Best pie dishes, tried and tested
Pies have earned a place in our hearts for being the ultimate comfort food. Whether you love sweet pies with lashings of cream or custard, or if savoury pies with gravy are your thing, this versatile bake has been around for thousands of years and isn’t going anywhere. Pies come in many forms, the pastry can be shortcrust, filo, puff or suet, or your pie can be topped with potato. Then there’s the question of whether to make a pie with pastry on the top, bottom or both.
The pie dish you choose can have a big impact on your baked pie and there are just as many to choose from as there are pie variations. We tested a sample of the latest pie dishes against criteria that assessed their cooking ability to evenly brown the pastry, release the pie from the dish and other practical factors including dishwasher, microwave and freezer-safe credentials.
We used the dishes to make a classic apple pie with a moisture-rich filling to particularly test the dishes’ suitability for browning a pastry base. No soggy bottoms here! Also included is aesthetic appeal – namely that it wouldn’t look out of place being used as a fruit bowl when not on baking duty. Read on to discover our tried-and-tested picks.
[squirrel-affiliate-playlist squirrel_playlist_id=”656″ /]
Best pie dishes at a glance
Best pie dish for no-soggy-bottoms: MasterClass Crusty Bake non-stick deep pie pan, £7.96
Best single portion pie tin: MasterClass Crusty Bake non-stick individual round pie dish, £4.96
Best investment pie dish: Falcon pie set, £58
Best-looking pie dish: Le Creuset stoneware fluted flan dish, from £43
Best stoneware pie dish: Mason Cash Innovative Kitchen pie dish, £13.32
Best pie dish with handles: Staub 24cm round ceramic pie dish, £24.95
Best small porcelain pie dish: Judge pie dish, £5.95
Jump to:
Best pie dish to buy in 2024
How to choose the best pie dish
How we tested pie dishes
Best pie dishes to buy in 2024
MasterClass Crusty Bake non-stick deep pie pan
[squirrel-affiliate-embed widget_type=”text_link” squirrel_id=”458259″ fallback_link_text=”Latest Deals” original_product_name=”MasterClass KCMCCB15 Crusty Bake 23 cm Deep Perforated Pie Dish” /]
Best pie dish for no-soggy-bottoms
Pros:
Perforated base for crisp pastry bottoms
20-year guarantee
Dishwasher-friendly
Cons:
Lip on the rim might prove tricky to clean over time
Star rating: 5/5
Soggy bottoms can – quite literally – make or break a pie, so we were sold on the promise of this 23cm pan from MasterClass, which has perforations on the sides and base. This helps increase the airflow and remove moisture, and it proved to be a hit. Our pies came out crisp and evenly golden, with a solid base, no leaks, and a great crust that was pulling away from the sides.
Looks-wise the dish is plain but neat, with uniform holes, a sturdy steel structure, and 5cm depth. The non-stick coating worked well too, and we had no trouble slicing up our pie. There’s a lip on the rim of the pan that could be a potential dirt trap, but otherwise cleaning was a doddle, especially as it can go in the dishwasher.
This pie dish also scored highly on value, with a price tag under £20 and an impressive 20-year guarantee.
[squirrel-affiliate-embed widget_type=”price_comparison” squirrel_id=”458259″ fallback_link_text=”Latest Deals” original_product_name=”MasterClass KCMCCB15 Crusty Bake 23 cm Deep Perforated Pie Dish” /]
MasterClass Crusty Bake non-stick individual round pie dish
[squirrel-affiliate-embed widget_type=”text_link” squirrel_id=”458258″ fallback_link_text=”Latest Deals” original_product_name=”MasterClass Crusty Bake individual pie dish” /]
Best single-portion pie tin
Pros:
20-year guarantee
Freezer and dishwasher safe
Cons:
Non-stick coating vulnerable to metal utensils
Star rating: 5/5
If you prefer to make individual pies, this perforated 10cm pie tin is ideal (it is also available in an oval shape). The double non-stick coating meant our pie released easily from the tin.
