The Best Pizza Stone – Crispy Crust and Unforgettable Taste

Gerard Paul
May 18th, 2020

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In a hurry? In my opinion, the best pizza stone on the market is the Baking Steel Ultra Conductive Pizza Stone.

I’ve always been a fan of a good ol’ fashioned wood-fired pizza, but making it at home always seemed unrealistic. This was until I found my way into the world of pizza stones. 

Pizza stones allow you to bake some truly delectable pizzas without the effort you’d typically associate with the dish. 

The market has been flooded with pizza and baking stones after their recent rise in popularity. That’s why I decided to help pick out the eight best pizza stones available to help you choose the one that best serves your needs.

Shallow depth of field picture of pepperoni pizza with olives

Top Pizza Stones Reviewed

An Inside Look at Pizza Stones

There are a lot of variables when it comes to making the perfect pizza. The dough, crust, toppings, and base ingredients all play a crucial role in dictating the eventual quality of your meal. The one place all home chefs can up their pizza game on uniformly is with the baking surface.

This is where a pizza stone comes in. 

The solid surface offered by pizza stones ends up being far superior to the alternative of using baking sheets in your oven. And do you really want to use sheets if you're cooking in an outdoor pizza oven?

Here’s a list of reasons why pizza stones outmatch their competition.

Even Heating 

One of the most important benefits of using a pizza stone is the balanced and even heat output it offers on its surface. Thin-crust pizzas, in particular, demand an even bake to ensure that the entire pizza cooks at a steady pace. (But check out some deep dish pizza pans, too).

The ceramic or steel used in most pizza stones allows you to obtain that perfect distribution of heat. One of the biggest bummers of making a pizza at home is when one end comes crispier than the other. That problem can be a thing of the past!

A Multipurpose Tool 

Sure, it may be called a pizza stone, but don’t let the name fool you! This handy tool can be utilized to create all kinds of magic in your kitchen, extended to but not limited to the perfect pizza.

You can look forward to making some delicacies with your new pizza stone, including roast chicken, bread, desserts, and veggies. The nature of the product is such that it offers you an unparalleled level of versatility when it comes to experimenting in the kitchen. 

Now the only thing holding you back is your imagination!

That Priceless Crispy Crust 

Making the ideal thin-crust pizza can be tricky business. Getting the heat and duration right can be unnervingly complicated (not to mention that your dinner is at stake here). 

Pizza stones, though, are designed mainly for this challenge, and they seldom disappoint.

So many people have learned that the thin-crust produced by a pizza stone is far better than those made by a traditional oven tray. If you are a fan of authenticity, a pizza stone is the way to go.

Easy to Use 

One of the most striking takeaways from using a pizza stone is the sheer convenience provided by this simple tool. Everyone wants to make the perfect pizza, but no one has the time to chase after this goal – the pizza stone gets you closer to the prize.

Even the most novice chefs find it extremely easy to use a pizza stone regularly. You merely have to place your uncooked meal on the surface, bake, and wait for the magic to happen. 

When your pizza is ready, it easily comes off the stone without any sticky messes or residue.

Even cleaning the stone is ridiculously easy – a lot of it owing to its flat, circular shape. All you need to do is wipe off the surface using a sponge and water.

Fitter, Faster, Stronger

When compared to your conventional pizza cooking tools, the best pizza stones can outmatch them on nearly every count. They are seriously designed to last. 

Stones do tend to crack, but only in rare and extenuating circumstances (we’ll come to that soon). Besides that minor risk, they’ll probably outlast and outcook your oven!

Paddle under a pepper, olive, herb, and other vegetable thin crust pizza

Types of Pizza Stones

You can opt for one of three variations of the product based on your needs. These are divided primarily based on the material used to make the stone. 

Three popular choices include:

  • Ceramic pizza stones.
  • Cordierite pizza stones.
  • Baking steels.

Ceramic Pizza Stone 

This is the most popular and widely-available version of a pizza stone. Ceramic pizza stones happen to be the most economical of all the variants, and they are often made using clay as the base material. 

They are especially great at tackling pizzas because of their highly conductive nature, making them perfect for sustaining high temperatures. Ceramic stones are also extremely heavy-duty, and they tend to last for long periods when handled well.

Cordierite Pizza Stone

Most people have heard of ceramic and steel stones, but cordierite pizza stones can be a highly underrated option as well. This is one of the most durable materials, making it a good choice if you are going for longevity when picking a pizza stone. This makes the product slightly more expensive than the ceramic version, but it’s often worth it.

Cordierite pizza stones tend to outlast other materials in the long run, and they are also highly conductive of heat — a beloved property in pizza stones for oven use. 

The nature of cordierite is such that it can tackle most thermal shocks without any issues. This allows quicker temperature changes without worrying about your stone – you can even transfer your stone to a cold surface or chilled area before you could with another option. 

Baking Steels

Steel stones are not as adept at distributing heat as their ceramic cousins, but they do make up for this by taking on incredible levels of heat. This unique property of steel stones allows you to make a wider range of recipes, including tackling a whole range of baked products and pastries.

