Best Baking Stones
If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve spent the last couple of years trying new things, and you might have even started baking a lot more. Perhaps you’ve made it a point to bake your own bread to save money or become more self-sufficient. Or maybe you’ve been experimenting with making pizza for your family so you can dig into a yummy meal without having to go out or get delivery. But while these things might seem easy, they really aren’t, and if you don’t have the right tools on hand, you might find yourself disappointed with the results.
Thankfully, the solution might be surprisingly simple. A baking stone might be just what you have been missing if you want to make delicious and crispy breads and pizza right in your own kitchen. This basic tool may help you get closer to the restaurant quality and brick oven quality results that you are hoping for, as it can be useful when it comes to evenly baking a pizza or loaf of bread and giving you the crispy crust that you crave.
When shopping for a baking stone, you are likely going to come across a lot of products that are labeled pizza stones. Sure, you can use these items to make pizza, but if you want to bake bread on them, you can do that too, so feel free to get creative and use your stone for more than one type of food.
Why You Should Consider Using a Baking Stone
How does it work? Well, a baking stone can get moisture out of the dough and it can absorb heat, as well as retain it, to bake your breads and pizzas to perfection. Just keep in mind that preheating the stone will likely be necessary, and the amount of time that it will take to preheat it will depend on factors like its size and thickness.
As is the case when using any baking product, following the instructions for proper use is important, not only for getting the right results but also for safety. So, before using a new baking stone, take the time to learn how to make the most of it. Then, once you get the hang of things, you should realize that it is actually really easy to use. And you might wonder how you got by without it once you experience the flavors and textures that you can get from a high-quality baking stone!
Are you ready to check out some of the many baking stones that are currently available? To help you get started, we have compiled the list of eight items below. Check them out, as you might decide to give one of them a try.
1. Editor’s Choice: Cuisinart CPS-013 Alfrescamore Pizza Grilling Stone
First up is this baking stone from Cuisinart. Measuring roughly 13” in diameter, it is a good size for pizza, calzones, bread, and more, so it can be a good place to start when you are searching for this type of cookware. It is made of cordierite, which is durable, can withstand a range of temperatures, and can cook your food evenly.
What’s also nice about this particular stone is the fact that you can use it in your oven or on a grill, so it is versatile and easy to use when you want to make a variety of meals for yourself and your family. Just keep in mind that you do need to heat this baking stone for 15 minutes prior to using it.
Pros:
- This baking stone is made of durable cordierite, and it can withstand high temperatures.
- You can use this baking stone in your oven and on your grill to make breads, pizza, and more.
- This product is designed to cook your food evenly.
Cons:
- Because this product doesn’t come with a pizza peel, you may want to buy one separately to make it easier to slide your pizza onto the stone.
2. Runner Up: Zulay Kitchen Large Pizza Stone for Oven and Grill
With this rectangular baking stone, you can bake delicious calzones, make pizza with all of your favorite toppings, bake various breads, and more. It is made of cordierite, and can withstand extremely high temperatures. Plus, it can distribute heat so your food will cook evenly every time.
This is a durable baking stone that you can use in the oven or on a grill, as well as in a microwave. It is a good size, measuring roughly 15” x 12”, so you will have plenty of space for all of your ingredients. Just remember that this baking stone needs to be preheated for 30 minutes before you use it.
Pros:
- This product is made of cordierite and it can withstand temperatures up to 1832°F.
- This baking stone comes with a multifunctional scraper that you can use to clean it after each use.
- This is a large and thick rectangular baking stone that you can use to prepare a variety of breads, pizza, and more.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with a pizza peel, so it might be a bit challenging to get a pizza onto and off of this stone.
3. Best for Making Pizza and Bread: Unicook Heavy Duty Cordierite Baking Stone
Another cordierite baking stone that you can consider is this option, which is rectangular to make it easier to cook a variety of recipes. It also comes with a multifunction scraper that you can use to do things like cut your dough into sections or scrape the baking stone clean after use.
This durable baking stone features micro-pores that can absorb moisture from the dough you put on it. As a result, it can help you get the crispy results you crave. Plus, it is heat resistant to 1450°F, and it can be used on the grill or in the oven so you can use it for breads, desserts, pizza, and other recipes you want to try. But you should preheat this baking stone for 30 minutes.
Pros:
- This baking stone can withstand extremely high temperatures, and it can absorb moisture from dough for crispy results.
- You also get a plastic scraper that you can use to cut dough into sections and clean the stone after every use.
- You can try removing stains from this baking stone by washing it with baking soda.
Cons:
- You should not season this pizza stone or clean it with soap, and it is not dishwasher safe.
- You need to be careful to avoid breaking this baking stone.
- This baking stone weighs around 6.6 pounds, so it might be too heavy if you would prefer a lighter product.
4. Best Nonstick: Heritage Baking Stone
This round baking stone can be used like any other baking stone, but what makes it different from other options is the fact that it has a nonstick surface. It can also pre-heat more quickly than other baking stones, so you can use it to prepare your food more quickly and with less mess.
This product has a nonstick glaze, so the dough you use shouldn’t stick to it, and the surface is scratch resistant. When you are done using it, you can also easily clean it with a soapy sponge and water. Built to be durable, this baking stone can be used on your grill or in your oven.
