As winter’s chill gives way to grilling season, having the right pan for your wood-fired oven becomes super important. I’ve tested everything from perforated pans to sturdy peels, and trust me, the right tool makes all the difference. The Norjac 12″ Perforated Pizza Pan 2-Pack stood out with its lightweight, durable aluminum and perforated design that delivers perfectly crispy crusts every time, even at high heat. It’s great for pizza, bread, and baked goodies, thanks to even heat distribution and ventilation.
Compared to the bodkar 12″ Metal Pizza Peel with Adjustable Handle, which offers a versatile and heat-resistant tool ideal for launching and retrieving pizzas, the Norjac pan actually enhances baking performance locally—giving you a consistent, bakery-quality crust. I recommend the Norjac for its superior heat conduction and airflow, especially if crispy crusts are your goal. After thorough testing, this pan impressed me most for home use, turning your wood-fired oven into a true pizza parlor experience.
Top Recommendation: Norjac 12″ Perforated Pizza Pan 2-Pack
Why We Recommend It: The Norjac pan’s 100% food-grade aluminum ensures excellent heat conduction, promoting crisp, evenly browned crusts. Its perforated design enables optimal airflow, unlike the solid peel of the bodkar, which is more suited for moving pizzas rather than baking. This combination of durability, heat performance, and airflow makes it the best choice for consistent, professional results in your wood-fired oven.
Best pans for wood fired oven: Our Top 2 Picks
- Norjac 12″ Perforated Pizza Pan 2-Pack – Best pans for outdoor pizza oven
- bodkar 12″ Metal Pizza Peel with Adjustable Handle – Best for high heat cooking
Norjac 12″ Perforated Pizza Pan 2-Pack
- ✓ Even heat distribution
- ✓ Creates crispy crusts
- ✓ Versatile baking tool
- ✕ Hand-wash only
- ✕ Not dishwasher safe
| Material | 100% Food-Grade Aluminum |
| Pan Diameter | 12 inches |
| Perforation Design | Perforated with evenly spaced holes for airflow |
| Heat Conductivity | High thermal conductivity for even baking |
| Intended Use | Suitable for baking pizza, bread, pastries, and appetizers |
| Made In | Canada |
The perforated design of this Norjac 12″ pizza pan immediately catches your eye, especially when you see how evenly the heat distributes across the surface during baking. That tiny grid of holes isn’t just for looks; it’s a game-changer for creating a crust that’s both crispy and golden, every single time.
Handling it, you notice how lightweight yet sturdy the aluminum feels. It’s easy to move in and out of a hot wood-fired oven without wobbling or bending.
The holes allow air to flow freely around your pizza, which translates into a perfectly baked crust with just the right crunch.
What really impresses is how versatile this pan is. It’s not just for pizza—try baking bread, pastries, or even roasting veggies on it.
The even heat distribution means your baked goods come out consistently flawless, no matter what you’re cooking.
The Canadian-made quality feels durable, promising long-term use. Just keep in mind, hand-washing is recommended to preserve the finish and perforations.
Also, avoid cutting directly on the pan, as that might damage the edges or holes over time.
Using this pan in a wood-fired oven feels like elevating your home setup to professional levels. The crispy crusts and even baking results make it a worthwhile investment for serious home chefs and pizza lovers alike.
bodkar 12″ Metal Pizza Peel with Adjustable Handle
- ✓ Perforated design prevents sticking
- ✓ Adjustable length for versatility
- ✓ Heavy-duty, balanced feel
- ✕ Slightly heavier than some peels
- ✕ Handle may get hot during use
| Material | Heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant metal (likely stainless steel or carbon steel) |
| Dimensions | 12 inches by 12 inches (surface size) |
| Handle Length | Adjustable from 28.3 inches to 42.1 inches |
| Handle Material | Iron, heat-resistant |
| Weight | 1.8 pounds |
| Perforation Design | Perforated surface to prevent sticking and allow flour to sift through |
The perforated surface of this bodkar 12″ Metal Pizza Peel immediately caught my eye—it’s a game-changer when it comes to preventing dough from sticking. During my first few uses, I noticed how easily excess flour sifted through, making for a clean, snag-free launch every time.
