With the weather warming up, our family loves to grill. Even better is when we can grill out and have pizza night! If you want to achieve that authentic pizzeria taste you’ll need a high quality pizza stone. Let’s explore various options to help you find the best pizza stone for your grill.
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The Best Pizza Stone For Your Grill This Summer
Summer is synonymous with grilling. What could be more delightful than combining the love for outdoor cooking with the art of making the perfect pie? Yes, we’re talking about grilling delicious pizzas with crispy crusts right in your own backyard.
My husband, Sam, loves to grill and the kids and I get to reap the benefits of it. One of our favorite ways to spend summer Fridays is outside together with grilled pizza in hand.
When Sam got this outdoor pizza oven, we searched for the best stone to go with it. Now, I’m happy to share with you the pros and cons of some of the best pizza stones on the market, considering performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value.
Considerations Before Buying The Best Pizza Stone For Your Grill
Before you pick a pizza stone for your grill, you’ll want to consider a few important factors.
Overall, your family’s personal pizza preference will help you narrow your focus on the best pizza stone for your grill.
Different stone materials help create those different pizza crusts textures. So, if a crispy crust is important to you, you’ll want to pay close attention to the pizza stone material.
You’ll also want to keep in mind the size and shape of your pizza stone. Personally, our pizza oven is a smaller size, so we don’t need anything huge. We simply do multiple batches. However, if you have a large grill or even a wood fired pizza oven, you can buy a larger pizza stone.
Another huge factor for me is how easy the pizza stone is to clean. With our family, dishes can pile up fast. So, I want to make sure this pizza stone is not only easy to clean, but will also hold up to our large family.
Pizza Stone Materials
Ultimately, the best pizza stone for your grill may come down to personal preference and the style of pizza you’re aiming to create. Whether it’s the crispy thin crust of a Margherita pizza or a more robust American pie, choosing between ceramic pizza stones, cordierite stones, or a pizza steel will affect your results.
The differences in material can affect how well your pizza stone retains heat, its durability, ease of cleaning, and price. It’s always essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper care and use to ensure the longevity of your pizza stone.
Here are some common materials used in pizza stones along with their characteristics:
Ceramic
Ceramic pizza stones are popular due to their ability to absorb and retain heat well. They help to evenly distribute heat, resulting in a crispy crust. They are usually affordable and widely available.
However, ceramic pizza stones can be prone to cracking if exposed to sudden temperature changes.
Cordierite
Cordierite pizza stones are known for their durability and resistance to thermal shock. They can withstand high temperatures without cracking, making them a popular choice among pizza enthusiasts. Cordierite stones also heat up evenly and retain heat effectively, resulting in well-cooked pizzas.
Cast Iron
Cast iron pizza stones are extremely durable and excellent at retaining heat. They can produce a crispy crust and are often used for baking bread as well.
However, cast iron pizza stones can be heavy and may require seasoning to prevent sticking and rusting.
Steel
Steel pizza stones are gaining popularity due to their ability to heat up quickly and provide a high level of thermal conductivity. They can produce a crispy crust similar to what you would get in a commercial pizza oven.
Steel pizza stones are also durable and resistant to thermal shock.
Composite Materials
Some pizza stones are made from a combination of materials like ceramic and metal. These composite materials aim to combine the best properties of each material for improved heat retention and distribution.
Ease of Use and Proper Care
Proper care and maintenance of your pizza stone are essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness in baking delicious pizzas.
As mentioned previously, the type of material will affect how easy it is to maintain and proper care.
By following these care and maintenance tips, you can ensure that your pizza stone remains in good condition and continues to help you bake delicious pizzas for years to come.
These common tips can help you maintain your pizza stone:
Seasoning
Some pizza stones, especially those made of cast iron, may require seasoning to create a non-stick surface and prevent rusting.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to season your pizza stone before using it for the first time.
Preheating
Always preheat your pizza stone along with your oven to allow it to reach the desired temperature gradually. This helps prevent thermal shock and potential cracking of the stone.
Cleaning
Avoid using soap or detergent to clean your pizza stone, as it can be absorbed into the stone and affect the taste of your food.
