Don’t you hate it when you take a pizza out of the oven only to find the crust slightly burnt and the center very soggy? I mean, especially if you put the pizza into a pre-heated oven at the right temperature, for the right time. What went wrong?
Let me help you with that.
A pizza stone is a baking surface of iron, stone, or ceramic, designed to bake pizza as authentically as in a brick oven. It spreads heat evenly across the pizza base, absorbing the moisture, and making the food crisp and tasty.
This ensures all of the pizza cooks at the same rate. With a pizza stone, it’s at least possible to have perfectly cooked homemade pizza. (You still need to get temperature and time right!)
But you don’t just need any pizza stone. You need the best overall pizza stone for grills.
Just want to cut to the chase? I recommend the Emile Henry Pizza Stone as the best pizza stone for the grill.
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Perfect Home Made Pizzas with a Pizza Stone
As a mom, I’ve had to cook pizza many a time. It’s so convenient, when busy, to just pop one in the oven. A little too comfortable, in fact, so I usually only cook it once a week.
Yet many people give homemade pizza a try but end up giving up in despair. Why? Because it seems to be impossible to come up to the standard of your local pizza delivery service.
The all round crispiness, the subtle texture, even the taste. Why is it that so hard to do?
I’m here to tell you that you can do it.
In the following video, Morgan McCallum shows you how to cook pizza on a stone. She also explains how you can cook pizza at home in this way:
You might have noticed that in the video, the pizza stone was used in an oven. You can do that as well. Some of the pizza stones reviewed work with both oven and grill. I’m focusing here on using a grill as I think it’s easier to get that crispy crust.
Grilled pizza is popular because a gas grill can produce the high temperature that a good pizza needs, giving good texture and flavor.
Advantages of Using a Pizza Stone
The main advantage of using a pizza stone is that you get as close as it gets to a professionally made pizza. It’s the all round crispiness that really helps with the authenticity.
A crispy base is the whole point of making pizza at all.
Soggy pizzas are a waste of time and effort.
Another advantage of a pizza stone is that you can use it for baking other items that you might need, such as homemade bread, buns, and cookies. It’s a versatile cooking tool.
How to Choose the Best Size Pizza Stone for your Grill
The size of your gas grill is essential when choosing the right pizza stone. Make sure it will fit.
The size of your pizza stone is also important because the size of your pizza depends on it.
Without going into the Math, you should know that the size of the pizza actually goes up faster than its diameter. So an 18 inch (46 cm) pizza is actually more than 3 times the size of a 10 inch (25 cm) pizza.
But that doesn’t matter because I’ll help you work out how many people you can feed with each size pizza stone. I suggest your stone be 0.5 to 1 inch (1.2 – 2.5cm) bigger than your pizza. This leaves a little bit of margin around the side.
- A small 10 inch (25cm) pizza is great for one to two people.
- A 12 inch pizza (30 cm) works for small family (2-3 people)
- A large 14 inch (36 cm) pizza is best for a larger family (3-4 people)
- Go for a 16 inch pizza for 5 – 6 people
- Larger than 16 inches (41 cm) and I would suggest cooking two pizzas
Of course you will know best what you need. Typically pizzas come as a 12 inch pizza. My two kids will devour almost two of these. So it depends!
Another option is to get a couple of pizza stones and cook two pizzas at once. This only works if your grill has the space!
What’s the Best Material for a Pizza Stone?
As the name suggests, the classic pizza stone is made of stone.
Yet, the best material for your pizza stone actually depends on your preferred cooking method. Stone or clay is better for grilling. It protects your pizza from the high temperatures of the gas grill.
Some people swear by cast iron, which is great for the oven or stove top. But that’s more of a pizza pan! Pizza steels are also quite common. A pizza steel is durable and can withstand high heat, which makes it perfect for the BBQ grill.
As we are on a mission to find the best pizza stones for grills, it seems that real stone or clay will be the best choice.
Best Pizza Stones for your Grill
Of course, there are different types of grills. One category, among many, is the BBQ grill. What does it take to make the best pizza stone for BBQs?
Now, pizza BBQ stones need to be very tough. A BBQ grill can reach very high temperatures. Cordierite, a substance that can withstand high temperatures, is an excellent material for BBQ pizza stones. This substance can also withstand changes in temperature well.
Equally if you are looking for the best pizza stone for charcoal grills, cordierite stone will probably be your first choice.
