Grill stone vs Pizza Stone

[jonwings]

Are these essentially the same thing or is there a significant difference between the two? I am in the middle of setting up my wedding registry and want to add a pizza stone, but I also want to add a similar type item to use for the grill. I was wondering if I could get a way with just putting two pizza stones on the registry or do I need to go with the one that specifically says "grill stone".

I know I have seen cool picture of people making bread and stuff on their grill with these stones, so I figure this is a good place to get some answers.

Thanks

 

[Iakona]

I don't know if there are any differences - I've bought a few "pizza stones" so I'll share my experience there.

I tried to save some money and got a cheapie pizza stone from Wal-Mart and it ended up breaking the second or third time I used it. Granted, I was using it in the Big Green Egg, where temperatures can get pretty high. I replaced it with a Big Green Egg (ceramic) stone and haven't had any problems since.

Honestly, I'd say the terms can be used interchangably, and if you are putting items on your registry, I'd try to find a stone that is ceramic.

 

[antoine1]

I went to my local stone mason and bought a piece of 40mm black granite which was made to fit my oven so it slides straight in.

It cost about $35 but but once charged can make great crisp pizza one after the other.

 

[MWS]

I put my oven stone on the q, heated it up, added my 'za and promptly cracked the stone. Pieces everywhere. I grabbed a BBQ stone (about an inch thick) and no problem. Save the normal stone for indoors - get both if you can!

 

[Sullybob]

I think that they are the same thing, they just come in different sizes and shapes. I use a Pampered Chef stone for pizza, bread and cookies. When it breaks I'm going to do what antoine1 did and get a custom stone from a local stone supply place.

 

[function]

I have not had any issues with my pizza stone on the grill. It came on a lazy susan, and there I actually had a few issues as the lazy susan is made of wood.

Some people say their grill gets hot, but mine actually does. I have a NOS Falcon hooked to my NG line, this puppy makes Cast Iron start to glow by the time I am done cooking steaks.

Anyway, once the first summer rolled around after getting my pizza stone, I put it directly on the lazy susan after first use on the grill. A minute later, I asked the wife of she smelled something burning. When we later removed the pizza stone, we noticed black rings to match the ridges on the pizza stone. Have since placed a silicone square trivet between the two when used for grilling.

Pizzas have been fantastic, with better results on the grill than in the oven, where sometimes the middle of the crust would not be as crispy as the outside couple inches. The stone is also a nice dark happy brown, likely double it's original weight with olive oil.

 

[jonwings]

Thanks for the suggestions. I just ended up adding the thicker grill stone along with the pizza stone.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Sullybob]

Thanks for the suggestions. I just ended up adding the thicker grill stone along with the pizza stone.

Thanks for all the help.

So in true B&B fashion you got both? Excellent.

 

[Desdinova]

these things are just like a vitrified grinding wheel.


Before putting it on the BBQ, take a small metal kitchen utensil and tap all around the periphery.

Listen for the telltale ceramic ringing. If you hear any deep tones, there is a sub-surface crack and the stone will break in the heat. They do get banged around at lot in shipping, at the store and at home.

Likewise, ensure these things are drier than Death Valley. Heating them with any mositure will also ensure cracking.


A BBQ doesn't get that much hotter than an oven.

 

[Dennis]

I recommend these:
http://www.bakingstone.com/order.php

I have a Fibrament stone in my oven. Wow, does that thing get hot and retain the heat. My oven will still be hot hours after turned off.

 

[Venom8431]

According to Alton Brown, you can use a 1" unglazed quarry tile which only costs a $1 or so.