As any pizza connoisseur knows, the only thing better than a delivery pizza is one that you make at home. Pizza making is a popular hobby, and there are many tools available for the home chef so they can make the perfect pie.
Pizza stones and pizza crispers are two popular at home kitchen tools that, along with other must have like a pizza cutter or pizza pan, will elevate your pizza making experience.
Choosing the right one is a matter of taste, and it depends on the type of pizza that you want to make.
What is a Pizza Stone?
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A pizza stone is a flat, round piece of stone or ceramic that you place in your oven on the lowest rack. It absorbs heat and then transfers it evenly to your pizza as it bakes, resulting in a crispy crust.
You can use a pizza stone for more than just pizzas; it’s also great for baking breads, pastries, and even cookies.
What Kind of Stone is a Pizza Stone?
Pizza stones are typically made from either cordierite or a type of ceramic called clays.
Cordierite is a mineral that can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for pizza stones. It’s also lightweight and won’t crack as easily as other materials.
Clay pizza stones are made from a type of ceramic that is also able to withstand high temperatures. They tend to be heavier than cordierite stones, but some people prefer the way they transfer heat.
What is a Pizza Crisper?
A pizza crisper is a metal pan with raised sides and a perforated bottom. It allows heat to circulate around the pizza dough so that the crust becomes crispy while the cheese stays gooey and melty.
Pizza crispers are generally used for thinner crust pizzas or personal-sized pizzas.
So, which one should you choose? If you’re looking for a crispy crust, go with a pizza stone. If you want a doughier crust, go with a pizza crisper. And if you can’t decide, get both! Having both tools will give you the flexibility to make any type of pizza that you crave.
No matter what kind of pizza you’re in the mood for, these two kitchen tools will help you make it at home. So preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy the perfect slice.
Materials (What and How are they Made?)
Pizza stones are usually made from ceramic, stone, or metal. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your oven and baking needs.
Pizza crispers are also available in a variety of materials, including metal, aluminum, and even silicone. Choose the material that you think will work best for your pizza making needs.
How to Use Them
To use a pizza stone, place it on the lowest rack in your oven and preheat the oven to the temperature specified by your recipe. Once the oven is heated, transfer your pizza dough to the hot stone and bake according to the recipe instructions.
To use a pizza crisper, place it on the middle rack in your oven and preheat the oven to the temperature specified by your recipe. Place your pizza dough on the pan and bake according to the recipe instructions.
Design Features
A pizza stone is a lo-fi tool that also looks chic sitting on your counter. You can find them in a variety of shapes, such as round, oval, square, and rectangle.
Pizza crispers are more lightweight and are typically textured aluminum. They are normally round, but you can also find them as rectangle or square. This is the type of pan used by major restaurant chains to create crispier crust pizza.
Durability
Both pizza stones and crispers are very durable.
A pizza stone is designed to withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees. However, they might crack if exposed to a quick temperature change. To prevent cracking your pizza stone, avoid temperature shock by putting the stone in the oven before you turn it on, and using room temperature dough.
A pizza crisper is made from aluminum, which is a very durable metal. They will not bend or warp.
Cost Differences Between a Pizza Stone and Pizza Crisper
Pizza stones can range in price from $20 to $100. Pizza crispers are typically less expensive, ranging from $10 to $30.
Benefits of Each
Pizza stones provide even heat distribution, resulting in a crispy crust. Pizza crispers are great for thin-crust pizzas or personal-sized pizzas.
Pizza stones give an earthy, authentic pizza-making experience that can enhance the cooking experience. Pizza crispers are lightweight and will not break.
However, some chefs choose to avoid aluminum for health or personal reasons. You may be able to find them in other metals, such as steel.
Brief History of Each
Man has used stones to cook since the dawn of time! Archaeologists have found evidence of stones used in the paleolithic era. As far as pizza stones go, they originated in the Mediterranean, where pizza was first made.
Pizza crispers were invented in the United States in the 1950s. They became popular because they allowed pizzerias to cook multiple pizzas at once. Also, they were a shatter-free solution to the often breakable pizza stone.
Pizza Pan with Holes vs. No Holes
When you’re looking at pizza pans, there is a debate whether to use one with holes or no holes.
The holes are there to allow air to circulate and prevent the dough from getting soggy. Perforated pans allow for heat to directly cook the pizza, and the pizza is crispier. However, it may be more difficult to clean this type of pan by hand.
A pizza pan with no holes indirectly cookes the pizza, and the dough is softer.
Glazed vs Unglazed Pizza Stone
A glazed pizza stone has a smooth surface, while an unglazed pizza stone has a porous surface.
The porous surface is better at absorbing moisture from the dough, resulting in a crispier crust.
What is an Oven-to-Table Pizza Stone?
An oven-to-table pizza stone is a pizza stone that can go from the oven to the table. They are typically made from ceramic or stoneware and have a built-in handle for easy transport. Some even come with a wooden tray for serving.
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