Making Pizza Stones from Cheap Tiles

Updated at: 13/12/2024

Pizza stones are a popular addition to any home pizza-making setup, offering a crisp crust and even cooking. However, the price tag of commercially available stones can be surprisingly high. This often deters enthusiastic home cooks from experiencing the superior results these stones provide. Fortunately, there's a simple and cost-effective alternative: making your own pizza stone from readily available, cheap tiles! This surprisingly simple DIY project allows you to achieve professional-quality pizza at a fraction of the cost.

This article will guide you through the process of transforming inexpensive floor or wall tiles into durable and functional pizza stones, perfect for your next homemade pizza night. From selecting the right tiles to the crucial curing process, we'll cover everything you need to know to create your own high-performance pizza stone. Let's get started with a step-by-step guide to making your very own pizza stone!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Oven
  • Unglazed porcelain tiles
  • Travertine tile
  • Clay tile
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use unglazed tiles. Glazed tiles contain lead and other toxins that can leach into your food when heated.
  • Ensure the tiles are heat-resistant and rated for high temperatures (at least 500°F/260°C). Check the tile's specifications before use.
  • Handle the hot tiles with extreme caution using oven mitts or tongs. They retain heat for a long time after being removed from the oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Introduction and Concept

    • Introduce the topic of pizza stones and the high cost of commercial ones.
    • Explain the idea of using inexpensive unglazed tiles as pizza stones.

  2. Tile Selection and Preparation

    • Show different types of tiles (porcelain, travertine, clay) and their costs.
    • Clean the tiles before use.
    Clean the tiles before use.
    Tile Selection and Preparation

  3. Oven Preheating

    • Preheat the oven with the tiles inside for at least one hour at 425°F (optimal temperature).

  4. Pizza Baking

    • Bake pizzas on the preheated tiles.
    Bake pizzas on the preheated tiles.
    Pizza Baking

  5. Results and Conclusion

    • Show the results of baking pizzas on different tile types.
    Show the results of baking pizzas on different tile types.
    Results and Conclusion

Read more: Pizza Stone vs. Baking Steel: The Ultimate Home Pizza Bake-Off!

Tips

  • Thinner tiles heat up faster.
  • The optimal oven temperature for baking pizzas on these tiles is 425°F.
  • Preheat the tiles for at least one hour.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong type of tile

Reason: Not all tiles are made to withstand high heat. Porcelain and glazed tiles can crack or even explode in a hot oven.
Solution: Choose unglazed quarry tiles or terracotta tiles specifically designed for high temperatures.

2. Insufficient preheating or thermal shock

Reason: Placing a cold tile into a hot oven, or vice versa, can cause the tile to crack due to rapid temperature changes.
Solution: Preheat your oven and the pizza stone slowly and evenly to avoid sudden temperature shifts.

FAQs

Are all cheap tiles suitable for making pizza stones?
No. You need unglazed, ceramic tiles. Glazed tiles will crack in the heat and release harmful chemicals. Look for quarry tiles or terracotta tiles specifically labelled as oven-safe. Avoid porcelain or any tile with a glossy finish.
How do I know if my homemade pizza stone is ready to use?
After you've cured your tile (heating it slowly in the oven), let it cool completely. It's ready to use once it's cool to the touch. A good test is to sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface – if the water beads up, it's properly cured and ready for pizza making.