[Trail Blazer]

So, fellow outdoor cooking enthusiasts, let’s talk about one of the most sacred aspects of our grilling adventures: pizza! There’s something magical about the combination of fiery heat, fresh toppings, and that crispy crust, all coming together in a delicious masterpiece. Today, I’m diving into the world of ceramic pizza stones—those unsung heroes that elevate our backyard pizzas from decent to drool-worthy! I’ll be sharing my top three favorite stones along with a handy buyer’s guide to ensure you’re armed with the right info before you make a purchase. Let’s make sure you have the perfect tool to unleash your inner pizzaiolo!

Here are my top picks for the ultimate ceramic pizza stones:

• 🍕 Emile Henry Flame Top 14in
• 🔥 Kamado Joe Classic Pizza Stone
• 👨‍🍳 Ooni 15 mm Cordierite Stone

[Trail Blazer]

Emile Henry Flame Top 14in

So, let me tell you about my latest obsession—the Emile Henry Flame Top 14in. Trust me, if this thing could cook marshmallows, I might just marry it. If you love outdoor cooking as much as I do, you’re going to want to hear this!

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: its size. At 14 inches, I initially thought it might be too big for my humble BBQ setup. Boy, was I wrong! More surface area means more room for raclette, veggies, or whatever else you’re flipping on that grill. Who doesn’t love more room for bacon?

Now, what really sets this baby apart is the durability. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill cookware that’s going to give up on you after a season. Made of high-quality ceramic, it’s both sturdy and oddly comforting to know that it’ll outlast my summer shorts. Not to harp on, but I’ve accidentally dropped it once (okay, maybe twice) while attempting a mid-flip dance move. Not a chip or a crack. That’s right. It’s like the Chuck Norris of cookware.

On to the heat performance. The day I tested it over an open campfire, I felt like a hero in a cooking show. Thanks to its flame-proof design, it evenly distributes heat, avoiding those annoying hot spots that tend to plague other grills. And, it holds heat like a pro. You could probably roast a marshmallow from the residual heat alone. Disclaimer: I haven’t tried, but I’m seriously considering.

Cleaning it? A breeze! No quirky nooks or crannies that scream “scrub me!” after a juicy steak has dripped all over. It’s dishwasher safe, but I highly recommend hand washing—you know, for that extra love. Not to mention, I’ve heard that dishwashers and long-lasting cookware like these aren’t the best of friends.

Last but not least, let’s chat about its aesthetic. It’s a beaut in fiery red. Yep, red. Basically, this thing will be the star of your Instagram feed. Quite frankly, I could just stare at it all day. Food stuff aside, Emile Henry really did a number on making outdoor dining look elegant.

So, long story short, the Emile Henry Flame Top 14in has made me giddier than finding an extra marshmallow in my s’mores kit. If you’re serious about outdoor cooking—or just have a flair for the dramatic like me—go ahead and treat yourself. Your taste buds will thank you.

[Trail Blazer]

Kamado Joe Classic Pizza Stone

So, you know those days when you’re craving a pizza so good you might just burst into an Italian tune? Buongiorno! Well, that’s me at least once a week. Enter the Kamado Joe Classic Pizza Stone—a game changer for anyone who thinks they’ve mastered outdoor cooking gear but still wants to up their game.

Picture this: it’s a glorious Saturday afternoon, perfect for some outdoor chef-ing, and I’ve got friends coming over who, last time they visited, kindly suggested we order pizza rather than try making it on my grill again. Challenge accepted. I whipped out this bad boy, and let’s just say, its maiden voyage on my Kamado Joe grill was the culinary equivalent of a standing ovation.

• Heat Retention & Distribution: The stone genuinely makes you believe in magic. It gets blazing hot and stays that way—no hot spots! It’s like a hug for your pizza dough from every angle, giving you that crispy crust that snaps just right. Nobody’s got time for soggy middle-of-the-pizza syndrome.
• Size and Compatibility: It’s tailor-made for Kamado grills, but if you’re a rebel like me and want to push boundaries, it fits comfortably on most ceramic grills. I mean, it’s 15 inches of pure pizza-making brilliance!
• Cleaning: Easy peasy. A little scrape here, a dry cloth there, and it’s ready to rock and roll for the next pizza party. Forget those horror stories about pizza stones taking your favorite dishwashing sponge hostage.

