Pizza Stone User Guide

Introduction

Our pizza stone is made from high-quality cordierite, a durable, heat-resistant material that has been rigorously tested for food safety and long-lasting performance. This ensures a perfect baking surface for crispy, evenly cooked pizzas.We offer a variety of pizza stone sizes and shapes to suit different cooking needs. Let's take a look at the available models and their benefits.12" Round Pizza Stone

This model is designed to fit most home ovens, toaster ovens, and air fryers. Its compact size makes it perfect for small kitchens and quick meals. It’s easy to store, lightweight, and great for baking individual pizzas or smaller portions.

14" Round Pizza Stone

This is a great mid-sized option that works well in standard home ovens and smaller grills. It offers a good balance between cooking surface area and ease of handling. You can use it not just for pizza but also for baking bread and cookies.

16" Round Pizza Stone

If you love hosting or making large pizzas, this is the ideal choice. Designed for larger ovens and grills, it provides a spacious cooking area, allowing you to prepare family-sized pizzas with ease. The larger size also enhances heat retention, ensuring even cooking and a crispier crust.

15"x12" Rectangular Pizza Stone

The rectangular shape maximizes oven space and allows you to bake more than just pizza. It’s perfect for baking cookies, pastries, and even artisan bread. Its shape makes it easier to fit on different oven racks, giving you more flexibility in your baking.

Safety Information

Always handle the stone with heat-resistant gloves or oven mitts. It gets extremely hot during use and can cause burns.
Never place a hot stone on a cold surface or pour water on a hot stone. Sudden temperature changes can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks or breakage.
When heating the stone, always place it in a cold oven or grill first, then turn on the heat. This prevents cracks.
Never use soap or chemical cleaners on the stone. Since it's porous, it can absorb these substances, affecting the taste of your food.
Avoid dropping or hitting the stone against hard surfaces, as this can cause chipping, cracks, or even complete breakage.

Unboxing & Setup

Inside, you'll find the pizza stone, a stainless steel rack, and a plastic scraper, all designed to help you achieve the best baking experience.
You may notice a slight clay-like smell when you first unbox your pizza stone. That’s completely normal for natural materials. The smell will disappear after a few heating cycles.
Before the first use, rinse the stone with clean water (do not use soap), then allow it to air dry or wipe it with a dry towel or paper napkin. This ensures that any residual dust from manufacturing is removed.
Place the stone in a cold oven and bake it at 500°F (260°C) for 30-60 minutes to eliminate any lingering factory odors and prepare it for high-heat baking.
After this initial heating, the stone is fully ready for use. No extra preparation is needed!
Do not apply oil or any other seasoning to the stone. Its natural porous surface works best without additional coatings.

Feature Demonstration

Start by placing the pizza stone in a cold oven. This gradual heating process prevents thermal shock and ensures your stone reaches the perfect temperature evenly.
Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) or the highest temperature available. Let the stone absorb heat for at least 30-45 minutes to ensure a beautifully crispy crust.
Slide your pizza onto the stone with precision. A quick, smooth motion prevents sticking and keeps the toppings in place.
Bake for 5-10 minutes or until the pizza turns golden brown and the crust crisps up to perfection. Watch as the cheese melts and the crust forms that irresistible crunch.
Reheat the stone between pizzas for 5-10 minutes. This ensures every pizza gets the same deliciously crispy crust.
Once finished, let the stone cool completely before handling. Avoid the temptation to clean it too soon—patience ensures durability.

Additional Tips for Best Results

Always preheat your stone before placing pizza on it. A cold stone can cause the dough to stick and bake unevenly.
For sticky dough (e.g., cookies or soft bread dough), use parchment paper (not wax paper) for easy transfer. This prevents sticking while still allowing even baking.
Avoid using oil or butter on the stone. These can create smoke and cause the stone to absorb unwanted residues.

Cleaning

Always let the stone cool completely before cleaning to prevent thermal shock, which can cause cracks or breakage, and ensure its durability and performance.
Scrape off any leftover residue with a plastic scraper.
If necessary, use a brush and warm water to clean. Never use soap or detergents, as they can be absorbed by the stone. If food is stuck, make a paste of baking soda and water, scrub gently, and rinse. Always allow the stone to dry completely before using it again.
For stubborn stains or odors, place the stone in the oven at the maximum available temperature for 1-2 hours to burn off residue.
If your oven has a self-cleaning function, you can use it to clean the stone safely.

Storage

Ensure the stone is completely dry before storing to prevent mold growth. Any moisture trapped inside the porous surface can lead to unpleasant odors or bacterial buildup over time.
Never store the stone in damp or humid areas, such as under the sink or in a basement, as moisture can weaken the material over time and lead to mold growth.
Best storage place? Right in your oven—it helps maintain consistent temperatures when baking and keeps the stone within easy reach for your next cooking session.

