Crate And Barrel's Pizza Stone: Elevating Your At-Home Pizza Game

Pizza stones are a great way to achieve that perfect, crispy crust at home. Crate and Barrel offer a range of pizza stone options, including the popular Emile Henry pizza stone. This stone is made from a premium clay mixture and patented technology, allowing it to go straight from the fridge or freezer to the oven or grill. The Emile Henry pizza stone comes in glazed and ribbed designs, both of which are highly reviewed. The glazed design has formed handles and can be used for baking cookies or bread, grilling meats or fish, and even serving chilled cheese. The ribbed design promotes airflow, creating an even crispier crust, and has raised edges to prevent your pizza from sliding off. Crate and Barrel also offer a pizza stone gift set, which includes a handmade Italian beechwood peel, perfect for the aspiring pizza chef.

Pizza stone cleaning and maintenance

Pizza stones are a great way to achieve that perfect, crispy crust. But, as they deliver special pies, they also require special care. Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain your pizza stone:

Cleaning Your Pizza Stone:

• Allow the stone to cool completely before cleaning. It can take up to three hours to get back to room temperature. Never submerge a hot stone in water, as it may crack.
• Scrape away any food bits with a rubber or plastic spatula.
• For stubborn stains or burnt-on food, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste and let it sit for about 10 minutes, then gently scrub with a nylon-bristled brush.
• Wipe down the stone with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any remaining food residue and paste.
• Always allow the stone to air dry thoroughly before using or storing it.
• If your stone has food stains that won't come off, you can deep clean it by placing it in a cold oven and heating it to 500°F for about an hour. This method can cause some stones to crack, so use it sparingly.

Maintaining Your Pizza Stone:

• Avoid using soap or dish detergent, as the stone will absorb it and it may affect the taste of your pizza.
• Avoid submerging the stone in water, as it is porous and will absorb the moisture, impacting its ability to crisp your pizza crust.
• Store your pizza stone in a dry place, away from heavy items that could crack it.
• Preheat your pizza stone before use. This helps to prevent pizza from sticking and promotes even cooking.
• Use a pizza peel to easily transfer your pizza to and from the hot stone.
• Avoid placing cold food or frozen pizza directly on the hot stone, as extreme temperature changes can cause cracking.
• Avoid handling the stone too much, as this can weaken it.

Pizza stone materials

Pizza stones are made from either ceramic or oven-fired clay. The material is designed to mimic the conditions of a brick-lined, wood-burning pizza oven, dispersing heat evenly, minimising hot spots, and wicking moisture from the dough to create a crisp, bubbly, and charred crust.

Clay pizza stones are fired in a kiln to create a durable, heat-resistant material. This material is excellent at retaining heat, meaning it can be used as a serving dish to keep your pizza warm throughout your meal. Some clay models have a ribbed surface, which lifts the dough and ensures proper airflow and heat flow, as well as making it easier to remove the pizza from the stone. Clay pizza stones can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.

Ceramic pizza stones are made from hardened ceramic, which is porous and allows for good airflow under the dough. Ceramic is not naturally non-stick, but it can be seasoned with vegetable oil to create a non-stick coating. To maintain the coating, wash with hot water and a grill brush. More aggressive cleaning methods will remove the seasoning.

Both ceramic and clay pizza stones can be used on the grill or stovetop, as well as in the oven and freezer.

Pizza stone shapes and sizes

Pizza stones come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. The most common shapes are round and square/rectangular, with the former being the classic option that mimics the shape of a pizza and the latter providing more surface area for cooking. The shape of a pizza stone does not make a huge difference, but rectangular stones are more flexible and can be used for cooking a wider variety of foods.

The dimensions of a pizza stone are important to consider. The length and width of the stone determine its surface area, with larger stones providing faster cooking times and better heat retention. Thicker stones are better at retaining heat but take longer to heat up. It is recommended that pizza stones be at least 5/8" thick to avoid cracking.