The perforations allow air to circulate and we made a very pleasing individual apple pie with an evenly cooked pastry crust and crisp bottom. It’s a sturdy little tin made from carbon steel and comes with an impressive 20-year guarantee. It’s also freezer and dishwasher safe. The non-stick coating could get damaged by metal utensils, so stick to wooden, plastic or silicone.
[squirrel-affiliate-embed widget_type=”price_comparison” squirrel_id=”458258″ /]
Falcon pie set
[squirrel-affiliate-embed widget_type=”text_link” squirrel_id=”647963″ fallback_link_text=”Latest Deals” /]
Best investment set
Pros:
Practical size options
Gas and electric hob safe
Cons:
Pricey
Star rating: 5/5
A must-have for serious pie enthusiasts, this five-piece enamel pie set is easy to store, with the five dishes nestled neatly inside each other. The rectangular pie dishes are 20, 24, 26, 28 and 30cm, ensuring a dish for every pie occasion. We made a successful apple pie, evenly cooked with crisp sides and a nicely cooked pastry base that released easily from the tin.
It’s an expensive set, but enamelware is made to last and the dishes can be used for plenty of other creations, including crumbles and pasta bakes. The largest dish is big enough to roast a small chicken. The set is robust but with an appealing retro style that looks nice on the table. They are dishwasher safe, freezer safe and can be used on gas and electric hobs, too.
[squirrel-affiliate-embed widget_type=”price_comparison” squirrel_id=”647963″ fallback_link_text=”Latest Deals” /]
Le Creuset stoneware fluted flan dish
[squirrel-affiliate-embed widget_type=”text_link” squirrel_id=”463609″ fallback_link_text=”Latest Deals” original_product_name=”Le Creuset stoneware fluted flan dish” /]
Best-looking pie dish
Pros:
10-year guarantee
Available in a broad range of colours
Cons:
Heavy
Vulnerable to breaking if dropped
Star rating: 4.5/5
This fluted flan dish has a higher price tag than others we tested, but – much like all Le Creuset cookware – it’s built to last. Made from stoneware, it’s robust and has a 10-year guarantee. There’s two sizes available (24cm and 28cm) and 11 colours, though some shades are only available in 28cm.
We tested the 28cm dish in the brand’s iconic volcanic orange, which looked spectacular when we removed it from the box. There’s plenty of advice about how to care for your dish, plus protective packaging for easy storage. Placing it inside the oven was fairly straightforward, though it’s quite heavy.
We were pleased with how our apple pie turned out – crisp on the top and well-cooked in the centre. It was softer on the base than we’d like, which suggests this dish could be better with drier fillings. Otherwise it makes a beautiful serving dish at the dinner table, and cleaning up afterwards is simple. It’s also dishwasher-safe and can be stored in a fridge-freezer.
[squirrel-affiliate-embed widget_type=”price_comparison” squirrel_id=”463609″ fallback_link_text=”Latest Deals” original_product_name=”Le Creuset stoneware fluted flan dish” /]
Mason Cash Innovative Kitchen pie dish
[squirrel-affiliate-embed widget_type=”text_link” squirrel_id=”458264″ fallback_link_text=”Latest Deals” original_product_name=”Mason Cash innovative pie dish” /]
Best stoneware pie dish
Pros:
Great for cooking in bulk
Vented base to circulate air
Cons:
Very heavy when loaded
Star rating: 4/5
If you’ve got a large family, this 29cm stoneware pie dish is big enough for eight portions, ideal for big households or family gatherings.
Developed with several innovative features, this pie dish has a vented base so that air can circulate underneath it even when it’s on a baking tray. The inside has small embossed corrugated ridges on the base to help with heat distribution for more evenly cooked pastry.
Our apple pie cooked well and released easily from the ridges, but it had quite a wet filling, so the pastry base was a bit soggy. We’re confident the dish would work well for drier fillings or pastry topped pies. The embossed pattern on the rim is designed to help prevent pastry from shrinking back, and this worked well for our pie.