Troubleshooting

Here are solutions to common issues you may encounter while using your KitchenStar pizza stone:

Chemical Smell & Odor
If your stone emits a strong chemical or burnt smell, it may have absorbed moisture or soap. To remove the odor, heat the stone at 500°F (260°C) for 1-2 hours to burn off any absorbed substances. Avoid using soap or detergents in the future.
Sticking
A common reason for food sticking is insufficient preheating. Always preheat the stone for at least 30-45 minutes at 500°F (260°C) before baking. If sticking persists, use parchment paper when transferring your pizza onto the stone for an easy release and even baking.
Mold & Mildew Growth
Mold develops when the stone is stored in a humid environment. Ensure the stone is completely dry before storing and keep it in a dry place, preferably inside your oven. If mold appears, heat the stone at the highest temperature for at least an hour to kill spores.
Cracking & Chipping
Cracks usually result from thermal shock. To prevent this, always place the stone in a cold oven before turning it on and allow it to cool naturally after use. Never expose a hot stone to water or sudden temperature changes. If the stone chips slightly, it is still safe to use, but large cracks mean it should be replaced.
Uneven Cooking
Unevenly cooked pizzas are often due to improper stone placement. Always position the stone on the middle rack of your oven for balanced heat distribution. If needed, rotate the pizza halfway through baking for even cooking.
Difficult to Clean
If food residue is difficult to remove, try heating the stone at the maximum available temperature for 1-2 hours to burn off any stubborn buildup. For deep cleaning, you can also use your oven’s self-cleaning function to incinerate any remaining debris.
Excessive Smoke During Use
Smoke usually results from oil or food residue burning on the stone. To fix this, heat the stone at the highest temperature for 1-2 hours to burn off excess grease. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using an exhaust fan while doing this. Avoid cooking fatty foods directly on the stone, as it absorbs oils that create smoke over time.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can keep your KitchenStar pizza stone in top condition for years of delicious, perfectly baked pizzas!

FAQs

How to properly preheat a KitchenStar pizza stone?To preheat a pizza stone, place it in a cold oven, then set the temperature to 500°F (260°C). Allow the stone to preheat for at least 30 minutes, and for best results, up to 1 hour. This ensures even heating for a crispy crust.

Can I use the KitchenStar Pizza Stone on the grill?Yes, you can use the KitchenStar Pizza Stone on the grill. Preheat the stone on medium to high heat for about 30 minutes, making sure the stone is not in direct contact with the flame to avoid cracking.

Do I need to season my pizza stone before first use?No, after rinsing with water and the first preheating, the stone is ready for use. Applying oil is unnecessary and can actually be harmful, as it may get absorbed into the porous surface and cause unwanted odors or smoke during baking.

What other foods can I cook on the KitchenStar Pizza Stone?In addition to pizza, you can cook bread, lavash, calzones, quesadillas, cookies, and roasted vegetables on the stone. Even heat distribution ensures a perfect crispy texture for a variety of foods.

Is it possible to cut pizza directly on the stone?We do not recommend cutting pizza directly on the stone, as this can damage both the stone and the knives. It is better to transfer the pizza to a cutting board after baking.

Why isn't my pizza crust getting crispy?Make sure the pizza stone is preheated for at least 30-60 minutes and the oven temperature is set high (500°F or 260°C). Also, avoid using too much sauce or wet toppings, which can make the crust soggy.

Why is my pizza stone cracked?Cracks are usually caused by thermal shock, which occurs when the stone is exposed to sudden temperature changes. Always place the stone in a cold oven and allow it to heat up gradually. Also, do not place a hot stone in cold water.

Can you use parchment paper on a pizza stone?Yes, you can use parchment paper to prevent sticking, but it can burn at very high temperatures. Use it at lower temperatures or remove it halfway through cooking to avoid burning.

My baking stone has dark spots on it. Is this normal?Yes, spots are normal because the surface is porous, and the stone absorbs oils over time. These spots do not affect performance. If desired, you can remove them by baking the stone at a high temperature to burn off any residue.

Can I leave the pizza stone in the oven permanently?Yes, it is perfectly fine to leave the stone in the oven. It can help regulate oven temperature. However, keep in mind that this may increase the preheat time, and the stone will retain heat after the oven is turned off.

How to prevent food from sticking to the stone?Make sure the stone is well preheated for at least 30 minutes. If the dough is too wet or overloaded with toppings, it may stick to the stone. In this case, you can use parchment paper to prevent sticking, but keep in mind that it may burn at very high temperatures.

My pizza stone has developed a strange smell after a few uses. How do I remove it?If the stone has absorbed odors, you can bake it at 500°F (260°C) for 1-2 hours to burn off any residual oils or food particles. This will help eliminate unwanted odors.

Can I use soap or detergent to clean my pizza stone?No, avoid using soap or detergent on your pizza stone. The porous surface absorbs liquids, which can cause odors or affect the taste of your food.

How thick is the KitchenStar pizza stone?KitchenStar pizza stones are typically 0.6 inches thick. Thicker stones retain more heat, which helps achieve a crispier crust and maintains a stable baking temperature.

What should I do if my pizza stone develops mold?If your pizza stone develops mold, ensure it is fully dry before storage. To sanitize it, bake the stone at the highest temperature your oven allows for at least 1 hour. This will eliminate any moisture and kill mold spores.

What if my stone arrives cracked?If your stone arrives cracked, it may have been damaged during shipping. KitchenStar provides a warranty for manufacturing defects. Please contact our customer support team for assistance and a possible replacement.

Why is my pizza stone not cooking pizza evenly?Make sure the stone is preheated for at least 30 minutes and placed on the middle rack. If the pizza is cooking unevenly, try rotating it halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Do I need to wash the stone before the first use?Yes, but without soap. Simply rinse it with warm water, wipe it with a dry cloth, and allow it to air dry before first use.

My stone has a strong chemical smell - what should I do?It may be due to soap usage. To remove the smell, rinse the stone with warm water and then bake it at the highest temperature your oven allows for at least 1 hour. This will burn off any absorbed residues and eliminate unwanted odors.

Can you cook frozen pizza on a stone, and is it safe?Yes, but preheating is required as usual, without any additional steps.

Do you need to flour the stone before placing the pizza on it?No, do not sprinkle flour on the stone, as it will burn. However, you can dust the pizza peel with flour before transferring the pizza to prevent sticking.