|
The concept of a homemade baking stone has been rising in popularity lately as more and more people acquire this piece of kitchen accessory. A known fact is people have a soft spot for pizza. And to ensure they have it readily available and prepared in a safe and hygienic environment, many opt to make their own pizza. Part of making a good and sumptuous pizza has to do with even distribution of heat. This ensures the dish is properly cooked and comes out looking yummy and appealing. To achieve this, people are choosing to make their own pizza stones rather than buying them ready-made in a box from the store. Unglazed Quarry Tiles Unglazed or quarry tiles are one of the common types of materials used to make baking or pizza stones. It is loved for its simplicity, affordability, effectiveness, and easy availability. The tiles are usually red in color and measure 6 x 6 inches or 11 by 11 inches. For the best results ensure the thickness is at least 1 /2 inch. The thicker the better since it will retain heat more effectively. In case you are worried of lead poisoning, ask the manufacturer or use a lead-testing kit prior to buying and using. Marble Tiles Marble is also a common material than can be used to make your own stone. It can be commonly found on countertops, flooring, and other surfaces. A great alternative to a ready-made pizza stone, you can use the marble tiles which are more cost effective. A small piece can cost as little as $0.50. Find several pieces that are natural and free of lead, toxins, and other artificial compounds. Always aim for stones measuring 3 /4 to 1 inch in thickness. Several tiles are spread out inside the oven but make sure a space of 1 inch is left between the perimeter of the marble and the inside of the oven. Why a Baking Stone is Effective Besides unglazed quarry stone and marble, you can also look for tiles made from shale, clay and other natural stones. The goal of the oven accessory is to contain and control the heat produced inside the oven or kiln. Usually, the heat produced will be dispersed unequally meaning that some areas will have more heat than others. This leads to some sections receiving too much heat and burning while other regions get little heat and end up undercooked. Stone, clay and other ceramic materials are known to be quite efficient when it comes to conducting and retaining heat. This ensures the heat generated will be released gradually and evenly producing good results. Pros -Proper and even cooking -Unique Crust - Saves energy -Crispy and appealing Cons -Takes time to heat -Only natural stones containing zero lead and no toxins are suitable Looking at the issues stated above, a baking stone has both benefits as well as disadvantages. However, the drawbacks can easily be avoided by making your own stone using natural materials. Marble, shale and tiles made from natural clay and free of artificial substances such as lead are the best options. Once again, a homemade pizza stone is way cheaper than buying one than is ready-made. Expect to spend from $3 to $5 dollars on unglazed or quarry tiles at your local hardware stone as opposed to as much as $40 on purchased factory-made products. Choosing the right materials to use guarantees you a crispy, crusty and tasty pizza at very little cost. Victor Alba runs a website that explains proper baking stone use and care. If you would like more information about the topic discussed in this article, then visit Save Money With a Homemade Pizza Stone.
Related Articles -
homemade pizza stone, baking stone,
| 
