[ad_1]
Homemade pizza is an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love — mine certainly does! Whether you’re making a simple Margherita Pizza or one with all your favorite toppings, the best pizza stones are the key to cooking a perfect pie every time.
These stones are generally made from ceramic or steel, and they conduct heat better than a sheet pan. The stone gets extremely hot, which helps to crisp up the bottom of your pizza and bake the crust just right.They’re super versatile, too, since they can be used in the oven or even on the grill.
My family loves having regular pizza nights, so I always keep a pizza stone in my kitchen. I’ve tried out a few different options over the years, and I’ve created a list of the best pizza stones that I’ve found. All of them are sure to elevate your homemade pizza!
My Top Picks
- What’s in My Kitchen: California Pizza Stones Industrial Pizza Stone – $56.95 at Amazon
- Best Glazed: Emile Henry Flame Top Pizza Stone – $69.95 at Amazon
- Best Budget: Unicook Pizza Stone – $34.99 at Amazon
- Best Baking Steel: NerdChef Steel Stone – $129.95 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Pizza Stones
1. What’s in My Kitchen: California Pizza Stones Industrial Pizza Stone
My favorite pizza stone is this one from California Pizza Stones, a baking supply store in California. Their ceramic stones are industrial-grade, so they’re much more durable than most everyday pizza stones. Not only is the material a full 1-inch thick, but the brand also guarantees the stones won’t break or crack due to thermal shock. If your stone does break while you’re using it, they’ll replace it for you.
This particular pizza stone is a 12-inch square, which is perfect for medium-sized pizzas. I love that you can use it either in the oven or on the grill because I’m able to make delicious pies year-round. Just note that it’s on the heavier side at 11 pounds, but the surface itself is free from any glazes and is certified non-toxic.
The Specs:
- Material: Ceramic
- Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 1 inches
- Weight: 11 pounds
The Pros:
- Reasonable price
- Thick and heavy-duty
- Works in oven and on grill
- Guaranteed against cracking
- Made in USA
The Cons:
Buy the California Pizza Stones Industrial Pizza Stone:
2. Best Glazed: Emile Henry Flame Top Pizza Stone
Pizza stones are often made from unglazed ceramic, which means they can be tricky to clean and may be more prone to staining. If you’re looking for something that needs less maintenance, this glazed pizza stone from Emile Henry is another one of my favorites.
It’s 16.5 inches in diameter with convenient handles for lifting the stone in and out of the oven, and the smooth glazed surface is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. To clean it, just wipe it with a little soap and water or even toss it in the dishwasher. At a little over 5 pounds, this is also one of the lightest pizza stones out there, so it’s easy for most to move around.
The Specs:
- Material: Glazed burgundian clay
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 16.5 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 5.73 pounds
The Pros:
- Scratch-resistant
- Lightweight
- Oven-safe up to 900℉
- Built-in handles
- Dishwasher safe
The Cons:
- May crack more easily than others
What Others Are Saying:
The Emile Henry Flame Top Pizza Stone receives praise from many food publications: It’s named the best ceramic by Food Network, best lightweight by Food & Wine, and most versatile by The Spruce Eats.
Buy the Emile Henry Flame Top Pizza Stone:
3. Best Budget: Unicook Pizza Stone
If you don’t want to spend too much on a pizza stone, this simple cordierite stone from Unicook will get the job done. The brand offers budget-friendly pizza stones in all shapes and sizes, and they’re safe to use at extra-high temperatures. This particular option has a 12- by 15-inch cooking surface that’s perfect for one big pizza or two smaller pies, in case your family members each want different toppings. Just keep in mind the cordierite material does stain quite easily, but that won’t affect its performance.
The Specs:
- Material: Cordierite
- Dimensions: 12 x 15 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 6.6 pounds
The Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Large cooking surface
- Safe at high temperatures
The Cons:
What Others Are Saying:
The Unicook Pizza Stone has a 4.5-star rating from more than 8,700 Amazon reviewers. It was also named the best budget pizza stone by Food Network.
Buy the Unicook Pizza Stone:
4. Best Baking Steel: NerdChef Steel Stone
Nervous about breaking a ceramic pizza stone? Then you might want to upgrade to a pizza steel like this popular option from NerdChef. It’s built from a thick layer of solid steel, making it genuinely unbreakable. The durable metal actually conducts heat better (and faster!) than most ceramic stones, creating a crisp, well-cooked crust The pre-seasoned surface is easy to clean off, too. However, at a solid 23 pounds, just make sure this heavy-duty stone is something you feel comfortable moving around your kitchen.
The Specs:
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 16 x 14.25 x 0.375 inches
- Weight: 23 pounds
The Pros:
- Better heat conductivity
- Unbreakable
- Easy to clean
- Made in USA
The Cons:
What Others Are Saying:
The NerdChef Steel Stone has more than 2,100 Amazon reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars, and it was named the best pizza stone by both The Spruce Eats and Epicurious.
Buy the NerdChef Steel Stone:
Other Pizza Stones to Consider
Lodge BOLD Cast Iron Pizza Pan
If you’re a fan of cast iron cookware, the Lodge BOLD Pizza Pan is a great option for either your oven or the grill. It has a 14-inch diameter for your pie, and there are looped handles on both sides for easy lifting. Cast iron conducts heat beautifully, helping to sear your crust, but this pan will require more meticulous care and regular seasoning to keep it in prime condition. The Lodge BOLD Cast Iron Pizza Pan is available at Amazon for $59.90.
