If you enjoy preparing pizza from scratch, you probably have invested in a pizza stone or are considering purchasing one for your kitchen. Either way, you are wondering if your pizza stones are dishwasher safe? Or how long should a pizza stone last? Great questions! We have researched these questions and have helpful answers for you!
Pizza stones are not dishwasher safe because the stone will absorb water and cause the stone to crack. Only wash your pizza stone by hand and allow it to dry thoroughly before putting it away.
Are you ready to learn more about pizza stones and how to wash them correctly? We've extensively researched pizza stones and have helpful information to share with you. Would you please continue reading to learn more about this exciting topic!
Can pizza stones go in the dishwasher?
Never wash your pizza stone in the dishwasher because the stone will absorb water, which will cause the stone to expand and eventually crack. If the pizza stone cracks, discard and purchase a new stone because a cracked pizza stone will not bake evenly, or your pizza will fall through the cracks and burn on the bottom of your oven.
Also, the stones' porous nature will absorb chemicals and salts from the dish detergent, and you will be able to taste hints of the dish soap baked into the pizzas' crust.
Please note that the most critical step for maintaining a functional pizza stone is never putting it in the dishwasher or submerging it in the kitchen sink.
Click here to view the thermal-resistant pizza stone at Amazon.Â
What's the best way to clean a pizza stone?
Cleaning your pizza stone is easy and will only require a few minutes. Always wait for the stone to be thoroughly cooled before you start cleaning it because the stones need time to acclimate to changing temperatures.
- Allow the pizza stone to fully cool after removing the pizza
- Scrape off any dried food debris with a plastic scraper
- Wipe the pizza stone with a damp towel
- Allow the stone to air dry or pat with a towel before putting the stone away
Sanitation
Suppose you are concerned about germs that could live on the surface of the stone. Place the stone in the cool oven and preheat the oven to 500 degrees.
Allow the stone to remain in the oven for about an hour, then turn the oven off and let the stone cool down with the oven. This process will kill bacteria, germs and will burn off any stubborn food debris.
Basic safety precautions
Making pizzas with a stone is a great budget-friendly way to experience restaurant-quality pizza from your home kitchen. However, there are a few safety precautions to follow to keep your pizza stone in the best condition possible and reduce the risk of accidental burns.
- Always wear kitchen mitts when removing the hot pizza stone from the oven
- Do not use the stone in the oven if it has a crack
- Never submerge the pizza stone in water
- Never use soap on the stone
- Do not use metal brushes or harsh scrubbers on the stone
- Do not exceed 500 degrees temperature
- Only store the stone in a cool oven or cabinet
Are you wondering how hot the oven should ideally be for baking pizza? Click here to read, "How Hot Should A Pizza Oven Be?"
Why is my pizza stone sticky?
Dough issues
There are a few pizza dough variables that will cause the stone to get sticky periodically. The most common reasons are that the dough is too wet or requires more kneading. The best way to fix this issue is to add a tablespoon of flour to the dough and knead it for a few more minutes until it absorbs the flour.
Sometimes when rolling pizza dough, it will be thinner in some areas, especially when heavy toppings like tomatoes and sausages are added. This will cause a hole in the baking dough, and the pizza will unevenly stick to the stone.
To prevent this issue, try to roll the dough out evenly as possible and add the toppings spaced equally.
Room temperature
Often the room temperature dough will stick to the hot pizza stone and form small air bubbles that will release as the pizza bakes and this causes the pizza to stick to the stone.
To prevent this issue, gently sprinkle the rolled-out pizza dough with cornmeal to help prevent sticking when placed on the stone.
Removing the pizza
Suppose your pizza is difficult to remove from the stone after baking. Let it sit on the stone for five to ten minutes to cool before removing the freshly baked pizza. If it is still stuck to the stone, use a rubber spatula or a pizza peel to loosen. Then, place the pizza on a cutting board, cut, and serve!
Click here to view a pizza peel at Amazon.Â
How long should a pizza stone last?
Generally, a pizza stone with average to moderate usage will last roughly four to ten years or more depending on the following variables. How often it is used, if it is properly cleaned after each use, and stored in a dry and dust-free space.
Waiting to clean the stone until the next day or longer will allow the grease to penetrate the stone and cause it to have a rancid flavor. To prevent unpleasant flavors from absorbing into your next pizza crust. Take the time to clean the stone after each use.
Why did my pizza stone turn black?
Pizza stones will darken over time because the oils from the pizza combined with heat from the oven will season the stone and cause it to turn dark brown to black. This process is called seasoning, which is a natural process for any pizza stone and should be expected from usage.
Also, the seasoning will help your pizza crusts to have an authentic pizzeria flavor at home. Please note that regardless of how often you clean your pizza stone, it will continue to darken.
Are you curious about the differences between using a pizza tray versus a stone? Click here to read Pizza Tray VS Stone – What Are The Differences?
Should you oil a pizza stone?
Oiling the pizza stone is not necessary and could encourage the growth of unwanted germs on the stone. Also, the oil will burn or smoke when baking in the oven.
Furthermore, a few pizza stones on the market state that oiling the stone could be beneficial depending on the recipe, oven temperature, etc. Always double-check your owner's manual for brand-specific instructions for your new pizza stone.
Can you use a metal scraper on a pizza stone?
Please do not use a metal scraper on the pizza stone because the metal will scratch it and cause it to crack. Use a plastic food scraper or rubber spatula to scrape the food debris off the stone to prevent damages.
Click here to view a plastic food scraper at Amazon.Â
Final thoughts and wrapping up!
In this article, we learned that pizza stones are a handy addition to any cook's kitchen that never belongs in the dishwasher. Also, the correct cleaning practices and a few helpful safety protocols to ensure a fun pizza night!
All of us at Kitchen Seer hope this article has helped you learn more about pizza stones and inspired you to make your go-to favorite pizza recipe. Please visit Kitchenseer.com soon for more factual information to help you attain your culinary goals.
Thank you for reading our article!
Please be sure to check out some of our other pizza-related posts before you go!
How To Reheat Pizza In The Microwave
Do You Need To Grease A Pizza Tray? [Tips On How To Prepare One]
Does Pizza Go Bad If Left Out Overnight?
