Types of Dishes

• Metal or ceramic pie plates could be made from range of materials. Metal tins might include disposable aluminum tins. Metal pie dishes intended for repeated use are available in aluminum and stainless steel versions and some may have a nonstick coating. Ceramic pie plates are made from a special type of clay that has been hardened by heat. These ceramic plates are usually glazed.

Crust Considerations

• Certain types of pies are better suited to each type of dish. Metal dishes are usually too shallow to accommodate deep-dish pies with thick crusts and plentiful filling. Ceramic dishes tend to be deeper. If you are using a premade or store-bought crust, metal pans are more likely to be a good fit.

Heating

• The most significant difference between ceramic and metal pie dishes is in their heating capability. Metal pie plates are typically grouped as either light or dark metal. Light metal pie plates tend to be newer, coated aluminum. They heat evenly and quickly, giving you a brown crust even with a short baking time. Darker metals tend also heat quickly, but sometimes less evenly, leaving some parts of the crust more cooked than other parts. Conversely, ceramic dishes heat more slowly, meaning it takes longer to cook the crust. Ceramic is desirable because it heats exceptionally evenly, holding heat well once it has warmed in the oven. The result is an evenly baked crust without over- or under-done areas.

Serving and Transporting

• Another consideration when choosing a pie plate is what you intend to do with the pie after cooking. If you are moving from oven to table, a ceramic pie plate serves double-duty as an attractive serving dish. On the other hand, if the pies will be transported, or if you are making several, ceramic dishes may be too heavy and bulky. Metal pans, especially disposable ones, may be a smart choice if you are transporting the pie or giving it as a gift. If your tin is aluminum, keep in mind the acids in your pie filling will eventually react with the metal and give your pies a slight metallic taste.