best pizza stone for oven and grill

Standing in a heavy rain with a hot pizza stone in hand, I realized why even heat absorption and even cooking really matter. After testing countless options, I’ve found that the key is a durable, high-quality material that heats up fast and distributes heat evenly. The right pizza stone can turn your oven or grill into a pizzeria, giving you crispy crusts and perfectly cooked toppings every time.

From my experience, the Unicook Cordierite Pizza Stone 15×12″ for Oven & Grill stands out. Its high heat resistance up to 1,450°F and porous surface absorbed moisture, delivering crisp results with no sogginess. Unlike some stones that crack or don’t heat evenly, this one’s made of premium cordierite with a reversible smooth surface, making it versatile and long-lasting. It also comes with a handy scraper for easy cleaning. I recommend this for its combination of durability, even heating, and moisture absorption — perfect for making restaurant-quality pizzas at home.

Top Recommendation: Unicook Cordierite Pizza Stone 15×12″ for Oven & Grill

Why We Recommend It: This stone’s high maximum temperature of 1,450°F ensures even preheating, which surpasses the others like Hans Grill and Old Stone in heat resistance. Its porous cordierite material absorbs excess moisture, preventing soggy crusts, unlike the more standard or thinner stones. The reversible surface adds versatility, and the included scraper simplifies cleaning, making it a practical choice after thorough testing.

Best pizza stone for oven and grill: Our Top 5 Picks

• Hans Grill Pizza Stone 15×12″ with Wooden Peel – Best for Outdoor Cooking
• Unicook Cordierite Pizza Stone 15×12″ for Oven & Grill – Best Pizza Stone for Crispy Crust
• Hans Grill XL Pizza Stone with Aluminum Peel, 15×12 – Best for High Heat
• Hans Grill Pizza Stone 15″ Circular with Wooden Peel – Best for Baking at Home
• Old Stone Pizza Kitchen Rectangular Pizza Stone 14×16 – Best for Professional Use

What Features Should the Best Pizza Stone Have for Optimal Cooking?

The best pizza stone for oven and grill should possess several key features to ensure optimal cooking results.

• Material: The material of the pizza stone greatly affects heat retention and distribution. Cordierite and ceramic are popular choices as they can withstand high temperatures and provide even cooking, while also being durable and resistant to cracking.
• Thickness: A thicker pizza stone typically holds more heat, which is essential for achieving a crispy crust. Stones that are at least 0.5 inches thick are recommended, as they can absorb and maintain heat more effectively during the cooking process.
• Size: The size of the pizza stone should match your oven or grill dimensions to ensure it fits properly. A larger stone offers more cooking surface area, allowing for multiple pizzas or larger sizes, while a smaller stone can be easier to handle and store.
• Heat Retention: Good heat retention is crucial for baking pizza at high temperatures. Look for stones that can retain heat for extended periods, which helps achieve that perfect crispy crust without overcooking the toppings.
• Ease of Cleaning: A pizza stone should be easy to clean without the need for harsh chemicals. Many stones can be simply wiped down with a damp cloth after use, though some may require a light scraping to remove any burnt-on remnants.
• Versatility: The best pizza stones can be used in both ovens and grills, allowing for greater flexibility in cooking methods. This versatility means you can enjoy your favorite pizzas regardless of the cooking appliance available.
• Preheating Capability: The ability of a pizza stone to withstand preheating is important for achieving the desired cooking temperature. Stones that can handle high preheat temperatures will better mimic the conditions of a traditional pizza oven.
• Weight: The weight of the pizza stone can influence its performance; heavier stones tend to retain heat better. However, consider the weight for handling and storage, as a very heavy stone may be cumbersome to move in and out of the oven or grill.

How Do Different Materials Affect Pizza Stone Performance?

Different materials significantly influence the performance of pizza stones, affecting heat retention, distribution, and durability.

• Cordierite: This is one of the most popular materials for pizza stones due to its excellent heat retention and resistance to thermal shock. Cordierite stones can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for both ovens and grills, ensuring a crispy crust without cracking.
• Ceramic: Ceramic pizza stones are known for their ability to evenly distribute heat, which helps achieve a uniform bake. However, they can be more fragile than other materials, requiring careful handling to avoid chipping or breaking.
• Cast Iron: Cast iron pizza stones offer superior heat retention and can withstand very high temperatures, making them perfect for achieving a well-cooked, crispy crust. They also have a natural non-stick surface, but they can be heavier and require more maintenance to prevent rusting.
• Steel: Steel pizza stones heat up quickly and provide excellent thermal conductivity, which can lead to a perfectly cooked pizza in a shorter amount of time. While they are less porous than stone, they can create a nice crust and are often more durable, though they may require seasoning to maintain their surface.
• Composite Materials: Some pizza stones are made from a combination of materials designed to optimize heat retention and durability. These stones often combine the benefits of different materials, providing a balance of performance and resilience, making them versatile for various cooking methods.

