Lasagna is a rich dish comprised of quality ingredients, a great recipe, and the right baking dish.
You need a pan that allows you to get the lasagna layers perfectly because the beauty and flavor lie in how well they are layered. There is an array of choices from stainless steel to ceramic. Each with its benefits and drawbacks.
Nevertheless, searching for the best lasagna pans takes time and requires one to keep in mind their preferences. Therefore, we reviewed the top brands in the market and outlined features to consider when buying them.
Best Lasagna Pans
1. Emile Henry Made In France HR Modern Classics
- Large Ceramic Baking Dish
- Ideal for family casseroles
- Sugar White Color
- High-resistance clay
- Chip-resistant
Ceramic dishes are not only pretty to look at, but they are excellent at heat distribution.
The Emily Henry ceramic lasagna pan has an almost 5-quart capacity that can hold at least three or four layers of lasagna.
The pan is made of high-fired Burgundy clay that's highly resistant to thermal shock, meaning it can move directly from the oven to freezer and vice versa. ( without fear of breakage). In addition, the pan can withstand high temperatures up to 520 Degrees F and is oven, broiler and microwave safe.
Lastly, it's super versatile in that it can be used for vegetable gratins, baked pasta dishes, fruit crisps and more. The pan doubles up as a serving dish and is covered by a 10-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
2. Chicago Metallic Professional Lasagna Trio Pan
- MAKE 3 RECIPES IN 1 PAN: prepare 3 lasagna recipes in 1 pan at the same time or neatly use one recipe
- VERSATILE: this pan isn't just for lasagna; it's also perfect for loaf breads, cakes and more
- DURABLE FOR EVEN BAKING: provides superior heat conduction and even baking up to 450 degrees F
- NON-STICK COATING: makes serving and cleaning easy
- QUICK, SIMPLE CLEANUP: dishwasher safe but hand wash recommended
Can't decide what lasagna recipe to try? Or need to accommodate different tastes or dietary restrictions? This Lasagna trio is the perfect solution.
The unique metal pan lets you make three recipes in one or neatly prepare one recipe. Either way, the pan gives you the choice of three, 13 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 2.5 inches deep, chambers that you can make lasagna magic in. They are designed to fit standard lasagna noodles perfectly.
The trio unit is super flexible and can be used for baking cakes and bread. It's superb for those who enjoy crispy edges as the metal encourages browning and crisping. Lastly, the non-stick coating makes it easy to clean up.
Pros
Cons
3. ExcelSteel 4 Piece Stainless Roaster
- Construct in stainless for durability
- Easy to clean
- Storage plastic cover that locks in the freshness until next serving
- Folding down handles to save storage space
- Deep dish design allows you to use it as a roaster & lasagna pan
The ExcelSteel doubles up as a lasagna and roasting pan. It's perfect for those looking for a deeper pan to make homemade lasagna, roast chicken and other diverse recipes.
The stainless steel lasagna pan features handles that make it easy to carry and move around. Thus making it perfect for potlucks and events.
The stainless steel pan allows you to make enough food for a sizeable number of people. Additionally, its smooth surface is easy to clean.
Pros
Cons
4. Oven to Table Casserole Dish Set
- MAKE 3 RECIPES IN 1 PAN: prepare 3 lasagna recipes in 1 pan at the same time or neatly use one recipe
- VERSATILE: this pan isn't just for lasagna; it's also perfect for loaf breads, cakes and more
- DURABLE FOR EVEN BAKING: provides superior heat conduction and even baking up to 450 degrees F
- NON-STICK COATING: makes serving and cleaning easy
- QUICK, SIMPLE CLEANUP: dishwasher safe but hand wash recommended
When you place this on the table, you can be sure that you'll get compliments on the beauty of the dish and the meal itself. This stoneware dish holds plenty of vintage charm that you can't help but admire it and it's designed to be such that you serve directly from the oven to the table, as the name suggests.
Because of the material, the baking dish heats evenly and can retain it. This results in exceptionally crispy crusts with moist interiors.
The Oven To Table pan is deep for multi-layered lasagna, and an 11 x 9 x 2-inch pan can hold smaller casseroles, side dishes, or a dessert. In addition, the deep-dish lasagna pan is microwave and dishwasher-safe. This makes it convenient for reheating leftover lasagna.
Lastly, the Oven To Table pan is available in several rustic-chic colors and patterns, some with ruffled edges.
Pros
Cons
5. Pyrex Easy Grab 3-Quart Oblong Baking Dish
- Construct in stainless for durability
- Easy to clean
- Storage plastic cover that locks in the freshness until next serving
- Folding down handles to save storage space
- Deep dish design allows you to use it as a roaster & lasagna pan
Glass is considered the go-to choice when it comes to lasagna cooking. The Pyrex Baking Dish is made of non-porous transparent tempered glass. The glass is designed not to warp, stain and absorb odors.
The tempered glass can be preheated and is oven, microwave, fridge, freezer & dishwasher safe.
Lastly, the baking dish features a BPA-free plastic lid and has ergonomic handles that make it easier for handling and portability.
Pros
Cons
Features To Consider When Buying Best Lasagna Pans
a) Pan Material
Lasagna baking pans come in various materials:
Glass: Considered by most lasagna bakers to be the only acceptable material to use for lasagna. Glass pans cook evenly and prevent sticking. They are usually safe to store in the fridge, freezer and oven. In addition, a glass lasagna pan is generally dishwasher safe. They are usually the best lasagna baking pans in terms of safety.