Pro tip: Preheat that stone along with the grill. I once got distracted by my neighbor’s epic attempt at setting up a hammock, and didn’t preheat. Rookie mistake. This stone is great, but it’s not a warp-speed time machine.

And let’s talk outcomes, folks. That same evening I pulled the most picture-perfect pepperoni pizza I’ve ever grilled. The crust was crispy, the cheese melted like it was draped by gourmet cheese gods, and the toppings cooked evenly. My friends were metaphorically on their knees, worshipping the pizza stone (or maybe they were looking for more napkins under the table, I’m not sure—I was too busy reveling in my success).

If you love pizza, or just strong tools to make you look like a BBQ wizard, the Kamado Joe Classic Pizza Stone should already be in your cart.

Don’t just take my word for it. Give it a try yourself, and I promise it makes for one unforgettable pizza party—cue the Italian music!

[Trail Blazer]

Ooni 15 mm Cordierite Stone

Let me tell you about my recent culinary escapade with the Ooni 15 mm Cordierite Stone—a stone so hot it practically burned romance back into my relationship with pizza. And let’s be honest, most romances fade over time, but with this stone, each slice was a love note from the fiery depths of grilling heaven.

First things first, let’s talk about that cordierite magic. For those not in the know, cordierite sounds like a mystical mineral you’d trade your cow for at an old-timey market, but it’s really the secret sauce behind achieving that perfect crispy crust. This stone heats evenly like my irrational fear of burnt buns at every BBQ, and it retains heat better than my recent memories of trying to flip burgers during a windstorm.

One evening, inspired by my new stone, I decided to push the limits of culinary sanity. I called it the “Super Cheesy Chicken Extravaganza,” a risky take on a classic pizza that had garlic, cheese, and a prayer that it wouldn’t spill over in the oven. As luck (and the stone) would have it, the base crisped up perfectly without turning into a charcoal Frisbee. The toppings? Bubbly as a hot tub on a chilly night.

A few things I learned while dancing with this stone:

• Heat it up properly: Give it a good preheat. I aimed for the “sun’s surface” setting, or about 450°F. This step is basically foreplay but for pizza stones.
• Easy transition: It welcomed my pizza peel like a doorman named Gus at a speakeasy. No sticking, no swearing—just a smooth slide.
• Easy cleanup: After our little party, it didn’t cling on to crumbs like a clingy ex. A simple scrape and it was ready for the next culinary caper.

All in all, the Ooni 15 mm Cordierite Stone has become my grilling sidekick. It’s like that friend who’s always down for another round—even when you’ve already been at it for hours. But remember, it gets wicked hot, so no touching; consider it the “hot-tempered artist” of outdoors cooking gear. If you’ve got an Ooni—or any pizza oven, really—this stone’s a must-have in your arsenal for achieving that golden-brown goodness without (much) drama. Now, who’s got the next recipe?

[Trail Blazer]

Best Ceramic Pizza Stones Buyer’s Guide

Hey there, fellow outdoor cooking enthusiasts! If you’ve ever been gripped by a sudden craving for a homemade, crispy, cheesy pizza while tending to your BBQ, you’re in good company. It’s happened to all of us. You know, those days when you wish you could just toss dough into your smoker and call it a day. Enter the miracle worker: the ceramic pizza stone.

So, you’re on the hunt for the best ceramic pizza stone, are you? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s talk pizza stones and find the perfect slice, I mean, match for you!

Why Ceramic?
First things first, why are ceramic pizza stones the heroes we need but maybe not the ones we deserve? Well, ceramic stones are fantastic at retaining heat and ensuring that heat is evenly distributed. This means no dreaded pizzacide moments where one half is golden-brown perfection and the other half is a doughy abyss. Plus, they’re pretty durable when treated right—they’re like the pet rocks of the pizza world.