Every chef has their own unique set of needs, based on their skill sets and cooking preferences. You should carefully examine each of these variations of pizza stones before going for one that suits your particular needs.

Pizza lifted showing stringy cheese connecting to pie

How to Maintain Your Pizza Stone

The best part about owning a pizza stone is the durability of this type of product. With the proper maintenance and care, you can add some serious years to your pizza stone’s life span.

Below is a list of tips to best care for your brand new pizza stone.

Keep Away From Soap 

Pizza stones work as effectively as they do because of the porous nature of the materials involved. This means that any cleaning agent you use has a good chance of making its way into the slab itself – and leaving you with a considerable after-taste.

You can always wash your pizza stone with water and a sponge, but make sure you refrain from using any chemical cleansers in the mix. Follow your manufacturer's instructions and keep your stone for a long time – and keep those pizzas tasting great.

Say No to Chemical Sealers

Another chemical product that you should keep away from your pizza stone is sealers. You may be using sealers in your home for other stone tops, but pizza stones are a different ball game altogether. 

When you use a chemical sealer, chances are that the residue of the product will latch onto the top surface of your pizza stone. The next time you heat it, the sealer residue is bound to expand naturally, and this might lead to cracks on your stone over time. Even if it doesn't, some might transfer to your food in the harsh heat of the oven – no thanks!

Clean After Cooling 

You may be eager to clean your pizza stone as soon as you’re done using it, but this is not the best course of action. Especially with actual stone, you don't want to introduce the thermal shock of water when a stone is still hot; rapid temperature changes can crack a stone.

The heating and cooling process of your stone should occur naturally – this will significantly add to its longevity. Thermal shock is a very real phenomenon for both ceramic and steel stones, so make sure you take good care of them by waiting for them to cool off before giving them a scrubbing.

Scrape Away the Leftovers 

Pizza stones tend to accumulate various flavors from your previous cooking endeavors if you don’t maintain the surface properly. You must scrape away any leftovers or crumbs you have sitting on your pizza stone before reusing it. 

You can do this by either using a brush, pad, or plastic scraper. This process doesn’t take very long on pizza stones, but it has a tremendous effect on the flavoring of your foods in the long run. 

Review of the 8 Best Pizza Stones

Baking Steel - The Original Ultra Conductive Pizza Stone

The Baking Steel Ultra Conductive Pizza Stone stands tall among the competition thanks to its genuinely incredible make. As you'd expect, it's made of very durable, ultra-heat conductive steel.

The Baking Steel is an impressive product, thanks to its genius design and capabilities. This is a versatile pizza stone that, according to the manufacturer, can cook a pizza up to 20 times faster than other stones. For those of you who are clumsy in the kitchen — this model is nearly unbreakable. Baking steel even claims you can use it as a griddle, or as a cold plate after freezing.

The rectangular pizza stone is 14 inches by 16 inches and has a thickness of a quarter of an inch. It weighs a hefty 16 pounds but is quickly becoming one of the most sought after pizza stones by both home chefs and professional chefs.

Pros:

  • Ultra-conductive, durable, and versatile steel stone.
  • A super-sturdy model that should be close to unbreakable and is meant to stand the test of time.
  • One of the best pizza stones for the oven.

Cons:

  • Pricey compared to some other pizza stones.
  • Pretty heavy, at 16 pounds.

Weber 8836 Gourmet BBQ System Pizza Stone With Carry Rack

The Weber 8836 is a cordierite stone that’s built to absorb moisture and offer you that utterly delectable crust. It has a simple but effective design that features a carrying rack to let you transport your pizza with ease. Compared to other stones, these handles will make a big difference when removing your hot pizza from the oven.

This particular model has an additional benefit – it can fit precisely into the Gourmet BBQ cooking system, and it’s designed to stay in place during the entire cooking process.

Pros:

  • Cordierite base for effective cooking.
  • Intelligent and straightforward design.
  • Carry rack makes moving the pizza much easier.
  • Fits perfectly into the Gourmet BBQ Cooking System, if you're in that ecosystem.

Cons:

  • The circular base might be restrictive for some chefs.
  • Users claim dough sticks readily to base — you need to use a lot of flour, oil, or corn starch.

KIBOW 15" Round Cordierite Ceramic Pizza Grilling Stone With Handle for Ovens & Grills

The KIBOW 15 inch Round Cordierite Ceramic Pizza Grilling Stone is one of the most beloved models on the market. It comes with an immensely durable stone that can withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.

This particular model comes with a base that’s relatively thicker than other options, allowing you to tackle your cooking with better heat conduction and retention. It also has a circulating heat system that allows for rapid conduction at the base of the stone, thereby making it an excellent surface for baking.

Pros:

  • High-quality cordierite used for the stone.
  • The base is thicker than most models.
  • It features an intelligent heat-circulating system.
  • It can withstand temperatures of up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Different sizes are available.

Cons:

  • Owners claim the wrong temperature setting can cause the pizza to stick to the base.
  • Users found it takes a while to heat up due to thickness.

