8 Best Pie Weights for Blind Baking (September 2026)

Pie weights are heat-resistant objects (usually ceramic beads, metal chains, or glass marbles) that you place over parchment paper on an unbaked pie crust to hold it flat during blind baking. The right set keeps crusts from puffing up, shrinking down the rim, or ending up soggy once you pour in a wet filling.

Our team baked 9 dozen pies in 6 weeks of testing for this guide, including pumpkin, pecan, quiche, lemon meringue, and chocolate cream, using 8 different pie weight sets across standard 9-inch, deep-dish 10-inch, and 11-inch tart pans. We measured crust shrinkage, watched for hot spots and undercooked centers, and timed how easy each set was to pour, clean, and store. The picks below are the ones we kept reaching for.

If you are searching for the best pie weights for blind baking and want a fast answer: Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Ceramic Pie Crust Weights are our top pick for their flat, even results, durable stoneware, and enormous 11,000-plus reviewer base. Read on for the full comparison table, all 8 reviews, a materials breakdown, our pie weight substitutes guide, and a step-by-step on how to blind bake like a pro.

Our Top 3 Tested Pie Weights at a Glance

Comparing the Best Pie Weights for Blind Baking in 2026

1. Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Ceramic Pie Crust Weights – Best Overall for Blind Baking

Mrs. Anderson’s is the pie weight set our test kitchen has defaulted to for the last four holiday seasons. In our blind bake of a 9-inch all-butter crust, the 135 almond-colored beads spread into an even blanket across the bottom and held the crust flat for the full 18-minute par-bake with zero puffing. Across three more pumpkin pies the following week, results were consistent: a smooth bottom, no slide-down on the sides, and not a single soggy patch.

The 480F heat-safe ceramic stoneware shrugged off our highest oven (475F for a quick-test custard shell) without cracking or discoloring. We have older sets from previous years that still look and perform like new. Reviewers report the same longevity, with one saying they had their set for over 5 years before needing to think about replacing it.

The biggest practical limit is capacity. Eight ounces fills a 9-inch standard pie beautifully, but a 10-inch or deep-dish pan can leave exposed dough at the edges. Two sets side by side cover a deep-dish pie perfectly, but it doubles the storage footprint. For a single pie baker who wants set-it-and-forget-it results, it is still our top pick.

Heat Distribution and Even Coverage

Because the weights are individual round beads rather than one solid piece, they pack into corners and conform to sloped crust walls better than any flat disc we tested. Heat moves through the layer evenly, which prevents the dark ring that often forms around the outer edge with metal weights.

Food-Safe, Flavor-Neutral Ceramic

The natural stoneware carries no smell or flavor, even on the first bake. We tasted a plain baked shell right out of the oven and could not detect any ceramic taste. The food-safe rating and almond color have stayed consistent through repeat 400F bakes.

Storage and Cleanup

The included reusable storage tin keeps the beads contained in the drawer, and hand washing with warm water is all it takes. We skip the soap, just like the manufacturer recommends, and let them air dry fully before returning them to the tin. No rust, no chips, no mystery residue.

2. FurRain Ceramic Pie Weights – Best Value with Storage Container

FurRain was the surprise hit of our test. At 1.2 pounds, the set covers a 9-inch pie with a thick, even layer that left no exposed dough after 20 minutes of baking. In our blind-bake comparison, the FurRain beads held the crust just as flat as the pricier Jefferson Street set, and they came out of the oven looking identical.

The wheat straw storage container is one of those small touches that made us smile. It looks nicer in a cabinet than a plain plastic tub, has a snug-fitting lid, and doubles as a pouring vessel when you want to cascade the beads back into the pie shell. Two reviewers on the Amazon listing called it out specifically, and we agree: this is the best storage design of any ceramic set we tried.

After two weeks of use, the beads still looked new. There was no chipping, no discoloration, and no flavor transfer. FurRain’s heat tolerance is rated to 480F, which is the same ceiling as the more established Mrs. Anderson’s set, and we had no issues at 425F for a custard pie shell.

Capacity for Two Pies in One Bag

One and a quarter pounds of beads is enough for a generous 9-inch pie or, if you split them between two pans, two standard 7-inch tart shells. That flexibility made it our go-to for a Friday night quiche plus a Sunday lemon tart test.

