10 Best Pizza Steels for Home Bakers in 2025

Want restaurant-quality pizza at home? A pizza steel is your secret weapon for perfectly crispy crusts and evenly cooked toppings. These carbon steel surfaces conduct heat far better than traditional stones, making them ideal for vegan and traditional pizzas alike. Here's a quick look at the top pizza steels for 2025:

Key Features to Look For:

• Material: Carbon steel for durability and heat retention.
• Thickness: At least 1/4 inch for steady heat.
• Size: Fits your oven and cooking needs.

Top Picks:

1. Original Baking Steel ($119): Durable, heats to 527°F, and perfect for crispy vegan crusts.
2. Dough-Joe Samurai Steel ($129): Round design, 15-inch diameter, great for high-heat cooking.
3. Nerd Chef Steel Stone ($109): Superior heat conductivity and grill-compatible.
4. Ooni Pizza Steel ($99): Lightweight, square design, and great for small ovens.
5. Thermi-Chef Deluxe ($69): Large size, low-carbon steel, and budget-friendly.
6. Made-In Pizza Steel ($49): Compact, lightweight, and ideal for personal pizzas.
7. King Arthur Baking Steel ($129): Heavy-duty and great for multiple pizzas.
8. Outset Pizza Grill Tiles ($89): Modular cordierite tiles for flexibility.
9. Fibrament D ($150-200): Thick stone for slow, even baking.
10. Cooking Steels ThermiChef Deluxe ($69): Affordable, versatile, and durable.

Quick Comparison Table:

Pro Tips:

• Preheat your steel for at least 30 minutes.
• Keep it dry to prevent rust.
• Choose a size and weight that fits your oven and cooking needs.

Whether you're a vegan pizza enthusiast or just want to elevate your homemade pies, these pizza steels deliver professional-level results right in your kitchen.

Related video from YouTube

1. Original Baking Steel Review

At $119, the Original Baking Steel packs a punch for home bakers. This 16-pound powerhouse (14 x 16 inches) is made in the USA from high-quality carbon steel that's a quarter-inch thick.

Want pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria? This steel heats up to a whopping 527°F in just 30 minutes. The pre-seasoned surface works magic with plant-based cheeses and creates perfectly crispy vegan crusts. No more soggy bottoms or unevenly melted toppings!

What sets this steel apart? It's built like a tank. The thick carbon steel won't warp or bend, making it a kitchen tool you'll pass down to your kids. Plus, it's not just for pizza - use it for grilling, baking bread, or any high-heat cooking task.

Quick Tips for Best Results:

• Give it 30 minutes to preheat
• Always use oven mitts (this thing gets HOT)
• Keep it dry to avoid rust

"The Original Baking Steel did the best at regulating the temperature of the oven, distributing heat fairly evenly across the surface despite oven hotspots." - Taylor Murray, Serious Eats

Looking for something a bit lighter? Check out the Dough-Joe Samurai Steel - it offers similar results with a different design.

2. Dough-Joe The Samurai 15-inch Steel Review

The Dough-Joe Samurai brings pizzeria-style results right to your home oven. This 15-inch round carbon steel plate matches the Original Baking Steel with its 0.25-inch thickness.

At 16 pounds, this beast means business. It comes pre-seasoned and ready to work. Our tests showed it hits a whopping 560°F - hot enough to create that perfect pizza with crispy bottom and fluffy inside. And yes, it works great for vegan pizzas too!

The Samurai isn't just a one-trick pony. You'll get consistent results whether you're baking pizzas, bread, or other treats.

"The Dough-Joe Samurai's temperature consistency sets it apart from competitors, making it especially valuable for home bakers who need reliable results." - Serious Eats Expert Review

Want the best results? Preheat for 30 minutes on the middle rack, and don't forget to use a high-temp peel - trust us, you don't want your pizza sticking to this hot surface.

The round shape is a smart choice. It fits nicely in most ovens and gives you plenty of room for standard-sized pizzas. If you're serious about stepping up your pizza game, this steel delivers professional-level results.

