The Best Pizza Stones

Crafting the perfect homemade pizza necessitates the right tools. Achieving that delectable combination of crispy yet slightly chewy crusts, akin to pizzeria-quality, is a challenge without specialized high-temperature ovens. However, with a top-notch pizza stone, you can attain similar results using your own oven, grill, or smoker. The finest pizza stones impart a gorgeous golden hue to your crust, striking a delicate balance between a crispy exterior and a light, airy interior. Elevate your homemade pizza game with a pizza stone, unlocking the potential for culinary excellence in your own kitchen.

What is a Pizza Stone?

Pizza stones come in various shapes and are crafted from durable materials such as cordierite stone, steel, cast iron, and clay. These thick stones excel at absorbing and retaining heat, transforming into concentrated sources of intense heat ideal for cooking dough, whether it’s pizza crusts or bread.

Utilizing a pizza stone is a simple process. Just position it in the oven or on the grill and ignite the heat. Within 30 minutes to two hours (depending on the material), the stone or steel reaches the desired temperature, thoroughly cooking the dough and imparting a delightful golden crust to your culinary creations. Experience the transformative power of a pizza stone for unmatched baking results.

The Best Pizza Stones

These exceptional pizza stones and steels surpass all others with their remarkable user-friendliness, long-lasting durability, and remarkable capacity to achieve flawlessly cooked crusts akin to those found in your cherished pizzerias.

CastElegance Thermarite Pizza Stone

• Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 0.63 inches
• Weight: 5.6 lbs
• Warranty: 1 year

Designed to withstand intense heat and flames, the circular pizza stone from CastElegance is a versatile option for both oven and grill use. Crafted from their exclusive Thermarite blend, a special cordierite material, this stone absorbs moisture to deliver crispier crusts and ensures even heat distribution for perfectly cooked pizzas. Measuring 14 inches in diameter, it includes a handy scraper tool for dough cutting and easy cleanup. As a bonus, you’ll receive a complimentary recipe ebook filled with delicious pizza and bread recipes. Step-by-step instructions are also included to assist first-time pizza stone users in achieving consistently exceptional crusts.

Pros:

• Can be used in the oven or over direct heat sources
• Absorbs moisture
• Distributes heat evenly across surface
• Created with extreme heat to eliminate odors
• Comes with a scraper and recipe-ebook

Cons:

• If stone gets wet, dough can stick to the surface

Unicook Ceramic Shock Resistant Pizza Stone

• Dimensions: 15 x 12 x 0.63 inches
• Weight: 6.5 lbs
• Warranty: 1 year

Experience the freedom of shaping your pizzas with the versatile Unicook rectangular pizza stone. Crafted from all-natural, durable cordierite, this stone is built to withstand thermal shock and high temperatures up to 1,450°F, making it suitable for oven, grill, and smoker use. The porous structure of cordierite ensures a crispy crust by absorbing water from the dough, creating a delectable texture. With its excellent heat retention and even heat distribution, every inch of your pizza will be perfectly cooked. Cleaning is effortless—simply wipe the stone with a damp cloth. As an added convenience, a plastic scraper is included with your purchase.

Pros:

• Porous structure absorbs moisture
• Can be used in the oven or over direct heat sources
• Thermal shock resistant
• Comes with a free scraper

Cons:

• Can soak up odors from detergents and soaps

Solido Pizza Stone

• Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 1.1 inches
• Weight: 12.92 lbs
• Warranty: n/a

Experience exceptional baking results with the Solido Pizza Stone, a top choice for cordierite enthusiasts. While it may require a longer preheating time (around two hours), its outstanding heat retention guarantees consistent cooking for various delights like pizza crusts, bread, and cookies. Thanks to its innovative heat spiral system, heat is concentrated in the center of the stone, bidding farewell to soggy pizza centers. Equipped with stable feet and convenient grooves on the underside, this stone ensures easy handling, efficient heat circulation, and perfectly melted cheese. Although it won’t replicate the charred crusts of a wood-fired oven, it delivers impeccable results even when baking frozen pizzas.

Pros:

• Great for baked goods like pizza and bread
• Durable and can withstand high temperatures
• Heat spiral stores heat in center for even cooking
• Feet and raised grooves on bottom for stability and easy lifting

Cons:

• Takes a long time to preheat

The Original Baking Steel

• Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 0.25 inches
• Weight: 15 lbs
• Warranty: 30 days

Witness the rise of pizza steels, renowned for their superior heat retention and unrivaled durability. Leading the pack is The Original Baking Steel, the pioneering commercial pizza steel that continues to captivate customers. Crafted from ultra-conductive steel, this game-changer achieves scorching temperatures, ensuring rapid crust cooking and delightful charred accents for an authentic pizzeria experience. Pre-seasoned with a special oil, The Original Baking Steel is ready for action straight out of the box. Just place it in a 500°F oven for 60 minutes, slide your pizza onto the steel, and in a mere five to 10 minutes, indulge in a mouthwatering masterpiece. Delve into the recipe booklet for culinary inspiration and find expert guidance on steel maintenance. 

