What Is The UK’s Best Pie Dishe?
In this guide we’ll look at the best pie dishes.
We’ve compared material, design, dimensions and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
Pie Dishe Reviews
Pie Dish Buyer’s Guide
One of the most popular and versatile meals in the world, there’s an almost infinite number of ways to cook a pie, and don’t even get us started on the crust!
But shop-bought pies rarely cut the mustard, and if you want to enjoy this delicious meal in all its glory, you can’t go wrong with a homemade pie in a perfect pie dish.
Not sure what to look for when it comes to the best pie dish cookware? Check out this buyer’s guide.
Material
The first thing you need to consider is the material of your pie dish. The most popular materials are glass, porcelain, pottery and steel.
Glass pie dishes allow you to monitor the progress of your pastry and are both durable and easy to clean. Porcelain dishes are traditional and very stylish. They retain heat well and can also be used to serve your pie on the table, so opt for a nice design.
Stainless steel pie dishes are lightweight, durable and very affordable. They often have a non-stick coating which makes it easy to remove the pie after cooking, although they can lack the aesthetic look of glass and porcelain.
Pottery and stoneware pie dishes are attractive and long lasting. These retain their heat brilliantly and have a lovely natural look, although they can be heavy.
Design
Pie dishes come in a range of designs, with an array of colours and styles to choose from. A popular design feature is a wavy side. This will help produce that perfectly textured crust, while also adding to the overall look of your pie dish. Fuss free and simple designs are available, allowing your cooking to do the talking!
Dimensions
The diameter and depth of the dish is another factor to consider when it comes to the perfect pie. If you’re primarily going to be baking flan or sweet pies, a shallower dish is a better option. For piping hot meat and vegetable pies, look for a deeper dish that’ll allow for more filling.
Pie dishes with a very small diameter (under 20cm) can be used to make individual pies for guests or family members. This is a great option if you regularly host dinner parties. Large pie dishes allow your pie to be placed in the middle of the table and shared – rustic, fun and sociable!
Durability
Pie dishes are an investment, and the best dish should last for years to come. Many pie dishes are chip and break resistant, although this will depend on the material used. It’s essential that your pie dish is oven and microwave safe, and it should also be freezer and fridge safe so you can save and freeze leftovers.
Ease of Cleaning
Pie dishes with a non-stick coating are much easier to clean, and many pie dishes are dishwasher safe. If you want to clean your pie dish in the dishwasher, ensure it’s small enough to fit inside. More expensive pie dishes may need to be washed by hand.
Conclusion
There’s not much more appealing on a cold night than a piping hot homemade pie, and the right pie dish will make the experience all the more enjoyable. For its simple design, durable glass construction and large 31cm diameter, the Pyrex Bake & Enjoy Glass Flan Dish is our top recommendation.