How to Use a Pizza Stone

There's nothing quite like freshly made pizza. However, whether you manage a restaurant or pizza shop, it can be hard to get the crust to crisp up just right without a pizza oven. One effective type of pizza equipment you can use to achieve that satisfying crust is a pizza stone, which is a flat, hard disc that’s usually made of ceramic or stone. The surface is very porous, so it absorbs the excess moisture from the dough baking on top of it. In addition to pizza, these stones can be used to make cookies, biscuits, and different types of bread. By adhering to the information below, you'll be able to prepare light, crispy foods that leave your guests satisfied.

For a visual representation of how to use a pizza stone, check out the video below.

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Use a Pizza Stone

Whether you're new to owning a pizza shop or have been in the business for years, educating yourself on how to use a pizza stone is essential for your success. Follow these steps to make pizza the right way every time:

• 1.

  Put your pizza stone in the oven when both are at room temperature.

• 2.

  Preheat oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Pizza stones should always be warmed up and cooled down gradually. Otherwise, they may crack due to thermal shock.


• 3.

  Prepare the pizza while you're waiting for the oven to heat up.

• 4.

  When the oven is ready, use a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel to slide the pizza on the hot stone in the oven.

• If you have trouble with your pizzas sticking to the stone, dust the pizza stone with cornmeal before putting the pizza on it, or use a pizza screen for the first half of the cooking process.


• 5.

  Bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes.

• 6.

  Remove your pizza using the pizza peel. Leave the pizza stone in the oven.

• 7.

  Turn your oven off and let the pizza stone cool down inside.

• 8.

  When you're done, brush the pizza stone off with a wire bristle brush to clean it.

• Because the stone is extremely porous, it should never get wet or be cleaned with chemicals, unless specifically stated by the manufacturer's instructions. If cheese or other foods get stuck on, leave the oven on high until the unwanted food burns and can be brushed off. It's normal for the stone to have stains or marks that don't come off.