Have you ever taken a bite of a pizzeria pizza and wondered, “How do they get that perfect, crispy crust?” The secret often lies in how the pizza is baked. Many home ovens just don’t get hot enough to create that amazing texture. This can leave you with soggy bottoms and unevenly cooked dough, no matter how carefully you follow the recipe.
Choosing the right Baking Steel can feel like a puzzle. There are different sizes, thicknesses, and even coatings to consider. It’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out which one will actually make a difference in your kitchen. You want that professional oven spring and char without the guesswork.
Inside this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Baking Steels. We will explain what they are, why they work so well, and how to pick the perfect one for your baking adventures. Get ready to say goodbye to sad pizza crusts forever.
Top Baking Steel Recommendations
No. 1
Baking Steel - The Original Ultra Conductive Pizza Stone (14"x16"x1/4") - The Original Baking Steel for Pizza & Bread for Indoor & Outdoor Use - Pre-Seasoned, Naturally Non-Stick Surface & Crack-Proof
- ULTRA-CONDUCTIVE STEEL - Made from ultra-conductive steel, this original Baking Steel pizza stone delivers perfect, evenly baked crusts. We know, we invented it.
- UNBREAKABLE & EFFICIENT - Experience quicker, perfect bakes with our unbreakable Baking Steel original that cooks 20 times faster than traditional pizza or baking stones. Enjoy superior performance and durability in every use.
- INSPIRED BY MODERNIST CUISINE - The Original Baking Steel, inspired by the innovative techniques of Modernist Cuisine, brings professional-grade results to your kitchen. Elevate your baking with cutting-edge design and exceptional performance of our original baking steel pizza.
- VERSATILE USE - This Baking Steel excels as a stovetop griddle, induction plate, and even a cold plate when frozen. Its multifunctional design makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen setup.
- TOP QUALITY - Measuring 14"x16"x1/4" and weighing 16 lbs, this Pizza Steel provides ample cooking space and durability. Proudly manufactured in the USA, it ensures high-quality craftsmanship. Ideal for creating the perfect crust, this Baking Steel for oven distributes heat evenly, making it a must-have for any pizza enthusiast. Making homemade pizzas or baking bread, it’s the perfect gift for culinary lovers. Upgrade your cooking experience with this versatile pizza steel for your oven or grill!
No. 2
ThermiChef 16" by 16" Pizza Steel (3/8" Deluxe Thickness) - Multipurpose Cooking Steel for Ovens & Grills - Made in the USA
- RESTAURANT RESULTS - Achieve wood-fired-style pizza with delicious, crispy crust at home! This 16" by 16" pizza steel is 3/8" thick and ultra conductive, allowing for fast, even cooking.
- DURABLE & BUILT TO LAST - The ThermiChef cooking steel is laser cut from a solid piece of steel, making it virtually indestructible. Unlike pizza stones, your steel will never succumb to breakage from heat or clumsiness.
- VARIETY OF USES - This versatile cooking steel can be used in the oven, on the stove, or on the grill! From pizza crust and bread to sauteed veggies and smashburgers, the dinner possibilities with this cooking steel are endless!
- EASY TO CLEAN - Before the first use, the pizza steel needs to be cleaned and seasoned. Once seasoned, the smooth, non-stick surface ensures your pizza slides effortlessly for an unbeatable cooking experience.
- STEEL THICKNESS - This 16" by 16" cooking steel is 3/8" thick and has very high heat retention, making it great for cooking several pizzas and breads in a row. The 3/16" thick steels are ideal for making a single pizza and thin crusts while the 1/4" thick steels can be used for making dense pizzas and baked goods.