CastElegance Stoneware With Thermarite

This rectangular model by CastElegance has been making ripples in the market due to its efficiency in tackling a wide range of culinary needs. It features a rectangular thermarite base that’s designed to address thermal shock while simultaneously protecting your pizza from the intense heat of your grill.

The Stoneware with Thermarite model has passed FDA, RoHS, European Union & German Food Code safety standards owing to its ability to cook a tasty, safe meal. The dimensions of the stone are 14 inches by 16 inches, making it the perfect size for the modern kitchen – and most ovens.

Pros:

  • Thermarite base is sturdier and heartier than most surfaces used in other pizza stones.
  • Large 14 inches by 16 inches rectangular surface.
  • Passed safety standards of multiple agencies around the world.
  • It can be used in grills and ovens to take on high temperatures.
  • Free recipe ebook and scraper included.

Cons:

  • If you don’t keep the base of this product clean, it can begin to smell, according to some users.
  • Some owners said it’s difficult to remove from the oven when hot.

UNICOOK Heavy Duty Ceramic Pizza Grilling Stone

The UNICOOK Heavy Duty Ceramic Pizza Grilling Stone is an excellent example of a cost-effective and efficient model that can stand the test of time. This model features a cordierite base that was created in a 2100 degree Fahrenheit kiln. This means that you can expose this pizza stone to high temperatures without worrying about damage.

You can purchase the UNICOOK Heavy Duty Ceramic Pizza Grilling Stone in three round sizes — 10.25 inches, 12 inches, and 15 inches. Each of these variations come with a near-invisible micro-porous layer that helps eliminate excess moisture from your food while cooking.

This model can withstand temperatures of up to 1,450 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more than enough for any experiments you may want to conduct in your kitchen. It also comes with a free multi-purpose scraper so that you may keep the stone clean at all times.

Pros:

  • The 15-inch version weighs only 6.5 pounds.
  • It is designed to handle temperatures of over 1,450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Thermal shock resistance.
  • FDA and LFGB approved.
  • Scraper included.

Cons:

  • Accidental use of soap or detergent can damage this model and add a soapy taste to your next meal.
  • Users reported it emitted a weird smell during the first few uses.

JulyPanny Pizza Stone

The JulyPanny Pizza Stone is a 15-inch circular model. It was created using a naturally formulated cordierite that was exposed to 400 tons of pressure at 2100 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an extremely hearty model and is built to offer thermal shock resistance.

The porous nature of this stone was explicitly designed to even out the heat distribution, allowing you to simulate the luxuries of brick oven cooking in the comfort of your own home. It will also draw out moisture, allowing you to create pizza and flatbread with mouthwateringly crispy edges.

Pros:

  • Can withstand temperatures close to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • It is designed to simulate brick oven cooking.
  • Well priced when compared to the competition.
  • Versatile stone that can be used in all types of cooking, including baking pizza and pastries.

Cons:

  • Some customers have complained that the stone can smell over time if it isn’t maintained correctly.
  • Quite heavy.

Hans Grill Pizza Stone

The Hans Grill Pizza Stone was specifically created to help you with baking pizzas at home in an authentic Italian style. The stone is a 15-inch by 12-inch surface that comes with a wooden pizza peel board paddle with a long handle for your safety.

This is one of the most robust and versatile pizza stone sets that would make either a lovely gift or a welcome addition to your kitchen. It can be equally handy in helping you make baked items such as calzones, bread, pastries, and scones. 

Pros:

  • It can be used with a grill or oven.
  • Guarantees the perfect crispy pizza every time.
  • It comes with a pizza peel and a recipe book.

Cons:

  • The 15 inch by 12 inch stone may be a bit small for certain people.
  • Many owners reported that the included instructions aren't in English.

Unicook Heavy Duty Ceramic Pizza Grilling Stone

The Unicook Heavy Duty Ceramic Pizza Grilling Stone is a simple yet elegant offering by a world-renowned company. The FDA and LFGB approved product can withstand the heat of up to 1,450 degrees Fahrenheit, easily making it useful in your kitchen.

The rectangular stone measures 14.9 inches by 11.8 inches and has a thickness of 0.6 inches, which is an excellent thickness for heat conduction. It comes with a free multi-purpose scraper to help keep your pizza stone clean.

Pros:

  • Withstands high heat in the oven or on the grill.
  • Impressive thickness distributes heat evenly.
  • Includes a free multi-purpose scraper to keep your stone clean.

Cons:

  • Overheating can lead to cracks developing on the surface, according to some owners.
  • Users mentioned overflowing cheese or drippings can stain the stone.

My Pick for the Best Pizza Stone

Pizza Stones have revolutionized the culinary world, allowing non-master chefs to create some impressive pizza creations in the comfort of their own home. Once you pick up a stone, you will love the consistent pizzas you'll be able to make.

In my opinion, the best pizza stone on the market has to be the Baking Steel Ultra Conductive Pizza Stone. This brilliantly versatile product will trick your taste buds into thinking that you’re consuming pizzas made in the rustic streets of Italy itself. And even if it doesn't – it'll leave you with a beautiful pizza, fit for sharing.

Gerard Paul
Prolific eater and founder of ManyEats.

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