How great is it to make a restaurant-quality pizza at home? With a pizza stone, you can make any style of pizza with any toppings you like. Whether you want a thin crust or a soft, chewy pie, pizza stones can do it all. Choosing a good one can be tricky, however, because there are many things to consider and so many options in the market.
Why not start with our buying guide? You'll find all of the necessary information on how to choose the right type of pizza stone that fits your needs. Our favorite product is Augosta's Pizza Stone it is made from porous, moisture-absorbing cordierite, heats evenly to bake crispy goods, and includes a durable, beautiful wooden pizza peel. It even comes in two different sizes! If you want to know more, check out the rest of our favorites in our 10 best list, and browse our buying guide full of helpful tips reviewed by an Italian chef.
Quick List - Top Pizza Stones for the Oven
Danilo is an Italian chef who has grown up cooking traditional dishes under his nonna and mamma's tutelage. He has also worked in Italian restaurants in various countries such as Australia and Japan. The skills he has acquired in a home and professional kitchen have enabled him to preserve and expound on Italian cuisine while dabbling in recipes from other cultures.
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It's easy enough to make pizza in the oven with a sheet pan, so why even bother with a pizza stone? Chef Danilo Specchiulli says, "With some careful handling and maintenance, a pizza stone can become a kitchen tool that you can't live without.
Having used them in the past, I was able to achieve brick-oven level authentic Italian-style pizza anywhere - and I didn't have to go searching for a good pizzeria even when I'm thousands of miles away from home. That's how amazing these inventions are.
After practicing making pizza at home, you can invest in a pizza stone, and through its heat amplification and distribution features, you can have a taste of real pizza.
While a typical oven can reach 250 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, the addition of a pizza stone lets you reach up to 500 degrees, which is crucial in making pizza. A pizza stone basically transforms a regular oven into a professional one in terms of food output."
Check out our tips and suggestions below for more information about pizza stones. Keep these six points in mind to make your shopping experience 10 times easier!
Pizza stones are made from different materials, including clay (ceramic) and cordierite. Each provides different benefits and drawbacks. Here's a rundown of each type.
If you like a crispy pizza crust, clay or ceramic stones are great choices. You may see a stone described as clay or ceramic, but keep in mind that ceramic is made from clay! In other words, they share similar properties. The differences will depend on how the clay has been treated.
Since clay is a porous material, it can't withstand thermal shock unless it has been pretreated and might crack if transferred directly from a cold environment to an oven. However, it absorbs moisture and oil well. This results in a thin and crispy crust. Just make sure to follow the cleaning instructions to avoid damaging the material!
Clay is one of the best materials to get when choosing a pizza stone. The material doesn't need much time to heat up, although it can cool down more quickly than others. Clay is often blasted with extremely high temperatures to set the material, making them more durable and able to withstand high-temperature ranges.
If you want crispy pizza, dough preparation is crucial. Use less dough and squish the crust area more. The job of the pizza stone is to amplify heat and distribute it evenly.
Put a pizza stone in the oven for at least 20 minutes while it's preheating. Place a thinly prepared and floured pizza dough on the pizza stone, ensuring that the temperature is as high as possible. The stone will absorb all the moisture from the bottom up, giving you a crispy crust.
Cordierite, a type of mineral, generally comes with a higher price tag but is very sturdy and durable. This material is made from the same material as kiln shelves. It's lead-free and can withstand thermal shock well, so it can go from very low temperatures to very hot ones (up to a couple thousand degrees Fahrenheit) without cracking.
As with any kind of pizza stone, make sure to follow manufacturer instructions regarding cleaning and patience to avoid damaging the product.
There's no point in buying a pizza stone that doesn’t fit your oven. That's why it's very important to know the size of your appliance! A perfect pizza needs high, even heat, so you want a stone that can comfortably fit on your oven rack. It's up to you which rack you place it on, but the middle rack is recommended so it can get some extra heat from the bottom.
There should be at least one inch of space between the oven walls and your stone for airflow purposes. It can be dangerous if your hot pizza stone is difficult to take out of the oven, though so make sure it's no tighter than that!
