Best Pizza Stone 2024: Top Picks for Perfect Homemade Pizzas

 

Making pizza at home can be a real treat, especially when you have the right tools to get that perfect crispy crust we all love. Pizzerias use blazing hot ovens to bake pizzas quickly and evenly. To replicate that crispy crust at home, a pizza stone is the key. These stones absorb heat from your oven and transfer it directly to the dough, mimicking the cooking environment of those commercial pizza ovens.

A baking stone is not only for pizza enthusiasts but for anyone who loves a good homemade pie with a professional touch. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some made of cordierite, others from ceramic or even steel. The right stone will make a huge difference in the quality of your pizza, giving it a crispier crust than a typical baking sheet can provide.

When shopping for a pizza stone, pay attention to the material it is made from, as this affects how well the heat is transferred and retained. The size and shape of the stone are also important to consider so that it fits well in your oven and can accommodate the size of pizza you like to make. It’s also worth considering how easy it is to handle the stone, as well as how to take care of it since some materials are more durable than others. Through carefully testing and considering a range of pizza stones, we've narrowed down the options to help pizza lovers like us find the perfect stone for their next homemade slice.

Pizzello Top Picks for Pizza Stones

We've gathered a fantastic selection of pizza stones that'll help you make delicious, crispy pizza right at home. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, you'll find a stone that fits your oven and your budget. Check out our favorites below!

Pizzello Pizza Stone

 

 

Pros

• Superior heat retention for evenly baked pizzas
• Made from high-quality, natural materials
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Affordable price point
• Excellent quality for the price

Pizzello has truly elevated our home pizza-making experience with Pizzello Pizza Stone. From the very first use, the exceptional heat retention of this stone ensured that our pizzas cooked evenly, resulting in a perfectly crispy crust and beautifully melted toppings every time. It delivers that authentic pizzeria-quality slice right from our own oven.

One of the standout features of the Pizzello Pizza Stone is its construction from high-quality, natural materials. This not only guarantees durability but also enhances the flavor of the pizzas by providing consistent and even heat distribution. Additionally, the stone offers excellent quality without a hefty price tag, making it an outstanding value for both novice and seasoned pizza enthusiasts. Cleaning is a breeze, too; after use, a simple wipe-down is all that's needed to keep it in pristine condition, saving us valuable time in the kitchen.

Moreover, the affordability of the Pizzello Pizza Stone makes it accessible to a wide range of users without compromising on performance. For those looking to achieve restaurant-quality results at home without spending a fortune, this pizza stone is an excellent choice that balances cost and quality superbly.

If you're serious about your pizza and seeking great value, the Pizzello Pizza Stone is well worth adding to your cooking tools.

Hans Grill Pizza Stone

 

 

Pros

• Withstands extreme heat up to 1112°F
• Can be used in the oven or on a grill
• Makes a notably even and crispy pizza crust

Cons

• Needs careful handling as it's heavy
• Must be heated well in advance
• Requires hand washing, which may not be convenient for everyone

This is pretty stellar when it comes to handling high temperatures, and we noticed that it made our pizza crusts crispy and evenly cooked. There’s something fulfilling about hearing that perfect crunch when you slice into a pizza.

But practice caution since it's a hefty piece of equipment! We had to use both hands when moving it. Plus, getting the temperature just right takes some planning because it's important to heat it before popping your pizza on. Clean-up can take time, too, as the stone needs to be hand-washed, but the end results are worth the extra effort.

Old Stone 16" Pizza Stone

 

 

Pros

• Heats evenly for aperfect crust
• Durable and resistant to cracking
• Useful for baking a variety of foods

Cons

• Requires a large peel for handling
• Can't be cleaned with soap or submerged in water
• Slightly challenging to maintain

Old Stone's heat distribution is spot on, giving us that pizzeria-quality crust we crave.

However, cleaning requires a little elbow grease since soap is a no-go. Plus, remember to check your oven size; this stone is on the larger side.

Gyreuni Pizza Stone Set

 

 

Pros

• Comes with a versatile selection of accessories for a complete pizza making experience
• High thermal resistance makes for an evenly baked, crispy crust every time
• Easy to handle and serve with the included oak peel and serving rack

Cons

• The stone needs careful handling to prevent cracking
• Can't be cleaned with soap, which might be inconvenient for some
• The pizza stone needs to be seasoned to avoid smells during the first use

The 13-inch stone is just right for our family-sized creations, and it heats up beautifully, giving that authentic crispy base we all love.

The oak pizza peel not only feels sturdy but also adds an elegant touch when we're sliding pizzas in and out of the oven.

Remember, this stone prefers gentle care. Keep it away from soapy water, and always let it cool down before cleaning.

Unicook Pizza Stone

 

 

Pros

• Heats evenly for a perfect crust
• Withstands high temperatures without a smell
• Comes with a handy multi-purpose scraper

Cons

• Stains with use, though it does not affect performance
• Requires careful handling as it can crack under extreme conditions
• Can't be cleaned with soap or detergent, making maintenance a bit tricky

Our friend hosted a pizza party last week and used this stone in the backyard grill. The pizzas were a hit, and the heat retention of the stone was the talk of the party. We've also used it for fresh and frozen pizzas, and it handled both with ease.

Cleaning the stone after use requires only a bit of patience and elbow grease. We let it cool down, scraped off the excess food with the included tool, and rinsed it with warm water. Just remember—the stone will get some discoloration over time.

