Are you trying to get your homemade pizzas to taste like those from your favorite pizza places but without success?

Even though an oven is necessary for you to cook pizzas at home, it is not the only thing you will need. You see, the reason why your homemade pizzas don’t have quite that restaurant-quality taste is that you are not using pizza steel. 

Pizzas require going under extreme heat in a short period to have that delicious crispy crust we all crave. Your homemade pizza does not get that with just your average oven. What it needs is baking steel to emit intense heat so that to cook it thoroughly.

In this pizza steel review, we will tell you all you need to know about pizza steels and how you can find the best one.


Preview
Top Choice
NerdChef Steel Stone - High Performance Pizza Baking | Made in USA (14.5" x 16") - (.375" Thick - Pro)
Best Value
THERMICHEF by Conductive Cooking Square Pizza Steel (3/16" Standard Version, 16"x16" Square)
Runner-up
Pizzacraft PC0307 Round Steel Baking Plate for Oven or BBQ Grill, 14” Diameter
Title
NerdChef Steel Stone - High Performance Pizza Baking | Made in USA (14.5" x 16") - (.375" Thick - Pro)
THERMICHEF by Conductive Cooking Square Pizza Steel (3/16" Standard Version, 16"x16" Square)
Pizzacraft PC0307 Round Steel Baking Plate for Oven or BBQ Grill, 14” Diameter
Top Choice
Preview
NerdChef Steel Stone - High Performance Pizza Baking | Made in USA (14.5" x 16") - (.375" Thick - Pro)
Title
NerdChef Steel Stone - High Performance Pizza Baking | Made in USA (14.5" x 16") - (.375" Thick - Pro)
More Information
Best Value
Preview
THERMICHEF by Conductive Cooking Square Pizza Steel (3/16" Standard Version, 16"x16" Square)
Title
THERMICHEF by Conductive Cooking Square Pizza Steel (3/16" Standard Version, 16"x16" Square)
More Information
Runner-up
Preview
Pizzacraft PC0307 Round Steel Baking Plate for Oven or BBQ Grill, 14” Diameter
Title
Pizzacraft PC0307 Round Steel Baking Plate for Oven or BBQ Grill, 14” Diameter
More Information

 


How Thick Should a Pizza Steel Be?

First, you need to know why the thickness of pizza steel matters. The thicker the baking steel is, the more energy it can retain. Thick steels also cook much faster than thinner ones.

However, when getting thick pizza steel, there are some things you need to consider.

The amount of weight your oven or grill can hold plays a big part in how thick your baking steel should be. It can be 0.25 inches or 0.5 inches; the thickness can vary. Some ovens cannot hold pizza steel with a 0.5-inch thickness, so make sure you keep that in mind.

Also, since steel with 0.5-inch thickness radiates more heat than 0.25-inch pizza steel, firstly, you need to figure out how you plan to utilize the product. Depending on how many pizzas you want to make one after the other, should you decide?

Our Best Pizza Steel Reviews

With pizza steel, you can make all kinds of delicious pizzas in your cozy tiny kitchen. There are many great baking sheets of steel out there for you to choose one.

However, since these choices can be a little overwhelming, we have come up with our best picks of pizza steels just for you! For this pizza steel review section, we have listed the following products as the best, in our opinion.

1. NerdChef Steel Stone

Get ready to wow your friends and family with your fantastic cooking using this steel stone by NerdChef. This baking steel will get your pizza cooked faster and better.

It has 20 times the conductivity and can hold twice the amount of heat compared to baking stones. So, now your pizza dough will be heated more intensely, leaving succulent crusts behind.

The product has a low friction surface that has been sanded smooth. No pre-seasoning is required on your part if you already seasoned it with flaxseed oil. The smooth surface will allow the pizza to slide effortlessly.

Worried that you might not be able to handle this heavy steel? Don’t be, because this tool has finger holes on the sides so that holding it becomes convenient.

This durable pizza steel has a solid and sturdy construction. It is considered unbreakable, and with a bit of care, the product will last you a lifetime.

The 23-pounds heavy item comes in three different thicknesses. 0.25 inches is the standard thickness of the steel. The thicker ones can retain more heat and give even better results. However, they are also much more substantial.

This product is worth every penny and will give you excellent performance. You definitely will not regret getting this pizza steel!

Pros

  • Low friction surface
  • High heat conductivity
  • Extremely durable

Cons

  • Quite heavy

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2. Thermichef Conductive Cooking Square Pizza Steel

The Conductive Cooking Square Pizza Steel is a great tool to have for cooking and baking purposes. Thermichef did a fantastic job in making one of the best baking steels you will come across.

This 16 x 16 x 1 inch product can cook pizzas, bake bread, and anything else that requires heat conduction. It has remarkable heat conductivity, and so it will thoroughly cook your pizza crusts to have the most flavorsome taste.