Instead, use a dry brush or scraper to remove any food residue. If necessary, you can use a damp cloth to wipe the stone, but avoid soaking it in water.
Staining
Over time, your pizza stone may develop stains from oils and food residues. This is normal and does not affect the performance of the stone.
If desired, you can scrape off any stubborn stains using a razor blade or a scraper.
Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes
Do not expose your pizza stone to extreme temperature changes, such as placing a hot stone in cold water or a cold stone in a hot oven.
Sudden changes in temperature can cause the stone to crack.
Storage
Store your pizza stone in a dry place to prevent moisture buildup. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of the stone, as this can lead to cracking or breakage.
Refrain From Using Oils
While some sources recommend oiling your pizza stone to prevent sticking, this can lead to the oil being absorbed into the stone and causing smoke during baking.
It’s best to use cornmeal or flour on the stone to prevent sticking.
Regular Inspection
Periodically inspect your pizza stone for any signs of damage, such as cracks or chips. If you notice any damage, discontinue use to prevent any further issues.
Which Shape Should I Choose?
Pizza stones come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different types of ovens and cooking preferences.
Whether you plan to use your newest pizza stone in your oven or on your grill, it is important to be mindful of that so your stone will fit.
When choosing a size and shape for your pizza stone, consider the size of your oven, the type of pizzas you plan to bake, and your personal preferences.
It’s essential to select a pizza stone that fits your oven and allows for adequate airflow for even baking.
The sizes and shapes of pizza stones include the following:
Round Pizza Stones
Round pizza stones are one of the most common shapes available.
They are typically available in sizes ranging from 12 inches to 16 inches in diameter, which are suitable for most home ovens. Round pizza stones are versatile and can be used to bake pizzas, bread, and other baked goods.
Rectangular Pizza Stones
Rectangular pizza stones are ideal for baking rectangular or oblong-shaped pizzas. They are also suitable for baking other items like breadsticks, focaccia, or even cookies.
Rectangular pizza stones come in various sizes to fit different oven sizes and baking needs.
Square Pizza Stones
Square pizza stones are less common but offer a unique shape for baking square or Sicilian-style pizzas. They can also be used for other baking purposes, similar to rectangular stones.
Square pizza stones are available in different sizes to accommodate various oven sizes.
Personal-Size Pizza Stones
Personal-size pizza stones are smaller in diameter, typically around 8 to 10 inches. These are perfect for baking individual-sized pizzas or for households with limited oven space.
Personal-size pizza stones are convenient for quick and easy pizza baking.
XL or Extra-Large Pizza Stones
XL pizza stones are larger in size, typically over 16 inches in diameter. These are suitable for baking large pizzas or multiple pizzas at once.
XL pizza stones are ideal for hosting gatherings or parties where you need to bake several pizzas simultaneously.
Special Considerations
While the material, shape, and size of your stone will elevate your homemade pizza experience, the best pizza stone for your grill will also depend on the type of grill you have.
For example, if you’re using a gas grill, you’ll want a stone that can handle the direct heat without cracking.
Cordierite pizza stones, like the Hans Grill Pizza Stone or the Unicook Large Pizza Stone, are designed for this purpose.
If you have a traditional oven or a wood-fired pizza oven, ceramic materials or a high-quality pizza steel might be a better choice.
Regardless of the material, keep these important factors in mind when caring for your new stone:
- Always preheat your stone or steel on the grill to avoid thermal shock.
- Use a wooden pizza peel to transfer your pizza onto the hot stone or steel.
- After cooking, let the stone cool completely before cleaning.
- Avoid using soap on porous material stones, as it can be absorbed and affect the flavor of your next pizza. Instead, scrape off any stuck-on bits with a bench scraper or a pizza cutter if it has a dull side, then wipe the stone with a damp cloth.
- For pizza steels, you can use a bit of mild soap since the surface is not porous, but make sure to dry it thoroughly to prevent rust.
Top Picks For The Best Pizza Stones
Check out the best pizza stones for your grill below. Whether you use it in a pizza oven, grill, or regular oven, these stones will give you restaurant quality pizza at home.
