The Emile Henry Pizza Stone Review - 2023
For pizza lovers seeking the perfect crust, the Emile Henry Pizza Stone promises pizzeria-quality results right at home. As a renowned French manufacturer of superb ceramic bakeware since 1850, Emile Henry brings its expertise to handcrafted pizza stones.
We tested the Emile Henry Pizza Stone to see if it could really take our homemade pizzas to the next level. In this 2023 review, we’ll share our experience baking up delicious pies on this stylish and functional stone. Could it give us crispy, evenly cooked crusts worthy of a pizza pro? Read on to find out.
Key Takeaways
- The Emile Henry Pizza Stone is a high-quality ceramic pizza stone made in France that promotes even baking and crispy crusts.
- It is versatile and can be used in the oven, on the grill, or even directly on the stovetop.
- The glazed surface makes it simple to slide pizzas on and off, and easy to clean.
- Preheating is essential to get the most out of the pizza stone. Let it heat up fully before baking.
- The Emile Henry stone evenly distributes heat, absorbs moisture, and crisps up crusts with excellent results.
- Apart from pizzas, it can be used for baking bread, pies, roasting meat and vegetables.
- While durable, it should be handled with care as ceramic can crack if dropped.
- The Emile Henry pizza stone receives positive reviews for its performance, aesthetics and ease of use. It’s a great option for home pizza making.
- With proper use and care, the 10-year warranty ensures this pizza stone will last for years of delicious baking.
Features:
1. High-Performance Ceramic: This Pizza Stone is made from high-performance ceramic, which ensures even heat distribution and superior heat retention.
2. Versatile Use: This pizza stone can be used in a traditional oven, on a barbecue, or for grilling vegetables and fish.
3. Unique Design: It features a low side for easy access with a pizza peel and a high back side to prevent the pizza from sliding off.
4. Dishwasher Safe: Unlike many other pizza stones, it is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean.
5. Heat Resistant: The pizza stone can withstand temperatures up to 500°C/930°F.
6. Size: The baking surface of the stone is 14 inches in diameter, perfect for standard 12-inch pizzas.
7. Aesthetic Appeal: Available in various colors, this pizza stone is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
Benefits :
- Crispy Crust: The ceramic material of the stone helps to draw out moisture from the dough, resulting in a golden, crispy crust.
- Easy Cleaning: The glazed ceramic surface of the stone makes it easy to clean, and it’s also dishwasher safe.
- Versatility: Apart from baking pizzas, the stone can also be used for grilling vegetables or fish, and even baking bread.
- Durability: The high-quality ceramic material ensures the stone’s durability and longevity.
- Heat Retention: The stone retains heat well, keeping the pizza warm while serving.
- Healthier Cooking: The BBQ ceramic doesn’t let fat drip onto hot embers, preventing the creation of toxic fumes.
- Warranty: This Pizza Stone comes with a 10-year guarantee, ensuring its quality and durability.
- Pizzas are not the only thing you can cook with this – there are load of other baked goods you can make – the sky is the limit realy.
Pros & Cons of the Emile Henry Pizza Stone
Pros
1. Excellent Heat Distribution: The ceramic material ensures even heat distribution for perfectly cooked pizzas.
2. Versatile: Can be used in an oven, on a grill, and for cooking more than just pizzas.
3. Easy to Clean: The stone is dishwasher safe and easy to clean manually.
4. Durable: Made from high-quality ceramic, the stone is built to last.
5. Aesthetically Pleasing: Available in various colors, the stone adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
6. Good Heat Retention: Keeps pizza warm while serving.
7. Comes with a 10-year guarantee.
Cons
1. Preheating Time: The stone needs to be preheated in the oven for at least 30 minutes, adding to the total cooking time.
2. Size: The 14-inch size might be small for those who prefer larger pizzas.
3. Weight: The stone is quite heavy, which might make it difficult to handle for some.
4. Price: Compared to other pizza stones, this one is slightly more expensive.
5. Half Rim: Some users have complained about the half rim design, as it doesn’t prevent the pizza from sliding off completely.