Top Things to Consider:

• Size and Shape: Before you get too pizza-drunk at the virtual checkout, make sure you know the dimensions of your grill or oven. Do you fancy a round stone for your inner artisan? Or maybe a square one to maximize that cheese-to-crust ratio? Choose wisely, my friend.
• Heat Capacity: Look out for stones that can handle the heat—literally. The higher the heat resistance, the closer you get to achieving that authentic, wood-fired oven experience. Most quality ceramic stones can get pretty hot, but always double-check the manufacturer’s specs.
• Cleanup & Maintenance: True, no pizza worth its salt (or pepperoni) is complete without a little mess. Some stones are easier to clean than others—most ceramic stones will need a simple scrape down, but beware the soapy sirens! Soap can leave a residue that affects taste.
• Durability: While ceramic is sturdy, it can be a bit brittle if mishandled. Give it a good home by avoiding sudden temperature changes (sorry, ice water) and you’ll nurture a lifelong dough partner.

A Few of My Favorites:
– Old Stone Oven Rectangular Pizza Stone: A classic name synonymous with pizza glory. It’s like the Clint Eastwood of pizza stones—reliable and timeless.
– Cordierite Ceramic Baking Stone: Known for withstanding mega temp changes when you’re in a rush to flip-flop from prep to pie.
– Emile Henry Glazed Pizza Stone: A glazed surface to keep it gorgeous and nonstick, and yes, it makes your life easier during cleanup. Plus, it’s made in France, so it feels a tad more sophisticated.

Personal Tip:
I’ll let you in on a little secret. Dusting your stone with some semolina or cornmeal before tossing the dough on can make a world of difference. It’s not just about sticking, it’s about texture. Plus, you might impress the neighbor who’s peeking over your fence at the flourishing aroma.

So go forth, embrace that crispy crust, ooze that cheese, and make your backyard the new favorite pizzeria on the block. May your pizzas be ever in your flavor!

[Gear Scout]

Oh, the aroma of a pizza sizzling on a ceramic stone is just heavenly, isn’t it? 🍕🔥 I’ve had my fair share of pizza-stone pizza parties (which means a slightly crispy exterior and gooey cheese-draped dreams). Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting your epic outdoor cooking saga, here’s a quick round-up of some extra tips to get that picture-perfect pizza:

• Preheat Like a Pro: Get that pizza stone and grill as hot as possible. We’re talking volcanic levels here, folks. This ensures a crunchy, evenly cooked crust.
• Dust and Glide: Use a bit of cornmeal or flour on your peel before laying the dough, so it’s less stick around and not leave the party. Your pizza will slide smoothly onto your stone!
• Timing is Everything: Keep your saucy masterpiece in the heat for around 8-10 minutes, but always keep a close watch! Turning it midway ensures an even cook.
• Cool it Right: After cooking, let that stone cool gradually. Sudden temperature changes could lead to a tragedy of cracked stone—the horror! 😱

P.S. Anyone else consider pizza a fundamental food group, or is it just me? 🍴😉 Happy grilling!

[Backpack Boss]

Alright, pizza pals, while we’re on the road to pizza perfection, let me throw in a few extra morsels of wisdom to keep your pizza stone adventure sizzling!

• Build the Right Foundation: Keep the toppings light and layer them strategically – heavy, wet toppings could lead to a doughy mess. Nobody wants a sad, floppy slice!
• The Secret Sauce: Experiment with different sauces. Who says it always has to be tomato? Think pesto, BBQ sauce, or even a white garlic sauce for a delightful twist. 🍅 🧄
• Cheese, Please: Mix it up with a blend of cheeses for a complex flavor profile. Mozzarella is a classic, but don’t be shy to invite gouda, cheddar, or goat cheese to the party.
• Accessorize with Herbs: Fresh basil or a sprinkle of oregano right after the pizza comes off the stone is like adding a bow tie to your pizza’s tuxedo. Classy! 🌿
• The Art of the Peel: Do a dry run before real dough hits the peel. Practice with just flour to check the slide – it builds confidence for the real thing!

And let’s not forget – pizza-making is an adventure, not just a meal. 🎉 So, embrace the experiments, minor disasters, and ultimate triumphs. May your crusts be crispy and your toppings taste-bud-tantalizing! 🍕✨

[Author]

Posts