Don’t have time to cook something up from scratch? That’s alright because you can even use this baking steel to heat frozen pizzas. You can take the leftovers out from the refrigerator and use this tool to reheat them back to their crispiness.

With this product’s excellent heat-conducting abilities, you can make dishes that come pretty close to those made at restaurants. You do not even need wood-fired ovens for that, just a good old working oven, and this rectangular steel will do the job just fine.

Steels are excellent when it comes to cooking pizzas and bread as they provide uniform heating.

In terms of durability, as well, you will not face any issues. It’s well-made and the thickness helps ensure that the item does not crack or warp. Cleaning is also simple and easy with this particular item.   

Pros

  • Sturdy construction will not break
  • Excellent heat-conducting ability
  •  

Cons

  • Heavier than average

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3. Pizzacraft PC0307 Round Steel Baking Plate

It is time to set your baking stone aside and replace it with this round baking steel if you want to get tastier food in a shorter amount of time. You will get an evenly cooked pizza with the perfect brown, crispy crusts with this pizza steel by Charcoal Champion.

Whenever you are craving pizzas or any baked treats, whip out this tool, and start cooking. The high heat conductivity of this steel product ensures an even distribution of heat to the pizza dough.

However, before use, preheat the steel plate in the oven for about 45 minutes at a temperature of 500 to 550F.

The standard weight of the product is about 6.14 pounds, and it is also thinner than most pizza steels, with a thickness of about 0.125 inches.

Cleaning will not be a problem with this thing. You can wash it under warm water then let it dry off before you use it again. Also, unlike most baking stones, this product will not stain easily.

Want to know what the best part is? You get this product with all of these fantastic features at a very reasonable price. This one is truly a must-have for all pizza lovers out there.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • A long-lasting product
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Thinner than most pizza steels

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4. Baking Steel

Next on our list is this heavy-duty baking steel manufactured by The Original Baking Steel that will make all your culinary wishes come true. It not only heats evenly and thoroughly, but it also cooks fast due to its high conductivity.

This giant steel product consists of ultra-conductive steel. That means it can retain and radiate heat better than most steel plates. It will allow your pies to cook much faster, and hence, it will eliminate any chances of leaving behind a soggy center. The product has a matte finishing, with its corners being smooth and round.

Leave the baking steel in the oven for about an hour for preheating. Heat it to a temperature of about 500F. You can use this beauty is not just in ovens but also grills, getting equally great results. Does that not only make things a lot more convenient for you?

One disadvantage this thing has is that it is likely to rust quickly. However, you can avoid this with some extra care.

Treat yourself with this pizza steel and make the most flavorsome dishes for your friends and family. It will give a great experience and make cooking a lot more enjoyable for you. Now you can cook to your heart’s content!

Pros

  • Constructed with ultra conductive steel
  • Cooks fast
  • Heats thoroughly

Cons

  • Likely to rust

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5. Sur La Table Baking Steel

Tired of making pizzas that always seem to have soggy centers? We have all been there. However, now you can say goodbye to that problem with this Baking Steel by Sur La Table.

This durable pizza steel has been made with the utmost care using high-quality steel. Having a highly conductive surface allows food to cook inside out. All those days spent worrying about soggy, uneven pizzas are not coming back as long as you have this beautiful piece of metal.

Not in the mood to use the oven? That is okay because you can use this product for cooking up some great food on the grill, as well. You can turn up the heat to a maximum temperature of 1800oF, and it still won’t bend or twist. It will just lay as flat as it did the first day.

Cleaning is indeed not a fun task, but this tool makes it so easy that it will hardly seem like work. Just wash it with some warm water and mild soap, and it will be all good and new.

This quarter-inch baking steel is everything you want. You will hardly find another one like this!

Pros

  • Can withstand high temperatures
  • Evenly distributes heat to give crispy crusts
  • Unbreakable

Cons

  • Likely to stain after a while

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6. Artisan Steel – High-Performance Pizza Steel

If you like to bake pizzas from time to time, then this product is perfect for you! You can rest assured that this pizza steel will not let you down, whether you use it as a hobby or just a tiny homemade pizza business.

Start baking delicious, crispy pizzas with this ultra-conductive baking tool. This steel ensures your pies get as much heat as possible. It lets your pizza reach the highest temperatures for the best results without cracking the product itself. Not just that, you can even use this steel plate for cold serving.

The product weighs 16.3 pounds and has a thickness of 0.25 inches. So, even if it cannot retain as much heat as some other thicker pizza steels, it does its job quite well. The 16 inch by 14.25-inch solid surface has low friction. This finish makes sure your flatbreads don’t stick to the surface and that they can easily slide off.

For efficient heating, you cannot pick a better product than this.

Pros

  • Low friction surface
  • Beautiful, smooth finish
  • Heats efficiently

Cons

  • Requires re-seasoning after every wash

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7. Kenley Steel Pizza Baking Stone

Need to find the perfect gift for a fellow pizza lover? In that case, you have just come across the right product! Whether it’s for a friend, a family member, or yourself, it will never fail to satisfy its users.