Some pizza stones are also thicker than others, but when it comes to thickness, the rule of thumb is that the thinner the stone, the faster it will heat up. That can be great if you want a pizza in a hurry, but it could easily cause burning if you're a forgetful cook or want to use it for recipes other than pizza. Aim for at least half an inch to be safe.
When you are using a pizza stone for pizza, always preheat the oven at the highest temperature possible, with the stone inside. If you've ever observed how a brick oven works, the pizza is only placed after the fire inside is raging.
From there, it takes no more than 90 seconds to cook a pizza. The same concept applies to an oven. Remember to not put the pizza too low or high in the oven. Place it on the middle tray because the pizza needs to cook from the bottom up; this prevents raw dough and the chance of faster burning due to the increased temperature.
Don't forget to think about the size and shape of your pizza stone! Pizza stones can come in a rectangular or circular shape. And choosing which shape is totally up to your preference.
A rectangular pizza stone provides a large surface that allows you to make a big pizza. Compared to a circular pizza stone, it's closer to the sides of your oven and therefore can heat up quickly and retain heat for longer, giving you a particularly crispy crust.
But make sure that it doesn't fit too tightly or you'll have a hard time removing it from the oven! Re-read the previous section for reference. It's also good to note that rectangular stones can easily be used for other recipes like breadmaking due to the large surface area.
With a circular pizza stone, you'll be able to bake a pizza with the most authentic, traditional shape. It tends to fit nicely inside your oven and is lighter than a rectangular one. It might take a longer time to cook, however.
A circular pizza stone comes in many sizes, too. A medium pizza (12 inches) suits up to four people, while a large pizza (14 inches) can feed up to five. However, if you want to make an extra-large pizza to serve more people, consider at least a 16-inch diameter stone.
Want to make a smaller pie? Some pizza stones come in an eight-inch size, which is great for one or two people. If you like a variety of flavors, consider a larger stone that can accommodate two or more pizzas.
Pizza stones are either unglazed or glazed. "Unglazed" means that the natural material, like clay, hasn't been treated with any kind of coating on the surface. On the other hand, "glazed" stones have some type of coating.
Unglazed stones offer better moisture absorption and can distribute heat evenly, which results in a perfectly crispy crust. However, they can be difficult to clean, as you have to take care not to damage the surface with soaps or utensils.
The unglazed surface can also make your pizza more likely to stick to the stone. Try using parchment paper or cooking oil to prevent this! So if you're willing to give your pizza stone a little TLC now and then to achieve a crispy crust, consider an unglazed stone.
Most glazed stones still can absorb moisture to achieve some crips in the crust, as they are usually only partially (micro) glazed. This means there are still tiny holes in the coating that can grab water.
Some glazed stones are fully glazed, though, which means they are far less absorbent. However, glazed stones are much easier to clean thanks to their slicker surface! If you're more concerned about ease of maintenance than getting a crispy crust, consider a glazed stone.
Pizza stones are simple tools, but they can include helpful features! Some pizza stones are designed with handles, either recessed into the stone or attached to the edges, that make it easier to use in your oven and serve after cooking. Just make sure to factor in the handle size versus your oven size, especially if it's a tight fit to begin with.
Other products come with additional tools, like a pizza peel or cutter! Certain stones may even come with free recipes and a warranty. Make sure to consider all of the features included so you can buy the most beneficial pizza stone.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Augosta Pizza Stone | ![]() | Best Pizza Stone for a Variety of Crusts | |
2 | Emile Henry Flame Top Pizza Stone | ![]() | Best Pizza Stone for First-Time Users | |
3 | Heritage Products Pizza Stone | ![]() | Best Pizza Stone for Frequent Use | |
4 | Rocksheat Round Baking & Grilling Stone | ![]() | Best Pizza Stone for Easy Transport | |
5 | Cast Elegance Heat Deflector Stone | ![]() | Best Pizza Stone for Gift-Giving | |
6 | Nordic Ware Pizza Stone | ![]() | Best Pizza Stone for Quick Cooking | |
7 | Cuisinart Round Baking Stone | ![]() | Best Pizza Stone for Small Families | |
8 | Napoleon Baking Stone | ![]() | Best Pizza Stone for Campers and Travelers | |
9 | Pizzacraft Square Baking Stone |PC9898 | ![]() | Best Pizza Stone for Large Pies | |
10 | Vescamore Old Stone Oven Rectangular Pizza Stone | ![]() | Best Pizza Stone for Conventional Ovens |
Pros:
Cons:
This Augosta Pizza Stone is perfect for a variety of pizza crusts, from Neopolitan dough to cauliflower crust. The large rectangular cordierite surface provides an even distribution of heat that thoroughly cooks multiple types of crust to ideal crispiness. A beautiful wooden paddle is included to easily place and transport your pizzas!
