Types of Pie Irons
Not all pie irons are created equal. Over the years, families and campers have used everything from heavy cast iron “mountain pie makers” to lightweight aluminum sandwich irons. At the heart of this tradition is the Toast-Tite® aluminum flying saucer sandwich maker, designed to be easy to use in the kitchen, on the grill, or over a campfire. Whether you call it a pudgy pie maker, hobo pie maker, or campfire sandwich press, the right pie iron can transform a simple sandwich into a hot, sealed, and delicious meal in minutes.
Cast Iron Pie Irons
Cast iron pie irons were the original “mountain pie makers.” Heavy and durable, they could withstand direct flames from campfires and wood stoves. Their main advantage was heat retention — once hot, they cooked evenly. But cast iron required seasoning, was slow to heat, and its weight made it less convenient for everyday use.
Aluminum Pie Irons
Aluminum pie irons — especially the Toast-Tite® — changed everything. Lightweight, quick-heating, and easy to clean, they brought pie iron cooking into kitchens as well as campsites. With no seasoning required and a round, patented clamshell design, aluminum pie irons created the famous “flying saucer” sandwiches that sealed in fillings and kept the mess out.
Shapes & Sizes
Pie irons come in different shapes and sizes, each offering its own twist:
Round: The classic Toast-Tite® shape, perfect for sealed “flying saucer” sandwiches.
Square or Rectangle: More common in cast iron styles, great for larger bread slices.
Novelty Shapes: Over the years, some brands experimented with triangles or specialty molds, but the round design remains the most iconic.
Why Aluminum Wins Today
While cast iron still has its fans among campfire enthusiasts, aluminum pie irons remain the go-to choice for most families. Lightweight enough for camping trips yet practical for stovetop cooking, aluminum designs like Toast-Tite® combine convenience, nostalgia, and durability in one.
Get Your Free Pie Iron Cookbook
Want to explore the many ways you can use a pie iron? Sign up today and get the free Toast-Tite Cookbook — packed with easy recipes for the kitchen, grill, and campfire.