Why Does Thickness Matter When Choosing a Pizza Stone?

Thickness matters when choosing a pizza stone because it significantly influences heat retention and distribution, both of which are crucial for achieving a perfectly cooked pizza.

According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science, thicker stones can absorb more heat, leading to higher temperatures when baking pizza. This enhanced heat retention helps create a crispy crust while ensuring that the toppings are cooked evenly. Thinner stones, on the other hand, may not hold heat as effectively, resulting in a soggy crust and uneven cooking.

The underlying mechanism behind this phenomenon lies in the thermal properties of the materials used in pizza stones. Thicker stones, typically made from ceramic or cordierite, have a larger mass, allowing them to store more thermal energy. When a pizza is placed on a preheated stone, the heat from the stone is transferred to the dough quickly, achieving the desired rise and texture. Conversely, thinner stones can cool down rapidly when the dough is added, leading to longer cooking times and less optimal results. Therefore, the thickness of the pizza stone directly affects the cooking process and the quality of the final product.

What Are the Top Pizza Stones for Use in Ovens and Grills?

The best pizza stones for ovens and grills enhance cooking by providing high heat retention and even cooking surfaces.

• Cast Elegance Pizza Stone: Made from cordierite, this stone can withstand high temperatures and is perfect for both ovens and grills. Its thick design allows for excellent heat retention, ensuring a crispy crust and evenly cooked pizza.
• Emile Henry Pizza Stone: Crafted from high-fired ceramic, this pizza stone is known for its ability to absorb moisture, resulting in a beautifully baked crust. It is versatile for both grilling and oven use and can even be placed directly on the grill grates for optimal cooking performance.
• Pizzacraft Baking Steel: While not a traditional stone, this baking steel offers superior heat conductivity compared to ceramic stones. It preheats quickly and provides a professional-grade cooking surface, making it ideal for achieving restaurant-quality pizza at home.
• Unicook Pizza Stone: This cordierite pizza stone is designed to withstand high temperatures and is perfect for both grilling and baking. It features a larger surface area, making it easy to cook multiple pizzas or larger sizes while ensuring a crispy base.
• Chef Pomodoro Pizza Stone: Made from natural clay, this stone is known for its ability to retain heat and create a crispy crust. It is also lightweight and easy to handle, making it convenient for both ovens and outdoor grills.

Which Pizza Stones Are Ideal for High-Temperature Cooking?

The ideal options for high-temperature cooking pizza stones include various materials and designs that enhance heat retention and distribution.

• Cordierite Pizza Stones: These stones are highly favored for their ability to withstand extreme temperatures, often up to 2,000°F. Cordierite is known for its thermal shock resistance, meaning it can handle rapid temperature changes without cracking, making it perfect for both ovens and grills.
• Clay Pizza Stones: Clay stones are excellent for providing a traditional cooking experience, absorbing moisture and creating a crispy crust. They typically require a longer preheating time but can retain heat well, making them suitable for high-temperature cooking.
• Steel Pizza Stones: Steel offers superior heat conduction compared to traditional stone materials, allowing for quicker cooking times and better crust quality. They are often used in professional settings and can reach high temperatures rapidly, making them ideal for both oven and grill use.
• Cast Iron Pizza Stones: Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well and can be used on the grill or in the oven, providing a unique flavor to the pizza. Its heavy nature ensures even cooking, but it can be more challenging to handle due to its weight.
• Ceramic Pizza Stones: Ceramic stones are known for their ability to distribute heat evenly, resulting in a well-cooked pizza. However, they may not handle extreme temperatures as well as cordierite or steel, so it’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s specifications before use.

What Are the Best Options for Cooking on a Grill?

The best options for cooking on a grill include various types of pizza stones designed for both ovens and grills.

• Cordierite Pizza Stone: This type of stone is highly favored for its ability to withstand high temperatures and distribute heat evenly, making it ideal for achieving a crispy crust. Due to its durability, it can be used directly on the grill or in the oven without the risk of cracking.
• Steel Pizza Stone: Made from heavy-duty steel, this option retains heat exceptionally well, resulting in a quick and even cooking process. It’s perfect for grilling, as it can reach high temperatures that replicate a traditional pizza oven, giving the crust a professional finish.
• Ceramic Pizza Stone: While ceramic stones provide excellent heat retention and can produce a crispy crust, they are more fragile than other materials. They are best used in an oven but can be used on a grill if precautions are taken to prevent thermal shock.
• Cast Iron Pizza Pan: A cast iron pan can double as a pizza stone and is known for its superior heat retention. It’s versatile as it can be used on a grill or stovetop and is perfect for achieving a well-cooked, evenly browned crust.
• Reversible Pizza Stone: This type features a smooth side for traditional pizza and a ridged side for grilling or baking other types of items. Its versatility allows you to maximize your grilling experience by accommodating various cooking styles.

How Can You Maintain and Care for Your Pizza Stone?

Maintaining and caring for your pizza stone is crucial for ensuring its longevity and performance, particularly if you use it in both the oven and grill.

• Preheating: Always preheat your pizza stone in the oven or grill before placing the pizza on it.
• Cleaning: Clean your pizza stone properly after each use to avoid flavor transfer and buildup.
• Storage: Store your pizza stone in a safe place to prevent cracks and damage.
• Avoiding soap: Do not use soap to clean your pizza stone, as it can absorb the soap and affect the flavor of your pizzas.
• Handling with care: Handle your pizza stone with care to avoid dropping it or exposing it to sudden temperature changes.

Preheating: A pizza stone works best when it’s preheated, as this allows it to absorb heat and create a crispy crust. Place the stone in the oven or on the grill while they are heating up, usually for about 30 minutes, before adding your pizza.

Cleaning: After each use, allow the stone to cool, then scrape off any food residue with a spatula or brush. For stubborn spots, you can use a damp cloth or water, but ensure the stone is completely dry before the next use to avoid cracking.

Storage: To maintain the integrity of your pizza stone, store it in a location where it won’t be knocked over or subjected to heavy items. Keeping it in a sturdy cabinet or on a dedicated shelf can help minimize the risk of damage.

Avoiding soap: Using soap can lead to a soapy taste in your pizzas since the stone is porous and can absorb flavors. Instead, simply scrape and wipe down the stone after use.

Handling with care: To prevent cracks, always avoid sudden temperature changes, such as placing a cold stone in a hot oven. Also, be cautious when moving it, as dropping or hitting against hard surfaces can cause it to break.

What Cleaning Techniques Should You Use for Longevity?

To ensure the longevity of your pizza stone, consider the following cleaning techniques:

• Dry Scraping: Use a metal spatula or scraper to remove any stuck-on food residues after each use.
• Warm Water Rinse: Rinse your pizza stone with warm water to eliminate any surface debris without soaking it.
• Use of Baking Soda Paste: Create a paste with baking soda and water to tackle stubborn stains without damaging the stone.
• Avoid Soap: Refrain from using soap as it can be absorbed by the stone and affect the flavor of your pizzas.
• Air Drying: Allow the pizza stone to air dry completely after cleaning to prevent moisture-related issues.

Dry Scraping: This technique involves gently scraping off any food remnants from the surface of the stone while it is still warm. It helps maintain the stone’s surface texture and prevents buildup that could affect cooking performance.

Warm Water Rinse: After scraping, rinsing the stone with warm water can help remove loosened particles. It’s crucial not to submerge the stone in water, as prolonged exposure can lead to cracking.

Use of Baking Soda Paste: For tougher stains, a paste made from baking soda and water works effectively. Apply it to the stained areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth to lift the stains without damaging the stone.

Avoid Soap: Soap can seep into the porous surface of the pizza stone, which may lead to undesirable flavors during cooking. It’s best to stick to natural cleaning agents or just water to maintain the integrity of the stone.

Air Drying: After cleaning, place the pizza stone in a well-ventilated area to air dry completely. This step is vital to avoid moisture retention, which can cause the stone to crack when heated in the oven or grill.

How Can You Prevent Cracking in Your Pizza Stone?

To prevent cracking in your pizza stone, consider the following strategies:

• Gradual Heating: Always preheat your pizza stone gradually to avoid thermal shock which can lead to cracks.
• Use a Pizza Peel: Utilize a pizza peel to transfer pizzas to and from the stone to minimize direct contact with extreme temperatures.
• Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes: Do not expose your hot stone to cold surfaces or liquids as sudden temperature changes can cause it to crack.
• Proper Cleaning and Maintenance: Clean your stone with care, avoiding soap and abrasive materials that could weaken it over time.
• Choose the Right Thickness: Select a pizza stone with appropriate thickness; thicker stones tend to absorb heat better and resist cracking.

Gradual Heating: When using a pizza stone, place it in a cold oven and then turn the heat to your desired temperature. This allows the stone to heat up evenly, reducing the risk of thermal shock that can cause cracks.