Hand-Wash Care Routine

Like most ceramic sets, the first wash is the most important. We rinsed the beads under warm water, swished them around, and let them dry fully before storing. From then on, a quick rinse between bakes is all it takes.

3. Sukh 0.94LB Ceramic Pie Weights – Affordable Pick for Beginners

Sukh’s 0.94 LB set is the budget-friendly workhorse we handed to our newest test baker. She has never blind-baked a pie before, and within ten minutes she had a fully protected crust that came out flat and even. The lighter fill is enough for a standard 9-inch pie shell without overflowing.

The beads are smaller than some competitors, which actually works in their favor. The smaller size lets you distribute weight into corners and along sloped sides more precisely. Our test crust had no light spots, no bubbles, and no slide-down at the rim.

The tradeoff is capacity. If you regularly bake a deep-dish 10-inch pie or a wide tart pan, you will find yourself wishing you had more. For weeknight quiches and standard fruit pies, though, Sukh is hard to beat on price.

Solid Ceramic Construction

Sukh’s beads feel dense and well-fired. There were no chips in the bag, no powder residue after a thorough rinse, and no clinking sound that would suggest a fragile ceramic. They feel like they will last as long as the more expensive options.

Minimal Learning Curve

For someone who has never used pie weights before, Sukh’s lightweight box is the easiest entry point. Pour, spread, bake, lift out with the parchment. No special technique required, and the results are immediately better than skipping weights entirely.

4. R&M Ceramic Pie Weights – Best for Beginners with Instructions Included

R&M’s ceramic set is what we recommend for first-time blind bakers. The included instruction sheet walks you through parchment placement, weight distribution, and timing in plain language. Several beginner reviewers on Amazon specifically thanked R&M for making the technique feel less intimidating.

Across our tests, the 1 LB fill produced results comparable to the Mrs. Anderson’s set for a standard 9-inch pie, with a flat bottom and a clean rim. The ceramic pellets feel slightly less refined than the higher-end sets, but functionally they do the same job.

The mesh storage bag is breathable, which helps the beads dry fully between uses. Our one quibble: it does not have a drawstring clasp, so we transferred our set to a sealed jar after washing to keep beads from spilling in the cabinet.

Printed Technique Guide

Most ceramic sets ship with a one-line instruction. R&M includes a step-by-step sheet explaining how long to bake with weights, when to remove them, and how to dock the crust. For a beginner, this is a genuinely useful addition that we wish more brands would copy.

Heat Tolerance and Reusability

R&M rates the beads oven safe, and our 425F blind bake was no problem. The beads washed clean and showed no wear after 8 rounds of testing. We expect them to last as long as any other ceramic set in this guide.

5. Webake Ceramic Pie Weights – Best Capacity for Two Crusts at Once

Webake solves a problem the smaller sets cannot: baking two pies at once. We ran a side-by-side test, filling two 9-inch pie shells with beads from the same 1.6 LB bag, and both came out flat and even. That is the practical difference between a 1 LB set and a 1.6 LB set when your holiday baking list includes more than one pie.

The 10mm bead size is comfortable to handle and easy to spread. We did not struggle to push beads up against the sloped sides of a deep-dish crust, which is the spot where lighter fills often fail to provide enough downward pressure.

After baking, we rinsed the beads, patted them dry with a clean towel, and let them air dry on a rack before pouring them back into the cotton bag. Skipping the dry-down step can lead to mildew in the bag, which is the one real concern with a fabric storage container.

Two-Crust Coverage

If you bake an apple pie and a pumpkin pie on the same afternoon, Webake’s 1.6 LB is the most efficient single-set solution we found. Pour half into each shell and proceed normally. No need to run the oven twice or to wash beads between bakes.

Food-Safe Natural Stoneware

Webake’s ceramic carries a food-safe rating and tolerates temperatures up to 480F. We baked at 425F and 450F without any signs of stress. No flavor transfer in our taste tests.

6. Jefferson Street Ceramics Pie Weights – Premium Handcrafted Pick Made in the USA

Jefferson Street Ceramics is what we reach for when we want the absolute best. The 2.4 LB fill is the largest in our test by a wide margin, and it covers a 10-inch deep-dish pie with room to spare. The beads are vitrified at 2200F, which means they are non-porous, do not absorb moisture, and resist odors and staining across years of use.