One of the essential aspects when making pizza is even cooking. Otherwise, it will either get soggy or burnt. However, this tool won’t be a concern because it can transfer heat 20 times faster than conventional stones. Hence, you can stay assured that your pizzas will have crispy crusts.

The baking stone consists of steel. So, your meals will have a variety of mouth-watering flavors infused into them, serving restaurant quality food right at home. Moreover, steel construction also ensures that the tool is going to have quite a long life span. 

Worried about baking stones being too dense? Well, this one comes with a very reasonable weight. You won’t have to tire yourself out while carrying it; on the other hand, it’s not light enough to break down quickly.

What makes it even more remarkable is that the surface is pre-seasoned. Therefore, you can start using it right out of the box.

You will have to be a little careful when handling it, however. There are sharp edges around the equipment, which aren’t machined out accurately. Also, after a few uses, pizzas might stick to it a little. Other than that, it’s quite a fantastic pizza stone.

Pros

  • Transfers heat more efficiently than conventional stones
  • Steel construction
  • Reasonable weight
  • Pre-seasoned surface
  • Comes in a gift box

Cons

  • Sharp edges around the equipment

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8. Deedro Stainless Steel Pizza Pan.

While cooking is a fun task, the clean-up part is undoubtedly not. We can’t omit the latter altogether, but what we can do is, make it easier. Hence, here is a very effortless product to wash after you use it. Don’t miss out on how much more it has to offer.

It comes with high-quality steel, so you can already tell that it will be one sturdy pan. But there’s more. Although it doesn’t come with any chemical coating, it won’t rust. So, no extra chemical substance will get to the dough. Moreover, it won’t warp even after many rough uses.

You know what makes it so easy to clean? It has a non-stick surface and comes with a mirror finish and rolled edges. The finish makes sure your food doesn’t stick to it, while cleansing becomes simple. The edges, on the other hand, make sure the pizza doesn’t spill over.

Uniform cooking is an essential part of baking pizzas. Therefore, this tool includes features that do just that. Heat is transferred to every side of the device evenly and rapidly. It can also reach high temperatures to heat frozen treats correctly. However, you can use this feature to bake other goods as well.

Pros

  • High-quality steel built
  • No chemical coating
  • Has a mirror finish
  • Rolled edges
  • Heat is transferred rapidly

Cons

  • It needs to be cleaned frequently

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How to Get the Right Pizza Steel?

Pizza steels are super handy to have in your home. You get to use them whenever needed. And you can choose from an array of options. Still, how do you know which one to pick?

So, we did our research so that we could help you out with this dilemma. Since not all baking steels are the same, you need to see which product and features click with you!

Size

Of course, this is something you need to consider. Do you want to cook large pizzas? Or are you satisfied with just medium size pies? It would help if you asked yourself these questions before purchasing one of these products.

Thickness

Another essential aspect of pizza steel is its thickness. As we have already mentioned, the amount of heat these things can retain depends on how thick it is. It also speeds up the whole cooking process.

However, the drawback of really thick steel plates is that they can get cumbersome. You should make sure your oven or grill can hold the product’s weight.

Durability

Indeed if you are investing in a new product, you want it to last a long time. Always pick a product that has a sturdy construction and consists of high-quality steel.

Look for the ones that can withstand extremely high temperatures to not twist and bend after just a few uses.

Affordability 

Are you looking for a budget-friendly product? Or do you want the best one, regardless of the cost?

Some of the best quality products are expensive. However, that is not always the case. You can find a lot of unique products at lower prices as well.

Frequently Asked Question

1. Do pizza steels require seasoning? 

It is not always necessary since most pizza steels come pre-seasoned. Just before your first use, make sure to wash and dry it. However, some products require re-seasoning after every wash.

2. Is pizza steel better than pizza stone?

Since steel is a great heat conductor, it will retain and emit heat much more effectively than a pizza stone. It also cooks a lot faster for that reason, and so it makes the base of the pizza crispy and tasty.

3. Are baking steels heavy?

Yes, they are. Depending on dimensions and thickness, the weight of pizza steel can range from 13 pounds to 16 pounds.

4. Do pizza steels crack easily?

No, they are usually unbreakable and consist of robust and high-quality steel, so these things are incredibly sturdy.

5. How do I clean my baking steel?

After usage, always make sure you allow some time for the steel plate to cool off completely. Then hold it under warm water and gently scrub the residue off.

You may also use some soap but make sure they are mild soap as some products do not react well to strong ones. After washing it, let it dry off entirely so that it does not rust.

Conclusion

Well, we believe you are now ready to embark on your culinary journey towards pizza making. Hopefully, this guide will help you pick the best pizza steel that is just the right choice for you!

We have done our part; now it is up to you to decide which one of these pizza steels you think will suit you the best. Good luck!