Pros:

• Incredibly durable
• Pre-seasoned with oil
• Retains more heat than traditional pizza stones
• Cooks quickly and imparts char
• Comes with a recipe booklet

Cons:

• Heavy
• Can burn delicate items like bread and pastries

NerdChef Baking Steel

• Dimensions: 16 x 0.38 x 14.3 inches
• Weight: 23 lbs
• Warranty: Lifetime

Behold the NerdChef pizza steel, a testament to longevity with a lifetime guarantee. Crafted from heavy-duty steel, it undergoes precision cutting, bead-blasting for texture, and meticulous smoothing. The result? A thick, high-density marvel that harnesses heat, mimicking the wood-fired oven experience at a fraction of the temperature. Prepare for crusts that boast a satisfying crackle and perfect crispness.

NerdChef offers a trio of sizes and weights, catering to diverse home chefs. The smallest steel is a favorite, though still commanding at 23 pounds. But fear not, for NerdChef has you covered with handy finger holes on two corners, facilitating effortless lifting and hanging. Seasoned with flaxseed oil, this steel thwarts rust and ensures effortless food release. Embrace a lifetime of pizza perfection with NerdChef’s exceptional creation.

Pros:

• Incredibly durable
• Pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil
• Retains more heat than traditional pizza stones
• Finger holes for lifting and hanging
• Lifetime guarantee

Cons:

• Very heavy
• Can burn delicate items like bread and pastries

Heritage Pizza Stone

• Dimensions: 15.79 x 15.79 x 2.48 inches
• Weight: 3.15 lbs
• Warranty: n/a

For those seeking versatility, consider the ceramic route for your pizza stone endeavors. Steel can reach searing temperatures, but ceramic provides a balanced heat that cooks dough thoroughly without scorching. Behold the Heritage Pizza Stone, crafted from all-natural black ceramic capable of withstanding temperatures up to 500°F. Embrace its heat retention prowess, resulting in delectable golden crusts, crusty breads, and sturdy bases for pies and tarts.

Coated with a protective glaze, this ceramic stone resists sticking, preventing stubborn grease from imparting smoky aromas. Bid adieu to unsightly stains on the stone’s surface. With its tapered edge, effortlessly slide pizzas on and off this masterpiece, complemented by the inclusion of a convenient pizza cutter for seamless serving.

Pros:

• Great for pizzas, bread, pastries, and more
• All-natural black ceramic
• Coated with a protective glaze
• Tapered edges for easy serving
• Comes with a pizza cutter

 Cons:

• Can break if the cold stone is placed in a hot oven

Emile Henry Flametop Pizza Stone

• Dimensions: 14.6 x 14.6 x 1 inches
• Weight: 5.7 lbs
• Warranty: 10 years

Experience the pinnacle of ceramic craftsmanship with the Emile Henry Flametop Pizza Stone. Crafted with precision, this stone boasts a resilient protective glaze that resists scratches, chips, and stubborn stickiness. Feel confident as you expose it to intense heat and direct flames without fear of damage. Place it in a cool oven or grill, then crank up the heat to a staggering 900°F, as the ceramic expertly retains and evenly disperses heat for flawlessly browned results.

The convenience of this pizza stone is unparalleled. With convenient handles on the side, effortlessly lift and shift it as needed. Its slick surface allows pizzas to gracefully slide off, while also granting you the freedom to cut directly on the stone without concern for surface damage. Once cooled, cleansing is a breeze—simply hand wash with soap and water or conveniently place it in the dishwasher.

Pros:

• Can withstand temperatures up to 900°F
• Can be used in the oven, grill, or under the broiler
• Coated surface prevents food from sticking
• Handles for easy lifting
• Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

• Ceramic can break if dropped or handled roughly

Lodge Cast Iron Baking Pan

• Dimensions: 18.43 x 14.75 x 1.25 inches
• Weight: 9.53 lbs
• Warranty: n/a

Unleash the power of cast iron with the Lodge Cast Iron Baking Pan—an unrivaled choice for pizza perfection. Crafted to withstand scorching temperatures, this pan’s exceptional heat retention and even distribution ensure flawlessly cooked pizzas, along with the versatility to prepare an array of culinary delights, from bread and eggs to vegetables and meats, in the oven, on the grill, or under the broiler.

Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, this robust cast iron marvel prevents dough from adhering to its surface. Its generous width accommodates a 14-inch pizza, reaching the edges and captivating the entire bottom. With convenient handles on the sides, effortlessly lift and slide pizzas with grace. Remember to regularly season with oil after washing, ensuring a lifetime of culinary triumphs.

Pros:

• Solid cast iron won’t warp or break under high heat
• Can be used on the oven, grill, or under the broiler
• Versatile for cooking a wide range of foods
• Comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil
• Handles for easy lifting

 Cons:

• Needs to be seasoned regularly

Cuisinart 3-Piece Pizza Grilling Set

• Dimensions: 13 x 2 x 13 inches
• Weight: 5.7 lbs
• Warranty: 1 year

Embark on your pizza-making journey with the Cuisinart Pizza Grilling Set—a complete arsenal for crafting culinary masterpieces. This set includes a robust cordierite pizza stone, expertly designed to capture and radiate heat, resulting in flawlessly crispy crusts. Accompanying the stone is a pizza peel for seamless pizza maneuvering, and a precision-driven pizza wheel cutter for perfect slices. These versatile tools effortlessly adapt to the oven, as well as charcoal or gas grills, ensuring delectable pizzas in any setting.

The well-balanced cordierite pizza stone strikes the perfect weight balance, facilitating easy handling while retaining optimal heat. Place it in a cool grill, raise the temperature, and within an hour, your stone will be ready for a culinary masterpiece. The pizza peel enables smooth transfer of pizzas onto and off the stone, while facilitating even heat distribution through rotational movement. Its folding handle ensures convenient storage and effortless accessibility. Get ready to savor pizza perfection with this exceptional grilling set.

Pros:

• 3-piece set includes a pizza stone, pizza peel, and pizza cutter
• Heavy-duty cordierite stone is durable
• Can be used in the oven, grill, or under the broiler
• Affordable

Cons:

• Pizza peel is a bit flimsy

What to Consider When Buying a Pizza Stone

This comprehensive guide unveils the diverse world of pizza stones and steels, highlighting their variations in size, shape, materials, and more. Before making your selection, consider the following factors:

Material

The choice of material greatly impacts the heat conduction of pizza stones and steels. Steel swiftly absorbs and transfers high temperatures, resulting in crispy, charred crusts akin to wood-fired pizzas. However, it may be too intense for delicate items like pastries.

Cordierite stones require longer heat-up time but excel at heat retention, making them ideal for bread and consistent, evenly baked goods. While lacking the blistering effect of steel, cordierite can still produce a pleasingly crispy crust.

Cast iron and glazed ceramic strike a balance between stone and steel. They quickly reach high temperatures, endure heat, and yield golden, crispy crusts with a delightful chewiness inside. These versatile options can also be used for outdoor grilling.

Size

Consider the size of your pizza stone or steel to accommodate large pies or multiple items like loaves of bread. Ensure it fits your oven or grill with sufficient space for proper heat and air circulation. Most home cooks opt for stones ranging from 13 to 16 inches in diameter.

Shape

Choose between round or rectangular pizza stones. While round stones align with the traditional pizza shape, loading pizzas onto them requires precision to avoid mishaps. Rectangular stones offer more forgiving margins and flexibility for various pie shapes.

Weight

Thicker stones or steels retain more heat. However, heavier options can present challenges in maneuverability. Seek the perfect balance between manageability and achieving the ideal crispy crust.

Durability

Different materials exhibit varying levels of durability. Steel is the most resilient, withstanding drops, open flames, and impacts without concern for cracks or dents. Cast iron shares its toughness but necessitates regular seasoning to prevent rust. Cordierite and ceramic are durable but susceptible to breakage if mishandled or exposed to extreme temperature changes.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance enhances longevity and performance. Cordierite requires water-only washing to prevent odors, and thorough drying before use. Steel and cast iron benefit from regular oil seasoning to prevent rust and sticking. Glazed ceramic offers ease of maintenance, allowing soap and water cleaning. Precautions such as placing ceramic stones in a cold oven before preheating prevent thermal shock.

With these considerations, select the perfect pizza stone or steel to elevate your pizza-making experience and achieve delectable results for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Unlock the magic of restaurant-quality pizzas in the comfort of your own home with a pizza stone or pizza steel. These culinary gems hold the key to crafting perfectly golden crusts that boast a tantalizing crispness on the outside and a delightful chewiness within. Elevate your homemade pizza endeavors with the carefully curated selection of pizza stones featured in this guide. Beyond pizza mastery, these versatile stones excel at baking bread, pastries, meats, and veggies, expanding your culinary repertoire. Embark on a flavorful journey and let these pizza stones unleash your inner chef, delivering delectable results with every bake.