Cheap pizza stones?

Hello redrich,

Such a thing would be perfectly satisfactory.  I used a similar one for a while and then suddenly it fell in half :(  Not from any form of abuse or mishandling.

I then bought an unglazed terracotta floor tile (about 330 square x 15 thick) for a few dollars and it has been giving good and faithful service for years.

Farinam

I bought mine at the outlet of Northcote Pottery though I gather they don't have them any more.  I am sure that your local tile shop would be a place to start and if necessary they can refer you on.

Farinam

Hi redrich,

It should look just like a terracotta flowerpot and not be really smooth and shiny on the top side - slightly rough to the feel.  If it meets that requirement then I would give it a good scrubbing in hot water (wouldn't use detergent unless absolutely necessary - and if you did would give a thorough soaking and rinsing several times).  Then let it dry naturally - out on a good hot sunny day would be good.  Then, put it into your oven and progressively turn up the temperature 50C at a time and give an hour at each setting through to 250C.  This slow heating/soaking is to get rid of any moisture that might be lurking inside.

You can use semolina if you wish, I think the fine grade would be better. However, it is probably not really necessary as the high stone temperature and heat capacity do a good job of being non-stick.   However, using semolina or similar on your peel would be wise to avoid sticking to that.  If you are still concerned you can turn your dough out onto a sheet of baking paper and use that as a non-stick layer.  You can remove the paper after about 10-15 minutes baking or when you remove your steam generator (if used).

Hope this helps.

Farinam

Hi folks,

I had some leftover unglazed terracotta tiles (pretty colour, Portugese) and they broke one after another in the oven. My large pizza stone went the same way after a couple of months. I am tracking down some granite now.

Farinam, you are a font of knowledge delivered with good humour, can you answer a quick question please? If I am leaving my starter in the fridge for a week when I go away, should I refresh it just before I store it? Thanks in advance.

Hello Cielkaye,

If it's only for a week you could get away without doing so.  I was away for a month last year and the beasties came back to life from the first feed though it probably took a few before it was back to full strength.

Terracotta tiles might depend on the method of manufacture.  The one that I use and that I think redrich is describing have been extruded and as I understand it that gives a strong high density tile when compared to moulded ones.  perhaps yours were moulded.

Have a good holiday.

Farinam