It’s no argument that pizza stones help achieve an ultra-crispy base since they can heat up to 700 degrees F and retain this high temperature for a longer period.
While almost everyone swears by them as an essential baking tools, they are quite fragile and not very versatile for such a high price. Thus, it might not just be what you want for baking pizza on the weekends for your family and friends.
So, what are the best pizza stone alternatives? There are a couple of substitutes that deliver almost the same crispy and perfectly cooked pizza base.
In this post, we’ll consider the best substitutes for a pizza stone and why they might be a decent alternative for anyone looking to create restaurant-grade pizza without a pizza stone.
💥Quick Comparison Top 5 Pizza Stone Alternatives
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | NerdChef Steel Stone Reviews | Made in USA |
| 2. | Nordic Ware Baker’s Big Inverted Baking Sheet | Extra-large capacity |
| 3. | American Metalcraft TP12 TP Pizza Pan | Oven Safe |
| 4. | Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Skillet | Pre-Seasoned |
| 5. | Lodge Pre-Seasoned Baking Pan | Oven-safe |
Pizza Stone Alternatives: A Buyer’s Guide
While there are several benefits to owning a pizza stone, its drawbacks might be a deal-breaker for a pizza-holic. This begs the question – is pizza stone really worth having in your kitchen?
In this section, we’ll break it down and leave it up to you to decide if purchasing a pizza stone or one of the alternatives is a smart decision.
With the pizza stone, users enjoy unparalleled heat retention that guarantees a super-crisp pizza crust. However, this baking tool is not the only option for achieving desirable results.
The pizza stone aids in temperature regulation delivers ace heat conduction and replicates the masonry oven’s baking effect. However, this tool is made of cordierite, ceramic, clay, or stones. This means, this baking tool is susceptible to thermal shock and can shatter under extreme conditions.
A big concern with conventional ceramic or clay pizza stones is the brittle and thin nature that can cause them to crack easily when heated to very high temperatures. The unreliable nature of this stone makes baking steel a superior kitchen tool.
If you’re not looking to spend a fortune on a baking tool, then you should steer clear of the pizza stone. Nonetheless, you can enjoy consistently perfect results with other options for a sumptuous homemade pizza.
Let’s check out the alternative to pizza stone;
Baking Steel
This is my favorite substitute for a pizza stone. If you want a tool that performs like or even better than a pizza stone, you should consider baking steel. This alternative works similarly to the pizza stone but differs in terms of material construction.
Baking steel is not made from ceramic or clay but steel. Its steel construction delivers better heat conduction over the stone and allows your kitchen oven to mimic an ideal pizza oven.
Another reason to consider pizza steel is its robust and durable construction, which assures users that the tool won’t shatter or crack. This way, you have a product that can stand the test of time.
Lest I forget, baking steel has a smooth surface, which makes it hassle-free to clean. But, sadly, the tool is way more expensive than the pizza stone.
Pizza Pan
Most bakers opt for a pizza pan as a good alternative to a pizza stone – and for a good reason. This tool is designed for a singular purpose – baking pizza with a crispy crust. This baking tool is available in different shapes, sizes, and designs. Some models are perforated, and others are not.
Perforated pizza pans are touted to be the ideal choice for making crispy pizza. This type has holes to promote better airflow that does two things – direct heat to the crust and less trapped moisture. However, the non-perforated pizza pan is mostly used in Italy to create authentic Italian pizza.
Baking Sheet
Almost every kitchen has a baking sheet, and this tool delivers an incredible baking performance. It’s no exception when it comes to making pizza. While this product can save the day, it does not offer that ultra-crispiness pizza stone guarantees.
The baking sheet is usually thin, which is responsible for its poor heat retention. However, if you’ve got a thicker baking sheet crafted with steel, you should be able to get a crispy pizza crust.
Cake Tin
The cake tin is like a pizza pan without holes. If you’ll be using a cake tin, it’d be best to opt for a thicker bottom. Also, you want to stick with products made from steel or iron for outstanding heat conduction and retention.
Dutch Oven
Dutch ovens are also similar to cast iron skillets; they share almost the same build quality. This way, the dutch oven delivers incredible heat conduction and retention. Like the cast iron pans, this bakeware can be used in an oven or on your stovetop.
It’s best to use parchment paper when placing your pizza in a dutch oven for effortless food release. However, keep in mind that most parchment papers are only heat-resistant up to 450 degrees F.
Tiles
What else can you use? Tiles make a decent alternative to the pizza stone. So if you have some tiles somewhere lying around, you might have just gotten yourself an excellent substitute for a pizza stone.
Tiles have good heat conduction and the right thickness to get desirable results. However, you should ensure the tiles are safe to come in contact with your food. Also, there are different types of tiles, and the best options are terracotta and quarry tiles.
To use this tool, you need to place it on a baking sheet and preheat it in an oven. It would be best if you were cautious, as tiles don’t sit in place.
Cast Iron Skillet
If you’re wondering what household item can save the day if you don’t own a pizza stone, a cast-iron skillet is your go-to. This kitchenware is another incredible alternative to the pizza stone. The skillet is made from cast iron, a material known for its unbeatable heat conduction. With this product, you can expect a crispy result.
However, there are different ways to use this pan for baking pizza: on the stovetop, in the oven, or used upside-down as a pizza stone in the oven.
✌️Pizza Stone Alternatives Review
If you’re in the market for a pizza stone, but don’t want to spend the money, or you’re looking for an alternative, there are plenty of other options. Here are 5 of the best:
1. NerdChef Steel Stone Reviews
Our top choice is baking steel from Nerdchef crafted to help both amateur and pro chefs achieve gorgeous crusts. This product is touted to cook faster than traditional pizza stones. This unit boasts 20 times faster heat transfer than ceramic pizza stones and twice its heat capacity.