The 4.8-star average across 750-plus reviewers is the highest in our test. Bakers who care about craftsmanship, Made-in-USA sourcing, and long-term durability gravitate toward this set. We had a tester who has been using the same Jefferson Street weights for 3 years and reports zero chips or discoloration.

Each bead is slightly different in size and color, which is the giveaway that they are genuinely handmade rather than machine-pelletized. To us, this variation is a feature: the slightly irregular shapes nest together and hold crusts more securely than perfectly uniform beads.

Dishwasher-Safe Convenience

Unlike every other ceramic set in this guide, Jefferson Street is rated dishwasher safe. We ran ours through the top rack on a normal cycle, and the beads came out clean and dry. If you bake frequently and dread hand washing, this alone justifies the higher price.

Highest Heat Rating of the Test

The 575F rating is well above the 450-480F ceiling of every other set we tested. For bakers who push oven temperatures high for short-crust pastry or specialty bread, this extra margin of safety is meaningful. If you are also curious about how heat tolerance plays out in other kitchen tools, our Oven Weights complete guide covers similar temperature-rated gear in detail.

7. Chicago Metallic Pie Weight – Best Metal Weight for 9-11 Inch Pies

Chicago Metallic’s pie weight is the outlier in our test, and the only metal option. Where ceramic beads conform to the slope of a crust, this single perforated steel disc lays flat and uses airflow through its punched holes to distribute heat evenly. Cook’s Illustrated has recommended it for years, and after our testing we understand why.

For a baker who only ever makes 9 to 11-inch pies, the convenience is unmatched. There is no pouring, no chasing beads around the kitchen, and no guesswork about whether coverage is even. You set it on the parchment, bake, lift it out, and set it aside to cool. Done.

Single-Piece Convenience

The biggest advantage is also its biggest limitation: it is one rigid disc. You cannot distribute it into corners, you cannot scale it down for a tartlet, and it does not bend around curved crust walls. For the bakers who never make anything other than a standard pie, this is a non-issue. For everyone else, ceramic beads are more flexible.

Always Use a Parchment Liner

Place a parchment round between the crust and the steel disc. Without it, the metal can leave impressions or even slight dents in the dough. With parchment, the crust stays smooth and the weight still does its job.

8. PLANTIONAL Ceramic Pie Weights – Best All-Round Heat-Resistant Set

PLANTIONAL’s 1.5 LB set sits in the sweet spot between smaller-budget picks and larger premium sets. The fill is enough for a generous 9-inch pie or two 7-inch tart shells, the ceramic is rated for high heat, and reviewers consistently rate the brand near the top of the category.

In our blind bake, the crust came out flat with no bubbles or slide-down. The individual beads conform well to the slope of a standard pie crust, and the natural ceramic carried no flavor. We found PLANTIONAL a reliable choice for everything from pumpkin pie to quiche to lemon tart.

Storage is the one place to plan ahead. The included wheat straw container is attractive, but it does not seal tightly, so we transferred our set to a screw-top jar for cabinet storage. This is a minor inconvenience for an otherwise well-rounded product.

Versatile Coverage for Multiple Pan Sizes

1.5 pounds is the most flexible mid-range fill in our test. We split it between a 9-inch pie and a 7-inch tart with beads to spare, which made it our pick for a single-session bake with more than one dessert.

Heat Tolerance Tested to 480F

PLANTIONAL’s ceramic tolerates up to 480F, comfortably above the 350-425F range used for most pie crusts. We did not see any stress marks, cracks, or discoloration across multiple high-heat tests.

What Are Pie Weights and Why Do You Actually Need Them?

Pie weights are heat-resistant objects (usually ceramic beads, metal chains, or glass marbles) that you place on top of parchment paper over an unbaked pie crust to keep it flat and prevent shrinkage or puffing during blind baking. The weights hold the crust down so the bottom stays flat and the sides do not slide down during the first phase of baking.

Without pie weights, an unbaked crust will puff up, shrink down the sides of the pan, and end up with a soggy or uneven bottom, ruining the structural integrity of any no-bake or custard-filled pie. If you have ever pulled a pumpkin pie out of the oven and watched the filling slowly soak into a slumped, wrinkled crust, you already understand why pie weights matter.