Ritual Life Pizza Stone Set

 

 

Pros

• Withstands very high heat without cracking
• Provides even cooking for perfect crusts

Cons

• Stone can be tough to clean and might stain
• Peel and packaging may have a musty smell
• Some units arrived with chips or damage

Creating delicious, pizzeria-quality pizza at home has been a game-changer with this Ritual Life Pizza Stone Set. The moment you unpack the stone and matching tools, you can sense the quality. Preheating the stone in our oven was straightforward, and when we slid our first homemade pizza dough onto it, the stone evenly distributed the heat for that ideal crispy crust.

Eager to test its limits, we tried the stone on our grill, and it didn't disappoint. It held up to the intense heat. And it's not just for pizza; we baked bread with that pleasing, artisanal crunch.

The cleaning process was a bit tricky; after a few uses, the stone developed some dark spots. With some elbow grease, we got it looking okay. Also, when the set first arrived, the peel and packaging had a strange odor. It took a good wash and airing out to make it go away. There was a little hiccup—our stone had a couple of small chips. But they didn't affect the cooking performance and have held up over time.

Heritage Ceramic Pizza Stone

 

 

Pros

• Heats up quickly for faster cooking
• Easy to clean non-stick surface
• Versatile for baking bread and making calzones

Cons

• Can crack if heated incorrectly
• Possibly heavy to handle
• The black surface may show stains over time

The ceramic gets hot fast, so we're not waiting around forever to enjoy our homemade pizza.

We’ve noticed a world of difference in the crispiness of the crust. Whether it's pizza or freshly baked bread, the bottom cooks evenly, saying goodbye to any doughy disappointments. And when it comes to cleaning up, it's a breeze. Just a sweep with a soapy sponge, and it's ready for the next baking.

However, remember, heat it upright, or it could crack.

Nordic Tan Pizza Set

 

 

Pros

• Mimics the results of a brick oven
• Convenient for various baked goods
• Comes with handy serving rack and cutter

Cons

• Heavier than expected
• Can stain with use
• Pizza cutter isn't the best quality

Nordic Ware has impressed us again with their International Specialties line, particularly with this pizza stone set. The very first time we slid a pizza onto this stone, the even heating and moisture-absorbing properties delivered a crust that was the perfect blend of crispy outside and tender inside. It's just like getting a slice from your favorite pizzeria, but from the comfort of our kitchen.

One of the most delightful bits about this stone is its versatility. We've tried more than just pizzas; calzones, toasty flatbreads, and even a batch of chocolate chip cookies came out beautifully. The convenience of the included serving rack makes it easy for us to bring the party straight from the oven to the table.

Yes, it does have a couple of downsides. The stone is on the hefty side—moving it in and out of the oven requires a good grip and a bit of muscle. We've also noticed that it's prone to staining, which, while purely cosmetic, means it won't stay tan for long. Lastly, while the included pizza cutter is a thoughtful touch, it doesn't really match the stone's quality. You might end up like us, sticking with an old favorite cutter instead.

KitchenStar Pizza Making Kit

 

 

Pros

• Heats up quickly, ensuring a crispy crust without a soggy middle
• The peel is sturdy and simplifies the pizza transfer process
• Cutter slices like a dream, keeping all your toppings in place

Cons

• The stone requires careful handling as it can crack if it's not gradually heated or cooled
• Washing the stone is hand wash only
• The tools take up a fair amount of space, which might not suit smaller kitchens

We recently had the opportunity to use the KitchenStar Pizza Making Kit, and the results were fantastic. The pizza stone proved able to withstand very high temperatures, which contributed to achieving that sought-after crispy crust. Its porous nature also seemed to wick away any excess moisture.

However, learning that the pizza stone could crack if not handled correctly took us by surprise. It's something to keep in mind, considering we're used to more forgiving cookware. We also found that the requirement to hand wash the stone was somewhat inconvenient, though understandable due to the material. Lastly, while the kit's comprehensive, the tools do require a decent amount of storage, so if you're tight on space, you might need to think of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are the most effective for a pizza stone?

Ceramics, cordierite, and cast iron are among the most popular materials for pizza stones. Ceramic heats up quickly and evenly. Cordierite can withstand high temperatures and thermal shock. Cast iron also offers excellent heat retention and provides a crispy crust.

What should I consider when selecting a pizza stone for my barbecue?

When choosing a pizza stone for your barbecue, ensure it can handle the grill's high temperatures. Also, it should fit nicely within your barbecue's cooking grate. A stone made of cordierite or a thicker ceramic is often a good choice for barbecues.

How do I choose the best pizza stone for use in a pizza oven?

For pizza ovens, pick a stone that fits well and is designed to handle extremely high temperatures. Consider the shape of your pizza oven when selecting your stone. Round stones are common, but some home ovens may accommodate rectangular pizza stones better.

Can you explain the differences between a pizza stone and a pizza steel?

Stones and steel are two different things. Pizza steels are made of heavy-duty steel and conduct heat faster than pizza stones, leading to a quicker cooking time and a crispier crust. Stones take longer to heat but retain that heat very well. Baking steels are more durable but can be pricier and heavier.

What are the key features to look for in a high-quality pizza stone?

A high-quality pizza stone should have great heat retention and durability to resist cracking and be the right size for your cooking appliance. A rough surface can also be beneficial for getting a crispier crust. Additionally, easy-to-handle designs with edges or handles are practical for use.