6. Sticking Issues: Some users have reported that pizzas tend to stick to the stone.
7. Customer Service: There have been complaints about poor customer service.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Product Name | Emile Henry Pizza Stone |
Price | $80.00 (official website) / $65.00 (other sources) |
Size | Large |
Color | Burgundy, Charcoal |
SKU | EH347614 |
Dimensions | 14.6″ x 14.6″ x 1.0″ (37 cm x 37 cm x cm) |
Inner Dimensions | 13.78″ x ” x ” cm x cm x cm |
Weight | 5.29 lb / 5.7 lbs. (varying by source) |
Material | Glazed ceramic |
Use with | Barbeque (gas or charcoal); Oven; Microwave; Dishwasher |
Guarantee | 10-Year Guarantee |
Cooking Quality | Excellent at creating a crisp crust, pizzas easily slide off the stone |
Average Cooking Time | Approximately 6 minutes for a fresh thin- or medium-crust pizza |
Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe, easy to clean |
Versatility | Can be used for baking pastries and grilling vegetables or fish over the grill |
Additional Features | Has serving handles, nearly non-stick coating, can be used to cut pizza and keep it warm during serving |
What are pizza stones made of
Emile Henry products, including the pizza stone, are made of Burgundy clay, which is harvested in French wine country. The company claims the clay is optimal for even heating and withstanding high heats.
Unlike other pizza stones, the Emile Henry is safe to use even on a gas grill or over scorching charcoal briquettes, which means you can achieve the taste of delicious barbequed pizzas at home.
Anyhow, we used the pizza stone both as a prep surface and to cook the pizza in our electric oven.
Anyhow, we used the pizza stone both as a prep surface and to cook the pizza in our electric oven.
The look and the feel
The first and perhaps most striking thing about the pizza stone is its aesthetic. The stone is available in four colors: black, red, olive, and figue. We have it in figue, which is a deep purple.
The glaze is rich and smooth, and added a real pop of color in the kitchen. For a product that costs under sixty dollars, it looks far more expensive.
While the cooking surface and handles are glazed, the clay is exposed on the underside of the pizza stone. You can feel the quality of Emile Henry’s signature material as the clay isn’t chalky or unpleasant to the touch.
This is a big difference between the Emile Henry stone and lower quality pizza stones available from big box stores that are made from cheap ceramics.
The understated but rounded handles are also a pleasantly surprising part of the design. They made the pizza stone easy to hold both with and without oven mitts.
Always heat up your pizza stone before using it
Always heat up your pizza stone before using it
It’s important to know that when cooking fresh pizza on any stone, the stone needs to be allowed to heat up with the oven before the pizza is put on.
When you turn the oven on to the proper temperature (around 350), put your stone in too. When the oven is up to temp, your crust is ready to go on the stone.
Getting ready to cook on your pizza stone
Once we had stretched our whole wheat pizza dough (a quick solution from Trader Joe’s ) out on our well floured counter, we got the hot stone out of the oven and put the crust on to partially bake it before adding our toppings.
The dough, which was room temperature and tossed out thin, didn’t stick to the stone at all.
We brushed it with a mixture of olive oil and honey for sweetness, then put it back in the oven.
After five minutes, we removed the stone and put it on pot holders to protect the counter. We added our toppings: sliced plums, crumbled goat cheese and a liberal drizzle of honey.
How easy is it to handle the hot pizza stone ?
Handling the stone when transferring it to and from the oven was comfortable overall. At 14 ½ inches round, the stone is not intended for large pizzas. It fit in the oven and on the countertop easily.
Stonewear is dense, but the stone felt solid, not awkwardly heavy.
Of course, unlike an aluminum or steel pizza pan, pizza stones are breakable. The glazes used by Emile Henry create scratchproof, easy cleaning surfaces, but the stoneware itself is not immune to drops. This pizza stone won’t crack from high heat, but could from being dropped. We were definitely aware of this while cooking with and moving the stone around.
After a little over ten minutes in the oven at 350 with our chosen toppings, we decided to turn the broiler on to get our goat cheese crumbles golden. It was nice to know the pizza stone could withstand the broiler, and to see it working well. This means you can get really crispy pizza toppings and golden brown cheese without risking a cracked stone or warped pan.
Once the goat cheese was cooked to our liking and the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of honey and baked plums, we removed the stone with the pizza on it from the oven. When we cut into it, we found the crust baked evenly from edge to center, just as we’d hoped. None of the crust was burnt or soggy. We dug in!
cleaning a pizza stone: An easy job
This is something that is very important and should be done on a regular basis. We have dedicated a full article here on how to clean a pizza stone
All in all, we loved our time in the TKJ Test Kitchen with the Emile Henry Stone. Now we’re looking forward to getting it out on the grill!
When it comes to pizza stones, there are various options available in the market, each with its unique features and benefits. The Emile Henry Pizza Stone is a popular choice due to its excellent performance and durability. Here, we will compare five alternative options for pizza stones and analyze their material, weight, ease of use, and heat transferability.
Pizza Stone | Material | Weight | Ease of Use | Heat Transferability |
---|---|---|---|---|
Emile Henry Pizza Stone | Ceramic | 6 pounds | Easy to use, dishwasher-safe | Excellent heat retention and even distribution |
NerdChef Baking Steel | Steel | 13-16 pounds | Heavy but versatile, can be used in oven or grill | Superior heat conductivity and even distribution |
CucinaPro Pizza Stone | Cordierite | 9 pounds | Lightweight, easy to handle | Moderate heat retention and distribution |
Cast Elegance Pizza Stone | Thermarite (Cordierite blend) | 9 pounds | Durable, suitable for ovens and grills | High heat tolerance and moisture absorption |
Honey-Can-Do Rectangular Pizza Stone | Ceramic | 9 pounds | Easy to use, safe for grill and broiler | Good heat retention and even distribution |
ROCKSHEAT Pizza Stone | Ceramic | 8 pounds | Consistent results, difficult to clean | Excellent heat retention and even distribution |
The Emile Henry Pizza Stone is made from ceramic, which provides excellent heat retention and even distribution. It is lightweight at around six pounds, making it easy to handle and suitable for younger baking enthusiasts. The stone is also dishwasher-safe, ensuring easy cleanup after use.
In comparison, the alternative options vary in terms of material, weight, and heat transferability. The NerdChef Baking Steel, for example, offers superior heat conductivity and even distribution but is heavier than the Emile Henry Pizza Stone. The CucinaPro Pizza Stone and Cast Elegance Pizza Stone are both made from cordierite or a cordierite blend, offering moderate to high heat retention and distribution. The Honey-Can-Do Rectangular Pizza Stone and ROCKSHEAT Pizza Stone are also ceramic options with good to excellent heat retention and even distribution.
In conclusion, the Emile Henry Pizza Stone stands out for its lightweight design, ease of use, and excellent heat transferability. However, depending on your specific needs and preferences, any of the alternative options mentioned above could also be a suitable choice for your pizza baking adventures.
Using the Emile Henry pizza stone is a straightforward process that can yield delicious, crispy pizzas. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Preheat your oven or grill: The Emile Henry Pizza Baking Stone should be preheated to 475˚F. This ensures that the stone is hot enough to cook the pizza evenly and give it a nice, crisp crust.
2. Prepare your pizza: Roll out your dough and add your desired toppings. Remember not to overload the pizza with too many toppings as this could result in an undercooked or soggy pizza.
3. Place the pizza on the stone: Using a pizza peel, a tool used by bakers to slide pizzas into and out of an oven, place your ready-to-cook pizza directly onto the preheated pizza stone.
4. Cook the pizza: Bake your pizza for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is slightly browned. If you’re using very thin dough, you might need to increase the oven temperature up to 480°F.
5. Remove the pizza: Use your pizza peel to remove the pizza from the stone. Be sure to switch off the oven after use and leave the pizza stone in the oven to cool.
The Emile Henry pizza stone is designed for use in a traditional oven or on a barbecue grill. It is not recommended for use on stovetops, whether gas or electric. The reason for this is that the stone needs to heat evenly for the best results, and this is best achieved in an oven or on a grill, which provide more uniform heat distribution. The stone can withstand temperatures up to 500°F and works equally well with gas or charcoal grills.
Moreover, the Emile Henry pizza stone can also be used for grilling vegetables or fish over the grill, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. However, it’s important to note that the stone should not be exposed to sudden temperature changes, such as placing a frozen pizza on a hot stone, as this could cause it to shatter.
There is also a rectangular pizza stone
The Emile Henry Rectangular Pizza Grill/Oven Stone is a high-quality cooking stone made from all-natural materials. Manufactured using proprietary BBQ technology, this pizza stone is designed to withstand high oven temperatures, making it perfect for baking pizzas with crispy, well-baked crusts. The stone’s glaze and design contribute to its ability to mimic the results of a traditional pizza oven.
One of the standout features of this rectangular pizza stone is its versatility. It can be used in a traditional oven or on a barbecue grill, allowing you to prepare, cook, cut, and serve directly on the stone. This feature makes it ideal not only for baking pizzas but also for grilling vegetables or fish. The stone’s BBQ ceramic has refractory qualities that offer slow, even heat diffusion, ensuring your food is cooked perfectly every time.
On the other hand, the Emile Henry Pizza Stone shares many similarities with its rectangular counterpart. It is also made from high-performance ceramic and is designed to create delicious pizzas with a golden, crispy crust. However, this stone has a unique design feature: a low side for easy access with a pizza peel and a high back side that acts as a backstop to prevent the pizza from sliding off in the oven.