Seasoning Your Pizza Stone
Some pizza stones, but not all, need to be well seasoned. It’s important to follow manufacturer’s instructions here, as seasoning pizza stones can clog them up.
If yours does need to be seasoned, it’s really quite simple. Coat it in a thin layer of oil and bake in the oven at 232°C (450°F). Don’t worry if it turns darker – that’s a sign of the seasoning taking. (In fact, do worry if it doesn’t darken!)
Repeat this a few times, and it will be seasoned.
Cleaning Your Pizza Stone
Good pizza stones are actually porous. This to absorb moisture from the pizza and help it crisp up.
This means that they are not dishwasher safe and you shouldn’t even use soap or detergent with them. Any chemicals you use in cleaning will be absorbed by the stone. And detergent flavored pizza doesn’t taste nice!
How can you clean your pizza stone? It’s not too hard:
- Wipe off any loose pizza.
- Make a paste of baking soda and water. Use the paste to help scrub off any remaining pizza.
- Rinse
- Dry in oven
Accessories
Some pizza stones come with accessories. These can be nice to have. The two most common ones are pizza peels and pizza cutters.
A pizza peel helps lift the pizza off the stone quickly. This can be useful if you want to check how crispy the base is.
A pizza cutter does what it says on the tin. You will struggle if you use a regular knife to cut the pizza. A pizza cutter does it quickly and easily, without messing up the toppings. Cut your pizza on a cutting board, not your pizza stone!
A pizza scraper helps clean up. You can scrape any loose bits of pizza that have ended up stuck to the stone.
How to use a pizza stone on a grill
- Place your pizza or baking stone on the grill, and start heating it.
- Meanwhile, finish off your pizza
- Once the pizza stone is hot, slide your pizza on on to it
- When the pizza is nearly done (the cheese is melted), turn off the grill, or remove the stone
- Wait a couple of minutes then slide the pizza off the stone, remember the stone will still be hot!
Pizza Stone for Grill Reviews
Now let’s take a look at some of the best pizza stones for grills.
Emile Henry Pizza Stone (Best Overall Pizza Stone for Gas Grill)
Emile Henry has been specializing in ceramic bakeware since 1850. This Emile Henry Pizza Stone is made in France and comes in a 16.5-inch diameter (42 cm). It’s suited for pizzas up to 15 inches. This pizza stone is made from clay and is manufactured using Emile Henry’s proprietary Flame technology.
It’s durable and scratch-resistant surface allows you to cut directly on the glazed pizza stone without damaging or scratching the surface. The micro-crazed glaze contributes to tasty, crispy-baked crusts.
This circular pizza stone is great for the grill and oven-safe up to 900°F/480°C. You can be sure that it was built to last.
The handles on either side make it easy to lift and carry. When you’re taking a pizza stone off a hot grill, having a secure hold is an absolute must.
Even better, this pizza stone is easy to clean and dishwasher-safe. The glaze makes it easy to wash with just soap and water. Be careful, though. If you drop it, it will crack!
The Emile Henry pizza stone is a really nice and well-designed quality pizza stone from an established French brand. It’s a little pricier than some options, but it’s built to last.
Pros:
- Made with Flame technology
- Plenty of room, large size
- Flexible – safe for ovens and grills
- Versatile – cooks bread, scones and cookies too
- Comes with double side handles
Cons:
- Clay is brittle, will crack if dropped
JulyPanny 15 inch Pizza Stone Review (Runner Up Best Pizza Stone for Grills)
This affordably-priced round pizza stone of 15 inch (38 cm), by Lirradight is made of tough cordierite stone. It’s compatible with your grill or oven, spreads heat evenly and is fully thermal shock-resistant.
This versatile kitchen tool can be used to make bread, scones and cookies in addition to perfect pizza.
This round pizza stone has been made tough and is a really nice cordierite quality pizza stone at an affordable price. The thing is you do need to look after it carefully. For example, as with any decent pizza stone, don’t wash it with detergents!
Since it’s resistant to thermal shock, you will have no problems cooking frozen pizza on it!
If you are prepared to follow the instructions, this is a great pizza stone.
Pros:
- Decent size
- The product is sturdy and durable
- Cordierite pizza stone–heats evenly and absorbs moisture
- Stone is resistant to thermal shock
Cons:
- Porous stone, must be maintained as per instructions
- Manufacturer recommends putting Aluminum foil between pizza and stone
Lodge Baking Pan Review (Best Cast Iron Pizza Pan)
This Lodge pre-seasoned cast iron baking pan is not technically a pizza stone, but you can use it in the same way.
