15 Best Pizza Stone Alternatives You Can Use to Bake Your Pizza
So you want to make pizza at home but are wondering what you can use to bake your pizza on?
On the other hand, maybe you are already baking pizza but are looking for pizza stone alternatives that will give you better results.
There’s a fantastic world of pizza gear to explore, and if you’re just starting pizza-making (and even if you’re an old hand), you may not be aware of everything out there.
First, let’s start looking around your kitchen because you be surprised that you might already own some of these alternatives, and they don’t have to cost you a fortune.
We’ve compiled a list of the best pizza baking surfaces around right now and do the work of finding you, giving the best results, instructions on how to use them, and the best deals you can get.
Let’s check it out!
Here’s What You Will Find:
First, let’s get the record straight. If you are aiming for a “Leopard Crust” note that you will only be able to achieve this in an oven capable of reaching temperatures up to 1000F. Meaning a wood-fired outdoor oven or an outdoor gas pizza oven.
Nonetheless, you can get a beautiful crust by using the pizza baking alternatives we will show you below. So don’t be discouraged; you can still bake great homemade pizza in your kitchen oven.
Let’s explore the alternatives!
Pizza Baking Surfaces
Even though baking your pizza is simple, many factors can impact your pizza’s overall taste. One of the most important factors is the pizza baking surface.
Depending on the type of pizza you want to make, there are many different baking surfaces, including pizza stones, pans, and screens.
Though pizza stones have been dubbed as the best surface to bake a pizza, there are various better alternatives to pizza stones.
Here is a detailed list of all the baking surfaces that can help you make the best pizza:
Baking Sheet
An inverted baking sheet is one of the most accessible alternatives, mainly because you probably already have one in your kitchen.
Inverted Baking Sheet
Description
This is essentially a cookie sheet with sides so that the liquids do not run off your sheet while your pizza gets hot and crispy inside the oven.
By simply inverting a baking sheet in your oven, you have the perfect surface for making pizzas.
The purpose of inverting the baking sheet around is so you can quickly transfer the dough on and off the baking sheet.
Pizza Style
An inverted baking sheet is simple and can bake many pizza styles, including Neapolitan, Chicago, and other styles with a thick crust and lots of toppings.
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Pre-heat your oven at 500F until the baking sheet reaches the same temperature. Always check your temperature with a thermometer.
Most baking sheets are made of aluminum, meaning they will sufficiently retain the heat to make more than one pizza.
How to Use It
Place the inverted baking sheet on the lowest rack of the oven and pre-heat accordingly.
What We Like
Our favorite thing about the inverted baking sheets is that they are straightforward. Baking sheets are also pretty cheap and readily available.
- Inexpensive
- Easy to handle
- Larger baking surface than common pizza stones.
- Easy to clean
What We Don’t Like
The baking sheet could get messy if excessive oil or cheese melts out of the pizza.
- With uneven heat distribution, the crust will not be evenly cooked.
- Since there are no handles, it is challenging to handle while it is hot.
- It can only be used in a kitchen oven.
Check Our Favorite Baking Sheets
Pizza Pans
A less common alternative to pizza stones but an incredibly versatile one. A pizza pan can make any kind of pizza taste amazing!
Pizza Pans
Description
Pizza pans are one of the traditional ways to make your favorite pizza. No matter what kind of pizza you decide to make, it can be made on a pizza pan.
Pizza Style
Some of the most common pizzas made on pizza pans are in California, St. Louis, and more.
And for those with less homemade pizza experience, a pizza pan is always the perfect choice for a frozen pizza!
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Pizza pans are typically made of either aluminum or steel, most of the time coated with Teflon. Either of these two materials is a very heat conductor and will retain heat. Although their heat retention is fast. Meaning they will get hot very fast but also cold very fast.
For the best use of a pizza pan, preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.
How to Use It
To use any pizza pan, spray it with a non-stick spray, then gently place the pizza dough onto the pan.
What We Like
Our favorite thing about pizza pans is that they heat the pizza uniformly and cook it faster.
- Inexpensive
- Readily available
- Big enough to bake large pizzas
What We Don’t Like
When using a pizza pan, place either the dough or the pizza in the cold pan and then place it in the oven.
Accordingly, the crust may not be as crispy as if you were to use a different surface, and the toppings may burn quickly due to the oven’s high temperature.
Check Our Favorite Pizza Pans
Perforated Pizza Pan
Perforated pizza pans are one of the best alternatives, giving the pizza a perfectly cooked bottom. It minimizes the risk of having a soggy bottom.
Perforated Pizza Pan
Description
A perforated pizza pan is a regular pizza pan with holes that allow the oven’s heat to contact the crust directly.
Pizza Style
Neapolitan, Greek, California, and more are some of the most common pizzas cooked on a perforated pizza pan.
