Many people who are unfamiliar with pizza stone cooking don’t know how it differs from other varieties of oven cooking.
To help to better understand how to use a pizza stone or pizza stone alternative, we’ve compiled fifteen frequently asked questions and their answers about these handy kitchen tools.
Contents
What Temperature Can A Pizza Stone Withstand – How Hot Can It Get?
550° F. A pizza stone can withstand very high temperatures. In fact, a properly used stone can be heated to a temperature of 550 degrees Fahrenheit. It will stay hot for approximately an hour after it has been removed from the oven.
Can A Pizza Stone Go Bad And Wear Out?
Yes, but this shouldn’t happen for many years to a pizza stone that is properly cared for. Proper care includes using the stone only for the purpose of cooking pizzas and other flatbreads. The stone shouldn’t be used as a cutting board or for baking any other foods. Also, it should be heated only when it is completely dry.
If you follow these guidelines, your pizza stone should last for many years of heavy use. However, like any other kitchen tool, your stone can become susceptible to cracking or tearing if it is subjected to excessive abuse.
How Do You Store A Pizza Stone?
Put your pizza stone in a cool and dry place like a kitchen cupboard or pantry. Do not put it in the refrigerator since this can cause condensation to form inside the cavity where it rests.
Can You Ruin A Pizza Stone?
Yes, you can ruin a pizza stone if you do not take proper care of it. To keep your stone in great shape, you should only use it to cook pizzas and other flatbreads. You should never use it as a cutting board or for baking any other foods.
If the stone is allowed to become soaked with water, this could cause the surface to degrade and loosen. This could cause cracks to appear in the surface of the stone or cause its edges to become ragged or pebbled.
Are Pizza Stones Toxic?
No, they are not. Pizza stones are made of materials that are perfectly safe for contact with food. However, you should be aware that pizza stones can contain particles of dust and other foreign matter. This is particularly true in the case of salt-glazed stones, which often have an off-white coloring due to flecks of clay or gravel in the clay glaze.
While these particles won’t hurt you when you eat your pizza, your stone does need to be cleaned after every use so that it doesn’t become a magnet for bacteria.
Why Does My Pizza Stone Get Moldy?
Your stone can get moldy when it has been exposed to too much moisture. To reduce the chances of your stone getting moldy, make sure that you allow it to thoroughly dry out before you put it away.
Related reading – Will moldy pizza get you sick? – What about mold on pizza sauce? Why some pizza pans have holes. Is pizza dough considered bread?
Do Pizza Stones Turn Black?
Yes, your stone could darken with use. This is not a problem as long as the stone is not chipping or otherwise showing signs of damage.
Can A Pizza Stone Get Wet?
Yes, you can get your stone wet. This is not a problem as long as you dry the stone thoroughly before using it again. Also, you should never use a wet stone for baking or cutting anything other than pizza dough.
Can You Wash A Pizza Stone With Soap?
No, you should never use soap on a pizza stone. Water only. The soap will get into the pores of the stone and could damage the surface.
How Often Should A Pizza Stone Be Cleaned?
This depends on how often you use it. If you use your stone for just one or two pizzas, then you probably won’t need to clean it very often. However, if you cook pizzas several times a week, you’ll want to clean your stone roughly every couple weeks. I would recommend look at at our article on cleaning an Ooni pizza stone because it would apply for other brands of pizza stones as well.
Can You Bake Cookies On A Pizza Stone?
Yes, you can bake cookies on a pizza stone.
You should not use waxed paper or parchment paper on a pizza stone because this will probably melt and cause your cookie to stick to the stone and burn rather than turn out properly baked.
Can You Use Ceramic Tile For Pizza Stone?
Yes, you can use ceramic tile for a pizza stone, but make sure you choose the unglazed ones. (Some of the glazes used on ceramic tiles may leach into your food.)
Can You Use Cornstarch On Pizza Stone?
Yes. Cornstarch will not harm a pizza stone. However, you probably won’t need to use cornstarch on your stone very often since most stones are nonstick with just a thin layer of cornmeal applied underneath the dough.
Can You Use A Pizza Pan On A Pizza Stone?
Yes, you can use a pizza pan to cook your pizza on a pizza stone. But, I would recommend just cooking it directly on the pizza stone for the best results.
Can You Broil With A Pizza Stone?
Yes, you can broil with a pizza stone.
If you’re cooking meat, make sure that the stone is completely dry before you put your food on it because any moisture will cause the food to steam, not brown.
Can You Bake Bread On A Pizza Stone?
Yes, you can bake bread on a pizza stone. However, be aware that this takes longer than baking bread in a conventional oven because your stone will slowly radiate heat throughout the entire loaf and won’t only be heating up at its surface.
Conclusion
Your pizza stone is a very handy kitchen accessory that will make your life a lot easier when you decide to make pizza at home. While not absolutely necessary, a good stone will help you make the best homemade pizza possible since it will maintain an even temperature throughout the baking process.
In addition, your stone will keep your crust from becoming soggy and ensure that it has a crisp texture throughout its entire surface.