It’s also microwave, freezer and dishwasher-safe.
[squirrel-affiliate-embed widget_type=”price_comparison” squirrel_id=”458264″ fallback_link_text=”Latest Deals” original_product_name=”Mason Cash innovative pie dish” /]
Staub 24cm round ceramic pie dish
[squirrel-affiliate-embed widget_type=”text_link” squirrel_id=”647964″ /]
Best pie dish with handles
Pros:
Practical handles
Fluted sides make it an easy on to remove pastry from
Cons:
Careful for soggy pastry bases
Star rating: 4/5
With two generous handles, this chunky ceramic pie dish is much easier to remove from the oven than most of the other pie dishes we tried out. The slightly fluted sides make for a pretty shaped crust and it’s a good-looking oven-to-table serving dish. It comes in red, blue or white and there’s a 24 or 28cm option.
We tried the 28cm dish, which is easily big enough for eight portions of pie. It baked a nice apple pie, the base wasn’t as crisp as we’d like, but for pies with drier fillings or pastry just on top, it’s a great choice. It’s safe to use under the grill, as well as in the microwave and dishwasher. You can make use of this dish for plenty of other recipes, like potato gratin and cottage pie, or as a serving dish for roast potatoes or vegetables.
[squirrel-affiliate-embed widget_type=”price_comparison” squirrel_id=”647964″ /]
Judge pie dish
[squirrel-affiliate-embed widget_type=”text_link” squirrel_id=”614518″ /]
Best small porcelain pie dish
Pros:
Chip-proof porcelain
Oven safe up to 240C
Two sizes available
Cons:
No colour variety
Star rating: 4/5
This small, chip-proof porcelain pie dish is a great size for two generous portions of pie. The simple oval shape and slightly off-white colour give it a neutral appearance that will fit into most homes. Our traditional apple pie cooked well and the pastry on the base was cooked with no soggy areas, although it wasn’t as crisp as the pies cooked in metal tins.
It’s a versatile dish that can also be put to use for individual pasta bakes, gratins or a two-portion crumble. It’s safe for use in the dishwasher, freezer, microwave and grill, as well as being oven-safe up to 240C. 18cm-24cm sizes are available.
[squirrel-affiliate-embed widget_type=”price_comparison” squirrel_id=”614518″ /]
How to choose the best pie dish
Pie dishes vary greatly in style and size and there are plenty of things to consider when choosing the best dish for you. First, think about the material it’s made from.
Metal and enamel pie tins are better at cooking pies with pastry on the bottom, reducing the risk of the dreaded soggy bottom. But if you’re planning on leaving it in the dish to serve, a metal tin may not look as pretty.
Porcelain and ceramic pie dishes double as serving dishes and look nice on the table, but they’re better suited to pies with pastry or potato tops. Many are also microwave safe which is useful for reheating leftovers. These pie dishes often come in multiple colours and styles so you can choose one that matches your kitchen or crockery.
Size is an important factor: pie dishes come in everything from individual sizes to large dishes that can make eight or more portions. Also consider whether you’ll want to create deep hearty pies or thinner plate pies. If you want a pie dish that’s versatile enough to be used for different recipes, look for one that’s big enough to accommodate a lasagne, gratin or pasta bake.
How we tested pie dishes
We made a classic apple pie in each of these dishes. The apple filling produces lots of moisture, so using it gave us a good idea of how well each dish can cook the pastry bottoms. We looked at how evenly the pastry was cooked, as well as browning, and whether it was easy to remove from the dish.
We also noted ease of cleaning, as well as if it was microwave or freezer safe. We took into account the size and overall design, considering whether it could be used for other recipes or as a serving dish.
Related reviews
Best cake stands
Best serving dishes and platters
Best spatulas
Best flour shakers
Best pastry brushes
Best icing turntables
Best measuring sets
Best piping bags
Best cooling racks
Best baking sheets
Best stand mixers
Best cooling racks
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings