Whether it's crispy pizza, tarte flambée, or pizza rolls - with your pizza stone, you can turn your gas barbecue into an all-rounder. But how do you clean your pizza stone effectively? We give you our life hacks for cleaning your pizza stone for years of pizza fun on your barbecue.
How to Clean Your Pizza Stone
Pizza stones, usually made of fireclay or cordierite, are real heat heroes. They store the power of the fire and distribute it evenly over their entire surface. And the best part? They also absorb excess moisture - the secret to the ultimate crispy pizza base.
Whether it's our SKOTTI STONE or any other pizza stone, there's a suitable format for all types of grills (rectangular or round, for charcoal or gas grills). Today we're delving into the world of pizza stone cleaning - and yes, it's almost as much fun as baking pizza itself! We'll show you step-by-step how to get your stone back in top shape with a few simple tricks, so it's ready for the next big pizza event. Grab your cleaning utensils and let's get started.
Step 1: Cool Down, Baby
Before you start cleaning your pizza stone, leave it to cool completely on the grill. Patience, patience, dear pizza maker - we don't want to burn our fingers.
Step 2: Cleaning boogie - clean the pizza stone!
Do stubborn stains remain? Then use a little water and proceed as follows, depending on the stone:
- Cordierite stone: Pizza stones made of cordierite like our STONE are real heroes on the barbecue. Washing-up liquid and other chemical cleaners are still a no-go. When it's time to clean your pizza stone, grab a cloth. But be careful: as our STONE is uncoated, it should remain dry, otherwise the stone will turn into a sponge and soak up water.
- Fireclay stone: The pizza cheese rebels and the sauce immortalizes itself on the pizza stone? Don't panic! Baked-on residue is not a problem. Just grab a ceramic hob scraper and say goodbye to these little accidents. As soon as the stone has cooled down, you can remove the last traces with a slightly damp cloth.
And don't forget: Always burn in your pizza stone before using it for the first time.
Step 3: Let it dry
Now leave the stone to air dry. Don't rush, let it chill in peace until it is completely dry.
Step 4: Patina party - baked on the pizza stone
Don't worry about dark spots and discoloration - they are absolutely harmless and just a sign of your culinary exploits. However, if they really bother you, you can help with fine-grained sandpaper and gentle pressure. But remember: a little patina is normal and shows that your stone has been through many pizza parties. A used stone has character and tells stories - it will never look the same again, and that's a good thing!
Pizza stone care: dos and don'ts
- Avoid sudden temperature changes - they can cause the stone to crack.
- The dishwasher is an absolute no-go! Pizza stones are a hand-wash-only type.
- Wire brushes and high-pressure cleaners are taboo as they damage the stone.
- Store your stone in a dry, safe place. Moisture and knocks are the final enemies - treat it like your favorite vinyl album!
- Keep oil away from the stone! If it soaks into the stone, it can smoke a lot the next time you bake it. Better: only apply oil to the dough or topping - that way everything stays cool and smoke-free!
- For easy-peasy cleaning, simply place baking paper between the dough and the stone. This keeps the dough from sticking and makes cleaning a breeze
- Need a little more than water? Then use natural cleaning agents such as baking powder or vinegar. These are not only gentle on the stone, but also great for the environment.
Liebe Deinen Pizzastein und er liebt Dich!
Cleaning your pizza stone properly is super easy and makes it ready for your next barbecue session. Don't forget: with a well-maintained stone, you enter the realm of ultimate pizza enjoyment. So, keep it clean and the pizza parties will never end!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I clean my pizza stone in the dishwasher?
No, that's not a good idea, because pizza stones are sensitive to water and not suitable for the dishwasher. The harsh cleaners and hot action in the machine are not for the rock star. Instead, grab a brush/cloth and a little water and do it yourself. Your stone will remain the cool hero of your pizza adventures for a long time!
What do I do if my pizza stone cracks?
Small surface cracks in the pizza stone are normal and do not affect performance. However, if you discover deep cracks or fractures, it is time to buy a new pizza stone. This is because deep cracks can cause the stone to break under the high heat
How do I store my pizza stone?
The best place to store your pizza stone is in a dry, safe place. Avoid damp places, as moisture can penetrate the stone and cause cracks the next time it heats up. A kitchen cupboard or a dry place in the cellar are perfect.