Choosing the right pizza stone can significantly impact the quality of your homemade pizzas. This review dives into five top contenders in the 2020 pizza stone market, offering a comprehensive comparison to help you find the perfect fit for your kitchen and cooking style. We'll explore the pros and cons of cast iron pans, ceramic stones, steel options, and budget-friendly alternatives, examining factors like heat distribution, ease of cleaning, and overall performance. Whether you're a seasoned pizzaiolo or a casual weekend baker, this guide will empower you to make an informed decision.From the durable Lodge cast iron pan to the grill-ready Emile Henry stone and the innovative Rock Sheet design, we've tested and analyzed each product's strengths and weaknesses. We'll also consider the speed demon Nerd Chef steel stone and the budget-friendly Wilton crisper pan, providing a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. Get ready to elevate your pizza game with our expert analysis and comparison of the best pizza stones of 2020.
Pros And Cons
- Double-faced with built-in handles
- Lightweight yet thick (0.67 inches)
- Thermally stable and resistant to thermal shock
- Heats up quickly and retains heat well
- Guaranteed to last several years
- Safe for high temperatures (up to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Comes pre-seasoned
- Conducts heat quickly, cooking pizza very fast
- Creates a nice blackening on the bottom and edges of the crust
- Durable and should outlast traditional pizza stones
- Good for various baked goods (biscuits, cookies)
- Excels at California-style pizzas
- Loses consistency, struggles with heavier pizzas, may leave them soggy or undercooked
- Half-inch thickness exacerbates the issue with heavier pizzas
- Very inexpensive
- Easy to use
- 14-inch diameter, suitable for most pizzas
- Non-stick surface
- Holes for ventilation
- Easy to remove with simple grips
- 10-year warranty
- Will not outperform a true pizza stone or cast iron skillet
- Generic, many similar products available
- Can be used on grills and various heat sources (propane, natural gas, charcoal, wood)
- Glazed surface is scratch-resistant and non-stick, easy to clean
- Has handholds for easier removal from oven
- Glazed surface reduces performance, making pizza more likely to be soggy without careful attention
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Lodge P14P3 Prologic Cast Iron Pizza Pan
The Lodge cast iron pizza pan is a strong contender, utilizing the heat retention properties of cast iron for excellent pizza crusts. Its 14-inch size is perfect for feeding a group, and the convenient handles make it easy to maneuver. Pre-seasoned for immediate use, it requires minimal prep.
While cast iron excels at heat distribution, it does need careful cleaning; avoid harsh soaps. A light scrub and baking suffice. The pan’s thickness makes it resistant to thermal shock, preventing cracking from temperature changes.
Emile Henry Flame Top Pizza Stone
Designed for grill use, the Emile Henry pizza stone works well on gas, charcoal, or wood-fired grills. Its glazed surface offers scratch resistance and makes cleaning a breeze. However, this glaze reduces its moisture absorption compared to unglazed stones.
While the non-stick surface is convenient, it can result in a less crisp crust unless cooking techniques are carefully adjusted. The handles are a welcome addition, simplifying removal from the hot grill. Its versatility makes it a good option if you frequently grill pizzas.
Rock Sheet Pizza Stone
The Rock Sheet pizza stone boasts a unique double-sided design with built-in handles, facilitating easy oven removal. Its lightweight design doesn’t compromise on thickness or performance, offering even heat distribution and great heat retention.
Made from durable, thermally stable cordurite, this stone is resistant to thermal shock. The 9.1-pound weight is manageable, yet it's thick enough to maintain heat effectively for consistently cooked pizzas. Versatile and suitable for ovens and grills.
Nerd Chef Steel Stone
The Nerd Chef steel stone offers incredibly fast cooking times, due to its superior heat conductivity. This results in a beautifully blackened crust. Its high heat transfer is about 20 times that of a ceramic stone, leading to quicker cooking.
However, this rapid heat transfer can make it challenging to cook thicker crust pizzas or those with many toppings evenly. The half-inch thickness exacerbates this issue. While durable and long-lasting, it's best for simpler pizzas with minimal toppings.
Wilton Perfect Results Pizza Crisper Pan
The Wilton pizza crisper pan is a budget-friendly option, prioritizing affordability and ease of use. Its non-stick surface and 14-inch diameter make it suitable for various pizzas. It is simple and convenient to clean.
While inexpensive and functional, this pan is not a high-performance tool and will not match the heat retention or crust quality of a dedicated pizza stone or steel. It's a suitable alternative for occasional pizza baking where cost is a primary concern.
Conclusion: Which Pizza Stone is Right for You?
The best pizza stone depends on your priorities. The Lodge cast iron pan is excellent for its even cooking and durability, offering great value. The Emile Henry stone shines for grill use, but needs careful attention to avoid soggy crusts. The Rock Sheet offers a good balance of features and affordability.
The Nerd Chef steel stone excels at speed and crisp crusts for thinner pizzas but struggles with thicker ones. Finally, the Wilton crisper pan is best for budget-conscious users who don’t need professional-level results. Consider your budget, cooking style, and desired crust characteristics when making your choice.