Pie Funnel

Pie funnels, also known as pie birds or pie vents, are devices that are included with baking dishes. These small devices are actually venting devices that are affixed at the middle of the product that is being baked. They can be either stand-alone or fixed into the pan.

If the pie bird is stand-alone, they are meant to be placed in the center of the batter that is placed in the dish before putting it into the oven. If the pie bird is fixed, they are permanently attached at the center of the baking dish. In both cases, their effectiveness and main function remains the same.

The function of the pie funnel is to funnel out the steam from the batter as it is being baked. When the baking process is going on, the crust begins to harden before the inside of the batter can be cooked. Due to the formation of the crust, which is a hard layer, the steam that is trapped inside finds it difficult to come out. If the steam remains within, it will increase the inside temperature, which can cause this portion to begin to boil over, and ruin the item that is being prepared. 

However, when a pie funnel is attached at the center, it gathers the steam from the inside of the batter and directs it outward. Due to this, the inside portion of the item does not get overheated and cooks evenly. 

Pie Bird or Pie Vent

These devices are known as pie birds because they are usually designed in the form of birds. Various bird designs are used actually. The pie birds are typically shown to be sitting with their beaks raised skyward and opened out. These beaks are actually the chimneys through which the steam is vented out of the batter that is being baked.

However, there are several other designs used also. The most important part is the chimney which directs the steam outward. At the lower side, there is an open rim which is fixed into the batter.

A pie funnel is usually inexpensive, costing as little as $5 in some cases. However, these devices do have an antique value because the manner of using pie funnels while baking has existed since the medieval times. For that reason, it is possible to find antique pie funnels which can cost must higher than their new production cost. There are many people who consider pie funnels to be antique, collectible items.

Colors and designs of pie funnels can be as varied as they come. There is a level of artistry involved in their make. Even the materials used for their manufacture are quite varied. They are generally made of ceramic or porcelain; both are temperature resistant materials because they have to withstand the high temperatures inside the oven. 

Pie funnels are those small kitchen things that you can do without but if you use them, they make your work easier. The problem with them is that most people do not know about them and about where they can get them. Your local kitchenware store will have a stock of them and you can also search online so that you can make your choice from a wide selection of items.