Cast iron also retains heat well, and is far more durable than most pizza stones. What’s more, cast iron makes for a great pizza stone for oven, grill or stovetop.
Yet it will need a little bit more care. Since it comes pre-seasoned, this mainly consists of:
- Handwash immediately after use
- Dry straight away
- Apply a light layer of oil if storing
Cast iron can also take a little getting used to. Some users report burning their pizza as the cast iron got too hot. Remember it takes time for cast iron to heat up, but once hot, it won’t cool down for a while.
Cook on a lower heat than usual, and wait longer for this cast iron pizza pan to heat up.
You’ll also find that you can’t press the dough directly into the pan, since you need to preheat this cast iron pizza stone first. So what you do, is prepare the pizza separately, preheat the pan, then transfer the pizza to the heated pan. (If you don’t preheat, the pizza will stick to the pan.)
All in all I would say this Lodge pre-seasoned cast iron baking pan is not for beginners. Yet if you know what you are doing, this is a superb quality product that you, and your family, will get many uses out of.
Pros:
- Very durable–seasoned cast iron can last generations
- Natural, healthy material for pizzas
- Good heat conductivity and capacity
- Versatile baking stone / pan
Cons:
- Cast iron can be harder to cook with and maintain
- Handles mounted awkwardly
For other options, check out my guide to the best cast iron griddles. Cast iron griddles can certainly double up as pizza stones, plus they have other uses.
Cuisinart 13 inch Pizza Stone Review
This is a reasonably priced pizza grilling set, including a pizza stone.
It consists of a 13 inch (33 cm) heavy duty ceramic pizza stone and a set of pizza tools, including a pizza peel and a pizza cutter.
As is typical with ceramic pizza stones, it is made of super-strong cordierite stone, which makes it ideal for the grill. This means it’s resistant to high temperatures and thermal shock.
Many users find this ceramic pizza stone set satisfactory. Yet, some users complain of a ‘chemical smell’ coming from the stone. I would suggest testing the stone straight away. (I mean – cook a pizza with it!) It appears some faulty batches of this product were released on the market.
It would have been helpful to have instructions on seasoning, use, and care of the pizza stone.
Pros:
- Covered by one-year limited warranty
- The tools (peel and cutter) are a handy bonus
- The cordierite stone is highly heat-resistant
Cons:
- No instructions provided for using these tools
- The tools provided are of average quality
- Bad chemical odor in some sets – early testing required
- Slightly on the small side
Cast Elegance 14 inch ( and 16 inch) Pizza Stones Review (Best Ceramic Pizza Grilling Stone)
This reasonably-priced pizza stone set (consisting of pizza stone, pizza scraper and recipe book) comes in two sizes:
- The 14 inch (36 cm) is great for 13 inch (33 cm) or smaller pizzas – so serving upto 4 people.
- The 16 inch (41 cm) can cook up to 15 inch pizzas (38 cm), enough for 5 people.
Check the size of your grill before deciding which size is better.
This versatile product suits ovens as well as grills.
It comes with use and care instructions. Detailed cleaning instructions are given and should be followed.
It contains thermarite, that’s engineered cordierite (a type of ceramic), for better heat retention and moisture absorption.
Most users find this heavy duty ceramic pizza grilling stone excellent, others have found fault as the pizza stuck to the stone in spite of having followed all instructions.
This is a decent pizza stone set for complete beginners, with an especially helpful accompanying collection of pizza recipes.
Pros:
- There’s an attentive customer service policy
- The stone is easy to clean.
- Packed protectively, replaced if arrives broken
- Thermarite gives superior moisture absorption
Cons:
- Porous stone, must be maintained as per instructions
- Some users found that pizza sticks to the stone
PizzaCraft 16.5 inch Pizza Stone Review
At 16.5 inches (42 cm) this is the largest pizza stone we’ve tried out.
It comes at a very affordable price.
It’s made of thermabond stone, which is a type of cordierite. It evenly cooks the pizza all through, absorbs moisture and is shock-resistant.
This cordierite pizza stone is oven and grill safe and also has the flexibility to bake other items. When you’re not making pizza, you can prepare some bread or cookies for your family.