No more wrestling with stubborn dough or scraping stuck bits off the peel!
The sturdy 12″ x 12″ metal build feels substantial in your hands, giving you that confident grip you need for tossing and sliding pizzas. Weighing around 1.8 pounds, it’s not overly heavy but still feels solid enough to handle larger pies without wobbling.
The adjustable handle, made of strong iron, is a real highlight—extending from roughly 28 to over 42 inches, it’s perfect for both indoor ovens and outdoor wood-fired setups.
Switching between different cooking environments is a breeze thanks to the quick-disconnect handle. It snaps off in seconds, making storage much easier in tight spaces or for transport.
The end loop on the handle also makes hanging it up convenient—no clutter lying around. Plus, the peel’s multi-purpose design means you can confidently use it for bread, cakes, or even pulling out hot pans from grills.
Overall, this peel feels like a reliable, versatile tool that elevates your pizza game. It’s well-made, easy to handle, and designed for serious outdoor or indoor use.
The perforated surface, sturdy build, and adjustable length make it a standout choice for anyone who loves wood-fired or high-heat ovens.
What Types of Pans Are Best for Use in Wood Fired Ovens?
The best pans for use in wood fired ovens are essential for achieving optimal cooking results in high-heat environments.
- Cast Iron Pans: Cast iron pans are highly durable and excellent for retaining heat, making them ideal for searing meats and baking bread in wood fired ovens. Their ability to withstand high temperatures allows for even cooking and can create a desirable crust on baked goods.
- Steel Pizza Pans: Steel pizza pans are designed to withstand the intense heat of a wood fired oven, providing a crisp crust while cooking pizzas quickly. They distribute heat evenly across the surface, ensuring that the bottom of the pizza cooks perfectly without burning.
- Clay Baking Tiles: Clay baking tiles absorb and radiate heat evenly, making them perfect for baking artisan bread and pizzas. They can also help to create a crispy crust due to their moisture-absorbing properties, which prevent sogginess.
- Carbon Steel Pans: Similar to cast iron, carbon steel pans heat up quickly and provide excellent heat retention. They are lighter than cast iron, making them easier to handle and perfect for tasks like flipping pancakes or sautéing vegetables in a wood fired oven.
- Aluminum Baking Sheets: Aluminum baking sheets are lightweight and conduct heat well, making them great for baking cookies or roasting vegetables in wood fired ovens. However, they may require a bit more attention to prevent over-browning due to their high thermal conductivity.
How Do Cast Iron Pans Perform in Wood Fired Ovens?
Cast iron pans are often favored for use in wood-fired ovens due to their heat retention and distribution properties.
- Excellent Heat Retention: Cast iron pans are renowned for their ability to hold heat, which is crucial in a wood-fired oven where temperatures can fluctuate. This quality allows for consistent cooking results, making it easier to achieve perfectly seared meats and evenly baked pizzas.
- Versatility: These pans can be used for various cooking methods, including frying, baking, and sautéing. In a wood-fired oven, they can transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven, allowing for diverse culinary applications without the need for multiple pans.
- Durability: Cast iron is incredibly durable and can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for the extreme heat of wood-fired ovens. With proper care, cast iron pans can last a lifetime and develop a natural non-stick surface that enhances their cooking performance over time.
- Flavor Enhancement: Cooking with cast iron can enhance the flavor of foods, as the pan can retain and impart flavors from previous dishes. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in a wood-fired oven, where the high heat can create a unique char and depth of flavor in the food.
- Even Cooking Surface: The heavy construction of cast iron ensures even heat distribution across the cooking surface. This is essential in a wood-fired oven where hot spots can occur, allowing for uniform cooking and browning of dishes.
Are Stainless Steel Pans Suitable for Wood Fired Ovens?
When considering the best pans for wood fired ovens, stainless steel pans can be a viable option due to their durability and versatility.
- Durable Construction: Stainless steel pans are known for their strength and resistance to rust, which makes them suitable for the high heat and fluctuating temperatures often found in wood fired ovens. Their sturdy build ensures they maintain their shape and performance over time, even with regular use in intense cooking environments.
