Why Use a Pizza Stone?
Why use a pizza stone? Read on to find out.
Why use a pizza stone? And what is a pizza stone? This guide is explaining the "what" and "why" of pizza stones so that you can pick out the best one for your needs.
What Is a Pizza Stone?
What is a pizza stone? A pizza stone is a flat kitchen tool designed to regulate heat. Pizza stones are made of various different materials, but ceramic is the most widely used. Pizza stones retain heat for long periods of time and spread the heat evenly. This allows for a longer cook time at an even and low temperature, which is ideal for making pizza. They are commonly used in the oven but you can use them on outdoor grills as well.
Why Use a Pizza Stone?
Why use a pizza stone? It's the best tool for ensuring that your pizza cooks perfectly every time. Using a pizza stone will ensure that your pizza cooks evenly without drastic changes in temperature. Pizza stones recreate the flat surface of a pizza oven and spread heat evenly, making it less likely that you'll burn or undercook your pizza. Using a pizza stone can also bring the fun of making pizza outdoors, as you can use them on outdoor grills too.
Pizza Stone Materials
Ceramic: Ceramic pizza stones are an affordable option for those on a tight budget. They are also low maintenance and easy to clean. So if you're looking for a pizza stone that won't cost a lot but is reliable, ceramic is the best option.
Steel: Carbon steel is durable and heats up quickly, which will make your pizza cook hot and fast. Beware that without the proper care, steel can rust. You can prevent this by only hand-washing your pizza stone.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is very durable, as it is scratch- and dent-resistant, and dishwasher-safe. These pizza stones heat up quickly and retain heat well. Choose stainless steel for a long-lasting and easy-to-care-for option.
Aluminum: Aluminum is lightweight and heat-conductive. Heat spreads easily and evenly across aluminum pizza stones which is great for a thick crust. Keep in mind that aluminum is susceptible to acidic, alkaline, and sulfuric foods like fruits, eggs, and leafy green vegetables. You must wash aluminum pizza stones by hand.
Cast Iron: Cast iron is very durable and able to retain heat well. This is a benefit for cooking pizza slowly with low heat. Cooking this way makes meats on pizza like chicken, beef, and pork juicy and tender. Like with aluminum stones, you need to wash your cast iron pizza stone by hand.
Dishwasher-Safe: These pizza stones are tough enough to withstand being washed in the dishwasher. If you like to let your dishwasher do the scrubbing, opt for one of these pizza stones.
Grill-Safe: You can use grill-safe pizza stones on your outdoor grill, as well as in your oven. If you're looking for ideas on what to serve at your next cookout, but are craving something besides hamburgers and hotdogs, opt for a versatile grill-safe pizza stone.
Nonstick: Nonstick pizza stones have a coating that makes it almost impossible for food to stick to them. And because they have such a slippery surface, you can easily clean nonstick pizza stones with a wipe – any bits of crust or cheese remaining on the stone will come right off.
Now that this guide has answered "What is a pizza stone?" and "Why use a pizza stone?" you're one step closer to choosing the pizza stone for you and making delicious pizzas at home.