If this large pizza stone can fit in your oven and grill, it will serve you well. It also comes in a 15-inch (38 cms) size and a rectangular option. If you don’t like round pizzas – get the rectangular pizza stone. I prefer the traditional circular shaped pizzas!
It’s essential to follow the maintenance instructions for this stone.
It should also be checked for flaws as soon as it is received. If found to be flawed, it can be returned and replaced as quickly as possible.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Larger size to cook bigger pizza
- Rectangular option for those who want it
- Thermobond material cooks evenly and resists thermo-shock
- No seasoning needed
Cons:
- Some users have complained of a heavy chemical odor
- Isolated report pizza stone may have caught fire
- Porous stone – remember not to use detergents
Best Pizza Stones FAQs
Do I need a gas grill to cook pizza?
You can cook pizza on a charcoal or gas grill, using one of the stones recommended in this review. However, gas grills are easier to control, and can reach higher temperatures, making them more suitable for baking pizza.
However, if you are comfortable with a charcoal grill–go ahead, you absolute can make it work.
Do pizza stones really work?
Yes pizza stones really work, especially good quality ones. They provide a hot surface to ensure the crust in the base bakes well.
Pizza stones can be the difference between a perfectly crispy pizza crust and soggy one.
However if you already have a dedicated pizza oven, then you may not need pizza stones.
Pizza stones can be especially useful for grills where they turn the heat from the grill into an even, hot, surface.
Do pizza stones need to be oiled before use?
Pizza stones should only be oiled, or seasoned, if the manufacturer specifies it. Oiling or seasoning the pizza stone unnecessarily, could clog the pores with fat unnecessarily.
Cast iron pizza stones (or pans) should be seasoned, oiled before use, and oiled before storage (to prevent rust.)
Can I use a baking stone instead of a pizza stone?
Yes. A baking stone is interchangeable with a pizza stone, they are trying to do the same thing. (You can also use a pizza stone as a substitute for a baking stone.)
A baking stone provides the hot surface the pizza needs for a delicious crispy crust, just as pizza stones do.
You can also use a seasoned cast iron baking pan to bake pizza as it will also crisp the crust.
Best Pizza Stone for Grills
The best overall pizza stone for gas, charcoal and BBQ grills, as well as ovens, is the incredible Emile Henry 16-inch Clay Pizza Stone.
The Emile Henry Pizza Stone heats evenly, absorbs moisture efficiently, and delivers that all-important crispy crust. It’s strong and durable and can be used for the grill or the oven.
All you have to do is to follow the instructions carefully. Be careful not to drop this clay stone, because it will break. However, the double side handles make it easier for you to securely lift and carry it without dropping.
Seriously, what’s not to like? It’s a perfect size and an ideal price. Not to mention the fact that it’s strong and long-lasting. The Emile Henry pizza stone is a home run.
A close second would be JulyPanny 15-Inch Pizza Stone. That stone also delivers a nice crust. The cordierite material makes it durable and able to withstand high heat on the grill or in the oven.
For those who like a larger size pizza stone, the JulyPanny 15-inch pizza stone is a great buy. It’s built to last and is easy to use.
Keep in mind that this pizza stone is higher maintenance, so you’ll have to follow the instructions carefully. No detergents and absolutely no dishwasher.
Best Pizza Stone for Oven and Grill (or Just The Best Pizza Stone)
I do like Cast Elegance. They make quality pizza stones that last. That’s why I’d recommend Cast Elegance 14 inch Pizza Stone as the best pizza stone for your oven and your gas grill.
At 14 inches you are very unlikely to have any problems fitting this in your oven. It’s a versatile size and ideal to take with you anywhere.
It’s also a great pizza stone for gas or charcoal grills.
This is actually just the best all round pizza stone in my book.
Best Large Pizza Stone for Grills
The PizzaCraft 16.5 inch Pizza Stone is a very affordable large pizza stone. It can prepare 16 inch (41cm) pizzas – great for up to 6 people (unless they are hungry teenagers).
Will it fit your gas grill or oven? Probably, but you should check.
Another option is to buy 2 of the slightly smaller stones. They stack nicely, and something this big can be a bit unwieldy.
If you have space and a hungry family – go for it!
High Quality Alternative
If you are looking for a quality product from an alternative vendor, then also consider this All Clad Pizza Stone and Cutter, sold by Sukalde. This is a durable pizza stone for gas or charcoal grills, or even for the oven.