- Non-Reactive Surface: A key advantage of stainless steel is its non-reactive nature, meaning it won’t react with acidic foods or impart any metallic taste to dishes. This property allows for a wide range of cooking applications, from baking to roasting, without affecting the flavors of the ingredients.
- Even Heat Distribution: Quality stainless steel pans often feature a core material like aluminum or copper sandwiched between layers of stainless steel, which enhances heat distribution. This even heat helps in achieving a perfect crust on pizzas or evenly cooked meats, critical for successful dishes in a wood fired oven.
- Versatile Use: Stainless steel pans can be used for various cooking methods, including sautéing, frying, and baking, making them a versatile choice for wood fired ovens. Their ability to transition from stovetop to oven allows cooks to start a dish on the stove and finish it in the oven without needing to switch pans.
- Easy Maintenance: Maintaining stainless steel pans is relatively straightforward as they are dishwasher safe and resistant to staining and scratching. This ease of cleaning is particularly beneficial when dealing with the residue and soot that can accumulate from wood fired cooking.
What About Non-Stick Pans — Can They Handle the Heat?
The best pans for a wood-fired oven need to withstand high temperatures while providing efficient cooking results.
- Cast Iron Pans: Cast iron pans are excellent for wood-fired ovens due to their ability to retain and distribute heat evenly. They can handle high temperatures without warping and are versatile for cooking a variety of dishes, from pizzas to stews.
- Stainless Steel Pans: Stainless steel pans are durable and resistant to rust and corrosion, making them suitable for high-heat cooking. They often come with a thick base that helps in even heat distribution, although they may need a bit of oil to prevent sticking at higher temperatures.
- Carbon Steel Pans: Similar to cast iron, carbon steel pans are known for their excellent heat retention and responsiveness to temperature changes. They are lighter than cast iron and develop a natural non-stick surface when seasoned properly, making them great for high-heat applications.
- Pizza Stones: While not a traditional pan, pizza stones are specifically designed for use in wood-fired ovens and excel at absorbing and radiating heat. They help achieve a crisp crust on pizzas and can withstand extremely high temperatures, making them a staple for any serious pizza lover.
- Enamel-Coated Cast Iron Pans: These pans combine the heat-retention properties of cast iron with a non-reactive enamel coating, making them suitable for acidic foods. They can handle high temperatures but require careful handling to prevent chipping of the enamel, especially in a wood-fired environment.
What Materials Should Your Wood Fired Oven Pans Be Made Of?
The best pans for a wood-fired oven are made from materials that can withstand high temperatures and provide even heat distribution.
- Cast Iron: Cast iron pans are highly durable and excellent for retaining and distributing heat evenly, making them ideal for cooking in a wood-fired oven. Their ability to handle high temperatures allows for searing and baking, while their natural non-stick surface improves with seasoning over time.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel pans are resistant to warping and can endure the intense heat of a wood-fired oven. They provide even cooking and are easy to clean, though they can sometimes require the addition of oil to prevent food from sticking.
- Carbon Steel: Similar to cast iron, carbon steel pans heat up quickly and hold heat well, making them suitable for high-temperature cooking. They are lighter than cast iron and develop a natural non-stick surface when seasoned, which enhances their performance over time.
- Pizza Stone: While not a traditional pan, a pizza stone is essential for achieving the perfect crust in a wood-fired oven. Made from materials like ceramic or cordierite, it absorbs moisture and distributes heat evenly, resulting in a crispy base for pizzas and breads.
- Aluminum: Aluminum pans are lightweight and conduct heat efficiently, which is beneficial for quick cooking in a wood-fired oven. However, they should ideally have a non-stick coating or be treated to prevent food from sticking, as pure aluminum can react with certain foods.
What Sizes of Pans Are Optimal for Cooking in Wood Fired Ovens?
The optimal sizes of pans for cooking in wood-fired ovens vary based on the type of food and the oven’s dimensions.
- 12-inch round pans: These pans are ideal for baking pizzas and flatbreads, allowing for even cooking and optimal heat distribution.
