Why a Steel Slab Beats a Pizza Stone in Your Home Oven
For the longest time, pizza stones were the go-to tool for homemade pizza enthusiasts. But just like how vinyl records gave way to CDs and then streaming services, it's time to retire your trusty pizza stone for a more efficient and effective option: a steel slab.
That's right; I'm talking about Baking Steel's Original Pizza Steel ($129). It may seem like just another kitchen gadget, but let me tell you why it outperforms the humble pizza stone.
Steel Conducts Heat Better Than Stone
Remember when we all learned that steel conducts heat better than stone? That was a game-changer in the culinary world, thanks to Nathan Myhrvold's Modernist Cuisine. This means that with a steel slab like Baking Steel's Original Pizza Steel, you can achieve faster heating and more energy retention compared to pizza stones.
Better Oven Spring and Crispier Crusts
Ever wonder why your pizza always comes out flat and soggy, no matter how many times you try? It could be due to poor oven spring - the rise of dough during baking. A steel slab helps retain heat in the oven, providing a better environment for your dough to expand and rise properly. This results in a crispier crust with a chewier texture, just like what you'd find at your favorite pizza parlor.
Faster Bakes for Busy Lives
We all lead busy lives, and nobody has time for slow-baking pizzas. With a steel slab, you can say goodbye to those lengthy baking times. The increased heat conductivity means faster bake times, so you can enjoy your homemade pizza in no time at all. Plus, who wouldn't want an excuse to eat more pizza?
Expanding the Pizza Steel Empire
Baking Steel has expanded its product line beyond the Original Pizza Steel. They now offer a range of products designed for stovetop use, including griddles and cherry wood pizza peels. You can also find pumice cleaning bricks, dough recipe kits, and accessories on their website. And if you prefer to shop on Amazon or at Sur La Table, you're covered there too.
The Verdict: Steel Slab > Pizza Stone
After all this talk about steel slabs outperforming pizza stones, it should be clear that they are the superior choice for home oven cooking. They heat faster, retain more energy, and produce crispier bottoms with better oven spring. So if you want to up your pizza game at home, ditch the stone and invest in a steel slab like Baking Steel's Original Pizza Steel. Your taste buds will thank you.
So there you have it - the steel slab reigns supreme over the pizza stone in the battle of home oven cooking tools. It might seem like just another kitchen gadget, but trust me when I say that this one is worth its weight in gold (or at least in dough). Give it a try and see how your homemade pizzas transform before your very eyes.
