Common buyer intent: finding a 17-inch pizza stone to bake large pizzas and multiple items evenly at home. This guide highlights five top 17-inch and near-17-inch stones, chosen for heat distribution, durability, and ease of use. Best for: families, entertaining hosts, and hobby bakers who want brick-oven-like crusts without leaving the home kitchen. The following selections balance size, performance, and practical care tips to help you pick confidently.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Colenza Extra-Large Round 17.8″ Stone | Large pizzas and multi-item cooks | Impressive size with high heat tolerance |
| CucinaPro 16.5″ Round Stone | Oven and grill versatile cooking | Thick, durable, excellent heat distribution |
| Napoleon Round Premium Stone | Restaurant-quality results | Moisture-wicking, crispy crust |
| Unicook 20×16″ Stone | Two to three pizzas at once | Extra thick for even heat, long-lasting |
| Unicook 18×18″ Stone | Even baking on large pies | Wide surface, durable cordierite |
Colenza Extra-Large Round 17.8″ Pizza Stone
Design and size: An almost 18-inch round ceramic stone ideal for large pizzas or cooking multiple items at once. Best for hosts who regularly bake for gatherings. Durability and heat: Heat resistant up to 1,472°F (800°C) ensures strong performance at high temperatures. Care note: to minimize odors, keep the surface clean after each use and avoid fatty ingredients that can linger. Heat distribution: Thick ceramic provides even heat spread to yield a crisp crust.
Who it’s best for: Large households, pizza parties, and anyone needing to bake more than one item at a time. Why chosen: Its near-18-inch footprint offers a practical balance between pizza size and oven fit. Caution: Triple-check oven clearance due to its substantial diameter.
CucinaPro 16.5-Inch Round Stone
Material and design: Round stone with an extra-thick profile, designed for use in ovens and grills. Best for: crispy crust lovers who want a professional-like bake. Features include a porous, absorbent surface that simulates brick oven cooking, and self-seasoning over time with use. Cleaning: easy to clean by scraping and air-drying. Limitation: 16.5 inches, slightly smaller than 17 inches, may not perfectly fit every 17-inch pizza setup.
Why this choice: It offers a robust, professional-grade baking surface that performs well in varied cooking environments. Choose this if you want a versatile stone that seasons well and handles high temperatures. Avoid if you specifically need a true 17-inch footprint that exactly matches a standard large pizza diameter.
Unicook 20×16 Inch Extra Large Stone
Size and fit: 20″ x 16″ stone offers broad cooking surface, suitable for 2 to 3 pizzas or multiple loaves. Best for: family gatherings and pizza parties where you want to bake several items at once. Construction: Cordierite material provides heat resistance up to 1,450°F (787°C) with even heating and high heat retention. Convenience: reversible design doubles cooking surface life, includes a dough scraper for easier prep.
Why this choice: It maximizes output while maintaining even cooking and crisp crust, ideal for larger gatherings. Better for: those who regularly bake multiple items in one session. Caution: ensure your oven or grill can accommodate the 20-inch length with clearance around the stone.
Unicook 18×18 Inch Extra Large Stone
Dimensions and build: 18″ x 18″ stone with a 0.6″ thickness, designed to bake a large pizza or multiple items at once. Best for: households needing substantial baking space while keeping a compact footprint. Performance: Cordierite construction delivers heat resistance up to 1,450°F (787°C) for even cooking and a crisp crust. Use: suitable for pizzas, bread, and cookies. Limitation: square shape may not fit all round pizza diameters exactly, depending on oven layout.
Why this choice: It balances surface area with robust construction, making it a practical option for big-family meals or gatherings. Choose this if you want a square footprint for flexible placement, but avoid if you need a strict round 17-inch cooking surface.
Buying Guide: Key Factors for a 17 Inch Pizza Stone
- Size and fit: Verify oven clearance and the stone’s exact footprint. Some “17 inch” stones are 17.8 inches or square; ensure your baking space accommodates the shape and thickness.
- Material and heat tolerance: Cordierite and ceramic stones handle high heat and resist cracking better than cheaper options. Check temperature ratings (commonly 1,450°F–1,472°F).
- Heat distribution: A thicker stone generally distributes heat more evenly, reducing hot spots and soggy middles.
- Surface texture and absorbency: Porous surfaces wick moisture for crisp crusts; non-porous surfaces may be easier to clean but can result in less crust color.
- Care and maintenance: Clean after use, avoid oily residues, and allow full cooling before washing. Some stones require seasoning or gradual heating to prevent odors.
- Versatility: Consider whether you want a stone that handles both ovens and grills. Reversible or multi-use stones offer extra value.
- Durability: Look for thick profiles and quality bonding to minimize cracking under high heat and rapid temperature changes.
FAQ
- What size 17-inch stone fits most ovens? – Stones labeled around 17 inches or 17.8 inches typically fit large to extra-wide ovens. Always measure your oven interior and account for rack and clearance.
- Can I use a 17-inch stone on a grill? – Yes, many stones are designed for both oven and grill use. Ensure your grill can reach the necessary temperatures and provide even heat exposure.
- How do I prevent odors on a new pizza stone? – Clean thoroughly after first uses and avoid fatty toppings that may leave residues. Regular cleaning reduces initial odors.
- Is a thicker stone better for crisp crusts? – Generally, thicker stones retain and distribute heat more evenly, which supports consistent browning and crust texture.
- Should I season my pizza stone? – Some stones season naturally with use. If included in care instructions, follow steps to build a seasoned surface for better performance over time.
- What is the best practice for removing pizza from a hot stone? – Use heat-safe tools and allow the stone to cool gradually after baking to prevent cracking.