best pizza stones for grill and oven

As grilling season heats up, having a dependable pizza stone for your grill or oven becomes especially crucial. I’ve tested them all—not just the cheap basics but serious options that create restaurant-quality crusts. The one that truly stood out is the Unicook Cordierite Pizza Stone 15×12″ for Oven & Grill.

This stone heats evenly up to 1,450°F, which means no hot spots or soggy centers. Its porous surface absorbs excess moisture, giving you that perfect crispy crust every time. I found the reversible smooth side handy for baking bread or cookies, making it versatile. While some stones stain from regular use, this doesn’t affect performance, and cleaning is straightforward. Compared to thinner steels or perforated peels, this stone offers more consistent results and durability for both indoor and outdoor use. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend it for its combination of heat resistance, even baking, and ease of use—perfect for elevating your pizza game.

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

Why We Recommend It: It heats up to 1,450°F ensuring even cooking without hotspots. Its porous surface absorbs moisture for crispy crusts, and the reversible design adds versatility. Plus, it’s made from high-quality Cordierite, making it durable and resistant to thermal shock, outperforming thinner steels or perforated peels in consistency and longevity.

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

• HANS Grill Pizza Stone 15×12″ with Wooden Peel – Best for Gas Grills
• Unicook Cordierite Pizza Stone 15×12″ for Oven & Grill – Best Versatile Pizza Stone
• Hans Grill XL Pizza Stone with Aluminum Peel 15×12 – Best for Large Pizzas
• Hans Grill Pizza Stone 15″ with Wooden Peel – Best for Home Ovens
• ThermiChef 16″ Pizza Steel, 3/8″ Thickness, Made in USA – Best Premium Pizza Surface

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Pizza Stone?

When choosing a pizza stone, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure the best performance in both grill and oven settings.

• Material: The material of the pizza stone significantly impacts heat retention and distribution. Common materials include ceramic, cordierite, and steel; ceramic is great for even heating, while cordierite is known for its durability and ability to withstand high temperatures.
• Thickness: The thickness of the pizza stone affects its heat retention capacity. Thicker stones can hold more heat, resulting in a better crust, but they also take longer to preheat, whereas thinner stones heat up quickly but may not provide the same level of heat retention.
• Size: It’s important to choose a pizza stone that fits well in your oven or grill. A stone that is too large may not fit properly, while one that is too small will limit your cooking surface, affecting the size of the pizzas you can make.
• Heat Resistance: The maximum temperature a pizza stone can withstand is crucial, especially for grilling. Look for stones that can handle high heat (around 500°F or more) to achieve that perfect crispy crust without the risk of cracking.
• Ease of Cleaning: Some pizza stones can be challenging to clean, especially after cooking pizza with toppings. Opt for stones with a non-stick surface or those that can be easily scrubbed, as this will save time and effort in maintenance.
• Portability: If you plan to use the pizza stone for both your grill and oven, consider its weight and ease of handling. Lighter stones are easier to transport, especially if you enjoy outdoor cooking or need to store the stone when not in use.

What Materials Make the Best Pizza Stone for Grill and Oven?

The best pizza stones for grill and oven are made from a variety of materials, each offering unique advantages for achieving the perfect crust.

• Clay: Clay pizza stones are known for their ability to retain heat well and provide even cooking. They absorb moisture from the dough, leading to a crispier crust, making them ideal for traditional pizza baking.
• Cordierite: Cordierite stones are highly durable and can withstand high temperatures without cracking. This material is excellent for both grills and ovens, as it distributes heat evenly and offers good thermal shock resistance.
• Steel: Pizza steels are made from thick steel and are praised for their ability to conduct heat quickly and evenly. They can produce a perfectly charred crust in a shorter time, making them a favorite among professional pizza makers.
• Cast Iron: Cast iron pizza stones provide excellent heat retention and can create a crispy base while also allowing for stovetop use. They are versatile and can be used in the oven or directly on the grill, making them suitable for various cooking methods.
• Composite Materials: Some pizza stones are made from a combination of different materials, like ceramic and cordierite, which aim to harness the best properties of each. These stones often offer good heat retention and durability while being lighter and easier to handle than traditional options.

How Does Size Impact the Effectiveness of a Pizza Stone?

The size of a pizza stone can significantly influence its effectiveness in cooking pizza, particularly in a grill or oven setting.

