The Best Pie Crust Shield of 2024

Pie Crust Shields: A Buying Guide

When you bake a pie, its crust cooks faster as compared to the filling. In fact, it is the edges of the crust dough that will cook faster than the center. Therefore, by the time cooking is complete and you take the pie out from the oven, its crust edges will be overcooked or charred, and you might find it difficult to slice and serve the pie with your pie server. That is why you need the best pie crust shield that will help you master the process of baking a pie easily. However, with so many different products available in the market, choosing the right one can be quite challenging which is why we have crafted a complete buying guide for you.

What to Look for in a Pie Crust Shield

Size adjustability

Pie pans have different sizes. Similarly, you might need to make differently-sized pies, especially if you work in a restaurant. Since the pie crust shield is meant to fit around the circumference of the pies, you should consider a product with adjustable sizing. This will help you to increase or decrease its diameter as per the size of your pie and seal the edges perfectly. Adjustable sizing ensures a perfect bake every time, no matter the diameter of the pie.

Weight and durability

Pie shields are hand-held tools. It would be better if it is lighter so that you won’t have to struggle a lot in fitting it perfectly around the pie’s edge. Fortunately, most manufacturers use silicone and aluminum materials that are known for being light. Additionally, you should consider the item’s durability, especially if you bake pies almost every other day. Most modern pie crust shields embrace a long-living construction, making them reusable in the kitchen.

Heat resistance

The main purpose of a pie crust shield is to prevent the high oven temperature from burning the edges of the dough. Therefore, make sure to choose a product that can withstand a high temperature without conducting heat and speed up the cooking process. Some products can resist heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit while others are capable of withstanding a temperature of 500-degrees Fahrenheit. So, it’s important that you choose a pie crust shield that can tolerate the oven temperature at which you usually bake the pies.

Ease of use

When choosing the best pie crust shield for your kitchen, you should consider its ease of use. If the product has a complex structure or is hard to fit around different types of baking dishes, you will have to spend a lot of time fixing it properly. Also, this will require a lot of unnecessary effort which is why you should go for a product that is easy to use. For example, check whether the lock of your chosen product can slide into its notch easily or not. If not, then there is no point in using that crust shield because you will have to struggle a lot and it may destroy the crust.

Cleaning method

Some pie crust shields can be cleaned only by handwashing while a few are compatible with dishwashers. At the time of choosing the product, make sure to check the process with which you can clean it. If you have a dishwasher and want to avoid the hassles of handwashing, go for a product that is safe to put inside this appliance. But if you don’t have a dishwasher, then you will have to settle with a regular pie crust shield that has to be cleaned with normal soap and water. The major problem with this type of product is that you have to manually scrub off the stuck dough from its walls.

Food safety

The pie crust shields stay in direct contact with the dough. Therefore, you cannot compromise the product’s quality. Make sure to choose a shield that is made from a BPA-free material since this component is extremely harmful and causes food contamination. Apart from this, ensure that the chosen product does not release any type of harmful toxin at a high temperature inside the oven.

The Average Cost of a Pie Crust Shield Cost

Factors such as adjustability, material, and design determine the pricing of the pie crust. That is why it is quite common for high-standard pie crust shields to cost a little more. However, high price tags do not always guarantee a high-quality item. Read on to learn which factors to consider in order to choose which product is right for you.

Pie crust shields made of aluminum that can fit in a pie plate of size 9.5 inches to 10 inches tend to sit on the higher cost side due to the large diameter. Whereas smaller pie crust shields such as one sized at 8 inches will cost a bit less, comparatively. Another thing to consider when looking at the price is if the shield is made from BPA-grade silicone and if it is dishwasher-safe. The quality of the product is hidden in all of these small details, with a cost that depends on what your specific needs are.

Industry-level Pie Crust Shields vs. Homemade Aluminum Foil Shield

It is important to cover the pie edges to prevent them from having an unpleasant color or burning, which may affect their taste. Most home bakers consider improvising an aluminum foil for this purpose. However, it is not the best decision. The aluminum foil is prone to sticking and may fail to remain intact, affecting the pies’ shape. However, a pie crust shield is made with locks to keep it in place while their surfaces are not prone to sticking.

Additionally, unlike aluminum foil, most of these devices have the size adjusting feature, which you can use to increase or decrease the size of your pies. In a few words, if you want pro-like pies and an easy time when baking, then you should consider purchasing a pie crust shield.

How to Use a Pie Crust Shield

A pie crust shield is a must-have tool for all bakers. It will not only help you achieve a perfect color but also the perfect taste for your baking. Even better, this tool is super easy, and no expertise is needed. To use it, you should first place the pie pan or dish containing the baking ingredients in the oven. After the pie starts to rise, take the pie crust shield and place it over the crust.