This review dives into the Emile Henry black ribbed pizza stone, exploring its features and performance in achieving that coveted crispy pizza crust. Forget the image of a heavy, cumbersome baking stone; this ceramic marvel is surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle, making it a practical addition to any kitchen, regardless of your baking experience. We'll examine its design, from the convenient 14.5-inch diameter perfect for standard and homemade pizzas, to the thoughtfully included raised edge preventing those dreaded mid-transfer pizza slides.Our focus is on the stone's ability to transform even the trickiest cauliflower crust pizzas from soggy to spectacularly crisp. We'll detail how the unique ribbed design facilitates superior airflow and even heating, leading to a significant upgrade in crust texture compared to traditional baking methods. Beyond the oven, discover its versatility as a grill-compatible option, expanding its use beyond the kitchen confines. Finally, we'll weigh the cost against the performance and overall durability, determining whether this pizza stone is a worthy investment for pizza enthusiasts of all levels.
Pros And Cons
- Good size (14.5 inches in diameter)
- Lightweight
- Easy to handle
- Raised edge prevents pizza from sliding
- Oven safe
- Grill safe
- Ribbed design crisps pizza crust
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First Impressions: Lightweight and Surprisingly Easy to Handle
Unboxing the Emile Henry black ribbed pizza stone was a pleasant surprise. I expected it to be incredibly heavy, given the name 'stone,' but it's surprisingly lightweight and easy to manage. This makes it much more convenient to use than I initially anticipated. The ceramic material is a nice touch, giving it a more sophisticated feel than a typical metal baking sheet.
The 14.5-inch diameter is perfect for a standard frozen pizza or for homemade creations. The raised edge is a thoughtful design detail that prevents pizza from sliding during oven transfer – a feature I really appreciate.
Performance: Crisp Crusts, Oven and Grill Compatible
My primary reason for purchasing this stone was to improve the crispness of my cauliflower crust pizzas. Traditional baking methods often leave the crust somewhat soggy. The Emile Henry stone, with its ribbed design, promotes excellent airflow. This results in a significantly crispier crust than I could achieve with a standard baking sheet.
Beyond oven use, this pizza stone is also grill-compatible, expanding its versatility. This added functionality makes it a great option for those who enjoy outdoor cooking.
Final Verdict: A Worthwhile Investment?
The Emile Henry ribbed pizza stone delivers on its promise of crispy crusts. Its lightweight design, raised edge, and compatibility with both ovens and grills make it a versatile and convenient addition to any kitchen. While it's slightly pricier than some other baking stones, the superior results and durable construction justify the cost, especially for frequent pizza makers.
If you're serious about achieving perfectly crispy pizzas, whether cauliflower crust or traditional dough, this stone is a worthwhile investment. The improved airflow and even heating make a noticeable difference, elevating your pizza-making experience. The availability in both black and red also allows for some personalization.
