Answering the question: which 17 inch pizza stone delivers a crisp crust and even heat for home ovens or grills? This guide highlights five 17 inch or near-17 inch stones ideal for large pizzas, family meals, and party spreads. Each option is evaluated for heat resistance, ease of cleaning, and suitability for ovens, grills, or both. This read is best for home cooks planning larger pizzas, multiple items at once, or brick-oven style results without professional equipment.
Product Comparisons
| Product | Best For | Stone Type | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colenza Extra Large Round (≈17.8″) | Pizza parties, large family meals | Ceramic | Very large surface, high heat tolerance to 1472°F |
| CucinaPro Round 16.5″ | Oven and grill versatility | Cordierite | Professional-grade heating, easy to season |
| Napoleon Round Premium | BBQ and oven multi-use | Porous stone | Restaurant-like crust with moisture wicking |
| Unicook 20″ x 16″ | Two to three pizzas or bread | Cordierite | Extra thick, even heat, easy cleaning |
| Unicook 18″ x 18″ | Large pizzas and party baking | Cordierite | Large surface, even heating, durable |
Colenza Extra Large Round Pizza Stone (≈17.8″)
The Colenza stone measures about 17.8 inches, making it ideal for large, single-pizza baking or simultaneous items. Best for households hosting pizza nights or gatherings that require a substantial baking surface. It distributes heat evenly for crisp crusts and can withstand high temperatures up to 1,472°F (800°C). A potential limitation is its size requires a compatible oven interior and careful placement to avoid crowding. For best results, keep the surface clean after each use and avoid fats and oils that can cause odors.
CucinaPro 16.5″ Round Stone (5/8 Inch Thick)
This round stone provides versatile use in ovens and grills with a robust, heavy-duty feel and a 16.5-inch surface, leaving a little less room than the 17.8-inch Colenza option but excellent for large pies or multiple items. Best for cooks who want a durable stone that seasons with use for a brick-oven flavor. It’s recommended to preheat and allow gradual cooling to prevent cracking. Consider this option if you need a slightly smaller but sturdy alternative or plan to bake multiple items at once.
Napoleon Round Premium Pizza Stone
Napoleon’s stone emphasizes restaurant-quality results with a porous surface that wicks moisture for a light, crispy crust. It suits both grill and oven environments and is designed for proper preheating and cooling. Best for cooks who want consistent moisture management and a versatile surface for different baked goods. A caution is to ensure thorough preheating for best crust development and to allow full cooling before removing the stone to avoid thermal shock.
Unicook 20″ x 16″ Extra Large Stone
This large rectangular stone (20″ x 16″) supports two to three pizzas or multiple loaves. Cordierite construction and a thickness of about 0.6 inches provide heat retention and even cooking. Best for big gatherings or meal prep where several items need simultaneous baking. A potential limitation is the size may require a larger-than-average oven opening, and care is needed to fit in the oven with adequate clearance around the stone.
Unicook 18″ x 18″ Extra Large Stone
Unicook’s 18″ x 18″ stone is designed for large pizzas and bread, offering a durable cordierite base with heat resistance up to 1,450°F (787°C). It’s large enough for big pies or multiple items, with a thickness that supports even heat distribution. Choose this if you want an all-around heavy-duty stone that handles high temperatures without warping. A note: ensure adequate space around the stone for heat circulation and safe handling.
Buying Guide
What to consider when choosing a 17 inch pizza stone:
- Size compatibility: Verify oven interior clearance and whether the stone will fit with other racks or cookware.
- Material and heat tolerance: Cordierite and ceramic stones offer different heat retention and durability. Consider max temperature you’ll use most often.
- Surface texture and porosity: Porous stones help wick moisture for crisp crusts but require proper seasoning and cleaning.
- Weight and handling: Larger stones are heavier; plan for safe handling and storage.
- Maintenance: Some stones season over time; others remain relatively neutral but require thorough cleaning to avoid odors.
FAQs
- Are 17 inch pizza stones suitable for home ovens? Yes, most 17 inch stones are designed for standard home ovens and can also be used on grills with proper preheating.
- What causes a crust to be soggy? Excess moisture in dough and insufficient preheating can lead to soggy crusts. A porous stone helps wick moisture for crispness.
- Do I need to oil or season a new pizza stone? Some stones develop seasoning with use, especially cordierite or ceramic surfaces, but follow the manufacturer’s guidance to avoid hot spots or odors.
- Can I bake multiple items at once? Larger stones can support two pizzas or more, depending on oven size and airflow. Ensure at least a 1-inch gap around the stone for even heat.
- Is a thicker stone better? Thicker stones can retain heat longer, producing consistent crusts, but they also take longer to heat up and require careful handling.
- How should I clean a pizza stone? Clean with a dry or damp cloth, avoiding soap on most stones as it can be absorbed. Let it dry completely after cleaning.