There are frequent situations that occur in most households and pizza is an answer to them. If the kids have taken up a lot of your time and cooking hasn’t been possible, pizza will come to your rescue. A slice of leftover pizza saves the day when you’re running late for work and serves as breakfast. Pizza is also your go-to option when you’re having a cheat day, and you need something to satisfy your cheese cravings as well as your hunger.
In spite of this, pizza cannot always be ordered from the store, no matter how delicious or inviting. If you are considering baking pizza at home, then this article is for you. Hundreds of tutorials on the internet have simplified the process of baking pizza at home. It is also extremely important to use a pizza stone when baking pizza at home.
Why Is a Pizza Stone Necessary?
The crust is the most important part of the pizza, or you can say that it is the star of the show. It can make or break the eating experience. As you can customize your pizza according to your tastes, homemade pizza is the healthiest option. It’s all about getting the perfect crunch on the crust with the right amount of moisture.
You’ll need a pizza stone for this. Homemade pizza has a unique taste and a crunch that is unmatched by your favorite chain restaurant. Pizza baked on a metal pan at home does not absorb moisture from the dough, resulting in a sloppy and soft crust. Pizza stones are porous. The dough becomes crunchy and crispy after absorbing the moisture.
About Pizza Stone
In addition to baking other heavenly items such as calzones and breads, pizza stone is made of slabs of natural stone, either clay, tile, or marble. It measures about half an inch thick and comes in different sizes and shapes. The store and online have round, square, and rectangular ones.
When heated up, a pizza stone begins to absorb moisture. The stone’s main function is to retain heat for a longer period than a metal pan so that the heat is distributed evenly throughout the dough. It is the role of the pizza stone that transforms the dough into an ideal crispy crust.
Pizza Stone Buying Guide
Glazed or Unglazed Pizza Stones
You have probably come across two options when searching for a pizza stone: glazed and unglazed. Are you perplexed? Please don’t be! The difference between glazed and unglazed pizza stones is not very significant. Typically, pizza stones are made of tile, firebrick, clay, or marble. The label “unglazed” implies that the stones must be sealed with non-stick oil. They get a lot of dough residue stuck onto them if not baked properly, making them difficult to clean and maintain.
If a pizza stone is marketed as “glazed,” it implies that it is micro-glazed with non-stick oil or chemical. It is easier to clean this type of pizza stone. Even though purchasing either of the two is purely a matter of personal preference, a glazed pizza stone is more expensive than an unglazed one.
What to Consider Before Buying A Pizza Stone
Material
A pizza stone’s material is an important consideration. You can’t bake without it, it’s the key to perfection. Porous pizza stones work wonders for your baked goods. Material of this type is highly heat-absorbent and will pull most of the moisture from the dough. True artisan pizza has a crispy crust, which you can achieve by buying the right type of pizza stone.
Cast iron pizza stones are said to be the best. The clay ones are also considered the best by the people. Heat is evenly distributed throughout the dough by these materials. There is one less thing to worry about if you were unsure about the material of the pizza stone!
The Shape of the Pizza Stone
It is highly recommended that you select your stone according to the size of your oven among the various shapes they come in. In order to take the pan out of the oven, you have to get the shape that fits perfectly inside your oven without making it impossible to handle.
Circular pizza stones are also considered authentic and are standard. You can, however, bake a circle pizza on a rectangular pizza stone, so it depends on your preference and oven size.
Size
A pizza stone’s size is also a very critical factor to consider when buying one. They range in size from 10 to 16 inches in diameter or length. Pizza stones that cover most of your oven are best. It is best if the stone touches the walls so that it heats up quickly and spreads evenly. However, you must consider your safety and get one that is big enough to cover most of the flame, but not so large that it becomes impossible to remove from the oven.
Handles
Lastly, always look for the pizza stones that come with handles. These are easier to grip and manage while dealing with the hot pizza. We also have compiled a guide that will help you choose the best pizza stone for oven.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Pizza Stone
Here are some tips for making the most of your pizza stone. Investing money is not easy, and knowing how to make every penny spent worthwhile is not a bad thing. These steps will help your pizza stone last longer and serve you better:
Preheating is the Key
Do you enjoy the crunch and crispness of the crust? You are not alone. Pizza crusts must be baked perfectly. Make sure you preheat your stone so that your crust will be crisp. Preheating takes up to 30 minutes – don’t skip this step if you want a crispy crust.
Place your pizza stone in the oven and keep it there while you prepare the dough. Regardless of how quickly the oven reaches the set temperature, it is important to leave the pizza stone for preheating for at least 30 minutes.
Never Preheat the Oven for the Pizza Stone
When preheating the pizza stone, make sure the oven is cold. When you preheat the oven before placing the pizza stone, the stone will break due to a stark difference in temperature. After you have placed the pizza stone in the oven, you should turn on the heat.
Oiling the Stone
You must learn how to season your unglazed pizza stone if you have one. You can extend the life of your pizza stone by seasoning it. Additionally, it prevents the dough from sticking to it and burning. For glazing or seasoning any type of pizza stone, olive oil is the best choice. Rub the oil in circular motions on the surface until all the oil has been absorbed. Oil should never be left on the surface, as it will cause the stone to smoke up when heated.
Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