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Also made out of either aluminum or compounded steel. Their heat retention and conductivity are extremely fast.
Like a pizza pan, you need to preheat the oven to a temperature of 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes before using it.
How to Use It
Make sure to use a non-stick spray, or your crust will stick to the pan.
What We Like
Our favorite thing about perforated pizza pans is that they allow the bottom of the pizza to cook uniformly. You will get a slightly better crust than the standard pizza pan.
- Inexpensive
- Easy to find
What We Don’t Like
Perforated pizza pans tend to make the pizzas stick. They are also very difficult to clean, particularly if dough or cheese gets into the holes.
The crust will have the holes of the pan impregnated. The curst will have dark spots depending on the holes in the pan.
Check Our Favorite Perforated Pizza Pans
Cast-Iron Pan
Cast-iron pans make the best thick and crispy crusts!
Cast-Iron Pan
Description
Cast-iron pans are best for cooking deep dish pizzas and make a super delicious crispy crust. But you must be careful; this pan gets so hot that it may burn your crust without cooking your toppings.
Pizza Style
Any pizza style that needs a crispy crust will be exceptional if cooked in a cast-iron pan – St. Louis, Neapolitan, New Haven, Grandma, and many more!
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes. This ensures the pizza cokes faster and crispier!
The heat retention of cast iron is exceptional, as well as the conductivity. It is not as fast as the standard pizza pan, but it retains heat for a more extended period.
How to Use It
Spray the pan with a non-stick spray – place the skillet in the pan and place it in the oven.
What We Like
One of the best things about a cast-iron pan is that it heats and cooks quickly, making an incredibly crispy crust.
What We Don’t Like
Because cast-iron pans heat up so quickly, excessive heat may burn the pizza’s crust.
The cast-iron pan must be seasoned; otherwise, the crust will stick to the pan.
Check Our Favorite Cast-Iron Pans
Pro Tip
You want to get a surface that cooks your crust evenly, crispy that allows you to cook your toppings to perfection.
Iron Griddle
Did you know you can make more than pancakes on an iron griddle? Yes, this is an unconventional but better way to get a crispy crust on any pizza style.
Iron Griddle
Description
Iron griddles are made from cast iron and have grids on the surface. The grids allow the pizza to cook better than in a regular pizza pan.
It has the same baking qualities as a cast-iron pan.
Pizza Style
Iron griddles are best for making pizzas with a thick, crispy crust. With these griddles, you can make anything from a Grandma Flatbread Pizza to a Neapolitan Style pizza.
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Preheat the pan to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. This process will make sure that the pizza is cooked quickly and uniformly.
The heat retention and conductivity are the same as a cast-iron pan. It’s going to be very hot, so watch your crust!
How to Use It
Make sure to spray the griddle with a non-stick spray or season it with some oil before putting the pizza on.
What We Like
One of our favorite things about an iron griddle is that it cooks the pizza better than a typical pizza pan. It also gives the pizza a grilled texture.
What We Don’t Like
Because the iron griddle heats up so quickly, it may get too hot to handle.
It’s not suitable for large pizzas, and the rim makes it difficult to handle with a big spatula.
Check Our Favorite Iron Griddles
Rimless Cookie Sheet
Perfect for the average homemade pizza maker and makes an incredible pizza!
Rimless Cookie Sheet
Description
The typical and well-known square-shaped or rectangular-shaped rimless cookie sheet is used for baking the most scrumptious cookies. Cookie sheets are also ideal for homemade pizzas that have a thicker crust.
Pizza Style
A Grandma Style or Flatbread pizza can be easily made on these cookie sheets.
Use as many toppings as you’d like; the cookie sheet will handle everything smoothly without making the pizza too messy.
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Sheet pizzas take longer to cook, but 20 to 25 mins inside the oven at 450 degrees should be enough.
Their heat retention and conductivity are like the standard baking sheet. It heats up very quickly, but it also cools down very quickly.
How to Use It
Make sure to spray the pan with a non-stick spray before you use it.
What We Like
Cookie sheets are very simple to use and can make pizzas in an average household with any oven.
Rimless cookie sheets are the easiest to clean by far!
What We Don’t Like
A cookie sheet may not be suitable for a wide variety of pizzas. Depending on your model, they could be a little flimsy and slippery.
So watch the weight of your pizza and use a little cooking spray. If you use flour, it will be extremely slippery, and it can fall off the tray.
Check Our Favorite Rimless Baking Sheets
Pizza Stone
The tried and true. Perfect for any pizza you want to make and available in many different materials.
Pizza Stone
The tried and true. Perfect for any pizza you want to make and available in many different materials.
Description
Pizza stones are one of the most common surfaces for making pizzas. Pizzerias often use pizza stones for baking that delicious pizza that comes out perfect every time.
Pizza Style
Pizza stones can make nearly any pizza – Neapolitan, New York, New Haven, Grandma, and more.