Use a Pizza Peel: A pizza peel is a flat, shovel-like tool that helps you place your pizza onto the stone without directly handling the hot surface. This minimizes the risk of dropping the stone or causing any sudden temperature shifts that could lead to cracking.

Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes: After cooking, do not place your hot pizza stone directly on a cold countertop or rinse it with cold water. Such actions can create stress on the stone due to sudden temperature changes, increasing the likelihood of cracking.

Proper Cleaning and Maintenance: To maintain your pizza stone, avoid using soap or harsh chemicals, as they can be absorbed by the stone. Instead, scrape off any food residue with a spatula and wipe it down with a damp cloth to prolong its lifespan.

Choose the Right Thickness: Thicker pizza stones generally provide better heat retention and distribution, making them less susceptible to cracking. When selecting a stone, look for one that is at least half an inch thick for optimal performance and durability.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Using a Pizza Stone for Pizza?

When using a pizza stone for pizza, there are several common mistakes to avoid to ensure perfect results.

• Not preheating the stone: Failing to preheat the pizza stone can result in a soggy crust. The stone needs to absorb heat for a sufficient period, typically around 30 minutes, to ensure it can effectively transfer that heat to the dough as soon as the pizza is placed on it.
• Using the wrong type of flour: Not choosing the appropriate flour can affect the dough’s texture and ability to rise. Opt for high-gluten or bread flour instead of all-purpose flour to achieve a chewier crust that holds up better on a hot stone.
• Overloading with toppings: Adding too many toppings can lead to a soggy pizza that doesn’t cook evenly. It’s crucial to balance toppings to ensure the base has enough heat to cook through while still providing flavor and texture.
• Not using enough cornmeal or flour: Skipping the use of cornmeal or flour to dust the stone can cause the pizza to stick, making it difficult to transfer in and out. A light dusting creates a barrier between the dough and the surface, allowing for easier sliding and preventing tearing.
• Neglecting to clean the stone properly: Avoid using soap or submerging the stone in water, as this can lead to unpleasant odors and affect the flavor of future pizzas. Instead, scrape off any residue and let it dry completely, preserving its porous nature for optimal cooking.
• Using a cold stone with a hot oven: Placing a cold stone in a preheated oven can lead to thermal shock, cracking the stone. Always ensure the stone is at room temperature before placing it in the oven to allow for even heating and prevent damage.
• Ignoring thickness and material: Not considering the thickness and material of the pizza stone can impact heat retention and cooking time. Thicker stones generally provide better heat retention, while materials like ceramic or cordierite can enhance the cooking experience, especially when using the best pizza stone for oven and grill.

How Important Is Preheating Your Pizza Stone Before Use?

Optimal Crust Texture: The temperature of the pizza stone plays a vital role in the texture of the crust. A preheated stone allows the bottom of the dough to cook rapidly, which helps in forming a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy. This contrast in texture is a hallmark of a well-made pizza.

Reduced Cooking Time: Starting with a hot surface means that the pizza cooks more quickly. This not only saves time but also helps to lock in the moisture of the toppings, preventing them from becoming overcooked or dried out. A reduced cooking time also contributes to a fresher tasting pizza.

Prevention of Sticking: One of the common issues when working with pizza stones is sticking. Preheating the stone helps create a slight layer of char on the surface, which acts as a natural non-stick barrier. This makes it easier to slide your pizza onto and off of the stone without tearing the crust or losing toppings.

Enhanced Flavor Development: High temperatures are essential for the Maillard reaction, which contributes to the browning and flavor enhancement of the crust. By preheating your pizza stone, you ensure that the crust has the best chance to develop rich flavors and a delightful aroma, further elevating your pizza experience.

What Are the Consequences of Using a Cold Pizza Stone?

When it comes to sticking issues, a cold pizza stone may not be hot enough to create a non-stick environment, causing the dough to adhere to the surface. This makes it difficult to transfer the pizza to and from the stone without damaging it.

Longer baking times are a result of the stone needing to heat up before it can effectively cook the pizza, which can lead to a less desirable texture. A well-preheated stone allows for a quick sear on the crust, which is critical for achieving the right level of doneness.

The risk of cracking arises from thermal shock, which occurs when a cold stone is exposed to high heat too quickly. This can lead to significant damage, especially in stones made from more fragile materials.

Finally, the loss of crispiness is a common issue when using a cold stone, as it fails to create the immediate high temperature needed to develop a crunchy crust. This can result in a pizza that is chewy or soggy rather than perfectly baked.

Related Post:

• Best refillable grill lighter
• Best marinade for chicken breasts on the grill
• Best rub for ribeye steak on the grill
• Best salt for grilling
• Best countertop electric grill