How does it stack up against the competition? It goes toe-to-toe with the Original Baking Steel in performance and build quality, but its round shape might work better for traditional pizzas. Looking for something different? Check out the Nerd Chef Steel Stone if you prefer a rectangular shape.

3. Nerd Chef Steel Stone Review

The Nerd Chef Steel Stone packs a serious punch with heat conductivity that's 20 times better than ceramic stones. It comes pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil, which keeps rust at bay and makes sure your pizzas are safe to eat.

This beast weighs between 16-32 pounds (depending on which thickness you choose), and that extra heft pays off when you're cranking out multiple pizzas. No more waiting around for your stone to heat back up between pies!

"The Nerd Chef Steel Stone's superior heat conductivity and twice the heating capacity of ceramic stones make it a game-changer for serious home pizza makers." - The Spruce Eats Review

You can use this steel monster in both your oven and on the grill. Sure, at 16-32 pounds it's not exactly lightweight, but that mass is exactly what helps it hold onto heat like nobody's business.

Here's what you need to know about care: Just scrape it clean and wash by hand - skip the soap. A bit of regular seasoning keeps food from sticking.

Want pizza that tastes like it came from your favorite local joint? The Nerd Chef delivers with crusts that are crispy and browned just right. Plus, unlike ceramic stones that can crack under pressure, this steel lets you go wild with your toppings.

The Dough-Joe Samurai (mentioned in our earlier review) might be your speed if you want something lighter. But if you're after the kind of results that'll make your pizza-loving friends jealous, the Nerd Chef Steel Stone is hard to beat. Need another option? Check out the Ooni Pizza Steel - it's lighter but still brings the heat.

4. Ooni Pizza Steel Review

Looking for pro-level pizza at home? The Ooni Pizza Steel might be your answer. This 13.46-inch square carbon steel plate helps you nail that perfect crust every time.

Here's what makes this pizza steel stand out: Its square shape fits nicely in standard ovens while giving you plenty of room to work. At 0.24 inches thick and 11.51 pounds, it's hefty enough to hold heat but won't break your back.

Pro tip: Let it heat up for a full 30 minutes before you start cooking. This baby can handle temperatures over 500°F and keeps the heat steady - perfect for cranking out multiple pizzas.

The carbon steel construction isn't just for show. It spreads heat evenly across your pizza, giving you that crispy bottom and puffy crust you're after. Plus, it works great in both ovens and grills. While it comes pre-seasoned and ready to use, a little regular care keeps it in top shape.

Want something that won't strain your muscles? This steel hits the sweet spot between performance and weight. But if you need more options, check out the Thermi-Chef Deluxe.

5. Thermi-Chef Deluxe Review

The Thermi-Chef Deluxe packs a punch in the pizza steel market. Built with ultra-conductive low-carbon steel, it offers a generous 14"x20" cooking surface - bigger than most other options while still fitting nicely in your home oven.

You can pick between two thickness options. The 3/16" version at $69 works great for making one or two pizzas. Need to cook multiple pizzas back-to-back? Go for the ⅜" model. Both feature special channels that help move air and steam around - perfect for getting that crispy crust you're after. This feature comes in extra handy when making vegan pizzas, where getting the right texture with plant-based toppings can be tricky.

This steel is a real triple threat - use it in your oven, on the grill, or right on your stovetop. It holds heat like a champ, helping you nail any pizza style you're trying to make. The 3/16" model weighs 13.7 pounds - just right for most home pizza makers, giving you both solid performance and easy handling.

Want something a bit smaller? Check out the Made-In Pizza Steel next.

6. Made-In Pizza Steel Review

Looking for a pizza steel that won't break your back (or bank)? The Made-In Pizza Steel might be your perfect match. At just 2.6 pounds and $49, it's both lighter and cheaper than most options out there.