No. 3
Nicunom 16 Pcs Potato Baking Rods, Stainless Steel Baked Potato Nails Heating Core for Baking Barbecue Kitchen, 5.5 Inch, Silver
- Evenly Baked: Say goodbye to unevenly cooked potatoes! Our stainless steel Potato baking rods conduct heat rapidly to the core. Enjoy a perfectly fluffy interior and a delicious golden-brown skin with no more burnt spots or undercooked centers
- Value Set of 16: Package includes 16 pcs potato nails (5.5” x 1.2”), perfect for preparing meals for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or backyard barbecues. Cook multiple servings at once, saving time without sacrificing quality
- Durable & Sturdy: Made of rust-proof, high-quality stainless steel, these potato baking nails resist warping and corrosion. Oven, grill, and dishwasher-safe for long-lasting kitchen use and easy cleanup
- Easy to Use: Featuring a flat ring top for safe and easy removal after baking—no more burnt fingers! The sharp needle tip allows effortless insertion into potatoes, making setup quick and hassle-free
- Multi-Purpose: Not just for potatoes—use them for corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, beets, or squash and other root vegetables. A must-have helper for your kitchen, grill, or picnic, making cooking more efficient and meals more diverse
No. 4
Primica Pizza Steel XL for Oven & Grill,16"x13.4", The Ultimate Crust Game Changer, Perfect for Oven Baked Pizza with higher Conductivity, Premium Baking Alternative to Pan and Stone
- BETTER AND TASTIER — The secret of a better and tastier pizza is to replicate the original cooking method - but this time, with a more convenient setup: Inside an oven with a steel plate. Anything that you can make in a wood-burning pizza oven you can make it with the same perfection with our pizza steels. This will take your cooking to a whole new level without the need to rely on firewood or natural fuel.
- EFFECTIVE AND FASTER HEAT CONDUCTION —Reach very high temperatures while maintaining an equal distribution of heat with the excellent performance of our steel baking plate for pizzas! Made with carbon steel that has almost 20x the conductivity and double the heat capacity than most ceramic stones, steel stones, and conductive plates in the marketplace.
- FASTER COOKING and SERVING— Using our pizza oven steel plates is just like relying on a direct natural fuel source that is used by traditional wood-fired brick ovens. You can get your pizza on the table in no time, giving you more time to spare. Additionally, its sleek design gives a minimalist aesthetic.
- HEALTHIER COOKING OPTION —This pizza baking stone provides you a healthier cooking option as it drains grease, oil, and fat away. The faster your food is being heated, the higher the chances of keeping the all-important nutrients in it. You can use it in the oven during wintertime and on the grill on summer days.
- EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE — Strongly made out of a solid slab of steel, this carbon steel pan is strongly made out of materials that are often used in making professional kitchen and pizza tools worldwide. Primica Pizza Steels outshine even the best ceramic pizza stone sold elsewhere and allow you to create and achieve those glorious and blistering pizza crusts that are only attained in a brick oven using the standard home oven!
No. 5
VEVOR Pizza Steel, 20" x 14" x 3/8" Pizza Steel Plate for Oven, Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Pizza Baking Stone with 20X Higher Conductivity, Heavy Duty Rustproof Pizza Pan for Outdoor Grill, Indoor Oven
- Rapid Crispy Pizza Delight: VEVOR 3/8" thickened pizza steel plate boasts outstanding heat conductivity for rapid and even heating. Compared to ceramic stones, our pizza steel boasts 20x higher heat conductivity and 2x heat capacity for crispy and yummy pizza. Our 3/8" thicker steel plate can maintain your food at its temperature longer after it's out of the oven.
- Pre-Seasoned Pizza Steel: Our 20" x 14" x 3/8" pizza steel stone comes pre-seasoned, saving the hassle of initial seasoning and letting you dive right into delightful pizza creations. It has undergone oxidation and sandblasted treatments, ensuring a rust-free, smooth surface with no chemical residues. Cleaning is a breeze with just a soft cloth and water!
- Heavy Duty for Lasting Baking: This heavy duty carbon steel pizza baking pan is crafted with high strength, wear resistance, high-temperature resistance, and acid-alkali resistance. It not only offers exceptional durability but outstanding performance, making your baking smoother and more effortless.
- User-Friendly Details: Our pizza steel for oven is thoughtfully designed with a unique thumb hole, making it easy to hang on the wall and effortlessly portable. And the laser-cut and polished edges ensure high baking security and pleasure.
- Versatile Cooking Companion: Perfect for both indoor ovens and outdoor grills, this carbon steel pizza plate isn't limited to just making pizza; it's versatile enough to cook pizza rolls, bread, cookies, quiches, roasted vegetables, steaks, and more, greatly enriching your culinary creativity.
No. 6
ThermiChef 14" by 20" Pizza Steel (1/4" Thickness) - Multipurpose Cooking Steel for Ovens & Grills - Made in the USA
- RESTAURANT RESULTS - Achieve wood-fired-style pizza with delicious, crispy crust at home! This 14" by 20" pizza steel is 1/4" thick and ultra conductive, allowing for fast, even cooking.
