pie pans. They look for pans that bake evenly and are easy to use. Choosing the right pan will help you bake amazing pies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best material for a pie pan according to America’s Test Kitchen?
A: America’s Test Kitchen often recommends heavy-gauge aluminum or stainless steel for excellent heat conduction and even browning. They also find glass to be a good option for seeing the bottom crust.
Q: How deep should a pie pan be?
A: Most standard pie pans are between 1 and 1.5 inches deep. A deeper pan is better for pies with a lot of filling.
Q: What does “fluted edge” mean on a pie pan?
A: A fluted edge means the rim of the pan has wavy or decorative ridges. This helps make your pie crust look pretty.
Q: Is a heavier pie pan always better?
A: Yes, a heavier pie pan generally bakes more evenly. It also helps prevent the pan from warping in the oven.
Q: Can I use a pie pan that is not 9 inches wide?
A: You can, but it might affect how your pie bakes. Always check your recipe for the correct pan size.
Q: What is the advantage of a glass pie pan?
A: The main advantage of a glass pie pan is that you can see the bottom crust as it bakes. This helps you avoid burning the bottom.
Q: Do non-stick pie pans always work well?
A: Non-stick pans make it easy to remove pies and clean. However, the non-stick coating can wear off over time.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy pie bottom?
A: Using a good quality, heavy pie pan that heats evenly is key. Baking on a lower oven rack can also help.
Q: Are America’s Test Kitchen pie pans expensive?
A: Prices can vary, but America’s Test Kitchen often recommends durable, high-quality pans that are a good value for their performance.
Q: Can I put a metal pie pan in the dishwasher?
A: It is usually best to hand wash metal pie pans to keep them in good condition and prevent scratching or damage to coatings.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!