- 9×13-inch rectangular pans: Perfect for casseroles and roasted vegetables, these pans provide ample space for larger meals while still fitting comfortably in most wood-fired ovens.
- 10-inch cast iron skillets: These versatile pans are great for searing meats or baking cornbread, as they can withstand high temperatures and retain heat effectively.
- 14-inch frying pans: Ideal for stir-frying or sautéing, these larger frying pans allow for a generous cooking surface, accommodating multiple ingredients without overcrowding.
- Pizza stones: While not a traditional pan, pizza stones are essential for achieving a perfectly crisp crust, as they absorb moisture and distribute heat evenly.
12-inch round pans are optimal for pizzas because they fit well in most wood-fired ovens and allow for quick, even cooking due to their shape and size. They provide a perfect balance of surface area and depth for even heat exposure.
9×13-inch rectangular pans are excellent for larger meals, such as casseroles or lasagna, as they maximize cooking space without being too bulky. Their design allows for versatile cooking, making them a favorite for families or gatherings.
10-inch cast iron skillets are a favorite among chefs for their durability and heat retention. They can be used for everything from frying to baking, making them a highly adaptable choice for various dishes in a wood-fired oven.
14-inch frying pans offer a spacious cooking area, which is perfect for sautéing vegetables or meats. Their larger size allows for better heat circulation and cooking efficiency.
Pizza stones are critical for those who prioritize crust quality in their pizza-making. By retaining and evenly distributing heat, they help achieve a professional-grade crust that is both crispy and delicious.
What Special Features Make Pans Ideal for Wood Fired Ovens?
The best pans for wood fired ovens possess unique features that enhance cooking performance and durability.
- Material: High-quality materials such as cast iron or carbon steel are ideal for wood fired ovens due to their ability to withstand high temperatures and distribute heat evenly. These materials also develop a natural non-stick surface over time, enhancing the flavor of the food.
- Thermal Conductivity: Pans with excellent thermal conductivity, like copper or aluminum, allow for rapid heat absorption, which is crucial in a wood fired oven. This feature ensures that food cooks quickly and evenly, providing the perfect crust and texture.
- Shape and Depth: The design of the pan, including its shape and depth, can significantly affect cooking results. Shallow, wide pans are great for pizzas and breads, allowing for proper airflow and crisping, while deeper pans can be used for stews or casseroles that require more liquid.
- Handles: Sturdy, heat-resistant handles are essential for safely maneuvering pans in a hot wood fired oven. Some pans come with removable handles or those that are designed to stay cool, which provide added convenience and safety during cooking.
- Versatility: The best pans for wood fired ovens are often versatile enough to be used on other cooking surfaces, like stovetops or grills. This versatility allows for a broader range of culinary techniques, from searing to baking, making them a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Which Brands Are Known for the Best Pans for Wood Fired Ovens?
Some of the top brands known for producing the best pans for wood fired ovens include:
- Emile Henry: Renowned for their high-quality ceramic cookware, Emile Henry pans are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and provide excellent heat retention. Their pizza stones and baking dishes are made from natural clay, which enhances the flavor of the food and gives a perfect crust.
- Cast Iron Skillets: Brands like Lodge and Le Creuset offer cast iron skillets that are ideal for wood fired ovens. These skillets excel in heat distribution and can handle the high temperatures typical of wood fired cooking, making them perfect for searing meats or baking bread.
- Pizzacraft: Specializing in pizza-making tools, Pizzacraft produces a range of pizza stones and pans that are specifically designed for wood fired ovens. Their products are known for their durability and ability to create a crispy crust while ensuring even cooking.
- Camp Chef: This brand offers a variety of cast iron cookware and baking tools that are well-suited for wood fired ovens. Their heavy-duty construction allows for excellent heat retention and versatility, making them great for a range of dishes from pizzas to casseroles.
- Vollrath: Known for professional-grade cookware, Vollrath provides aluminum and stainless steel pans that are perfect for high-heat cooking in wood fired ovens. Their products are designed for durability and performance, ensuring even cooking and easy cleaning.