When we think of “pizza,” the first thing that comes to mind is the delightful melted cheese. Who can resist saying ‘no’ to a pizza right in front of you?
Instead of splurging on expensive and unhealthy outside pizza, why not bake it at home for convenience? Now, the choice boils down to using a pizza screen or a pizza stone.
Both pizza screens and pizza stones can help you achieve a delicious pizza, and the main difference lies in their material.
Pizza screens ensure ease of use, and they’re made of aluminum, while pizza stones aren’t that easy to clean because they’re crafted from either clay or ceramic. Let’s delve deeper into the world of pizza screens and pizza stones.
Pizza Screen vs Stone: 8 Key Differences
If you love making pizza at home or want to start a restaurant, you might wonder: pizza stone or pizza screen? Which one’s better, and why? We’re here to help you figure it out.
Lots of people prefer pizza stones—they cook pizza well and distribute heat evenly, so there’s no risk of a hard crust, even if you cook it for a while.
Therefore, if you’re a daily pizza maker, go for the pizza stone, but also consider the pros of pizza screens.
Let’s quickly look at the differences between the two products.
1. Material
What they’re made of is the main difference between a pizza screen and a pizza stone. Pizza screens are mostly aluminum, while pizza stones are typically clay or ceramic.
2. Shape
Pizza stones made of ceramic or clay are easily moldable, allowing for a variety of shapes. While circular pizzas are common, you may also come across rectangular ones, thanks to the adaptable nature of pizza stones.
Moreover, pizza stones come in different sizes. You’ve probably seen pizzas in various dimensions, such as 8 inches, 10 inches, or 16 inches, in restaurants.
These size options are typically accommodated by pizza stones, with the largest, the 16-inch variant, known as “a large pizza.”
3. Surface
A fantastic aspect of pizza stones is their flat surface, which is crucial for evenly baking the entire pizza crust. It ensures uniform heat distribution, preventing uneven baking.
On the other hand, pizza screens lack a leveled surface but boast a meshed structure made of lightweight aluminum.
The aluminum surrounds the mesh, but the structure doesn’t provide the same heat distribution as a pizza stone.
The adaptable structure of pizza stones allows them to handle high and low heat effectively.
4. Weight
In terms of weight, pizza screens are lightweight, making them easy to handle and adjust. The mesh structure doesn’t spread heat uniformly, but it allows heat to pass through, aiding even cooking.
Pizza stones are heavier than pizza screens, but their material makes them easy to clean and wash after use.
5. Cooking Time
When it comes to cooking time, pizza screens are the speed demons. They take significantly less time compared to pizza stones, making them a popular choice for many.
Pizza stones, on the other hand, require some patience as they take a while to heat up. Preheating is necessary before you can start cooking pizza on a pizza stone.
6. Convenience
In terms of ease of use, pizza screens are super convenient. They’re compact and can be stored anywhere in your kitchen cabinets due to their space-efficient design.
While they may not distribute heat evenly, they do absorb heat effectively.
Although some people choose to preheat pizza screens, it’s generally not necessary, as they already have good heat-absorbing capabilities.
Both tools are capable of cooking pizza well, with pizza screens being the quicker option.
7. Stickiness
While pizza screens are lightweight, handling large pizzas on them can be tricky, especially if you’re aiming for a thick crust. There’s a risk of pizzas getting stuck to the screen, making it a less forgiving choice for beginners.
If you’re new to pizza-making, a pizza stone might be your best friend. Pizzas are less likely to stick to it, ensuring a smoother cooking experience for beginners.
Opting for a pizza stone comes with added benefits—it retains heat for a longer duration, requires less effort to clean, comes in various sizes, and boasts excellent material for achieving that perfect pizza.
It’s a solid choice for a successful first pizza-making venture.
8. Cost
When it comes to cost, pizza screens take the lead in affordability. You can snag one for as little as $6, with most options ranging from $15 to $35, often coming in packs with multiple screens.
On the other hand, pizza stones are a bit pricier. The cheapest ones start around $15 but can go up to $60 or more.
Most listings fall within the $20 to $30 range and may include additional accessories like a rack, peel, book, or cleaning tool.
Pros and Cons of Pizza Screen
Pizza screens! They’re the unsung heroes of pizza perfection! On the bright side, they ensure even baking by letting heat reach the crust through their perforations.
Plus, the circulation of air underneath results in a crispy crust—yum! Cleaning is a breeze, too.
On the flip side, purists might argue that they lack the super traditional pizza stone flavor. Well, sometimes you’ve got to compromise a bit for that crispy goodness.
Pros and Cons of Pizza Stone
Ah, the timeless pizza stone! Let’s start with the pros: they deliver that authentic, crispy, brick-oven crust; their heat retention and distribution guarantee a consistently baked pizza; and they’re versatile—perfect for baking other delicious treats.
Now, onto the cons: Cleaning can be a bit of a challenge; they need some preheating time, and they’re a tad fragile, so handle them with care.
So, Is a Pizza Screen Better Than a Pizza Stone?
It all boils down to personal preference and what suits your cooking style. If you’re all about that thin and crispy crust, the pizza screen might be calling your name. On the flip side, if you crave the chewiness of a thicker crust and dream of that brick-oven effect, the pizza stone is a solid choice.
Here’s a list of things to consider when choosing:
- Consider versatility—do you want a kitchen tool that goes beyond pizza? If so, the pizza screen’s flexibility might be a winner. But if your heart is set on perfecting the art of pizza and baked goods, the pizza stone is a dedicated companion.
- Heat retention is crucial, and the pizza stone shines in that department. If you’re chasing consistently cooked crusts and that well-browned perfection, the stone might be your go-to.
- Budget and space considerations add another layer to the decision. If you’re tight on both, the more affordable and space-friendly pizza screen could be the practical choice.
In the end, it’s a bit of a pizza adventure—experimenting with both might uncover your ideal method.
Pizza Screen vs Stone: Final Thoughts
Whether you’re team pizza screen for a thin, crispy crust or team pizza stone for a thicker, chewier delight, both elevate your pizza game.
The screen offers versatility and even baking, perfect for various cooking methods.
On the flip side, the stone gives you an authentic brick-oven taste, retaining heat for that golden-brown crust and versatility for other treats.
Trust your taste buds, have fun, and enjoy the journey of creating your homemade pizza masterpiece!