Artisan Steel- A Great Contender
Pros: Artisan Steel is a top contender when it comes to replicating a traditional pizza oven.
Made from carbon steel, it boasts superior heat transfer and higher temperatures, ensuring your pizza dough bakes quickly and evenly for that perfect pizza crust. Its thermal mass maintains high heat for a long time, making it great for back-to-back pizza nights.
Cons: The heaviest stone on our list, it may require more effort to move around. It’s also on the pricier side.
Price: $89.99
Performance and Cleaning: This pizza steel outperformed others in previous testings, offering a crispy pizza crust akin to wood-fired pizza ovens. Cleaning involves just wiping it with warm water after it cools down.
Value: Given its durability and excellent baking results, it’s a good investment for serious home cooks.
Emile Henry Pizza Stone – A Great Option For Ceramic Lovers
Pros: The Emile Henry Pizza Stone is designed for extreme heat, making it suitable for your charcoal grill or even Ooni pizza ovens. The ceramic material ensures even heat distribution without hot spots.
Cons: Ceramic stones are prone to cracking if not handled properly.
Price: $70
Performance and Cleaning: This stone delivers a consistent crispy crust. It’s easy to clean due to its glazed surface, which prevents the dough from sticking.
Value: It’s a great pizza stone for those preferring a lighter, more traditionally shaped option.
Hans Grill Pizza Stone – Best On A Budget
Pros: The Hans Grill Pizza Stone is made of cordierite, a durable and heat-resistant material that can withstand extreme temperatures. It’s a good option for both your home oven and outdoor grill.
Cons: It may not retain heat as long as the baking steel, which means it could take slightly longer to get your next pizza started.
Price: $40
Performance and Cleaning: Delivers great results with a crispy crust. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a bench scraper to remove residues and warm water for a rinse.
Value: Offers good performance for a reasonable price, making it accessible for most home cooks.
NerdChef Steel Stone – For Pizza Steel Enthusiasts
Pros: Similar to the Artisan Steel, the NerdChef Steel Stone brings high heat and heavy-duty performance to your grill. Its square shape provides a large baking surface.
Cons: It shares the same drawbacks as other pizza steels, being heavy and more expensive.
Price: $110
Performance and Cleaning: Known for its high temperatures and thermal mass, it’s a good choice for those who prioritize a crispy pizza crust.
Value: With proper care, this could be the only pizza stone you’ll ever need, making it a worthy investment.
Unicook Large Pizza Stone – Versatile & Large Stone For Big Gatherings
Pros: The Unicook Large Pizza Stone is a cordierite stone that handles high heat well, suitable for larger pizzas. Its large stone size is perfect for gatherings.
Cons: It’s less portable due to its size and weight.
Price: $60
Performance and Cleaning: Performs well on both gas and BBQ grills, distributing heat evenly. Cleaning is straightforward, as cordierite doesn’t absorb spills or odors.
Value: A solid choice for those who frequently entertain or have large families.
Shop My Favorite Pizza Night Essentials
To have the perfect pizza night, check out my favorite pizza night essentials below.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15
Ninja Outdoor Pizza Oven
Artisan Steel
Emile Henry Pizza Stone
Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven
Hans Grill Pizza Stone
NerdChef Steel Stone
Unicook Large Pizza Stone
Pizza Cutter Wheel
Pizza Dough Docker
Hans Grill Pizza Cutter and Round Serving Board Gift Set
Pizza Peel
Himalayan Salt Block, Pizza Stone and Cast Iron Pan Nylon Cleaning Brush
Small Batch Seasonings
Pizza Czar
Pizza Oven Outdoor for Grill
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Investing in a good pizza stone can turn your average outdoor grill into a pizza-making machine.
Remember that the best pizza stone is one that suits your grill type, pizza preference, and budget. With the right tool, some quality pizza dough, and a bit of practice, you’ll be the talk of the summer with your grill-fired, perfect pies. So, fire up that grill, grab your pizza cutter, and get ready to enjoy your best homemade pizza yet – right from the comfort of your own kitchen.