• Diameter: The diameter of the pizza stone affects the size of the pizzas you can cook at one time. A larger diameter stone allows for bigger pizzas or multiple smaller ones, which is ideal for feeding a crowd.
• Thickness: The thickness of the stone contributes to its heat retention and distribution. Thicker stones can hold heat more effectively, leading to a better crust, while thinner stones heat up faster but may not provide the same level of heat retention.
• Weight: Heavier stones tend to absorb and retain heat better than lighter stones. This can result in a more evenly cooked pizza, as the weight helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout the cooking process.
• Shape: The shape of the stone, whether round or rectangular, can impact how well it fits in your grill or oven. A rectangular stone might be more versatile, allowing for different placements and the option to cook multiple pizzas at once, while round stones fit traditional pizza shapes perfectly.
• Surface Area: The overall surface area of the stone can influence how many pizzas can be cooked simultaneously and how evenly they cook. A larger surface area allows for better heat distribution, which can enhance the cooking quality and texture of the crust.

What are the Top Pizza Stones Recommended for Grilling and Baking?

The best pizza stones for grilling and baking enhance cooking performance by ensuring even heat distribution and a crispy crust.

• Emile Henry Pizza Stone: This stone is crafted from natural clay, making it excellent for both grill and oven use. It can withstand high temperatures and retains heat exceptionally well, resulting in a perfectly baked crust while being dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
• Cast Elegance Pizza Stone: Made from cordierite, this stone is designed to withstand extreme temperatures and provide even heat distribution. Its thick construction prevents cracking and warping, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cooking environments.
• Pizzacraft Pizza Stone: This versatile stone is made from ceramic and can be used in both a grill and an oven. Its lightweight design allows for easy handling, and it absorbs moisture, which helps achieve a crisp crust while cooking pizzas quickly.
• Old Stone Oven Pizza Stone: This stone is known for its durability and ability to retain heat. It is made from a high-fired ceramic material that absorbs moisture, resulting in a crust that is crispy and evenly cooked, making it a favorite among pizza enthusiasts.
• Pizzaque Pizza Stone: This stone is specifically designed for grilling, featuring a unique heat retention technology that enhances the cooking process. It is lightweight and easy to transport, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings and tailgating.

Which Pizza Stone Offers the Best Heat Retention?

The best pizza stones for grill and oven vary in material and design, impacting their heat retention capabilities.

• Thermal Shock Resistant Cordierite Stone: This type of stone is known for its excellent heat retention and ability to withstand extreme temperatures without cracking. It distributes heat evenly, which helps achieve a crispy crust while preventing hot spots that can burn the pizza.
• Cast Iron Pizza Stone: Cast iron retains heat remarkably well, making it an excellent choice for both grilling and baking. It provides a high level of heat retention and can create a perfectly crispy base, but it requires careful handling and maintenance to prevent rusting.
• Heavy Duty Ceramic Stone: Ceramic stones are ideal for their ability to absorb moisture while retaining heat, which enhances the cooking process. They are usually thicker, leading to better heat retention, but they can be more fragile than other materials, requiring careful handling.
• Steel Baking Plate: Steel is increasingly popular for pizza lovers due to its superior heat retention and quick preheating capabilities. It can reach higher temperatures than stone, promoting a quicker cooking time for a perfectly charred crust, but it may require a bit more skill to use effectively.
• Refractory Clay Pizza Stone: Made from natural clay, these stones offer excellent heat retention and are particularly effective for high-temperature cooking. They can take longer to preheat compared to other options, but once heated, they maintain temperature well, resulting in a deliciously cooked pizza.

What are the Pros and Cons of Pizza Steels vs. Pizza Stones?

Item	Pros	Cons
Pizza Steel	Heats quickly, retains heat effectively, produces crispy crusts, excellent heat distribution.	Heavier, more expensive, requires careful maintenance, less portable.
Pizza Stone	Lightweight, affordable, easy to store, good heat distribution.	Heats slowly, can crack under thermal shock, may require seasoning, less durable than steel.
Typical Usage	Great for high-temperature grilling and baking, ideal for Neapolitan pizzas.	Best for home ovens, suitable for various types of pizzas but may require longer cooking times.
Durability	Highly durable, can last for years with proper care.	Can chip or crack over time, generally less durable than steel.

How Should You Care for and Maintain a Pizza Stone?