- DURABLE & BUILT TO LAST - The ThermiChef cooking steel is laser cut from a solid piece of steel, making it virtually indestructible. Unlike pizza stones, your steel will never succumb to breakage from heat or clumsiness.
- VARIETY OF USES - This versatile cooking steel can be used in the oven, on the stove, or on the grill! From pizza crust and bread to sauteed veggies and smashburgers, the dinner possibilities with this cooking steel are endless!
- EASY TO CLEAN - Before the first use, the pizza steel needs to be cleaned and seasoned. Once seasoned, the smooth, non-stick surface ensures your pizza slides effortlessly for an unbeatable cooking experience.
- STEEL THICKNESS - This 14" by 20" cooking steel is 1/4" thick and has very high heat retention, making it great for cooking several pizzas and breads in a row. The 3/16" thick steels are ideal for making a single pizza and thin crusts while the 1/4" thick steels can be used for making dense pizzas and baked goods.
No. 7
Chef Pomodoro Pizza Steel for Oven 16 Inch 1/4 Inch Thick, Baking Steel for Oven, Grill, Sourdough Bread, Baking Stone for Oven With Lifting Holes 16" X 13.25" (40.6 x 33.6 cm)
- LARGER PIZZA SIZE: A 16-inch steel pizza stone provides a larger surface area, allowing you to make larger pizzas. This is particularly appealing if you have a large family or enjoy hosting pizza parties, or satisfying those with big appetites.
- READY TO USE: Our pre-seasoned steel pizza stone arrives seasoned and ready for immediate use. Skip the hassle of seasoning the stone yourself and dive right into baking delicious pizzas, bread, pastries, and other oven-baked treats with minimal preparation.
- DURABILITY: Steel pizza stones are highly durable and can withstand high temperatures without cracking or breaking. They are less prone to damage compared to ceramic or stone alternatives, making them a long-lasting investment.
- VERSATILITY: Besides pizzas, this pre-seasoned steel stone is perfect for baking bread, pastries, and other oven-baked treats. Expand your culinary repertoire and enjoy professional-quality results with this versatile cooking surface.
- EASY MAINTENANCE: Steel pizza stones are relatively easy to clean and maintain. They typically require minimal effort to remove any food residue, and their smooth surface is less likely to absorb oils or flavors from previous bakes. Say goodbye to tedious scrubbing!
No. 8
ThermiChef 16" by 16" Pizza Steel (1/4" Thickness) - Multipurpose Cooking Steel for Ovens & Grills - Made in the USA
- RESTAURANT RESULTS - Achieve wood-fired-style pizza with delicious, crispy crust at home! This 16" by 16" pizza steel is 1/4" thick and ultra conductive, allowing for fast, even cooking.
- DURABLE & BUILT TO LAST - The ThermiChef cooking steel is laser cut from a solid piece of steel, making it virtually indestructible. Unlike pizza stones, your steel will never succumb to breakage from heat or clumsiness.
- VARIETY OF USES - This versatile cooking steel can be used in the oven, on the stove, or on the grill! From pizza crust and bread to sauteed veggies and smashburgers, the dinner possibilities with this cooking steel are endless!
- EASY TO CLEAN - Before the first use, the pizza steel needs to be cleaned and seasoned. Once seasoned, the smooth, non-stick surface ensures your pizza slides effortlessly for an unbeatable cooking experience.
- STEEL THICKNESS - This 16" by 16" cooking steel is 1/4" thick and has very high heat retention, making it great for cooking several pizzas and breads in a row. The 3/16" thick steels are ideal for making a single pizza and thin crusts while the 1/4" thick steels can be used for making dense pizzas and baked goods.
The Ultimate Baking Steel Buying Guide
Are you ready to bake better bread and crispier pizzas? A baking steel is a game-changer for home bakers. It holds heat incredibly well. This means your oven delivers a powerful, even blast of heat right to your dough. Think professional bakery results in your home oven. This guide helps you pick the best steel for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a baking steel, a few features really matter. These details affect how well the steel works and how long it lasts.
Thickness Matters Most
- Thickness: Thicker is usually better. Look for steels that are at least 1/4 inch thick (about 6mm). Thicker steels store more heat energy. This stored energy creates the best “oven spring” for bread and a crispier crust for pizza. Some premium steels reach 1/2 inch thick.