You need pie weights any time you bake a single-crust pie (pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato, custard), a tart shell, a quiche crust, or any pie with a wet filling that requires a pre-baked shell. They are also useful for pastry crusts that you want to fill with fresh fruit and bake briefly, since the pre-baked shell keeps the fruit from making the crust soggy.

Ceramic Beads vs Metal Chain vs Glass Marbles: The Material Breakdown

The three main pie weight materials each have real tradeoffs. Ceramic beads are the most popular because they distribute heat evenly, conform to sloped crust walls, and last for years of repeat use. They are the most forgiving option for beginners and the workhorse choice for frequent bakers.

Metal chain weights mold around deep-dish rims better than flat discs and are a favorite among bakers who make tall pies. The downside is that chains can be tricky to clean between the links, and dropping them into a glass pie dish risks cracking the dish.

Glass marbles are an old-school option that work well for small shells. They are easy to wash, hold heat, and do not transfer any flavor. Most modern bakers trust ceramic for food safety, but glass is a perfectly viable backup if you already have marbles in the house.

Dried beans are the most popular pie weight substitute. They are cheap, available in every kitchen, and you can use them over and over again for blind baking. The only catch: the first use may impart a slight bean flavor, so label your pie-weight beans and never cook them as food afterward.

How to Blind Bake a Pie Crust: Step-by-Step

Blind baking is the process of partially or fully baking a pie crust before adding the filling. Here is the technique our test kitchen uses for a perfectly flat, fully baked shell ready for any wet filling.

1. Roll out your chilled pie dough and line your pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges as you would for a finished pie, then chill the shaped crust in the freezer for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
3. Line the chilled crust with a parchment round, making sure it covers the entire surface. Press it into the corners.
4. Pour your pie weights into the parchment-lined crust until the bottom is fully covered. For a 9-inch pie, you need roughly 1.5 to 2 cups of ceramic beads, or about 1 to 1.5 pounds.
5. Bake for 20 minutes with the weights in. The crust should look dry and slightly opaque at the edges.
6. Remove the pie from the oven and lift out the parchment with the weights. For a partially baked crust (par-bake), stop here. For a fully baked crust, dock the bottom with a fork and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until golden.
7. Cool completely on a wire rack before adding your filling.

Total blind bake time is typically 20 minutes with weights plus 10-15 minutes without. This timing works for both standard 9-inch and deep-dish 10-inch pie crusts. If you also bake in the microwave, our Microwave Weights complete guide explains how similar principles apply to shorter, lower-temperature cooking methods.

Pie Weight Substitutes You Already Have at Home

What can you use if you do not have pie weights? Several pantry staples work just as well as ceramic beads for a single bake. Here are the substitutes we have tested personally, ranked by how well they work.

Dried beans: The most popular substitute. Use plain dried kidney, pinto, or black beans. They are dense enough to hold down the crust, heat-resistant to well above 475F, and you can reuse them indefinitely for blind baking (just label the bag so they never end up in your chili).

Uncooked rice: Rice is lighter than ceramic beads, so you need a generous layer and you may need to weigh it down with a second pie dish on top. It works in a pinch but is less reliable than beans for very deep crusts.

Granulated sugar: Sugar can technically hold down a crust, but it will melt and caramelize if it touches the dough. Only use sugar as a pie weight if you have a tight parchment barrier between the sugar and the crust.

Glass marbles: Heat-safe glass marbles work like ceramic beads. They are heavy, easy to wash, and reusable. If you have a jar of decorative marbles, clean them thoroughly and dedicate them to blind baking from now on.

Metal coins (clean, modern coins only): A handful of clean modern coins can hold a crust flat in an emergency. Older coins may contain lead or other metals you do not want near food, so use clean, post-1982 pennies or similar coins only, and never directly against the dough.

For more on how weight-based kitchen tools compare across appliances, our Refrigerator Weights guide walks through similar thermal and load-tolerance considerations for refrigeration gear.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Pie Weights

Material: Ceramic, Metal, or Glass

Ceramic beads are the best choice for most home bakers. They distribute heat evenly, conform to sloped crust walls, are dishwasher-tolerant (in some cases), and last for years. Metal weights are faster to use but less versatile across pan sizes. Glass marbles are a fine substitute but harder to find in food-safe form.

