This review dives into the Ooni Detroit pizza pans, a new product designed to deliver authentic Detroit-style pizza at home. We'll explore the quality of the pans themselves, examining their construction, included accessories, and ease of use. Beyond the hardware, this review includes a detailed recipe for crafting a delicious Detroit-style pizza using the pans, guiding you through the dough preparation, baking process, and achieving that iconic crispy, cheesy crust. We'll cover everything from the initial unboxing to the final taste test, offering a comprehensive assessment of this exciting new addition to the home pizza-making arsenal.This hands-on review covers not only the performance of the Ooni Detroit pans in an Ooni Koda 12 oven, but also explores their adaptability for use in standard home ovens. We’ll discuss the included spatula and silicone trivets, evaluating their durability and functionality. The accompanying recipe is analyzed for ease of execution and the final product is meticulously assessed, focusing on the crust's texture, the cheese's crispiness, and the overall flavor profile. Prepare to learn how to achieve that signature Detroit-style pizza experience with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Pros And Cons
- Come in two sizes
- 100% food safe silicone
- Dishwasher safe
- Can withstand up to 350°C (650°F)
- Comes in two sizes (13"x9.8" and 9.8"x6.6")
- Two-part design (stainless steel lid and pan body)
- Non-stick protective finish
- 75° angled side for authentic Detroit style pizza
- Lid helps seal in dough during resting
- Not dishwasher safe
- Oven temperature should not exceed 370°C (700°F)
- Sturdy construction
- Feels like same material as OI pizza peels
- Right size to remove pizza from Detroit style pans
Read more: Lloydpans vs Detroit Style Pizza Co Detroit - Which Pans Are Better?
Unboxing the Ooni Detroit Pizza Pans
The Ooni Detroit pizza pans arrived, and I was immediately impressed by their sturdy construction. The packaging clearly indicated two sizes: a larger 13 x 9.8 inch pan and a smaller 9.8 x 6.6 inch version. Each pan consists of a stainless steel lid and the pan body itself. The non-stick protective finish is a welcome addition, promising easy cleanup.
The pans are specifically designed for use in Ooni ovens but can also be used in a home oven. The 75° angled sides are a nice touch for achieving that authentic Detroit-style pizza shape. However, it's important to note that these pans are not dishwasher safe; hand washing is required. The maximum oven temperature is 370°C (700°F).
The Ooni Spatula and Trivets
Along with the pans, Ooni also included a sturdy spatula, seemingly constructed from the same durable material as their pizza peels. It’s well-designed for easily removing pizzas from the pans. The weight and feel suggest lasting quality and effective use.
Two sizes of silicone trivets were also provided, designed to protect surfaces from the heat of the hot pans. Made from 100% food-safe silicone, they are dishwasher safe and withstand temperatures up to 350°C (650°F). The larger trivet is sized to accommodate the larger pizza pan.
Detroit-Style Pizza Dough Recipe
The provided dough recipe is surprisingly straightforward, taking approximately 4.5 hours to prepare. The quantity is ideal for the larger pan and boasts a 74% hydration. Ingredients include water, active dry yeast (or fresh yeast), olive oil, strong white bread flour, and fine sea salt.
After mixing all ingredients in a stand mixer for about 5 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough is formed, the dough is left to prove at room temperature for 3-4 hours, or until it doubles in size. This creates a flavorful and well-structured base for the pizza.
Preparing and Baking the Pizza
Once the dough has doubled, it's transferred to the oiled pan and pushed out to the edges. The pan's lid is useful here, creating a seal to prevent the dough from drying out during a 30-minute rest. After the resting period, the dough is pushed to the edges again and par-baked for 4-5 minutes before adding toppings.
Toppings include mozzarella, mild cheddar (paying close attention to the edges to create the characteristic “frico”), and pepperoni. The partially baked pizza is then returned to the oven for approximately 5 more minutes before adding sauce and finishing in the oven. The Ooni Koda 12 pizza oven was used in this recipe at around 300°C for about 15 minutes total cooking time.
The Finished Pizza and Final Thoughts
The finished pizza boasts a beautifully bubbly, crispy crust with that signature Detroit-style frico around the edges. The spatula makes removing it from the pan easy. The taste test revealed a delicious combination of crispy cheese, soft dough, and savory toppings.
The Ooni Detroit pizza pans are a worthwhile investment for those seeking an authentic Detroit-style pizza experience. The pans’ quality, the included spatula and trivets, and the ease of use make them highly recommendable. The non-stick surface is a huge plus, and while hand washing is a minor inconvenience, it's offset by the excellent results.