How To Care For Your Stone Pizza Pan

Pizza stones are a must-have tool for cooking restaurant-style pizzas at home. They are flat pieces of unglazed clay that absorb and retain heat, mimicking the effect of a pizzeria's brick oven. However, pizza stones require special care and attention. One common question that arises is whether or not to oil a pizza stone.

The answer is that you should not oil a pizza stone. Oiling a pizza stone can ruin it by causing smoke and bad odours. Pizza stones are porous and will absorb any oil, which can then turn rancid. Additionally, the natural seasoning of the stone occurs over time as oils from food are absorbed, creating a non-stick surface.

Instead of oiling a pizza stone, it is recommended to clean it with water and a sturdy brush, and to store it in the oven to prevent cracking.

Why you shouldn't oil a pizza stone

Oiling a pizza stone is not recommended, and here are several reasons why:

Pizza Stone Manufacturers Do Not Recommend It

Pizza stone manufacturers do not recommend seasoning their pizza stones with oil. Several manufacturers, including Pizzacraft, actively discourage users from doing so, as it can ruin the stone and cause it to smoke and have a bad odour. California Pizza Stones also advise against using any type of oil on their products.

No Benefits to Seasoning

Seasoning a pizza stone does not offer any benefits. It does not make the stone last longer, and creating a non-stick surface for pizza baking is unnecessary, as pizza will not stick if the stone is used properly. A pizza stone needs to be very hot to bake pizza, and at that temperature, the pizza will get crisp and not stick.

Risk of Burning and Smoke

If you oil a pizza stone, it may absorb the oil, which can lead to burning and a cloud of smoke when you open the oven.

Natural Seasoning

Pizza stones may be naturally seasoned over time as oils from foods baked on them are absorbed. This natural seasoning can create a non-stick surface. However, it is important to note that these absorbed oils can also impact the flavour of future dishes, so it is best to avoid using strong-smelling foods like fish.

Difficulty Cleaning

Pizza stones should be cleaned with minimal water and absolutely no soap, as they are porous and will absorb these substances, impacting the flavour of future dishes. Oiling a pizza stone will make it more difficult to clean, as you will need to ensure all oil residue is removed.

In conclusion, it is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid oiling a pizza stone. Doing so will not provide any benefits and may cause smoke, odour, and cleaning issues.

How to clean a pizza stone

Step 1: Let the Pizza Stone Cool Down

Give the pizza stone ample time to cool down. This could take up to two to three hours. Placing a hot stone under cold water can cause it to crack or break. Letting it cool down in the oven is a good idea, as it saves you the hassle of handling a heavy and hot stone. Alternatively, use oven mitts to carefully place the stone on a rack to cool.

Step 2: Brush Off Crumbs and Scrape Off Residue

Use a stiff brush to remove loose bits of food. If there are stuck-on bits, use a spatula or a nylon brush to scrape them off. Pay close attention to cheese and other stubborn residues.

Step 3: Rinse and Scrub

Briefly rinse the stone under warm water, but never soak it. Use a nylon brush to scrub the stone and remove any remaining food particles. Avoid using soap, as the porous stone can absorb it, leading to a soapy taste in your next pizza. If needed, use coarse salt or baking soda as a gentle abrasive. Remember, discolouration and staining are normal.

Step 4: Wipe and Air Dry

Give the stone a final quick rinse, but don't let it soak. Wipe the stone with a cloth and let it air dry. You can also use a clean towel to speed up the drying process.

Removing Stains and Burnt Residue

Pizza stones will naturally develop stains that cannot be removed, but these won't harm your pizza. For stubborn stains or burnt-on food, create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste, scrub it with a brush, wipe it away, and let the stone air dry.

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not clean a hot pizza stone – Letting it cool down first is crucial to avoid thermal shock, which can cause cracking or breakage.
• Avoid the dishwasher – Always hand wash your pizza stone.
• Use the right cleaning tools – Opt for nylon, silicone, or other soft materials. Avoid metal tools that can scratch the surface.
• No soap or oven cleaning cycle: Soap can affect the taste of your pizza, and the oven's high-temperature cleaning cycle can damage the stone.

Storing Your Pizza Stone

Some people keep their pizza stones in the oven at all times, which helps stabilize the oven's temperature. However, this may not be practical for smaller ovens, as it takes up space and increases preheat time. If you choose to store your pizza stone elsewhere, designate a safe place in your cabinet or pantry where nothing heavy will be placed on top of it.

