Making great pizza at home is an achievable goal with the right equipment. A quality pizza stone is the secret weapon for replicating that beloved pizzeria-style crust—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and cooked to perfection. These stones work by absorbing moisture and distributing heat evenly, creating the ideal cooking surface for your dough.
With so many options available, from grill-specific models to versatile oven stones, selecting the right one can make all the difference. This roundup examines nine of the best pizza stones on the market, highlighting their unique features and benefits to help you find the perfect match for your cooking style and equipment.
Our Top Picks for Pizza Stones
- Weber Crafted Glazed Baking Stone
- Char-Griller AKORN Jr Ceramic Smokin’ Stone
- The Ultimate Pizza Stone for Oven & Grill
- Weber Gourmet BBQ System Pizza Stone
- Pizzacraft ThermaBond Baking Stone
- Pit Boss Stone, 15″ 70137 Pizza
- Vital Volcano Stone Cooking Tile
- Kamado Joe 20-inch Ceramic Pizza Stone
- Pizzacraft 15-Inch Round ThermaBond Stone
Weber Crafted Glazed Baking Stone
This glazed baking stone from the Weber Crafted collection is designed to expand your grilling possibilities. It is specifically engineered to produce a crispy pizza crust with perfectly melted cheese directly on your grill, offering a convenient alternative to takeout.
It is important to note that this accessory requires the Weber Crafted grates and frame kit for use. Before purchasing, you should confirm that your specific grill model is Weber Crafted compatible to ensure a proper fit.
Char-Griller AKORN Jr Ceramic Smokin’ Stone
This cordierite stone is built to transform your Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado grill into an effective outdoor convection oven. Its unique design is intended to divert heat around the grill’s perimeter, facilitating low-and-slow indirect BBQ smoking methods.
Constructed from durable cordierite, this stone can withstand temperatures exceeding 800 degrees Fahrenheit. It is specifically designed for use with the Char-Griller Akorn Jr. grill model 6211.
The Ultimate Pizza Stone for Oven & Grill
This 16-inch round stone is engineered for performance and durability. It features proprietary ThermaShock protection and is made from a cordierite ceramic compound that can withstand temperatures up to 1500°F, making it suitable for both oven and grill use. The stone includes a no-spill stopper ledge for easier handling.
Its Core Convection Technology is designed to concentrate heat in the core and project it outwards, aiming for even cooking and a crispy crust without soggy centers. The highly absorbent surface works to extract moisture from the dough. It is crucial to measure your oven or grill to ensure it can accommodate this 16-inch stone.
Weber Gourmet BBQ System Pizza Stone
This cordierite stone is made to integrate seamlessly with the Weber Gourmet BBQ System. It fits directly into the cooking grate, keeping it stable and in place while you are grilling. The stone absorbs moisture to help achieve a light and crispy thin crust pizza.
A significant advantage of this model is the included carry rack. This accessory makes transporting the hot pizza stone and your finished pizza both quick and much safer, preventing accidental burns.
Pizzacraft ThermaBond Baking Stone
This large rectangular stone offers a generous 20″ x 14.5″ cooking surface, providing ample room for large pizzas, multiple bread loaves, or other baked goods. Its size makes it a versatile tool for family meals or meal preparation.
The stone is constructed from 100% natural, FDA-safe ThermaBond material, which is thermal shock resistant and can handle temperatures up to 900°F. A notable convenience is that it requires no seasoning before use; simply wash with water after each use.
Pit Boss Stone, 15″ 70137 Pizza
The Pit Boss pizza stone is a straightforward, 15-inch diameter option made from durable ceramic material. Its primary function is to provide a consistent cooking surface for baking pizza.
This stone is designed to conduct and hold heat effectively, promoting even cooking across the entire pizza crust. This helps to achieve a uniformly baked crust, from the center to the outer edge.
Vital Volcano Stone Cooking Tile
This product offers a unique cooking surface, as it is crafted from 100% natural volcano stone. It serves as an effective pizza stone and is also promoted as a general-purpose cooking tile for your BBQ.
When used on a grill, the stone can protect food from direct exposure to dry hot air and helps prevent carbonization. An interesting feature is that it allows you to deglaze with sauces or marinades during the cooking process, adding flavor directly on the stone.
Kamado Joe 20-inch Ceramic Pizza Stone
This large, 20-inch stone is designed for use with the Kamado Joe Big Joe 24-inch charcoal grill and smokers. It is constructed from heavy-duty ceramic, built to last and perform under high heat.