- Size and Fit: Measure your oven rack space! The steel needs to fit comfortably. Standard sizes often match common home oven racks (e.g., 14×16 inches). Smaller steels heat up faster, but larger ones cover more of your oven floor for bigger baking sessions.
- Edge Finish: Check the edges. Smooth, slightly rounded edges are safer to handle. Sharp edges can be dangerous when moving the hot steel in and out of the oven.
Important Materials and Construction
Baking steels are not all made the same. The material directly impacts heat transfer and durability.
The Best Material: Carbon Steel
- Carbon Steel: This is the gold standard. Carbon steel heats up quickly and transfers heat very efficiently. It is durable and will last forever if cared for properly. It naturally develops a non-stick seasoning over time, much like a cast iron pan.
- Stainless Steel: Avoid stainless steel for baking. It does not transfer heat as well as carbon steel. It often costs more too.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the material; it’s about how the steel is prepared. These factors influence your baking success.
Surface Treatment
- Seasoning: Many quality steels come pre-seasoned. Seasoning is a layer of baked-on oil that protects the steel from rust and helps create a natural, food-safe release surface. A well-seasoned steel performs better and is easier to clean. You can season a new steel yourself if it arrives bare.
- Flatness: The steel must be perfectly flat. A warped steel sits unevenly on your oven rack. This causes uneven heating across your pizza or bread loaf. Look for reviews that mention flat surfaces.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your steel? Consider your favorite recipes.
Baking Versatility
- Pizza Perfection: The primary use is outstanding pizza. The high, consistent heat mimics a brick oven floor, resulting in a puffy, charred crust (leoparding).
- Bread Baking: For artisan loaves, place a pan of water on the rack below the steel. The steel releases stored heat quickly, and the water creates steam. This combination helps your bread rise fully before the crust sets.
- General Baking: You can use the steel as a heat sink for baking cookies or roasting vegetables. It keeps the oven temperature steady when you open the door.
Handling Note: Remember that steel gets extremely hot and retains that heat for a long time. Always use thick, high-quality oven mitts when moving the steel. Never clean it with soap and water; wipe it clean and re-season it if necessary.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Baking Steel
Q: What is the main difference between a baking steel and a pizza stone?
A: Steel transfers heat much faster and more efficiently than stone. Steel also resists cracking. Stone absorbs moisture, which can sometimes lead to a soggy bottom crust if not preheated long enough.
Q: How long do I need to preheat the baking steel?
A: You should preheat the steel for at least 45 minutes to one full hour at your desired baking temperature. This ensures the entire thickness of the steel is fully saturated with heat.
Q: Will my baking steel rust?
A: Yes, carbon steel can rust if it is exposed to water and not dried immediately. Proper seasoning (a thin layer of baked-on oil) protects the surface from moisture.
Q: How do I clean a seasoned baking steel?
A: Do not use soap or put it in the dishwasher. Scrape off any stuck food bits with a spatula. Wipe it down with a dry paper towel or a slightly damp cloth. Dry it completely on the stovetop afterward.
Q: Can I use the steel on my gas stovetop for quick heating?
A: Some manufacturers allow this for seasoning purposes, but direct flame contact can sometimes warp thinner steels. Check the manufacturer’s specific instructions before using it on a direct burner.
Q: Is a thicker steel always better?
A: Generally, yes, because it holds more heat. However, a very thick steel (over 1/2 inch) takes much longer to preheat in a standard home oven.
Q: Do I need to season a steel that arrives pre-seasoned?
A: You can use it right away. However, every time you bake, you are improving that seasoning layer, making it more non-stick over time.
Q: Can I use the steel on the bottom rack of my oven?
A: Yes, placing it on the bottom rack delivers the most intense heat to the bottom of your pizza. Placing it on the middle rack works best for bread, keeping the top and bottom heat balanced.
Q: Are baking steels safe for high-temperature baking (over 550°F)?
A: Carbon steel is very heat resistant and handles temperatures well above the maximum setting on most home ovens. They are extremely durable.
Q: What is the typical weight of a standard 1/4 inch thick steel?
A: A standard 14×16 inch steel usually weighs between 12 to 16 pounds. They are heavy because they are dense metal!