Metal: If your favorite part of eating lasagna is the crispy edges, then a metal pan is the best choice. Metal heats up quickly, transferring more heat to the edges resulting in a crisp crust of the pasta and cheese. This is true for stainless steel and disposable aluminum pans. The drawback is that your lasagna is likely to stick to the pan where it crisps. In addition, it doesn't cook as evenly. Lastly, metal pans are usually the least expensive.
Ceramic and/or Stoneware: Ceramic and stoneware pans are ideal if searching even heat distribution. The pans are resistant to temperature fluctuations and are easy to clean if well cared for. The snag is that it can easily break or chip if dropped or banged against hard surfaces.
Cast Iron: A cast lasagna pan is suitable for durability and can last a lifetime. It's also very versatile. Its drawback is that it's heavy.
Silicone: Silicone is considered eco-friendly and is indestructible. It's nearly impossible to break or ruin. It's dishwasher safe and microwave safe. Additionally, it can be placed in the freezer without affecting the quality of the lasagna pan. Another benefit is that nothing sticks to silicone. The drawback is that it's flimsy, and lasagna is heavy. You will require to transport it using a baking sheet or exceptionally carefully so that the sides don't cave while you're moving it and the lasagna doesn't lose its shape.
b) Size Of Pan
The best lasagna pans are specifically designed to fit the width of three lasagna noodles without overlapping. In addition, the lasagna pan should be deep enough to fit two to three layers of noodles, meat and cheese.
If making lasagna for a few people, you can scale your recipe to fit a smaller pan, but you'll want to ensure that it is at least deep enough to hold the same amount of layers.
c) Type of Pan
When searching for a lasagna pan, you'll come across different types. They each have their benefits:
The deep-dish refers to a deep lasagna pan, usually over 2 inches. This is the best lasagna pan if trying to cook a rich lasagna, topped generously with cheese and sauce. The more complex the pan, the more distance is available for toppings to be placed in.
The triple compartments refer to a tray with thinner measurements. It gives you three slots you can cook lasagna. This is the best lasagna pan if you're looking to make multiple flavored lasagnas at the same time.
The skillet is larger than the other two. It's the best lasagna pan if looking for versatility as it's often used for roasts. The lasagna pan is ideal for making lasagna in quantities, or you prefer to bake unique recipes that require a massive pan.
d) Versatility
It's vital to think about how you'll use your pan before investing it. For example, if baking lasagna for your family ( who might be a few), then you might not need a large-sized pan.
However, if you cook for a lot for many people or generate frequently, you might consider purchasing the best lasagna pan in a large size.
Nevertheless, most pans tend to be flexible and can be used in making casseroles, roasting poultry, vegetables and other meals. What counts is thinking about the different ways you can use the pan before buying it.
e) Depth
Depth is an essential factor when it comes to searching for a good lasagna pan. After all, lasagna is all about the layers, so you want a pan that will allow you to at least get in the minimum layers required in the standard lasagna recipe.
The depth of the right lasagna pan will vary. So if looking to achieve great layers, you'll have to think about buying a deeper baking pan.
Additionally, you'll want a pan that is on average 13 inches and 9 inches ( width and length). These are the ideal dimensions of standard lasagna noodles.
f) Accessories and Portability
Accessories will vary depending on preferences and the brand. Some pans feature lids and roasting racks. Generally, what you buy will be dependent on your recipe. If you enjoy roasting meats and veggies, you might consider a product that includes a roasting rack.
If you're a fan of potlucks, the best lasagna pan with a lid will be ideal. That way, every time you show up for your picnics or get-together, your lasagna is warm and well protected. For those who love meal prepping, a pan that comes with an airtight lid is a must-have.
Lastly, you'll also want to think about how easy the pan is to hold. If concerned about your grip strength, search for the best lasagna pan with looped handles. This makes it easier to take it out of the oven with your oven mitts on.
g) Temperature Tolerance
How well your pan can handle and retain heat is crucial. The last thing you want is a disaster whereby it shatters or warps because it can't handle the oven temperature. It's best to read reviews and know if the pan can survive in the oven. At the same time, it should be able to handle cold temperatures. Some pans can't handle the reverse. This is something worth checking especially if looking to store leftovers.
Frequently Asked Question About Best Lasagna Pans
a) How deep should a lasagna pan be?
Essentially, a lasagna pan should measure 9 x 13 inches and be between 2 to 3 inches in depth. Most chefs agree that lasagna should have at least three layers of meat, grated cheese, and tomato sauce. However, for restaurant-style lasagna, you can layer up and go higher than that, provided that your pan is deep enough.
b) Do you have to grease the bottom of a lasagna baking pan ?
You don't need to. Most recipes start with a thin layer of sauce, so the bottom layer has something to cook in. The dish is moisture-rich, from the meat sauce to the tomato. It's packed with quality ingredients seeping moisture. However, you can spray a thin layer of olive oil to grease the pan. It does help with cleanup.
c) Can you cook lasagna in a stainless-steel pan?
Yes. Stainless steel will cook fast and hot. It's perfect for those who enjoy crunchy/crispy edges.
