Preheat Oven with Pizza Stone for Faster Cooking

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the practice of preheating an oven with a pizza stone, particularly in relation to Pampered Chef stones. Participants share various viewpoints on whether this method is advisable and the potential risks involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions a cookbook suggesting placing a pizza stone in the oven to help items warm up faster.
  • Another participant notes that the stones referenced in the cookbook are different from Pampered Chef stones.
  • One participant shares a personal experience warning against using frozen pizzas with Pampered Chef stones to avoid cracking.
  • Another participant expresses concern about preheating stones due to the risk of thermal shock.
  • One participant recounts a story of using a stone for temperature regulation, not for baking, and shares a unique use during a power outage.
  • Several participants discuss past recommendations from Pampered Chef regarding keeping stones in the oven and the issues that arose from thermal shock.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the advisability of preheating Pampered Chef stones, with some participants cautioning against it while others share anecdotal experiences that suggest alternative uses.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and anecdotes related to the use of pizza stones, particularly in the context of Pampered Chef products, without implying any official guidance.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in the practical experiences of others regarding the use of pizza stones in cooking may find this discussion relevant.

Symara
Gold Member
Messages
320
I was just reading his cookbook and he says to place a pizza stone in the oven while it's heating up on the lower rack. When it heats up and you open the oven and put your item in, the pizza stone will help it warm up to the right temperature quicker.
 
You don't do this with the PC stones. The ones he is talking about are different from ours.
 
Don't do this with frozen pizza's - you will crack your PC stone!!!
 
I've heard you shouldn't pre heat your stone even if you're cooking non frozen stuff, because of possible thermal shock
 
Symara said:
I was just reading his cookbook and he says to place a pizza stone in the oven while it's heating up on the lower rack. When it heats up and you open the oven and put your item in, the pizza stone will help it warm up to the right temperature quicker.

In his pizza episode (one of his firsts) he says he bought the stone at a local flooring store for $0.99!

If I saved the episode I'll let you iknow what the stone was made out of. But it might be a while before I get to that.

Just don't use our stones for that.
 
Best rule of thumb...if it doesn't come from HO, it is not necessarily reliable. It's different if you are getting info here specifically about our products from other Consultants, especially some of those that have been in the biz a long time. Don't take "outside sources" for recommendations from non-consultants!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
sorry i just now got back to this.

He is not talking about using the stone to bake, just as a temp regulator, you do not put anything on the stone.

Keep it in the bottom and put the dish you are baking with on the middle rack.

With the recent ice storm here a lady said she took her's and put it on the grill to heat it up and used it to keep their bed warm while the electricity was out for 17 day. She ordered another one so they'd have two for if it happens again!
 
Symara said:
sorry i just now got back to this.

He is not talking about using the stone to bake, just as a temp regulator, you do not put anything on the stone.

Keep it in the bottom and put the dish you are baking with on the middle rack.

With the recent ice storm here a lady said she took her's and put it on the grill to heat it up and used it to keep their bed warm while the electricity was out for 17 day. She ordered another one so they'd have two for if it happens again!

What a great tip!!!

Of course it doesn't really apply here in AZ - but ...
 
This seems to directly contradict what I'd heard from a previous consultant about the Pampered Chef Stones -- they used to recommend keeping the stone in the oven. But too many were breaking (from thermal shock?) when they accidentally came in contact with the other food being put into the oven. So they stopped recommending it.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
vonfirmath said:
This seems to directly contradict what I'd heard from a previous consultant about the Pampered Chef Stones -- they used to recommend keeping the stone in the oven. But too many were breaking (from thermal shock?) when they accidentally came in contact with the other food being put into the oven. So they stopped recommending it.

I guess it may depend upon if your food my drip onto the stone or not...????
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I preheat my oven with a pizza stone?

Preheating your oven with a pizza stone helps to create a consistent and high-temperature cooking environment. The stone absorbs heat and retains it, allowing for better heat distribution and a crispier crust, which is essential for achieving restaurant-quality pizza at home.

How long should I preheat the oven with the pizza stone?

It is recommended to preheat your oven with the pizza stone for at least 30 minutes. This allows the stone to reach the optimal temperature, ensuring that your pizza cooks evenly and quickly when placed on it.

What temperature should I preheat the oven to when using a pizza stone?

For best results, preheat your oven to a temperature between 475°F to 500°F (245°C to 260°C). This high heat is crucial for achieving a crispy crust and properly cooked toppings.

Can I use a pizza stone in a convection oven?

Yes, you can use a pizza stone in a convection oven. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as convection ovens circulate hot air, which can cook food faster. Keep an eye on your pizza to avoid overcooking.

What types of pizzas are best cooked on a pizza stone?

A pizza stone is ideal for all types of pizzas, including thin crust, Neapolitan, and even deep-dish styles. The stone's ability to retain heat helps to achieve a perfectly cooked crust, regardless of the pizza style you choose.

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