The Ø450 mm aluminium pizza screen is the maximum format of the professional screen range — 45 cm, the diameter of family pizzas, large-table pizzas and buffet formats. It is a less common format in daily catering than the 30-33 cm, but it suits specific uses: family pizza for 4-6 people, event catering buffet, large-format by-the-slice pizza. It is the most expensive format of the range — logically, as the screen is larger and made of thicker aluminium to support the surface without warping.
A 45 cm pizza cut into 8-10 slices gives generous slices for a buffet or multi-person service. It is the format of pizzerias offering "the large family pizza" as their main offer, caterers making pizza buffets for corporate events, and establishments selling by-the-slice pizza on large trays (al taglio, with the tray placed on the screen for baking).
Why a screen rather than a solid tray
The perforated aluminium screen produces a different bake from a solid tray or refractory stone. Placed directly on the screen, the pizza receives heat by convection (hot air circulating under the pizza) in addition to the heat radiated by the oven elements or burners. This double heat source speeds up the baking of the pizza base and produces a crisper crust than baking on a solid tray — the steam released by the dough escapes downward through the perforations instead of staying trapped under the pizza.
Food-grade aluminium is the reference material for professional pizza screens: light (makes fast handling in service easy), heat-resistant (withstands 250-300°C continuously without warping), easy to clean (smooth surface that does not hold burnt flour). The screens are compatible with professional dishwashers (60-70°C, fast cycles) — one pass per service is enough for routine maintenance.
Rotation and renewal
An aluminium pizza screen in intensive professional use (150-200 pizzas per day, 5 services per week) lasts on average 6 to 12 months before needing replacement — progressive warping under thermal cycling, build-up of ingrained baking residue, loss of flatness. Keeping 3-5 screens per format and per oven in rotation guarantees a clean, good-condition screen always available for service.
Specifications
| Diameter | Ø 450 mm |
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| Material | Food-grade aluminium |
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| Use | Family 45 cm pizza, buffet, al taglio |
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Aluminium screen range comparison
| Format | Diameter | Use |
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| Screen Ø280 | 280 mm | Small individual pizza |
| Screen Ø300 | 300 mm | Standard individual pizza |
| Screen Ø330 | 330 mm | Large individual pizza |
| Screen Ø360 | 360 mm | Sharing / generous pizza |
| Screen Ø400 | 400 mm | Large pizza |
| Screen Ø450 | 450 mm | Family / maxi format |
What restaurant owners ask
- Can the Ø450 screen support a thick-base pizza (focaccia, pan pizza)?
- Yes — the Ø450 aluminium screen supports thick pizzas (pan pizza, focaccia, tray pizza) as well as thin pizzas. For very thick-base pan pizzas (>2 cm), some operators prefer a solid aluminium tray rather than a screen — the thick base bakes better with the heat stored in the tray. The Ø450 screen is optimal for classic pizzas and bases of 0.5 to 1 cm thick. For very thick ones, test both supports on your oven before choosing.
- Do aluminium screens withstand descaling or strong cleaning products?
- Aluminium resists neutral detergents and standard professional dishwasher cycles (60-70°C, neutral to slightly alkaline pH) well. Strong acids (concentrated vinegar, descaling products) and very alkaline products (caustic soda, some professional degreasers) can oxidise or mark aluminium over the long term. For daily cleaning, a pass in a professional dishwasher with standard detergent is enough — do not use abrasive products or steel wool that would scratch the surface.
Delivery — Food-grade aluminium pizza screen. Consumable accessory, order in batches of 10-20 for service rotation. Delivery on request — write via the contact form for lead times and batch pricing.