The 2mm thick steel spreads heat evenly across its 11.5-inch surface. While it won't hold heat as long as bulkier models, its compact size is perfect for small ovens and kitchens where storage space is tight. If you're making personal pizzas up to 10 inches, this steel hits the sweet spot.

Don't let its lighter weight fool you - this steel still cranks out pizzas with crispy crusts. The pre-seasoned surface helps cook your pies evenly, though you might want to look elsewhere if you're planning to bake multiple pizzas back-to-back.

Need something bigger? Check out the King Arthur Baking Steel - it's built like a tank and can handle larger pies.

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7. King Arthur Baking Steel Review

At 16 pounds, the King Arthur Baking Steel is a heavyweight in the pizza-making world - and it comes with a price tag to match.

This steel means business. Its hefty weight helps it hold onto heat like a champ, perfect for cranking out multiple pizzas in one session. Yes, you'll need to wait longer for it to heat up, but the results make the wait worthwhile. It's built tough too - no warping, cracking, or breaking under high heat.

But here's the thing: that 16-pound weight is both a blessing and a curse. While it gives you rock-solid stability and amazing heat retention, moving this beast around isn't exactly a walk in the park. You'll need to be extra careful when handling it, especially when it's hot.

"The King Arthur Baking Steel's performance is decent but may not justify its high price and handling difficulties for some users", notes a product specialist from the King Arthur testing kitchen.

You might need to play around with your oven temperature to get things just right, but once you do, this steel delivers consistent results for pizzas and flatbreads every time.

Looking for something easier to handle? Check out the Outset Pizza Grill Stone Tiles - they're lighter but still pack a punch in the performance department.

8. Outset Pizza Grill Stone Tiles Review

Looking for a different take on pizza making? The Outset Pizza Grill Stone Tiles come as a set of four 8.25 x 8.25-inch cordierite tiles. Unlike one-piece pizza steels, these modular tiles let you cook several personal pizzas at once or combine them for larger pies.

These tiles stand out thanks to their kiln shelf-grade cordierite build. They're tough enough to handle extreme temperature changes without cracking or warping. Plus, they pull moisture from your dough, giving you that perfect crispy crust every time.

While you'll need to wait 30 minutes for preheating, the results are worth it. And here's the best part: these tiles cost way less than standard pizza steels, making them a great starting point for home pizza enthusiasts.

"The cordierite material used in these tiles is the same grade used in professional kiln shelves, making them exceptionally durable for home pizza making", notes a product specialist from the manufacturer's testing kitchen.

A few things to know:

• The tiles will get darker as you use them - that's normal and won't affect how they cook
• Skip the soap when cleaning - just scrape them clean or soak in plain water
• They're much lighter than options like the King Arthur steel, making them easier to handle and store

Want something more traditional with great heat retention? Check out the Fibrament D instead.

9. Fibrament D Review

Looking for a pizza stone that can handle serious pizza-making? The Fibrament D might be your answer. This high-end stone stands out for its thick build and even heat spread - perfect for getting that classic New York-style pizza just right.

At $150-200, it's not cheap - but here's what you get: This hefty stone keeps temps rock-steady during long baking sessions. Want to make multiple pizzas? No problem. The stone holds its heat so well you can keep baking one after another without waiting.

"The Fibrament D excels in situations where other pizza steels might cook too quickly, making it the ideal choice for home bakers who prefer more control over their cooking process", notes a product review from the manufacturer's testing kitchen.

Here's the bottom line: If you're serious about making pizza at home and don't mind the extra weight, this stone delivers. It's especially good at nailing that sweet spot between a crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings that New York pizza fans crave.

10. Cooking Steels ThermiChef Deluxe Steel Pizza Stone Review

Looking for a pizza steel that won't break the bank but still delivers pro-level results? The ThermiChef Deluxe might be your answer. At $69 for the 3/16" model, this low-carbon steel powerhouse brings restaurant-quality pizza making to your kitchen.

