A great pizza is determined by the ingredients, recipes, process, and equipment used in its preparation. The surface you use when baking your pizza dough can affect how it will turn out. There is a lot of debate regarding the pizza stone vs. baking sheet – however, both are great surfaces for making crispy pizzas. Keep reading as we show you some great pizza stones and baking steel you can buy to get the perfect pizza.
The pizza stone and pizza pan or sheet are two common baking surfaces. The surface type used will affect how the crust will form, and the pizza crust determines how enjoyable the pizza will be.
Top 5 Pizza Stones and Sheets
1. HANS Grill Pizza Stone
We’re starting our list with this HANS Grill product released in 2019. This rectangular pizza stone is well-designed for effective cooking under high temperatures.
It is designed with stoneware, which is resistant to heat and can withstand the oven’s high temperature. This ceramic pizza stone is made with porous cordierite, approved by FDA regulations.
The material makes it possible to heat your pizza dough evenly, from the bottom through the top.
Furthermore, the stone is versatile and a great way to save costs. This is because you can use it for multiple functions asides from baking pizzas. They include pies, bread, and other pastries that require an oven.
You can also use ceramic stone for BBQ cooking, an excellent purchase for cooking indoors and outdoors.
What we like
- It is thermostable.
- Outdoors and indoor use.
- It is suitable for baking multiple pastries.
What we don’t like
- Gives off a slight smell under heat.
The HANS GRILL pizza stone is an excellent choice for pizza lovers.
2. Augosta Pizza Stone
We have another excellent pizza stone, the Augosta Pizza Stone. This product has a dimension of 15 x 12 x 0.6 inches and weighs 6.7 pounds.
It is made with Cordierite stone which is good at retaining and resisting heat. You can use this stone at high temperatures without fear of cracking. This product also follows FDA regulations, and it is safe for baking.
Also, you can utilize the stone for multiple purposes. You can use this stone for baking at different temperatures and with varying food materials. It is suitable for baking bread, cookies, and many other things.
What we like
- It can withstand high temperatures.
- It has a large surface.
- You can use it for baking other food.
What we don’t like
- Dough residues are sometimes hard to clean.
The Augosta Pizza Stone is another good choice, allowing the crust to bake correctly.
3. Unicook Round Pizza Baking Stone
The Unicook baking stone is round and comes in different sizes, including 16 inches, 10.25 inches, 12 inches, 14 inches, and 15 inches.
It’s made from ceramic cordierite and is stable to heat. Also, it’s excellent for baking food from the bottom to the top and can maintain its temperature for extended periods.
Also, you can use it outdoors and indoors. The stone is suitable for your outdoor grill, and you can quickly warm your pizza outside or prepare another dish.
Furthermore, this product comes with a plastic scraper or pizza peel to lift your hot pizza off the stone.
What we like
- It is thick.
- It comes in different sizes.
- It has micro-pores for draining moisture.
What we don’t like
- It leaves a slight smell when hot.
The stone is designed with tiny pores or micro-pores that remove moisture from the dough, allowing your crust to be dry and tasty.
4. Nordic Ware 3 Piece Baker’s Delight Set
Unlike the first three, this product is made with aluminum. It’s a baking sheet or pan available in different packs and sets.
The aluminum body has high heat conductivity to heat, and it’s durable.
The pan is also designed with galvanized steel rims that prevent the edges from folding due to heat. Also, the pan is rust-resistant and can be used for baking things with high moisture content.
What we like
- It comes in a set.
- The edges don’t fold under high heat.
What we don’t like
- It discolors after multiple washes.
The Nordic Ware baking pan is an aluminum product for baking, and it is suitable for different baking purposes and is highly durable.
5. Wilton Easy Layers Sheet Cake Pan
Finally, we have a Wilton product. This baking sheet is an excellent replacement for baking stones, and it’s made with alloy steel which is stronger than aluminum.
The steel alloy has excellent heat retention and is durable. You can also use it at high temperatures for different dishes.
The pan is non-stick, which is a plus. You can easily get your food off the pan without leaving stains or peeling off parts of your dish.
In addition, the non-stick feature makes it easier to wash – the pan is dishwasher friendly. Many baking stones and pans are not dishwasher friendly which gives this product an advantage.
What we like
- It is easy to wash.
- It is very durable.
- It is non-stick.
What we don’t like
- It rusts after some time.
The Wilton Easy Layers Sheet is suitable for baking food that tends to stick.
Pizza Stone vs. Baking Sheet
The primary difference between both is that pizza stones are usually made from stone and ceramics while the baking sheet is made of metal, typically aluminum or alloy steel.
There is no correct answer regarding choosing between the pizza stone and the baking sheet. You can use both to create the perfect pizza, and picking should be based on your choice, especially the food type you’ll be baking.
Conclusion
Pizza lovers have debated using the pizza stone vs. baking sheet for a while. You can use both tools to make delicious pizzas with crispy crusts.
We’ve looked at different pizza stones and baking sheets in our review, and you can use this guide when shopping. You can also check more pizza tips here.