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Preheat the oven and stone to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat of the stone makes the bottom of your pizzas smooth and crispy and cooks the pizza uniformly.
Different from a standard pizza pan, the stone must be heated before cooking your pizza. It is not preheated and will not bake the crust adequately.
The heat retention of a pizza stone is unbeatable, mainly if it’s made out of cordierite. Any cast-iron or steel pizza pan cannot surpass the conductivity and heat retention.
How to Use It
Place the stone in a cold oven, then preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit with the stone inside for not less than 1hr.
Slide on the pizza and bake until the cheese is perfectly melted and the crust is golden brown.
What We Like
Pizzas on pizza stones have a crispy and crunchy crust with perfectly cooked toppings and stringy cheese.
What We Don’t Like
To keep the stone in tip-top shape, it must be handled with extra care.
- Requires maintenance
- Susceptible to crack due to thermo-shock
- It comes with a price tag
- It should not be wet; if it does get, you need to take special steps to make it dry as it will absorb water and/or any liquid spilled over it.
Check Our Favorite Pizza Stones on Amazon
Pizza Steel
Steel isn’t only for making skyscrapers. They make incredibly delicious pizzas and can bake just about anything.
Pizza Steel
Description
Pizza steels are made from pure steel and designed to bake pizzas. They are known to be the most efficient conductors of heat and can bake almost anything.
Pizza Style
From thin-crust California Style pizzas to thick-crust New Haven pizzas, almost any pizza can be made easily on pizza steels.
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes with the pizza steel inside.
This process will ensure the pizza steel is heated well enough for the pizza to be cooked evenly.
The heat retention and conductivity are a little less than cordierite pizza stones. However, it’s way faster and, of course, more durable.
Pizza steel will last forever!
How to Use It
Place the pizza steel in the cold oven, then preheat at 500 degrees Fahrenheit with the steel inside for about 45 minutes.
Transfer the pizza onto the steel and cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Throughout the cooking time, turn the pizza around to ensure it is cooked evenly.
Once the pizza is done, remove it with a pizza peel and leave the steel inside the oven to cool.
What We Like
Pizza steels have uniform heating that, in turn, cooks the pizza evenly.
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Easy storage, you can leave it permanently in the oven.
What We Don’t Like
Pizza steels get extremely hot and need to be handled with care.
- Higher price tag than the standard pizza pan.
Check Our Favorite Pizza Steels
Pizza Screen or Disk
Pizza screens are used by professionals everywhere and can elevate your homemade pizzas to the next level.
Pizza Screen or Disk
Description
A pizza screen is a round, flat surface made of aluminum mesh. The mesh design of the screen allows for a perfect circulation of heat throughout the pizza’s surface.
Pizza Style
Thin or thick crust pizzas can be easily made on a pizza screen. Because of the adequate air circulation, the screen can cook various pizzas, including New York, Neapolitan, Chicago, and California, to name a few.
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Preheat the oven to 550 degrees for up to 45 minutes.
These are used primarily in commercial applications where they have belt ovens. Due to the large and consecutive holes in the surface, it does not provide an adequate heat distribution or retention.
How to Use It
Be sure to use a thin layer of olive oil on the screen’s surface before placing the dough on it.
Add your favorite fillings and toppings and place the pizza onto the screen. Bake for about 13 to 15 minutes or until your pizza is golden brown.
What We Like
Because of the hot air convection, pizza screens are best for perfectly crisp and crunchy pizza crusts.
What We Don’t Like
The pizza crust may get stuck to the mesh, making the screen challenging to clean.
Check Our Favorite Pizza Screens on Amazon
Marble Pizza Pan
Who knew your marble countertop could also make pizza?
Marble Pizza Pan
Description
Marble is now being cut out in various cookware, pizza stones included.
Pizza Style
Thin-crust pizzas end up the best on marble stones. Though marble is known to heat slowly, it is a good conductor of heat.
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Preheat the oven to 550 degrees Fahrenheit for about 90 minutes with the marble pizza stone. Remember that the stone will take longer than any other surface to heat up, so ensure you give it enough time.
How to Use It
Preheat the oven with the marble pizza stone inside at 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the oven and stone have reached the temperature, place the pizza inside the oven and wait until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
What We Like
One of the best things about marble pizza stones is that they heat and cook the pizza uniformly.
You can also use it as a serving platter.
What We Don’t Like
Super time-consuming. Because of the low thermal conductivity of marble, it can take quite a bit of time to heat up.
Check Our Favorite Marble Pizza Pans on Amazon
Clay Pizza Pan
Clay Pizza Pan
Clay cooking materials have made their way around the world. From Asian cuisine to African cuisine to making pizza!
Description
Similar to any other pizza stone but made of clay.