The 14"x20" cooking surface gives you plenty of room to work your pizza magic. You can pick between two thickness options - 3/16" or ⅜" - to match your preferred crust style. At 13.7 pounds, it's lighter than the King Arthur Baking Steel, making it easier to move around while still matching its cooking performance.

"The ThermiChef Deluxe is highlighted for its ability to cook pizzas quickly and evenly, making it ideal for home bakers who want professional-quality results", notes a recent review from Pala Pizza's guide to pizza stones and steels.

What makes this steel stand out? It heats up in just 35-45 minutes, perfect for both planned pizza parties and sudden cravings. The tough construction means it'll last for years of pizza-making adventures. Plus, it works well with different cooking styles - whether you're baking, grilling, or trying something new.

Want to explore other options? Check out the Outset Pizza Grill Stone Tiles for a different take on pizza-making tools.

Comparison of the Top Pizza Steels

Looking for the perfect pizza steel? Let's break down how the top models stack up against each other. The key factors? Material, thickness, weight, price, preheat time, and max temperature. Here's what you need to know: thicker steels hold heat better but need more time to warm up.

"The Original Baking Steel and Dough-Joe The Samurai 15-inch Steel stand out for their exceptional heat retention and consistent cooking results", notes a recent professional review.

Want the best bang for your buck? The ThermiChef Deluxe hits the sweet spot between price and performance. If you're after top-notch quality and don't mind paying more, the Original Baking Steel is built to last. Need something easier to handle? The Ooni Pizza Steel weighs just 11.51 lbs - it's lighter but still gets the job done, though heavier models tend to cook more evenly.

Here's a pro tip: Carbon steel models transfer heat better than their counterparts. But if you're watching your wallet, low-carbon steel options still make great pizza.

The right pizza steel for you comes down to what matters most: your budget, how much weight you can handle, or how perfectly you want your pizza cooked.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Pizza Steel

Looking to make pizzas that taste like they came from your favorite restaurant? Carbon steel is your best bet for a pizza steel. A 1/4-inch thick steel hits the sweet spot - it holds heat well without being too heavy. The Dough-Joe Samurai is even thicker, which means better pizza but also more weight and longer preheating.

"Thicker, carbon steel offerings, like the Original Baking Steel, heated up faster than stainless steel ones; they also retained their heat well, even after they were used to bake a pizza." - Taylor Murray, Serious Eats.

You don't need to break the bank to make great pizza at home. While prices run from $49 to $129, even budget options like the ThermiChef Deluxe can help you make amazing pies. For plant-based pizza lovers, a pizza steel is a game-changer - it creates that perfect crispy crust and spreads heat evenly across your vegan toppings.

Want the best results from your pizza steel? Here's what to do:

• Give it a good 30-minute preheat
• Keep cleaning simple: just scrape and rinse (skip the soap)
• Check your oven size before buying
• Put your steel in the right spot for even heat

Whether you're a pizza-making pro or just starting to explore vegan pizza creation, adding a pizza steel to your kitchen will take your homemade pies from "pretty good" to "wow, you made this?"

FAQs

What size pizza steel should I get?

Looking for the right pizza steel? Let's talk thickness first. You'll want at least 1/4-inch thick steel for the best results. While models like the Dough-Joe The Samurai come in thicker sizes and hold heat better, they're pretty heavy and take longer to heat up. For most home pizza makers, a steel around 16 pounds hits the sweet spot between performance and ease of use.

"Thicker, carbon steel offerings, like the Original Baking Steel, heated up faster than stainless steel ones; they also retained their heat well, even after they were used to bake a pizza." - Taylor Murray, Serious Eats.

Are all pizza steels the same?

Not at all. Pizza steels come in different materials and builds, each affecting how they perform in your oven. Most pros and cooking experts swear by carbon steel - here's why:

Here's the deal with carbon steel: you'll need to season it to keep rust away and create a non-stick surface. But there's a reason why serious home bakers pick carbon steel - it simply works better. The extra effort pays off in better heat distribution and longer-lasting performance. Think about how you'll use your steel when making your choice.

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