Both stones are highly resistant to heat, with the ability to reach up to 500°C/930°F. They are also easy to clean, with sealed surfaces that allow for easy release and leave no residual odors or stains. Despite their differences in shape and design, both the Emile Henry Rectangular Pizza Grill/Oven Stone and the Emile Henry Pizza Stone offer high-quality, versatile cooking experiences, backed by a 10-year guarantee.
Emile Henry pizza stone instructions for this pizza :Plum Pizza
Pizza dough of your choice
4 to 6 Fresh Plums
1 cup crumbled goat cheese
1 tbsp Olive Oil
All purpose flour
Honey
Ground Clove (optional)
1 tbsp Brown Sugar (optional)
Method:
- Prepare pizza stone by setting oven to 350 and putting pizza stone in
- While the oven heats, slice fresh plums
- Flour your prep surface
- Toss pizza dough thin
- Mix 1 tbsp olive oil with honey to taste; heat in microwave or small sauce pan so honey can be whisked into oil; mix well
- Once the oven reaches temp, remove hot pizza stone
- Place pizza crust on the pizza stone
- Put back in the oven for five minutes to partially bake the crust
- After five minutes, remove pizza stone with crust from the oven
- Dress the pizza with sliced plums
- Sprinkle a dash of ground clove and/or brown sugar if desired
- Cover plums with goat cheese crumbles
- Drizzle with honey to taste
- Place back in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes based on desired crispness
- After 8 to 10 minutes, turn on your oven’s broiler to get goat cheese crumbles golden
- When goat cheese crumbles appear soft and golden, remove stone and pizza from the oven
- If pizza was baked on the Emile Henry pizza stone, use it as a serving surface; no need to worry about scratching with a knife or pizza cutter
Q: What is the Emile Henry Pizza Stone?
A: The Emile Henry Pizza Stone is a ceramic round pizza stone that is perfect for baking delicious pizzas and other baked goods. It is a high-quality cookware made in France, known for its excellent heat retention and even distribution.
Q: What makes the Emile Henry Pizza Stone different from other pizza stones?
A: The Emile Henry Pizza Stone stands out for its excellent craftsmanship and quality. It is made from a porous ceramic material that absorbs moisture during baking, resulting in a crispy and perfectly cooked crust. Its round shape and built-in handles make it easy to use and handle.
Q: How does the Emile Henry Pizza Stone help in making delicious pizzas?
A: The Emile Henry Pizza Stone has excellent heat retention, which allows it to bake pizzas at a high and even temperature. This ensures that the pizza cooks evenly, with a crispy bottom and a perfectly cooked topping. Its porous surface also absorbs excess moisture, giving the crust a nice texture.
Q: Can the Emile Henry Pizza Stone be used on the grill?
A: Yes, the Emile Henry Pizza Stone can be used both in the oven and on the grill. Its durable ceramic material can withstand high temperatures, making it perfect for grilling pizzas and other meals.
Q: Is the Emile Henry Pizza Stone easy to clean?
A: Yes, the Emile Henry Pizza Stone has an easy-to-clean surface that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or washed with mild soap and water. Its nonstick properties prevent dough and toppings from sticking to the stone, making cleanup a breeze.
Q: How do I preheat the Emile Henry Pizza Stone?
A: To preheat the Emile Henry Pizza Stone, simply place it in the oven or on the grill and set the temperature according to your recipe. It is recommended to preheat the stone for about 30 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature.
Q: Can I use the Emile Henry Pizza Stone to bake other foods?
A: Absolutely! The Emile Henry Pizza Stone is not limited to pizzas only. It can be used to bake a variety of other foods such as bread, pies, and even meats. Its versatile surface area and excellent heat retention make it a great tool for any baking enthusiast.
Q: How do I know when the pizza is done baking on the Emile Henry Pizza Stone?
A: One way to determine if the pizza is done baking is by checking the crust. It should be golden brown and crispy. Another way is to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pizza. It should be around 190°F to 200°F for a perfectly cooked pizza.
Q: Can I cut the pizza directly on the Emile Henry Pizza Stone?
A: It is not recommended to cut the pizza directly on the Emile Henry Pizza Stone as it may damage the surface. Instead, transfer the pizza onto a cutting board or a serving plate before cutting.
Q: Where can I find Emile Henry Pizza Stone reviews?
A: You can find Emile Henry Pizza Stone reviews on various online platforms such as Amazon, cooking blogs, and kitchenware review websites. They provide valuable insights and feedback from other users who have recently viewed or used the product.