How to Use a Pizza Pan in Your Countertop Oven

Why the Right Pan Matters for a Crispy Crust

A crispy crust starts with the right pan. In a countertop oven, the pan you choose affects how heat reaches the dough, how moisture escapes, and how evenly the bottom browns. Whether you're baking a classic thin crust or a deep dish, matching the pan to the style of pizza you want is the first step.

Two main options cover most home pizza making: a non-stick pizza pan for everyday thin-crust pizzas and a deep pizza pan for thick, filled styles. Each has a specific job, and using the right one makes a noticeable difference in the final crust.

What Breville's Pizza Pans Offer

• 11" Non-Stick Pizza Pan: The 11" Non-Stick Pizza Pan doubles as a baking sheet and is designed for use with several Breville Smart Oven models, including the Mini Smart Oven BOV450XL, Compact Smart Oven BOV650XL, Smart Oven BOV800XL, Smart Oven Pro BOV845BSSUSC, and Smart Oven Air BOV900BSSUSC. It may also be used with traditional household ovens. If you own one of these countertop ovens, this pan is a reliable fit. The non-stick surface helps release the pizza easily, and the dual-purpose design means you can also use it for cookies or roasted vegetables.

  

• the Deep Pizza Pan: The Deep Pizza Pan is a 12'' carbon steel pan that is 1.8'' deep, designed for deep dish pizzas, focaccias, roasted vegetables, and BBQ or charcoal cooking. It includes a 7.5" quick release handle and is compatible with Breville Smart Oven models such as the Pizzaiolo BPZ800, BPZ820, and Ovens BOV845, BOV860, BOV900, BOV950. The depth and material are suited for thick crusts and high-heat roasting. The quick release handle makes it easier to place and remove the hot pan from a countertop oven, which is especially useful when the oven is compact.

  

How to Use a Pizza Pan in Your Countertop Oven

Follow these general steps to get a crispy crust with either type of pan. Always refer to your specific oven and pan instructions for the most accurate guidance.

1. Choose the right pan for your pizza style: For thin, crispy crusts, use a non-stick pizza pan. For deep dish or focaccia, use a deep pizza pan. The pan's depth directly affects how the dough cooks.
2. Preheat your countertop oven: Preheating ensures the pan and oven are at the right temperature when the pizza goes in. This helps the bottom crust cook quickly and become crisp.
3. Prepare the dough and toppings: Shape the dough to fit the pan. For a deep dish, press the dough up the sides. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings as desired.
4. Place the pan in the oven: Use the quick release handle on the deep pan for easy placement. For the non-stick pan, use oven mitts or a sturdy grip. Position the pan on the center rack for even heat.
5. Bake until the crust is golden: Bake according to your recipe or oven instructions. Check the bottom crust for a golden color and crisp texture before removing.
6. Let it rest before slicing: Allow the pizza to rest for a minute or two. This helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier without losing the crust's crispness.

Non-Stick vs Deep Dish Pizza Pan

Both pans have their strengths. The choice depends on the pizza you want to make and the oven you have.

• Non-Stick Pizza Pan: Best for thin-crust pizzas, flatbreads, and baking sheets. The non-stick surface helps release food easily and clean-up is simple. It fits specific Breville Smart Oven models and also works in traditional ovens.
• Deep Pizza Pan: Designed for deep dish pizzas, focaccia, and roasted vegetables. The carbon steel construction and 1.8'' depth handle thick doughs and high-heat cooking. The quick release handle adds convenience.

Tips for a Crispy Crust

A crispy crust comes from a combination of heat, moisture, and time. Here are some practical tips that work with either pan:

Use a preheated pan. Placing dough on a hot pan helps the bottom cook faster, creating a crispier base. If your pan is safe to preheat, do so before adding the dough.

Don't overload with toppings. Too much sauce or wet toppings can make the crust soggy. Keep toppings moderate and consider pre-cooking watery ingredients like mushrooms or peppers.

Bake on the lower rack if your oven allows. This puts the pan closer to the heating element, which helps brown the bottom. Check your oven's manual for rack placement guidance.

Let the pizza rest after baking. This allows steam to escape and the crust to set, so it stays crisp when you cut it.

What the Supplied Information Doesn't Cover

The catalog doesn't specify exact baking temperatures or times for these pans. For best results, follow your recipe or the instructions that came with your Breville oven. Also, the care instructions for the pans are not provided in the selected evidence, so handle them according to general non-stick or carbon steel care practices unless your product manual says otherwise.