In 2011, Nathan Myhrvold published the groundbreaking, multibook series “Modernist Cuisine.” In it, he deconstructed how food cooks and wrote what is arguably the authoritative last word on the best way to cook pizza: on a pizza steel. Also referred to as a baking steel, this heavyweight conducts heat more evenly and holds it longer for a crispy crust that stays chewy and tender.
If you want to use the pizza steel that Myhrvold himself recommends for its consistent performance, The Original Baking Steel Ultra-Conductive Pizza Steel is the one for you.
Pizza stones come in a variety of sizes, and a baking steel is no different. It’s best to get one that fits your oven, not the pizza. Just because you’re making pizza for one tonight doesn’t mean you’ll always be solo dining. A larger steel can accommodate more pizza.
The other measurement to keep in mind is its thickness. A thicker steel holds more heat and cooks a pizza faster, but it’s also heavier and often more expensive.
Steel is not a lightweight metal, and the thickness of this kitchen tool can really add up. Although most hover around 15 pounds, some can reach up to 25 pounds.
Because pizza steels weigh around 15 pounds, it can be helpful to have some assistance when retrieving them from the cabinet. Some have holes in two or more corners. These are designed to hook a finger through for easier maneuvering.
As with cast-iron cookware, pizza steels need to be seasoned to maintain their nonstick surface. If you want to use your steel right out of the box, get one that is pre-seasoned.
When you invest in a specific piece of kitchen equipment, especially one that is more expensive, you want to make sure it's going to last. The best pizza steals come with a lifetime guarantee against defects or poor workmanship.
Pizza steels are much more than just another metal baking sheet. For the thickness of the steel and the smoothness of the surface, expect to spend $89-$129.
A. Yes. To keep your steel from rusting, you'll need to clean it carefully and season it on occasion just like cast iron.
A. Yes.
The Original Baking Steel Store Ultra-Conductive Pizza Steel
What you need to know: This is the original and still hands-down best pizza steel you can buy.
What you’ll love: At 16 inches by 14 inches, this 15-pound pizza steel can handle a large pizza. It is up to 18 times more conductive than a pizza stone. Its bronze color stands out from other steels, too.
What you should consider: This is an expensive piece of equipment, so if you don’t eat a lot of pizza it may not be a great investment.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Artisan Steel High-Performance Pizza Steel
What you need to know: It’s pre-seasoned high performance at a lower price.
What you’ll love: It works to create evenly blistered thin-crust pizza. The surface is smooth and food releases easily.
What you should consider: Some users reported that it rusted quickly, even with proper and regular seasoning.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: Finger holes in the corners make this easier to handle.
What you’ll love: The low-friction surface easily releases pizza when it’s ready to eat. It’s seasoned with flaxseed oil. It’s available in three thicknesses. It comes with a lifetime guarantee.
What you should consider: This weighs a whopping 23 pounds.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