Pizza stones are typically made from ceramic, cordierite, cast iron, or steel. Ceramic stones are made from non-metallic minerals like clay and are circular with varying thicknesses. They absorb heat efficiently and radiate it evenly but are fragile and need proper care. Cordierite pizza stones can handle high temperatures and resist thermal shock. Cast iron offers excellent heat retention and can withstand extremely high temperatures but is heavy and requires maintenance. Steel is a good conductor of heat and can reach high temperatures quickly but is heavy and requires maintenance to prevent rusting.

Crate and Barrel offer a range of pizza stone options, including the Emile Henry Glazed Pizza Stone, the Emile Henry Pizza Stone Gift Set, and the Emile Henry Black Ribbed Pizza Stone. These products vary in size, shape, and colour, providing options for different preferences and oven sizes.

Pizza stone alternatives

Pizza stones are great for creating a crispy crust and helping your oven stay hot. However, they can be unreliable and expensive. Here are some alternatives that you can use to create a similar, if not better, pizza:

Pizza Steel

Pizza steel is a more durable and sturdy alternative to pizza stones. They are virtually indestructible and can last a lifetime if properly maintained. Pizza steel conducts heat better, making it easier to get your oven closer to a proper pizza-making temperature. They are also easier to clean due to their smoother surface.

Inverted Baking Sheet

A rimmed baking sheet placed upside down on the lowest shelf of your oven is a cheap and effective alternative to a pizza stone. It will help you achieve a crispy crust, and it is something that most people already have in their kitchens.

Pizza Pan

A pizza pan is a relatively inexpensive alternative to a pizza stone. It is a pan specifically made for baking pizza and is commonly made from aluminum or stainless steel. Most pizza pans are perforated, allowing airflow that reduces moisture and ensures even cooking.

Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is a versatile alternative to a pizza stone that can be used in the oven or on the stovetop. When used in the oven, place the raw pizza in the skillet and then transfer it to a hot oven. Cast iron conducts heat better than a thin aluminum pan, resulting in a crispier pizza.

Dutch Oven

Dutch ovens are similar to cast iron skillets in that they conduct heat well and can be used for stovetop or oven baking. For a Dutch oven, it is recommended to place the pizza on parchment paper for easier removal.

Fire Bricks

Fire bricks, or refractory bricks, are what actual pizza ovens are made from. They are made from a ceramic material intended to withstand very high temperatures and are perfect for baking pizza on. However, they are significantly heavier and more cumbersome than other alternatives.

Grills

Grills, especially charcoal, can reach temperatures that exceed those of most stoves. This makes them excellent for creating crispy, charred-crust pizzas in a matter of minutes, making them ideal for feeding a crowd.

Pizza stone accessories

Pizza stones are a great way to cook pizzeria-quality pies in your own oven. But to get the full experience, you'll need a few accessories to go with your pizza stone. Here are some essential tools to elevate your pizza-making game:

Pizza Peel

A pizza peel is a must-have accessory for any pizza stone enthusiast. It is a large, flat tool used to transfer your pizza in and out of the oven. Look for one that is generously sized, allowing you to easily slide your pizza onto and off the stone. The Crate and Barrel Epicurean Black Pizza Peel is a great option, measuring 21"x14". It's made of wood, giving your kitchen a rustic feel.

Pizza Cutter

Once your pizza is baked to perfection, you'll need a way to slice it up. A good pizza cutter is essential for getting clean, even slices. Look for one with a sharp blade and a comfortable grip.

Cornmeal

Cornmeal is a secret weapon for getting a crispy, golden crust. Before placing your dough on the pizza stone, sprinkle a layer of cornmeal onto the surface. This will help to absorb any excess moisture, preventing your crust from becoming soggy.

Dough Docker

If you're concerned about air bubbles forming in your pizza dough, a dough docker is a handy tool to have. This simple device has a roller with small spikes that you roll over your dough to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.

Grill Brush

To clean your pizza stone, you'll want to avoid using soap, as it can leave a residue and affect the taste of your pizza. Instead, invest in a good grill brush to scrub the surface of your stone with hot water. The stiff bristles will help remove any burnt-on bits of cheese or toppings.

With these accessories, you'll be well on your way to becoming a master pizza maker! Remember to experiment with different recipes and techniques to find what works best for you. Happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions