Quick Answer

For most home bakers, a 26cm Falcon Enamelware pie dish is the versatile sweet spot—it fits standard recipes and serves 4-6 people. If you often cook for two or make individual portions, the 20cm dish is ideal. For large gatherings or deep-filled pies, go with the 30cm size. Consider your typical batch size and oven space before choosing.

Choosing the right pie dish size can make or break your baking. Too small and your filling bubbles over; too large and your crust stretches thin. Falcon Enamelware offers pie dishes in several sizes, each suited to different needs. This guide breaks down the options to help you pick the perfect one for your kitchen.

Pie Dishes

pie dishes

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, understanding how dish size affects baking time, portion sizes, and recipe scaling is key. Let's explore the sizes available and match them to your cooking habits.

Understanding Pie Dish Sizes

Pie dishes come in a range of diameters, typically from 20cm to 30cm. The size you choose influences not only how many people you can serve but also the depth of the pie. A larger diameter often means a shallower fill unless you opt for a deep-dish version. Falcon Enamelware's pie dishes are designed with a classic shallow profile, perfect for fruit pies, quiches, and savory tarts.

When selecting a size, consider the recipes you make most often. Standard pie recipes usually call for a 23-25cm dish, but you can easily adapt them to a 20cm or 26cm by adjusting ingredient quantities. Think about your oven capacity too—a 30cm dish may not fit in a compact oven.

  • Measure your oven interior to ensure the dish fits comfortably.
  • Consider the number of people you typically serve.

Comparing Falcon Enamelware Pie Dish Sizes

Falcon Enamelware offers pie dishes in 20cm, 26cm, and 30cm sizes. The 20cm dish is perfect for solo portions or side dishes, while the 26cm is the most popular for family meals. The 30cm is ideal for large gatherings or when you want generous slices.

Each size has its own benefits. Smaller dishes heat faster and are easier to store, while larger ones allow for more creativity with fillings. Enamelware's even heat distribution ensures consistent baking regardless of size, but you may need to adjust baking times for larger dishes.

  • 20cm: serves 1-2, great for individual pies or sides.
  • 26cm: serves 4-6, best for standard family recipes.
  • 30cm: serves 8+, perfect for parties and deep-filled pies.

How to Match Dish Size to Your Recipes

If you often bake from scratch, you'll notice that many recipes specify a dish size. For example, a classic apple pie recipe might call for a 23cm dish, but you can use a 26cm and simply increase the filling by 20%. Conversely, if you only have a 20cm dish, halve the recipe.

For quiches and savory tarts, the depth of the dish matters more than diameter. Falcon Enamelware's pie dishes have a consistent depth, so you can focus on diameter. If you prefer deep-filled pies, consider stacking fillings or using a larger dish to avoid overflow.

  • Adjust baking time by 5-10 minutes when changing dish size.
  • Use a larger dish for fruit pies with juicy fillings to prevent bubbling over.

Serving and Portion Control

The size of your pie dish directly impacts portion sizes. A 20cm dish yields two modest slices, perfect for a romantic dinner or a solo treat. A 26cm dish provides four to six satisfying slices, ideal for a family weeknight meal. The 30cm dish can feed a crowd, with eight or more slices.

Think about your typical serving needs. If you often host dinner parties, a 30cm dish ensures you won't run out. If you're cooking for one or two, a 20cm dish reduces waste and is easier to store. The 26cm is a balanced choice that works for most households.

  • For meal prep, smaller dishes are easier to portion and freeze.
  • Larger dishes are great for potlucks and holiday feasts.

Decision Rules for Choosing Your Pie Dish Size

  • If you cook for 1-2 people: Choose the 20cm dish. It's perfect for individual pies, sides, or small desserts. You'll avoid leftovers and save oven space. 20cm is your go-to for solo meals.
  • If you cook for 4-6 people: The 26cm dish is the standard choice. It fits most recipes and serves a family comfortably. It's also great for meal prep. 26cm offers the best balance for most households.
  • If you cook for 8+ people or love deep-filled pies: Go with the 30cm dish. It handles large batches and ensures everyone gets a hearty slice. Perfect for parties and holidays. 30cm is your party-sized option.

Falcon Enamelware Pie Dish Options

  • 20cm Coal Black Pie Dish: A loose 20cm dish from our best selling Coal Black pie dish. This dish can be used for serving up sides or solo portions for dinner parties. This dish is 1 x 20 cm pie dish. If you often cook for yourself or want a versatile dish for sides, this size is perfect. It's also great for individual desserts like pot pies or cobblers.
  • 24cm Coal Black Bowl: This 24cm Coal Black Bowl from Falcon Enamelware is a versatile addition to your kitchen, perfect for preparing cakes and other mixing tasks. Its generous size and classic design make it a practical choice for everyday use. 24cm diameter bowl, ideal for mixing, prepping, and serving. Part of the best-selling Coal Black Prep set, available here as a single bowl. Classic coal black color that complements any kitchen. While not a pie dish, this bowl is excellent for mixing pie fillings or serving side dishes alongside your pie. Its 24cm size complements a 26cm pie dish perfectly.

Who Should Choose Which Size?

Best For

  • 20cm: singles, couples, or those who love individual portions.
  • 26cm: families, home bakers who follow standard recipes, and those who entertain occasionally.

Not For

  • 20cm: large families or big gatherings—it's too small.
  • 30cm: those with limited oven space or who rarely cook for crowds—it's bulky to store.

Choosing the right Falcon Enamelware pie dish size comes down to your cooking habits and serving needs. For most, the 26cm is the versatile choice, but don't overlook the 20cm for intimate meals or the 30cm for celebrations. Explore the 20cm Coal Black Pie Dish to start baking perfectly portioned pies today.