When it comes to crafting the perfect pizza at home, the right tools can make all the difference. One essential tool for elevating your homemade pizzas is a high-quality pizza stone. Pizza stones can replicate the high-heat, crispy-crust properties of commercial pizza ovens right in your own kitchen. But with a myriad of choices available, what are the best pizza stones to use in a pizza oven? In this article, we’ll explore top-rated options, key features to consider, and tips for maintaining your pizza stone for years of delicious use.
Why Use a Pizza Stone?
Before diving into the top choices, it’s important to understand what makes a pizza stone so valuable. Pizza stones are typically made from ceramic, cordierite, or a combination of materials that can withstand and evenly distribute high temperatures. This helps to perfectly crisp the bottom of your pizza while preventing it from burning. Whether you’re using outdoor pizza ovens on camping trips or a standard kitchen oven, a good pizza stone is key to achieving that irresistible crust.
Top Pizza Stones to Consider
1. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Baking Pan
- Material: Cast Iron
- Size: 14-inch diameter
- Heat Distribution: Excellent
- Durability: Extremely long-lasting and can withstand very high temperatures
The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Baking Pan isn’t your traditional pizza stone. However, its premium cast iron construction makes it an excellent choice for achieving high-heat, crispy crusts. Pre-seasoned for immediate use, it offers exceptional heat retention and distribution, ensuring your pizza cooks evenly.
2. Old Stone Oven Round Pizza Stone
- Material: Lead-free clays
- Size: 16 inches in diameter
- Heat Tolerance: Can withstand temperatures up to 2000°F
- Special Features: Constructed from a blend of clays ideal for heat retention
The Old Stone Oven Round Pizza Stone is a classic choice for serious pizza enthusiasts. Known for its durability and ability to produce professional-grade crusts, it’s made from a proprietary blend of lead-free clays—a natural material that mimics the cooking surface of a traditional wood-fired oven.
3. Emile Henry Flame Top Pizza Stone
- Material: Proprietary Flame Ceramic
- Size: 14.5 inches in diameter
- Color Options: Available in various colors for aesthetic appeal
- Versatility: Safe for oven and BBQ use
For those looking to combine functionality with style, the Emile Henry Flame Top Pizza Stone stands out. Made from flame ceramic, this stone is designed to perform well in both ovens and on BBQ grills. It’s versatile and easy to clean, with an added bonus of being aesthetically pleasing if presentation is as important as performance.
What to Look for in a Pizza Stone
When choosing a pizza stone, here are a few key factors to consider:
- Material: Ceramic and cordierite are popular for their heat retention, while cast iron provides excellent durability.
- Size: Ensure the stone fits inside your oven or pizza oven.
- Heat Retention and Distribution: A good stone will evenly distribute heat for an even cook.
- Durability: Check the temperature limits to ensure longevity.
Maintenance Tips
A well-maintained pizza stone can last for years:
- Preheat the Stone: Always allow your pizza stone to heat up as the oven preheats. This mimics the even, high-heat environment of a commercial oven.
- Cleaning: Avoid using soap. Scrape off food residues and rinse with water only.
- Avoid Temperature Shock: Never expose the stone to rapid temperature changes as this might cause it to crack.
In conclusion, choosing the right pizza stone involves balancing personal needs with the features of each option. Whether you’re cooking in outdoor settings with outdoor pizza ovens or inside, investing in a quality pizza stone will result in perfectly crispy and delicious pizzas every time.