The stone works by distributing heat evenly and absorbing moisture from the dough, which is key to achieving a hot, crispy, brick-oven style pizza at home. It is also noted for being easy to clean after use.
Pizzacraft 15-Inch Round ThermaBond Stone
This 15-inch round stone utilizes the same Pizzacraft ThermaBond technology as its rectangular counterpart. The material is designed to be thermal shock resistant, providing durability for repeated use in high-temperature home ovens or on grills.
Its round shape is a classic choice for circular pizzas, and the ThermaBond construction means it requires no seasoning. For maintenance, simply washing with water after use is sufficient to keep it ready for your next baking session.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pizza Stone
I’ve tested a lot of pizza stones over the years, and I can tell you that not all are created equal. The right one can be the difference between a soggy, limp crust and a crispy, blistered masterpiece that rivals your favorite pizzeria. When you’re looking for the best pizza stones, the material is the first thing you should consider. Cordierite is my top pick; it’s a ceramic material that handles extreme temperature changes like a champ, so you don’t have to worry about it cracking when you slide your pizza onto a blazing hot surface. It also absorbs moisture from the dough beautifully, which is key for that perfect crispness.
Next up is thickness. A thicker stone, typically around half an inch or more, has more thermal mass. This means it stores more heat and releases it steadily into your pizza, leading to a more even cook and a better crust. Thinner stones can heat up faster, but they also lose heat quickly when the cold dough hits them, which can result in an undercooked bottom. Size and shape are also crucial. A rectangular stone offers more real estate for larger or irregularly shaped pies, while a round one is a natural fit for classic circular pizzas. Just make sure it fits in your oven with a little space around the edges for proper air circulation.
Finally, think about the surface. A completely smooth stone is great for a uniform crust, but some stones have a textured or perforated surface. I find that a bit of texture can help create those desirable air pockets and a more artisanal, chewy crust. Also, consider ease of use and cleaning. Many stones are cumbersome and can’t be washed with soap, requiring only a scrape and a wipe. If this sounds like a hassle, a pizza steel is a great alternative; it’s more durable, heats up even faster, and can often be lightly washed. By weighing these factors—material, thickness, size, and surface—you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect tool for your homemade pizza adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to preheat my pizza stone?
Yes, absolutely. This is the most critical step. A cold stone will give you a soggy crust. You need to preheat your stone in the oven for at least 30-45 minutes at the highest temperature your oven can reach, usually 450-500°F (230-260°C). This ensures the stone has absorbed enough thermal energy to instantly begin cooking the bottom of the pizza, creating that crisp, blistered foundation we all want.
How do I clean my pizza stone without breaking it?
You have to be gentle. Never use soap or detergent, as the porous stone will absorb it and impart a nasty flavor to your next pizza. After the stone has completely cooled, the best method is to scrape off any stuck-on bits with a metal dough scraper or a stiff brush. If there’s stubborn residue, you can lightly scrub it with coarse salt and a damp cloth or rinse it briefly under hot water. Let it dry thoroughly in the oven or on a rack before storing it.
When you are searching for the 9 Best Pizza Stones – Expert Reviews and Recommendations, you will notice that most are made from materials that require this specific care. It might seem fussy at first, but it becomes second nature and is well worth the effort for the results.
Why did my pizza stone crack?
The most common reason for a pizza stone cracking is thermal shock. This happens when a stone experiences a rapid and extreme change in temperature. Placing a frozen pizza directly on a scorching hot stone or putting a cold, wet stone into a preheated oven are classic ways to cause this. Always let the stone heat up and cool down gradually with the oven. Also, avoid exposing it to any liquid while it’s hot.
What is the difference between a pizza stone and a pizza steel?
A pizza steel is a thick slab of steel, while a stone is typically made from cordierite or ceramic. The main differences are in heat transfer and durability. Steel conducts heat more efficiently than stone, which can lead to a faster cook and a crispier, chewier crust (more like a New York-style slice). Steel is also nearly indestructible; it won’t crack from thermal shock and is easier to clean. Stones, however, are excellent at creating a more traditional, airy, and slightly charred Neapolitan-style crust.
Can I use my pizza stone on a grill?
You can, and it’s a fantastic way to get extremely high heat for an authentic pizza. The same rules apply: preheat the stone on the grill with the lid closed for at least 30 minutes. Grills can have hot spots, so you might need to rotate your pizza during cooking for an even bake. Just ensure your stone is rated for grill use and that it fits safely on your grill grates.