Pizza Style
Like standard pizza stones, a clay pizza stone can make almost any kind of pizza – thick, thin, or medium crust.
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes with the stone inside.
Clay pizza can easily break at extreme temperatures. It is very slow in reaching temperature but retains the temperature for a prolonged period.
How to Use It
The stone should be placed in a cold oven, then preheat the oven with the stone inside. Place the pizza on top of the stone and bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
What We Like
One of the best things about the clay pizza stone is that it heats quickly and cooks uniformly, producing a pizza with a crispy crust.
What We Don’t Like
The clay pizza stone requires quite a bit of preheating time, can be challenging to clean, and can break easily.
Check Clay Pizza Pans on Amazon
Ceramic Pizza Pan
Ceramic pizza pans are perfect for making deliciously crispy and crunchy deep-dish pizzas.
Ceramic Pizza Pan
Description
Ceramic pizza pans are made from glazed ceramic and have excellent heat conductivity. These ceramic pizza pans can be used to cook deep-dish pizzas.
Pizza Style
The excellent heat conductivity of ceramic pizza pans is very good for deep dish pizzas and other styles like Grandma, New Haven, New York, and of course, the Neapolitan.
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Preheat the oven to a temperature between 450 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes. Since it is a good conductor of heat, the stone will heat up quickly, so 30 minutes should be fine.
How to Use It
First, place the stone in a cold oven. Then, preheat the oven with the stone inside. Place your pizza onto the stone and bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
What We Like
Ceramic pizza pans heat up quickly and can make amazingly crisp and crunchy pizzas.
What We Don’t Like
Ceramic pizza pans can be prone to breaking and are challenging to clean and maintain.
Check Our Favorite Ceramic Pizza Pans on Amazon
Granite Pizza Pan
One of the strongest and rarest alternatives to your traditional pizza stones.
Granite Pizza Pan
Description
Granite has quite a high density and, because of this, is a good conductor of heat. As such, it heats up and cools down very quickly.
Pizza Style
A Sicilian or Chicago pizza can be made very well on a granite pizza pan.
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes with the pan inside.
How to Use It
Once the pan and oven are preheated, place the pizza on top and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
What We Like
One of our favorite things about the granite pizza pan is that they are one of the strongest pizza stones and heat up very quickly.
What We Don’t Like
A granite pizza pan can cool down very quickly and break easily.
Check Our Favorite Granite Pizza Pans on Amazon
Unglazed Quarry Tiles
An alternative can be found at your local hardware store.
Unglazed Quarry Tiles
Description
Unglazed quarry tiles are an easy and primarily unknown alternative to pizza stones. Be sure to get unglazed tiles as glazed ones may contain lead. Up to 1 inch in thickness should be fine for pizza baking.
Pizza Style
Grandma-style pizzas can be made with ease with unglazed quarry tiles.
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Preheat the oven and tiles to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Use It
Place the tiles on the lowest rack of your oven and preheat the oven and tiles to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.. Once you have assembled your pizza, use a pizza peel to slide it onto the tiles.
Bake the pizza until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
What We Like
One of our favorite things about unglazed quarry tiles as an alternative to pizza stones is that they are incredibly inexpensive (under $5) and are available at your local hardware store.
What We Don’t Like
Typically these tiles are not food-safe. So bear that in mind when considering using them.
Unglazed quarry tiles may break or crack when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Check Unglazed Quarry Tiles on Amazon
Firebricks
The traditional way to bake pizza!
Firebricks
Description
Fire bricks are one of the most original materials to make pizza and are considered the best surface. Though they are typically used for big wood-fired pizza ovens, you can still use them as a baking surface for your home oven.
Pizza Style
Any pizza you have heard of or thought about can be made easily on firebricks: Neapolitan, Sicilian, New York, California, among many others.
Pre-Heating & Heat Retention
Heat is easily retained with a firebrick surface or oven, so a temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes should be enough to heat the bricks fully.
How to Use It
If you use firebricks as a surface in your home oven, you may have to use a baking sheet or another surface while the pizza is being baked. Bake the pizza for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
What We Like
Firebricks have better heat retention and cook the pizza uniformly.
What We Don’t Like
The pizza needs an additional surface to be cooked on.
Do not place your pizza directly on the bricks.
Check Our Favorite Fire Bricks
Here’s What the PROs at Homemade Pizza Pro Use and Recommend
Additional Resources
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The Last Slice
If you are a pizza lover, you would be surprised to know how easy it is to bake your own pizza. A simple search will give you hundreds of pizza recipes that can help you bake a fantastic pizza that will be better than any pizza you can get from a store or restaurant.
If you bake a pizza yourself, you get the freedom to customize it with any toppings or ingredients you’d like. So which do you think or what has been your experience with any of these surfaces? Which one do you prefer? We would love to know.
Enjoy!
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so you can be a PRO!
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