Proper care and maintenance of a pizza stone are essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.

• Preheating: Always preheat the pizza stone in the oven or grill to avoid thermal shock and cracking.
• Cleaning: Use a dry scraper or brush to remove food debris, and avoid using soap or detergent that can absorb into the stone.
• Storage: Store your pizza stone in a cool, dry place, and avoid placing heavy items on top of it to prevent cracks.
• Avoiding moisture: Keep the stone dry to prevent it from absorbing moisture, which can lead to cracking during high heat cooking.
• Regular inspection: Check for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or chips, that can affect cooking performance.

Preheating the pizza stone is crucial because it helps achieve the right cooking temperature, allowing for a crispy crust while preventing the stone from cracking due to sudden temperature changes. Ideally, you should place the stone in a cold oven and then preheat everything together.

Cleaning your pizza stone is vital for maintaining its performance. After each use, let it cool completely and then scrape off any leftover food particles with a dry scraper or brush. It’s important to avoid using any soaps or detergents, as these can seep into the stone and alter the flavor of your pizzas.

For storage, it’s best to keep your pizza stone in a stable environment where it won’t be subjected to heavy weight or pressure, which can cause it to crack. Storing it upright or in a dedicated space can help prolong its lifespan.

Moisture is the enemy of a pizza stone, as it can weaken the stone and lead to cracking when exposed to high temperatures. Always ensure that your stone is completely dry before using it to avoid any issues.

Regularly inspecting your pizza stone for cracks or chips is important for maintaining its cooking efficiency. Any damage can lead to uneven heat distribution or even breakage during cooking, so addressing these issues promptly can save you from future problems.

What are the Best Cleaning Practices for Pizza Stones?

The best cleaning practices for pizza stones ensure longevity and maintain their performance in both grills and ovens.

• Let It Cool: Always allow the pizza stone to cool completely before cleaning to prevent thermal shock, which can crack the stone.
• Scrape Off Residue: Use a metal spatula or scraper to gently remove any food residue or burnt bits from the surface without damaging the stone.
• Use a Damp Cloth: Wipe the stone with a damp cloth to remove any remaining crumbs, but avoid soaking it in water as it can absorb moisture and affect cooking.
• Avoid Soap and Detergents: Never use soap or detergents on a pizza stone as they can be absorbed by the porous material, affecting the flavor of future pizzas.
• Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, ensure the stone is dried completely before storing it to prevent mold or odors from developing.
• Season When Necessary: Occasionally, lightly oiling the stone can help maintain its non-stick surface, but this should be done sparingly to avoid smoke during cooking.

Allowing the pizza stone to cool completely prevents cracks due to rapid temperature changes, which can occur if it’s cleaned while still hot. Scraping off residue with a metal tool helps in removing stuck-on food without damaging the stone’s surface, ensuring it remains effective for cooking.

Using a damp cloth can remove crumbs and dirt, but it’s crucial to avoid soaking the stone, as its porous nature can lead to moisture retention that compromises cooking performance. Soap and detergents should be strictly avoided, as they can seep into the stone and impart unwanted flavors to your food.

After cleaning, drying the stone thoroughly is essential to prevent any mold growth, which can occur in damp conditions. Finally, seasoning the stone occasionally with a small amount of oil can help maintain its non-stick properties, but moderation is key to avoid excessive smoke when the stone is heated during cooking.

How Do You Use a Pizza Stone in a Grill and Oven Effectively?

Using a pizza stone in both a grill and an oven requires specific steps for optimal results.

• Preheating the Stone: Before cooking, it’s essential to preheat the pizza stone for at least 30 minutes in the oven or grill. This allows the stone to absorb heat evenly, resulting in a crispy crust.
• Pizza Placement: When placing the pizza on the stone, use a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking. Slide the pizza onto the stone quickly and smoothly to maintain the high temperature of the stone.
• Temperature Management: The ideal temperature for cooking pizza is typically between 450°F to 500°F. In a grill, ensure that the heat source is on one side to create a direct and indirect heat setup, allowing for even cooking without burning the bottom.
• Monitoring Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the pizza while it cooks, as cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the crust and toppings. A standard pizza usually takes about 8-12 minutes to cook thoroughly.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: After use, allow the stone to cool down completely before cleaning. Avoid using soap; instead, scrape off any stuck food with a spatula and wipe with a damp cloth to maintain the stone’s integrity.

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