For perfectly crisp pie crusts, the best pie weights are OXO Good Grips Ceramic Pie Weights. They heat evenly, nestle into corners, and are easy to clean. But metal chains and budget-friendly rice also work well. Here’s how to choose.

Quick Answer

For blind baking, ceramic beads are the gold standard. Steel chains offer better heat transfer and last forever. Budget bakers can use rice or sugar, but they can burn or absorb moisture. Avoid glass marbles they can crack.

  • Best overall: OXO Good Grips Ceramic Pie Weights
  • Best value: Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Ceramic Pie Weights
  • Best budget: Uncle Ben’s Original Rice (uncooked)
  • Avoid: Glass marbles (can shatter)

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Quick Picks

  • Best overall: OXO Good Grips Ceramic Pie Weights, Even heating, easy to handle, reusable.. Check price on Amazon
  • Best value: Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Ceramic Pie Weights, Affordable ceramic beads with a deep dish pie plate..
  • Best budget: Uncle Ben’s Original Rice, Cheap, works in a pinch, but single-use..

Comparison Table

Product Material Best for Weight Buy
OXO Good Grips Ceramic Overall use 2.2 lbs Check Price
Mrs. Anderson’s Ceramic Value seekers 1.5 lbs Check Price
Uncle Ben’s Rice Rice Budget/single use 1 lb bag Check Price
Pie Chain by Kringle’s Stainless steel Even heat distribution 1.5 lbs Check Price

How We Chose These Bakeware Picks

I evaluated based on heat conductivity, shape adaptability, reusability, and user feedback. Ceramic beads are the most versatile, while steel chains excel at heat transfer. Rice is a cheap alternative but can’t be reused.

Key Takeaway: For most bakers, OXO ceramic pie weights are the best investment. If you bake frequently, a stainless steel pie chain offers superior performance. For occasional use, rice works fine.

Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Ceramic Pie Weights

OXO Good Grips Ceramic Pie Weights

Best for: Home bakers who want reliable, reusable pie weights for all crust types. Why it made the list: OXO’s 2.2-pound bag of ceramic beads heats evenly and conforms to crust edges. The silicone handles on the bag make lifting easy, and the beads are dishwasher safe. Users report no cracking or chipping after years of use.

  • Key specs: 2.2 lbs ceramic beads, silicone handles, dishwasher safe.
  • What we like: Even heating, easy to pour, resists chipping, large quantity.
  • What we do not like: Beads can roll off counter, bag may fray over time.
  • Who should buy it: Anyone who blind bakes more than once a month.
  • Who should avoid it: Bakers who want a single-piece weight (try a pie chain).
  • Common complaints: Some beads arrived with minor surface cracks, but still functional.
  • Size note: Fits standard 9-inch pie plates; may not fill deep dish fully.
  • Cleaning note: Dishwasher safe, but hand washing preserves the bag longer.
  • Alternative: Pie Chain by Kringle’s for better heat transfer.

Check price on Amazon

Pie Weight Buying Guide

Material Matters: Ceramic vs. Steel vs. DIY

Ceramic beads are the most common: they heat evenly, are reusable, and are easy to pour. Stainless steel chains or pellets conduct heat faster, reducing blind baking time. DIY options like rice, beans, or sugar are cheap but can burn or absorb moisture, and are single-use.

Weight and Coverage

You need enough weight to fill the crust without gaps. A 2-pound bag is usually sufficient for a 9-inch pie. Too little weight causes crust puffing; too much can deform the crust. For deep dish, consider a larger quantity or supplement with sugar.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Look for pie weights with handles or pouches for easy removal. Ceramic and steel are dishwasher safe. Rice and beans are not reusable and must be discarded. Avoid glass marbles they can shatter under high heat.

Safety Notes

  • Never use glass marbles as pie weights they can explode.
  • Allow pie weights to cool before handling.
  • Do not reuse rice or beans that have been used for blind baking.
  • Ensure pie weights are oven-safe up to at least 450°F.

What to Avoid

  • Avoid cheap ceramic beads that may crack at high temperatures.
  • Avoid pie weights with plastic handles that can melt.
  • Avoid using sugar if you have a crust that browns quickly sugar can caramelize.
  • Avoid overcrowding the crust with weight it can cause uneven baking.

FAQ

Can I use coins as pie weights?

No, coins are not oven-safe and can damage your pie plate.

How much do pie weights weigh?

Typical bags are 1.5 to 2.5 lbs. You need enough to fill the crust.

Can I reuse rice or beans?

No, they absorb moisture and may burn. Use fresh each time.

Do I need pie weights for all pies?

Only for recipes requiring a pre-baked crust, like custard pies.

Final Verdict

The OXO Good Grips Ceramic Pie Weights are the best overall for their even heating, ease of use, and durability. For a value option, Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Ceramic Pie Weights are great. Budget bakers can use Uncle Ben’s Original Rice in a pinch. Avoid glass marbles and cheap ceramics.

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