Have you ever wondered what type of pizza pan your favorite pizzeria uses? How do they get the crust so perfect? Different pizzerias use different pans, but you can find out which pizza pan will produce the results you want.

Types of Pizza Pans
Cast iron pizza pans hold onto heat. They are also versatile, allowing you to cook other recipes and cook outside of the kitchen. Cast iron pizza pans can be found in various shapes, which makes them perfect for any type of crust.

Aluminum pizza pans are available in several different types of aluminum, but it's best to buy high-quality hard-anodized pans. Another key feature to look for is holes in the pan. This allows the crust to become crispy as it cooks. Aluminum pizza pans work best with hand-tossed and thin crusts.

Stainless steel pizza pans are built to last. Most come with warranties, and they're even dishwasher safe. Another advantage to stainless steel is that it doesn't rust. Stainless steel pans work well with hand-tossed or thin crusts. Unfortunately, you won't see many chefs using this type of pan.

Deep-dish pizza pans have deep sides, ranging from one- to two-inches deep. These pans are best suited for making Chicago-style pizza and are available in both aluminum and steel.

The All-Important Stone
Pans are not the only cooking device used to make great pizza. In fact, many chefs prefer stones. If your favorite pizzeria uses a pizza oven, then a stone is exactly what you need to make great pizza at home. A stone gives you the perfect crust each time. The outside of the crust will be crisp while the inside remains chewy. Best of all, there's no clean up. All you need to do is slide the pizza out of the oven, and enjoy. If cheese does happen to get on the stone, all you have to do is scrape it off.

Different Ways to Cook Pizza at Home
For many home cooks, a pizza pan is the best option. A pizza pan is not only easy to use, but it is also rather inexpensive to purchase. Many people also turn to pizza pans because popular pizzeria chains use them. That doesn't mean that this is the only way to cook pizza at home though.

Cooks who have spent years in the kitchen prefer stones. Stones are not only great for making pizza. They are wonderful for almost any baked good, including biscuits and bread. Believe it or not, a decent pizza stone can actually be purchased for less than pans, and they usually last longer as well.

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