6 Best Baking Stones for Bread

There are many ways to make bread. But if you’re looking to make baguettes and sandwich bread with a perfectly crunchy crust, you’ll need a baking stone. 

My favorite is the Unicook Heavy Duty Cordierite Stone, but many other options are on the market.

Hi, there! My name is Michelle, and I am a bread lover, no doubt about it. Although it was my most challenging item to conquer during my baking journey, I can now proudly say I’m a bread-baking champion.

I’ve used plenty of different items to bake bread. One of my most recent discoveries was baking stones. Typically, I would reserve my stone for pizza. But after baking baguettes on the stone, I will never look back.

I prefer the Unicook over other options. It’s designed with porous Cordierite that removes moisture from the bread while evenly cooking, essential for crafting crunchy crusts. It is also entirely thermal shock-resistant and handles up to 1,450°F – wow.

Although the Unicook is a handy and durable stone that could work for everyone, I know that some people are looking for specific items, such as a circular or ceramic baking stone. That’s why I made this list of the top six best baking stones for bread.

I can’t wait to show you which six made the list!

Best Bread Baking Stone: Top Picks

There are plenty of great baking stones out there. However, I paid close attention to each stone’s features, prices, and reviews to ensure they were the best of the best.

1. Unicook Heavy Duty Cordierite Stone (Best Overall)

• Key Features: Porous, even cooking, no odor absorption, thermal shock-resistant, comes with a multi-purpose scraper
• Shape: Rectangle
• Size: 14.9 x 11.8-inches
• Material: Cordierite
• Heat Resistance: 1,450°F

If you’re looking for a baking stone that’s convenient, reliable, and durable, look no further than the Unicook stone. It’s made entirely of porous Cordierite, eliminating excess moisture while providing an even cooking surface. It can also handle up to 1,450°F, making it a versatile pick.

With this baking stone, you don’t have to worry about odor absorption like you would with over stones for baking. It’s also entirely thermal shock-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your stone breaking down over time.

The rectangular shape (14.9 x 11.8 inches) is perfect for whipping up all kinds of treats – not just bread. The shape allows other goodies such as pizza and quesadillas to be made without hassle. You’ll love the multi-purpose scraper, allowing for an easier baking experience from start to finish. 

Some people didn’t love how the brand name was stamped into the baking stone. It made that specific area a little more challenging to clean. That was the only complaint about this stone, though. Not too big of a deal if you ask me!

2. Cast Elegance Durable Thermarite Baking Stone (Best Circular Option)

• Key Features: Great thickness, won’t crack, excellent heat retention, even baking, thermal shock resistant, comes with scraper and recipe book
• Shape: Round
• Size: 14 or 16 inches
• Material: Cordierite
• Heat Resistance: 2,000F+

Some home chefs are picky about their products. And that’s perfectly okay – I am too. That said, some bakers simply prefer to use circular baking stones rather than rectangular or square. Sound like you? Then you will love the Cast Elegance baking stone.

This circular baking stone comes in two sizes to suit your needs: 14-inch and 16-inch. Made of ⅝-inch thick Cordierite, it’s durable and robust and offers excellent heat retention and even baking. It also has excellent thermal shock resistance and can handle high temperatures.

To make your baking adventures even simpler, this set comes complete with a scraper and recipe book with 30 top-notch ideas you won’t want to miss out on. With these handy “extras,” this is an excellent set for all bakers, beginner to novice.

Like most other baking stones, this round stone stains easily. If you don’t want your baking stone to stain, make sure to place parchment paper underneath.

3. NerdChef Steel Stone (Best Steel Option)

• Key Features: Low-friction surface, 20x conductivity, twice the heat capacity, cooks fast, no blistering, unbreakable, finger holes for convenience
• Shape: Square
• Size: 16″ x 14.25″ x .375″
• Material: Steel
• Heat Resistance: 500F

Steel is one of the most common materials found in most kitchens, so it’s no surprise that some people opt for steel baking stones. If you’re a steel lover, then you will appreciate the NerdChef baking stone.

This baking stone comes with 20 times the conductivity compared to ceramic and has twice the heat capacity. It provides an even and quicker baking surface, ensuring a crispy and crunchy crust regardless of where you’re cooking. 

The best part is this baking stone is 100% unbreakable. Trust me – I have had plenty of mishaps in my kitchen that led to broken items. With this steel stone, you won’t have to worry about breakage. Did I mention that it comes with a low-friction surface?

Now, I have to be honest with you. This stone is burdensome. It was over 20 pounds. Yes, they added finger holes to make it easier to maneuver, but it’s still challenging for most people. Keep this in mind before buying!

4. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Baking Pan (Best Cast Iron Option)

• Key Features: Pre-seasoned, two large handles, even baking, excellent heat retention, can be used in many applications
• Shape: Round
• Size: 14 Inches
• Material: Cast Iron
• Heat Resistance: 400F

Where are my cast iron fans at? For the bakers out there that swear by cast iron, this one’s for you. The Lodge Cast Iron baking stone is 14 inches around and pre-seasoned for your convenience. (I think anyone will agree that seasoning a stone is a pain!)

The cast iron material ensures excellent heat retention and even heating all the way around, giving you the confidence you crave while making crusted bread. It’s also versatile and can be used to sear, broil, fry, and grill. Impressive!

Last but not least, the pan comes with two large handy handles. While handles are not essential for baking stones, they make them so much easier to place and remove from the oven. Who doesn’t want more stability while they’re baking?

This is another heavier option compared to the Cordierite options. It’s around ten pounds, making it less heavy than steel but still pretty heavy for most people. This is definitely something to consider before purchasing.

5. Emile Henry Flame Top Pizza Stone (Best Ceramic Option)

• Key Features: Glazed for durability, scratch-resistant, dishwasher-safe, can be used in many applications
• Shape: Round
• Size: 14.5 inches
• Material: Ceramic
• Heat Resistance: 900F

I’ll be honest; I love ceramic baking items. That’s why I had to add the Emile Henry baking stone to my top six list. It’s made with all-natural materials and comes with proprietary flame technology for many applications, including grills and broilers (up to 900F).

One of the most significant benefits of this pizza stone is that it is glazed with a durable and scratch-resistant surface. You can cut directly on top of the stone without fear of damage, which is something you won’t find with other materials. 

Not only does the glaze ensure you have a pristine surface to bake and slice, but it contributes to a crunchier overall crust in the end. Win. You will also love that it’s entirely dishwasher-safe, making clean-up an absolute breeze. 

Unfortunately, this baking stone comes with a big pesky sticker. Why is this a problem? It is challenging to remove, and it must be removed before use. Be prepared to spend a reasonable amount of time and use some elbow grease to remove it.

6. Hans Grill Baking Stone (Best Two-in-One Set)

• Key Features: Comes with wooden pizza peel, great thickness, heat retention, and even baking
• Shape: Rectangle
• Size: 15 x 12 inches
• Material: Cordierite 
• Heat Resistance: 1000F

Sure, go ahead and use your baking stone without a peel. But I will let you in on a big baking secret – using a peel is going to make your life 100% easier. That’s why I thoroughly recommend this two-in-one set from Hans Grill.

What do you get? For starters, you get a Cordierite baking stone that creates gorgeous crusts every time. It can be used in all applications and handle impressively high temperatures. With just the right thickness, you can remain confident in your stone.

Aside from the top-notch baking stone, you also get a wooden pizza paddle. Now, you can slide your pizzas, cookies, bread, and any other must-haves right onto your preheated baking stone without hassle or burns. Seriously, this is one very convenient and budget-friendly set.

It’s a little smaller than some people thought it would be, especially when it comes to the peel. I suggest taking out a ruler and really understanding how big the items are before buying.

Best Baking Stone for Bread: Things to Consider

You’re probably itching to create bread with the perfect crust. I get it. But don’t rush your decision! While all of these are great options, you want to be sure you’re buying the one that’s right for you and your needs. That said, consider these few things.

Size

You will find many different sizes on this list. The last thing you want to do is buy a stone that’s too big or too small for your needs. Get your ruler out, measure your desired length, and then find a stone that fits.

Material

You will find four different materials above. Which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences. For example, I prefer ceramic or Cordierite. You might be a fan of steel or cast iron in your kitchen. Find the material that’s right for you.

Thickness

When choosing a baking stone for bread, I believe the thicker, the better. But thickness can also equate to heaviness, and you might not find thick stones necessary. Regardless, it is essential to look at the thickness of each baking stone.

Shape

The shape is also something to consider along the way. I enjoy rectangular baking stones because they are more versatile, but others might love the traditional round option. Which one do you prefer?

Heat Resistance

Are you only planning to use your oven at 450F? Not a big deal. Considering using your baking stone in your outdoor wood-fired grill? Big deal. Consider how you’re planning to use your baking stone and at what temperatures. Make sure your stone can “take the heat.”

Verdict

So many great choices, whether you love round steel stones or extra-large and thick rectangular ones. My top choice is still the Unicook Heavy Duty Cordierite Stone. It’s a reliable, durable, and versatile stone that will see you through all of your baking projects.

Have you tried any baking stones to bake bread? Feel free to share your experience with us!

I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.