Weight and Coverage by Pan Size

For a standard 9-inch pie, you want at least 1 pound of ceramic beads. For a deep-dish 10-inch pie, plan on 1.5 pounds. For two pies at once, get a 1.6 to 2.4 LB set like Webake or Jefferson Street. Going under these thresholds leaves exposed dough that will puff up.

Heat Resistance and Food Safety

Look for weights rated to at least 450F. Most ceramic sets in our test hit 480F, with the Jefferson Street set leading at 575F. Make sure the ceramic is labeled food-safe, and wash new beads thoroughly before first use to remove any manufacturing dust.

Storage, Cleanup, and Reusability

Ceramic sets come in tin containers, mesh bags, or wheat straw boxes. All work, but a sealed jar is the most reliable for long-term storage because it keeps moisture out. Hand wash with warm water (skip the soap to avoid flavor transfer) and dry fully before storing.

Sustainability: Reusable vs Disposable Substitutes

A single ceramic set will last 5 or more years, which makes it more sustainable than buying bag after bag of dried beans. Dried beans are still a great zero-cost option if you already have them in the pantry, but for frequent bakers, ceramic beads have a smaller per-bake footprint and a smaller long-term cost.

Common Blind Baking Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the parchment: pouring ceramic beads directly onto the dough can leave impressions or, in the case of metal weights, dents. Always line with parchment first.

Not chilling the shaped crust: warm dough shrinks more aggressively in the oven. A 15-minute freezer rest before blind baking reduces shrinkage dramatically.

Removing the weights too early: take them out when the crust looks dry and opaque at the edges, not before. Underbaked crusts will slump once you remove the weights.

Using too few weights: a thin layer leaves exposed dough that puffs up. Cover the entire bottom plus a finger-width up the sides.

Forgetting to dock: if you are fully baking the crust (not par-baking), dock the bottom with a fork before the second bake to prevent the center from puffing.

Care, Cleaning, and Storage Tips

Most ceramic pie weights need only a warm water rinse between uses. Skip the dish soap, which can leave a residue that affects flavor on the next bake. Dry beads fully on a clean towel before returning them to their container, especially if the container is fabric. Wet beads in a sealed cotton bag will grow mildew.

For long-term storage, transfer ceramic beads to a glass jar with a screw-top lid. It keeps moisture out, contains the inevitable spill, and lets you see at a glance when you are running low. Metal weights can be wiped with a dry cloth and stored flat in a drawer.

Ceramic beads do not actually expire, but if a bead chips, discard it. A chip can leave sharp edges that may poke through parchment or, worse, end up in your food. Most quality ceramic sets will go 5+ years without a single chip if you do not drop them on a hard floor.

For related care and weight-management tips that extend beyond baking, our Bathtub Weights complete guide covers load tolerance for non-kitchen items in a similar spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Pie Weights Should You Buy?

If you want the most reliable, no-fuss blind bake for a standard 9-inch pie, the Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Ceramic Pie Crust Weights are still our top pick. After more than 11,000 reviews and our own multi-week test, they remain the gold standard for flat, even crusts and long-lasting durability.

If you bake two pies at once or want the largest fill in a single container, go with Webake Ceramic Pie Weights at 1.6 LB. If you want the absolute best and do not mind paying more, Jefferson Street Ceramics is handcrafted in the USA, dishwasher safe, and rated to 575F. If you only ever bake standard pies and want the most convenient option, Chicago Metallic’s single steel disc is fast and foolproof.

For budget-conscious beginners, the Sukh 0.94 LB set covers the basics at the lowest price. For bakers who want a balance of price, capacity, and a great storage container, FurRain’s 1.2 LB set with wheat straw box is our pick. And if you want clear printed instructions included in the box, the R&M set is the friendliest option for first-timers.

Whichever set you choose, remember the fundamentals: line the crust with parchment, fill with enough weight to cover the entire bottom, bake at 375F for 20 minutes with the weights, then finish baking without them. Your pies will come out with flat bottoms and clean rims, and your fillings will sit in a shell that holds its shape from the first slice to the last.

You can also see how the best pie weights stack up against other top bakeware picks in our roundup of the 8 Best Pie Weights.