How to season a pizza stone

There are differing opinions on whether a pizza stone needs to be seasoned before use. Some sources claim that the act of heating and cooking on the stone will allow it to develop a natural seasoning over time. Others believe that seasoning the stone beforehand will enhance the cooking process and prevent pizza dough from sticking.

If you decide to season your pizza stone, it is important to note that you should never soak the stone or wash it with water, as it is very porous and could shatter under extreme heat. To season the stone, follow these steps:

• Gather your stone, a neutral cooking oil (such as olive, vegetable, canola, or coconut oil), and a clean kitchen towel.
• Pour a small amount of oil onto the stone and rub it in with the towel. Allow the oil to completely soak in.
• Repeat the process until the stone has been coated a few times.
• Preheat your oven to a high temperature (around 400- 500 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Place the stone in the oven, preferably on the middle rack, and bake for about 45 minutes to an hour.
• Turn off the oven and let the stone cool down before removing it.

It is recommended that you do not preheat the oven until after the stone has been placed inside. Additionally, always allow the stone to cool down before handling it to avoid temperature shocks, which can cause cracking.

How to use a pizza stone

Using a pizza stone can elevate your homemade pizza game. Pizza stones are flat pieces of unglazed clay that absorb and retain heat, mimicking the effect of a pizzeria's brick oven. Here are some tips on how to use a pizza stone:

Preparing the Pizza Stone

Before using a pizza stone, it's important to place it in a cold oven. Putting a cold stone into a hot oven can cause thermal shock, leading to cracking or even explosion. Allow the oven to preheat to 500°F, and give the stone an extra 30 minutes to heat up after the oven has reached the desired temperature.

Preparing the Pizza Dough

While the oven and stone are preheating, bring your pizza dough to room temperature. Placing cold dough on a hot stone can cause it to break. Ensure that the bottom side of the dough is dry to prevent sticking. You can coat the surface with flour or cornmeal to facilitate sliding the pizza onto the stone.

Baking the Pizza

Once the oven and stone are preheated, it's time to bake! Use a pizza peel or a flat baking sheet to slide the pizza onto the stone. Bake until the cheese is lightly browned, which should take about eight to ten minutes.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After baking, remove the pizza and turn off the oven. When the stone has cooled down, brush it off—do not wash it with soap and water. Pizza stones are susceptible to thermal shock, so avoid extreme temperature changes. Store the stone in a dry place, preferably in the oven, to minimize the risk of cracking.

Additional Tips

• Avoid using oil on your pizza stone, as it can be absorbed and affect the taste and texture of your pizza.
• Pizza stones can be used for more than just pizza! Try baking bread, flatbreads, crackers, or quesadillas.
• Be mindful of the flavours you use in your pizza dough, as the stone can absorb and retain flavours and odours.

How to store a pizza stone

Pizza stones are flat slabs of ceramic or stone that are placed directly on the rack of an oven. They are used to transmit heat to the bottom of the food being cooked on them, resulting in slower, more even baking. Pizza stones are porous and can absorb flavours and odours, so it is important to be mindful of the flavours added to the pizza dough.

Store in the oven

The best place to store a pizza stone is in the oven. This helps to avoid the risk of the stone breaking and prevents sharp changes in temperature, which can cause thermal shock and lead to cracking or even explosion. Storing the pizza stone in the oven also helps to improve the steadiness of the oven's heat, making it more efficient, hotter, and more accurate in temperature.

Avoid rapid temperature changes

Pizza stones can experience thermal shock when they go from one temperature to another quickly. Therefore, it is important to place the stone in a cold oven and let it heat up gradually. Avoid placing a cold stone in a hot oven or on a hot stovetop, as this can cause cracking.

Keep it dry

Pizza stones are porous and can absorb water, which can affect the texture of the pizza crust. Make sure the stone is completely dry before using it, and avoid submerging it in water or putting it in the dishwasher. Use a damp towel to wipe away any crumbs or debris, and let it air dry completely before storing it.

Avoid using soap or oil

Do not use soap, cleaning chemicals, or oils on a pizza stone, as these can be absorbed and affect the taste of your food. To clean the stone, use a brush or a damp cloth to remove any stuck-on food, and let it air dry. For burnt-on or crusty spots, use food-safe cleaning materials such as baking soda.

Frequently asked questions