Some reviewers say that the paddle is a bit too thick to slide underneath their pizzas. Most love that it was included and praise the stone’s sturdy construction and ability to withstand high temperatures.
Pros:
Cons:
This Emile Henry Pizza Stone is the best product for first-time users. The handles provide easy grip and the non-stick glazed surface can be washed with soap and water. This feature is excellent for beginners because un-glazed pizza stones stain easily and are harder to clean. There is also a 10-year warranty for any manufacturing defects.
Some reviewers report having issues with removing the company sticker on the stone's surface and do not like the staining. Still, most customers love that this stone can handle temperatures up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit and is dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
Pros:
Cons:
Heritage's Pizza Stone is perfect for frequent pizza makers. The glazed coating is stain-resistant and can be cleaned with soap. So, you can use it repeatedly without unsightly stains or damage. This pizza stone also heats up quickly, reducing the time spent preheating it. It comes with a pizza cutter and a lifetime warranty!
Some reviewers are not fond of the quality of the pizza cutter and have had issues with the stone arriving with small cracks or chips. But, for the most part, customers are happy with the product's durability, large size, and how well it cooks homemade and frozen pies.
Pros:
Cons:
The Rocksheat Pizza Stone is the best stone for safely transporting pizza between your appliance and your plate. The built-in double handles are on both sides of the stone for your convenience. This is also a space-saver! Customers aren't limited to just rectangular stones; the manufacturer also offers round and square options.
Quite a few reviewers say this stone stains easily and is difficult to clean. Some customers find that parchment paper makes cleaning easier. Overall, people love that this stone cooks crispy pizzas quickly and that the thickness was perfect for using on grills and retaining heat in camper ovens.
Pros:
Cons:
The CastElegance Thermarite Pizza Stone is the best product to give as a gift to budding pizza makers. The thermarite stone, CastElegance's material made from a blend including cordierite, absorbs moisture for deliciously crispy crusts. The stone is five-eighths of an inch thick, perfect for use in an oven or grill.
A few buyers mention that this pizza stone takes time to heat up, due to its thickness and that it was a little difficult to clean. On another note, reviewers love that it stays hot after being taken out of the oven and doesn't require water to clean. They also appreciate that the stone is available to order in two sizes, one for family size and one for large, Costco-type pizzas.
Pros:
Cons:
This Nordic Ware Pizza Stone Set is the best option for people that prefer quick cooking. It's made from ceramic and weighs only one pound; lighter pizza stones weigh an average of five pounds! This means it only requires 10 to 15 minutes to preheat whereas other pizza stones require 30 minutes to an hour. The included cutter is an added bonus for your convenience.
Some reviewers note that the stone stains after one use and they are not pleased with the quality of the pizza cutter. Nordic Ware lets it be known that staining is to be expected with non-glazed pizza stones. Many customers love how well this lightweight stone handles high heat and the detachable pizza rack that protects their surfaces.
Pros:
Cons:
This Cuisinart Pizza Grilling Set is great for small families. The durable, 13-inch cordierite stone cooks homemade or frozen pies evenly in ovens and grills with excellent results. The included stainless steel cutter and peel make pizza nights flow smoothly with little fuss. Cuisinart offers a deluxe grilling pack option, which includes a mezzaluna, a larger peel, and a 15-inch pizza stone for families that need a bigger stone.
Some reviewers have issues with the peel's size compared to the pizza stone and the cutter's quality. But, most people love that the stone is easy to use and thick enough for cooking on many types of grills. Customers also appreciate the one-year warranty!
Pros:
Cons:
The Napoleon Personalized Pizza/Baking Stone Set is the best product for people that travel a lot in campers and RVs and use standard RV ovens or small, portable grills and toaster ovens. The 10-inch stones are the perfect size for personal pies, and the set of two allows for simultaneous pizza cooking. These small stones also store easily, which is ideal in areas with limited space.
Some reviewers report difficulty seasoning the stones. There is also a noted discrepancy with the thickness listed in the description. The half-inch thickness is reportedly for both pies, so they're actually closer to a one-forth inch thick each. Despite this, many reviews say that they cook crispy pizza well and withstand up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit despite their slimness.
Pros:
Cons:
This pizza stone by Pizzacraft is the perfect product for those that need to bake large pies. The 16.5-inch diameter stone is one of the larger pizza stones on the market, ideal for big families and events. You can even cook two smaller pies on this huge surface. Being made of FDA-approved cordierite, this pizza stone is thermal shock resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit, spreading heat evenly for amazing results.
Some say that sometimes a strong odor is released when used and that it is rather heavy. However, most don't have issues with the smell and are happy with how sturdy and durable the stone is and that it comes with a 30-day return policy.
Cons:
The Vescoware Pizza Stone is the best product for conventional ovens. The raised circular feet create heat pockets to improve heat circulation and the large surface area is amazing for heat retention. This is a must-have feature for those with conventional ovens because they do not heat food as evenly or as quickly as convection ovens. The raised design makes handling easier and a warranty is included!
Some reviewers claim that it's too heavy and is hard to clean. However, most customers love how well their pizzas cook and that this large stone is perfect for family-sized pies. They also love the downloadable, 50-recipe eBook that is included.
Danilo says, "Common issues people have with using pizza stones are cracking and sticking. To address the first issue, you should minimize handling the delicate material and keep it in your oven. Also, ensure it is a part of the oven preheating process to avoid thermal shock.
Minimizing contact with liquids and oil (greasing your pizza stone with oil is a big no-no) will also lessen the risk of compromising the porous material. To avoid the sticking issue, use flour or cornmeal on the dough's bottom before placing it on the stone.
Another trick is to ensure your dough, sauce, cheese, and topping ratio are balanced. Too much sauce and toppings result in a heavy pizza and wet dough, hence the sticking."
It's easy to make pizza dough from scratch! If you're a beginner, check out this simple recipe, courtesy of A's Cookbook! With this recipe, you'll be able to make one 12-inch pizza with a thick crust, or one 16-inch pizza with a medium crust.
Ingredients:
Directions:
You may still have some lingering questions about how to use and maintain pizza stones, so Danilo is here to answer some commonly asked ones!
Danilo says, "A pizza stone can never be washed with soap because the porous material will absorb the detergent, and you will end up tasting it after. You also can't keep a pizza stone submerged in water. Only light wiping is allowed to maintain the quality of your pizza stone."
Danilo says, "You can use a pizza stone on a grill, but not really for the typical pizza. You can cook meat, fish, and other seafood on a pizza stone to increase the temperature and get that smoky flavor.
However, oily or liquid-y food will get into the material when used for grilling, so cleanup can be a chore. What you can do to avoid this is using parchment paper, although keep in mind that they often have a temperature limit of 430 degrees Fahrenheit."
Once you have a quality pizza stone, it's time to look for ingredients and recipes to make the best homemade pizza! Check out these high-quality ingredients and cookbooks to help you whip up delicious pizzas with ease.
No. 1: Augosta|Pizza Stone
No. 2: Emile Henry|Flame Top Pizza Stone
No. 3: Heritage Products|Pizza Stone
No. 4: Rocksheat|Round Baking & Grilling Stone
No. 5: Cast Elegance|Heat Deflector Stone
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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