For such a widely-used kitchen tool…
Pizza stones are WILDLY misunderstood.
(Which is a shame, because they are VITAL to making great pizzas in your home oven!)
Should you oil your pizza stone?
No, you should not oil your pizza stone. The rough surface of pizza stones naturally prevents sticking, so you don’t need to add oil. Ceramic pizza stones are naturally porous. The oil will clog those pores, absorbing the taste and possibly giving a smokey experience the next time your oven heats up. The clogged pores can also limit heat transfer to your pizza, and even crack the pizza stone.
As somebody who has RUINED more than a few pizza stones (no, seriously), let’s dive into the pizza stone upkeep đ
Why Don’t Pizza Stones Need Oiling or Seasoning?
Pizza stones have a non-stick surface that doesn’t require oiling, seasoning, or any other form of pre-treatment. Oil will add a strange greasy quality to your stone and could result in smoke pouring out the next time you cook with it.
These minuscule pores help bake pizza evenly.
If you BLOCK those pores, your pizza won’t get the heat it needs. Even worse, if that oil expands while cooking, it can cause your stone to crack.
I sadly speak from experience âšī¸
Some cookware, like cast iron skillets, require seasoning. If you bought a new cast iron pan, you’d add protective layers of oil to the surface and bake it. Seasoning prevents rusting and adds a protective layer that prevents food from sticking to it.
Pizza stones don’t require these extra steps, and some pizza manufacturers will void the warranty if you add oil to the top.
How to Use a Pizza Stone
Before first use, wash your stone, but don’t use soap. Then follow these steps:
- Put the stone in the oven before preheating it.
- Once the stone is inside, preheat it for at least 30-45 minutes.
- Slide your pizza onto the stone.
- Allow the stone to cool before pulling it out of the oven. It will remain hot for quite a bit.
WARNING: Try to never let the temperature of your pizza stone change QUICKLY (heating or cool off). Always put the stone in the oven cold and gradually pre-heat, and never run cold water on a hot pizza stone.
How to Clean a Pizza Stone
After baking your pizza, you’ll want to clean your pizza stone.
Make sure to follow these rules before you begin:
- Do NOT use soap.
- Do NOT soak the pizza stone.
- Do NOT use a dishwasher.
Okay, now you know what not to do. Let’s clean that stone:
- Let the stone cool completely. Remember, it will be very hot after baking.
- Use hot water.
- Wash with water and a warm rag.
- If necessary, use kosher salt to remove bits of cheese and sauce.
The Best Pizza Stones and Steels:
Nerdchef makes my go-to pizza steel.
No products found.
Here’s why I love it:
- It creates the most beautiful crust of any pizza stone I’ve ever used.
- Pizzas cook faster with better blistering.
- The low-friction surface ensures my pizzas never get stuck.
- The stone is made from unbreakable solid steel and guaranteed for life.
- Nerdchef designs this stone with finger holes that make it easier to pick up and move.
And for ceramic pizza stones?
No products found.
They’re mostly interchangeable. If you want to avoid shelling out big bucks for a fancy pizza stone, measure your oven, and choose any pizza stone that fits.
Pizza Stone vs. Steel: What’s the Difference?
For starters, they use different materials.
- Pizza stones are ceramic.
- Baking steels are steel.
What are some other differences?
Ceramic pizza stones:
- Break more easily
- Less expensive
- Harder to clean
- Less efficient at transferring heat
Baking steels:
- Less prone to breaking
- More expensive
- Easier to clean
- More efficient at transferring heat
- Heavy!
I always chose baking steel when given a choice between steel and ceramic pizza stones. They cook pizza faster and create a perfect charred crust.
Pizza Stone F.A.Q.s
How do you keep pizza from sticking to the pizza stone?
Semolina flour will create a non-stick surface for your pizza. You can use parchment paper, but it depends on the temperature of your oven. Parchment paper can burn and flake when it gets too hot.
What oil should I use to season a pizza stone?
You shouldn’t add any oil to your pizza stone. Ceramic pizza stones do not need seasoning, and adding oil could clog the porous surface, resulting in a bad taste or even cracking your stone. Some manufacturers will void your warranty if you use it.
What do you put on a pizza stone before cooking?
You don’t need to add anything to your pizza stone before baking. If you want to ensure a non-stick surface, sprinkle it with Semolina flour, which works better than all-purpose flour or cornmeal.
Should I season my new pizza stone?
No. Pizza stones don’t need to be seasoned because their surfaces are porous and non-stick. Adding oil will add a strange greasy flavor to your pizza crust and could cause your stone to crack. Some manufacturers suggest baking your stone for an hour before using it, so read the instructions before baking your first pizza.