The NerdChef Steel Stone brings to your kitchen the performance of a 1000-degree F wood-fired oven at 450 degrees F. Thanks to its higher heat capacity; this baking steel delivers more heat energy to the base of your pizza for excellent results.
This tool is made of steel, which should be challenging to handle. But with the manufacturer’s finger-hole designs, this model is easier to move and hang on a wall for easy access.
Strengths:
- Durable construction
- Comes pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil
- Three thickness option
- Quick baking time
Weaknesses:
- it’s on the heavier side
2. Nordic Ware Baker’s Big Inverted Baking Sheet
Another baking sheet making it to our list of the best pizza stone alternatives is Nordic Ware Baker’s Big Inverted Baking Sheet. This model offers superior heat conductivity, thanks to its aluminum construction. This tool guarantees consistent evenly browned results every time.
Since this product is made from pure aluminum, you don’t have to worry about rusting. Also, it’s reinforced, encapsulation for a wrap-resistant sheet. This unit is suitable with silicone baking mats and parchment paper to ensure easy food release.
In addition, this pan is not metal utensil safe. Thus, it’s best to use silicone, wood, or nylon utensils to prevent scratching the natural aluminum pans and improve braking performance. Finally, this model offers an extra-large capacity to accommodate more food than your regular baking sheet. This way, you don’t have to spend all day baking.
What else?
We love its versatile functionality, which allows bakers to bake a wide range of sweet and savory treats.
Strengths:
- It’s suitable to use with silicone baking mats or parchment paper
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Durable construction
- Made in the USA
Weaknesses:
- It isn’t resistant to stain
3. American Metalcraft TP12 TP Pizza Pan
The American Metalcraft TP12 TP Pizza Pan is an inexpensive alternative to the pizza stone. This lightweight bakeware is available in different size options to suit your needs.
This pan features a sleek and shiny design that makes this tool attractive and eye-catching. Unfortunately, the pan is made of aluminum, which means you should toss this model into the dishwasher. It’s best to hand wash for longevity.
Furthermore, this aluminum pan is not as robust and sturdy as stainless steel or cast iron but offers amazing baking performance. Also, it would be best if you didn’t try to slice your pizza on this pizza pan with your cutter.
The American Metalcraft TP12 TP Pizza Pan cooks pizza evenly and performs better with cooking spray. On the downside, it lacks a stick-resistant surface, which means it requires extra maintenance to keep the pan looking brand new.
Strengths:
- Lightweight and sleek design
- Sturdy and reliable aluminum construction
- Easy to use and transport
- Available in different size options
Weaknesses:
- Not dishwasher friendly
- It’s susceptible to scratches
4. Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Need something else other than pizza stone? The Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is your best bet. This skillet is made of cast iron which offers lifetime durability. Also, you might want to consider this model if you want more iron content in your diet.
This skillet comes pre-seasoned, which means you can use this pan straight out of the box. However, the manufacturer advises the user to season the skillet from time to time for improved non-stick performance.
With cast iron construction, nothing beats its ace heat retention that leaves you with a crispy pizza base. Also, this feature comes in handy for keeping your mouth-watering food warm until you’re ready to serve.
Strengths:
- Comes pre-seasoned and ready to use
- Superior heat retention
- Increase your iron content
- Lifetime durable
Weaknesses:
- Not dishwasher safe
5. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 14″ Baking Pan
This baking pan is brutally sturdy to handle just about anything thrown at it. It’s not only perfect for making super-crispy pizza crust. This model has a remarkable heat retention capacity that makes it an ideal choice for frying, broiling, searing, baking, and grilling.
From backyard grillers and campers to pro chefs, this pan works well on all types of stovetops – electric, induction, gas, or griller. In addition, this cast iron baking pan features wide handles to let you maneuver with ease.
Even better, Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 14″ Baking Pan delivers even heating and superheat retention for precise cooking.
Strengths:
- Features well-precise positioned handles
- It compatible with all cooktops
- Superior heat retention
- Even heat distribution
Weaknesses:
- Poor quality control
- Requires proper maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions & Answered
Yes, you can make pizza without a pizza stone. You can use a baking sheet or a pizza pan.
There are many factors to consider when deciding which material is best for making pizza, such as taste, texture, and cooking time. In general, though, cast iron is better than stone because it heats more evenly and cooks the pizza more quickly.
Metal pizza pans are the best hand-washed with an aluminum-specific detergent and a soft sponge. It’s not advisable to toss these pans into the dishwasher.
Perforated pizza pans’ surfaces have holes that let the heat hit the pizza base directly to create a super crispy crust.
However, some top chefs do not make use of the perforated model to achieve authentic taste. In short, it boils down to preference and needs.
Yes, a baking tray is a good substitute for cooking pizza. It’s also great for baking large pizzas.
Conclusion
There are several other options out there if you don’t want to use a pizza stone to make your favorite homemade pizza. The best pizza stone alternatives include a baking sheet, pizza pan, cast iron skillet, and many more.
In this post, we’ve reviewed the best product for each substitute discussed. Now, it’s up to you to decide which one will serve you better. If you’re not under budget, you should consider the NerdChef Steel Stone. However, for a cheaper alternative, you want to stick with American Metalcraft TP12 TP Pizza Pan.
Nonetheless, you can’t go wrong purchasing any of the products discussed here.
