The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

baking stones

flynnboy's picture
flynnboy

baking stones

I am just becoming aware of baking stones, which are not easy to find here in Ireland. Could fire bricks be used as 'baking stones' ?

sandydog's picture
sandydog

I have one of these and it is great for home use;

http://bakerybits.co.uk/bakery-equipment/baking-stones-and-domes/granite-baking-stone-30cm-by-30cm-and-3cm-thick.html

As a cheaper alternative -I recently had some new kitchen worktops fitted and noticed some some spare granite pieces in the van of my installer, he cut me off exactly the same size as the one I already had and it works just as well. Try a kitchen installer or stonemason and negotiate (Like any good Irishman should!)

Happy baking,

Brian

dwcoleman's picture
dwcoleman

Firebricks can be used if you would like.  They are commonly used for the floor in wood fired ovens.

flynnboy's picture
flynnboy

Would firebricks have the same affect ?

tchism's picture
tchism

A pizza stone will do the trick if you can get them.

 

mcs's picture
mcs

You might want to try steel plate as an alternative.  A place like this might have remnants at a reasonable price.  Look for something about 1/4" (6.3mm) thick and sized so it fits in your oven with space to spare on the sides for air flow.  I use it to cook my pizzas on in my commercial oven and it works well, plus will never break.

-Mark

flynnboy's picture
flynnboy

Well, since my inquiry I have been presented with solutions involving steel, stone and granite... so,  what are the qualities that these  share in common that we need to have for the baking process?

sandydog's picture
sandydog

Flynnboy,

This topic has been discussed many times in the past - As usual it boils down to personal experience/preference and you will get plenty of varying opinions from the members of this site.

With regard to my suggestion of baking stone - I trust you took the time to read the link to the website I provided, which contains the technical specifications as well as the qualities of the product.

You may find it helpful if you try entering "Baking stones" into the site's search facility, and spent some time reading the last few years worth of considered opinions - You will then be in a much better position (Perhaps?) to form a valued judgement as to the relative merits of each type of device and ask informed questions if you see fit.

Happy reading/research,

Brian

flynnboy's picture
flynnboy

Yes,I did look at that link sandydog and in fact I have a stone/granite kitchenalia manufacturer just a few minutes from here and so I will make some inquiries there. Thanks to everyone for all of the input, I will get there in the end !