Weber Pizza Stone
For Weber grill owners, the brand has its own pizza stone that’s designed to slot into the Gourmet BBQ System on select grill models. But reviews say you can still use it in the oven or on other grills. The stone is made from bare cordierite, and it has metal handles that you can use to lift it on and off the grill. However, some people do have issues with their pizzas sticking to this stone, so you may want to use parchment paper under your dough. The Weber Pizza Stone is available at Amazon for $47.99.
Hans Grill Pizza Stone
The Hans Grill Pizza Stone is another budget-friendly option for your kitchen. It’s crafted from cordierite stone and available in circle, square, and rectangular shapes. You can use it on the grill or in the oven, and it’s durable enough to withstand extra-high temperatures. The design is pretty basic, though, and there aren’t any extra features that make it too exciting. The Hans Grill Pizza Stone is available at Amazon for $39.99.
Pampered Chef Pizza Stone
For fans of Pampered Chef, you’ll be happy to hear that the brand sells its own pizza stone — and it gets rave reviews. It’s made from unglazed ceramic, measures 15 by 18 inches, and there are handles on both sides that make it easier to lift. It’s even safe to put in the dishwasher for easy cleaning! However, this stone can only withstand temperatures up to 550 degrees F (we found options that are oven-safe up to 900 degrees F), so it’s not the best option if you want to cook at extra-high temperatures. The Pampered Chef Pizza Stone is available at Pampered Chef for $50.
Why You Can Trust Me
Hi! I’m Gina, the author and recipe developer behind Skinnytaste. I love to feature healthy, flavorful meals made with real food, and I’m a huge fan of creating lightened-up versions of my family’s favorite dishes, and that includes pizza! Recipes like my Easy Margherita Pizza are a delicious alternative to takeout, and pizza night is always a fun activity for everyone.
Because I make homemade pizza often, I’ve tried out several of the best pizza stones in my career. My favorite products are included on the list above, and for other products that I haven’t tried personally, I did research using reviews from my favorite food publications, as well as user reviews on websites like Amazon. When creating my list, I took several factors into account, like material, dimensions, weight, and ease of cleaning.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Pizza Stone
What to Consider Before Buying a Pizza Stone
Here are some things you’ll want to think about to help you select the right pizza stone.
- Material: Pizza stones are commonly made from ceramic and they can either be bare or glazed. Glazed stones tend to be more expensive, but they’re easier to clean and won’t stain. Alternatively, you can opt for a baking steel — these heavy-duty metal slabs are unbreakable but much heavier to move around.
- Dimensions: Pizza stones come in all shapes and sizes. If you like to make larger pizzas, you might want to look for one that’s 16 inches or larger in diameter, but if you’re making smaller pies, a 12-inch stone is generally a good size. Anywhere in between is perfect for medium-sized pies.
- Weight: Because they’re made from dense materials, pizza stones can be quite heavy. Be sure to consider the weight of the stone and whether you can comfortably move it around your kitchen.
- Cleaning: Some pizza stones are easier to clean than others. For instance, bare ceramic stones need to be scraped and scrubbed clean, while glazed stones or baking steels are much easier to wash thanks to their smooth cooking surfaces. Some are even dishwasher-safe, though you may want to opt for hand washing to make sure the material lasts longer.
How Do You Clean a Pizza Stone?
To clean a ceramic pizza stone, you’ll want to wait until it cools down completely, then scrape off any burnt-on food with a spatula or scraper. Using a pizza stone brush or stiff-bristled nylon brush, scrub the stone with warm water to remove any lingering residue. You’ll want to avoid using soap, which can soak into the stone’s porous surface. Once it’s clean, let the stone air dry before putting it back into storage.
How Do You Use a Pizza Stone?
To use a pizza stone in your oven, place the stone on the lowest rack while the oven is still cold. (Putting a cold stone into a hot oven may lead to cracking.) Preheat your oven to 500 degrees F to warm up the stone. For best results, it’s best to wait 20 to 30 minutes to allow the stone to get really hot.
Once it’s ready to go, use a pizza peel to transfer your pie onto the stone. Depending on the size and thickness of your pizza, it will generally take between 5 and 15 minutes to cook.
How Do You Season a Pizza Stone?
Contrary to popular belief, ceramic pizza stones don’t need to be seasoned. If you put oil onto a bare ceramic stone, it will soak into the porous material, which can lead to smoking and bad odors. It’s best to simply wash the stone with water and let it air dry after each use.
On the other hand, baking steel and cast iron pizza stones can benefit from seasoning. After washing these materials, rub a thin layer of neutral oil onto the surface—just like you would when caring for a cast iron skillet.
What Else Can You Make on a Pizza Stone?
In addition to making delicious pizza, pizza stones are great for making homemade bread. The hot cooking surface will help to crisp up the bottom of your loaf, creating a nice crunchy crust. Some people also bake homemade crackers and even cookies on their pizza stones.
The Best Pizza Recipes
The beauty of the best pizza stones is that you don’t need a recipe to make a delicious homemade pie. Just start with a pizza crust — I like homemade but store-bought works, too — and then layer it with your favorite sauce and toppings. If you need some inspiration for your first few pizzas, here are some of my go-to recipes that are quick, easy, and delicious:
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
[ad_2]
Source link