Pros:
- This glazed baking stone is durable, nonstick, and easy to clean.
- This item comes with a pizza cutter.
- You can choose from round and square options.
Cons:
- Some customer reviews state that their ingredients stuck to the baking stone even though it has a nonstick coating, so it might still be necessary to use cornmeal like you would with other baking stones.
5. Best Versatile: Cast Elegance Thermarite Durable Pizza and Baking Stone
This Thermarite baking stone is round, making it a good choice if you want to use it to make pizza more often. It is thick and durable, you can use it on your grill and in your oven, and it comes with a handy scraper that you can use when preparing your dough and cleaning off your stone after use.
Some people have found that certain baking stones will emit an odor, but this product claims to be odor free. It can effectively absorb moisture from dough, withstand extreme temperatures without cracking, and give you similar results to those you would get from a brick oven.
Pros:
- This baking stone is 5/8” thick to help you get the best and crispiest results when making pizza.
- You also get a scraper that you can use to clean this baking stone.
- You can use this baking stone in the oven and on a gas or charcoal grill.
Cons:
- You might need to use parchment paper if you’re preparing pizza or bread with homemade dough.
6. Best Rectangular: Honey-Can-Do Old Stone Oven Rectangular Pizza Stone
If you would prefer a rectangular baking stone, another good option to consider is this one from Honey-Can-Do. It measures roughly 16” x 14”, so it is a good size for preparing a variety of recipes. And, on the bottom, it has raised edges that help make it easier to pick it up.
With this handy baking stone, you can enjoy restaurant quality food right at home, especially when you want to dig into some crispy pizza. It can absorb and distribute heat evenly, and it can cook up fresh ingredients or frozen pizza. Plus, you can use it on your grill or in your oven.
Pros:
- This baking stone is available in rectangular and round shapes, so you can choose one or get both.
- This baking stone is durable and made of cordierite clay.
Cons:
- Care needs to be taken to avoid breaking this baking stone.
7. Best with Handles: Louisiana Grills 60137 Pizza Stone
What’s nice about this particular baking stone is the fact that it has handles that can make it a lot easier to place it in your oven or on your grill and remove it from heat when you are done cooking your food.
You can use this baking stone to cook up a variety of meals, as it is big enough to accommodate plenty of ingredients, including a large pizza. And, when cooking pizza, it can help ensure your crust will come out crispy and tasty.
Pros:
- This baking stone has two handles to make moving it around and picking it up easier.
- This is a 15” round baking stone with a good amount of thickness, so you can use it to prepare pizza as well as various breads.
Cons:
- For some people, the handles on this baking stone might get in the way.
8. Best with Accessories: OUII Baking Stone for Oven & Grill
When you want to buy a baking stone that comes with accessories that can help make your life easier, this option might be just what you are looking for. You get a 14” round baking stone that is 5/8” thick, along with a scraper to easily divide your dough and a brush to clean your stone.
This baking stone is durable and thermal shock resistant, and it can distribute heat evenly to help you get the crispy results you want. To clean it after use, you can use the brush that is included, and you can also brush it with baking soda if you want to remove odors and stains.
Pros:
- This cordierite baking stone can give you results that are similar to those that you would get from a brick oven.
- This product comes with an instruction manual to show you how to use it correctly.
- This baking stone comes with a brush made of sisal fibers and a scraper.
Cons:
- You should not use any soap on this baking stone.
Things to look out for:
When shopping for a baking stone, you’ll come across a lot of options. This can make selecting one a bit challenging, especially if you aren’t sure about what you should be looking for in this type of kitchen product. To help you sort through it all more easily, we recommend you keep an eye out for the following features:
First, consider the material that you want your baking stone to be made of. One affordable option is ceramic, which is popular because it can heat evenly and absorb moisture, which helps you get that desirable crispy crust when baking bread or making pizza. Though it needs to be handled with care to avoid breaking it, this can also be a lightweight option. Or, you can go with cordierite, which tends to be more expensive but also more durable and designed to be exposed to very high temperatures. Also, cast iron is popular because it can handle super high temperatures, you can use it on a grill or stove, and it is durable so it can last a long time without getting damaged. Or, you can go with steel, which is another durable option that can work well if you want a product that will heat up quickly and deliver good results.
Another feature to consider is whether a baking stone has handles. If you want the stone to be easier to lift, carry, and place into and take out of your oven, getting one with handles may be the right choice.
Also, consider the size, weight, and shape of your baking stone. Do you want a lightweight option or are you comfortable with something that’s heavier? Do you want a thinner stone or a thicker one (keep in mind that a thinner one might be more prone to damage)? Do you want a rectangular or square baking stone or would you prefer a round one that can also be great for making homemade pizza?
Yet another important thing to check before buying a baking stone is the temperatures that it can withstand, and the ways in which you can use it. For example, check if you can use the baking stone in the oven and/or on the grill, depending on how you anticipate using this product to cook up delicious and nutritious foods.
Last but not least, consider how easy it will be to keep your baking stone in great condition, and also look into how easy it will be to clean it after use. Glazed products might be designed to be easier when it comes to cleaning, but if you go beyond sticking with glazed options, you might discover that you have a lot more products that you can choose from. Also, there are many products that come with plastic scrapers to ensure you have what you need to clean your baking stone after each use.
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