If you’re a pizza enthusiast like me, you’ve probably dreamt of crafting that perfect pizzeria-style pie at home. You know the kind—crispy crust, melty cheese, and toppings cooked to perfection.
Well, let me introduce you to the Granitestone PIEZANO Pizza Oven, a game-changer that promises to bring the authentic pizzeria experience right into your kitchen.
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just someone who loves a good slice, this oven is worth considering. Trust me, after trying it out, I can confidently say it’s a must-have for any pizza lover.
My Experience With Granitestone PIEZANO Pizza Oven
When I first got my hands on the PIEZANO, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
After a few uses, I can say it exceeded my expectations. Here’s a rundown of my experience:
Setting up the oven was a breeze.
The suction cups on the bottom are a fantastic feature, keeping the oven stable on my countertop.
Preheating took about 15 minutes to reach around 750˚F, which is plenty hot for a crispy crust.
The first pizza I made was a classic Margherita. I used the recipe booklet for guidance, and the results were fantastic. The crust was crispy, the cheese was perfectly melted, and the toppings were cooked just right. The adjustable heat settings allowed me to get the perfect balance of crispy and chewy.
One of the standout features for me was the dual wooden peels. Transferring the pizza onto the stone was effortless, and the peels prevented any sticking issues. This little innovation made a huge difference in my pizza-making experience.
While I did notice the temperature fluctuations, they didn’t seem to affect the overall quality of the pizza.
The stone baked the pies evenly, and the quick cooking time meant I could whip up multiple pizzas in a short period.
Cleaning was relatively easy, though I did find some residue stuck in the seams of the stone housing.
A little bit of extra care during cleaning solved this issue, and it hasn’t been a major problem.
Overall, the PIEZANO has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s perfect for those nights when I want to make a quick, delicious pizza without firing up the big oven.
Pros of Granitestone PIEZANO Pizza Oven
- High Cooking Temperature
The PIEZANO’s ability to reach up to 800˚F is a game-changer for home pizza making. This high temperature allows you to achieve that perfect crispy crust that’s typically only possible in professional pizza ovens.
Most home ovens don’t get anywhere near this temperature, so this feature alone sets the PIEZANO apart.
- Even Baking
The 12” ceramic pizza stone is a standout feature, ensuring even heat distribution. This means no more undercooked centers or overly crispy edges.
Every slice comes out perfectly cooked, giving you a consistent, high-quality pizza every time.
- Adjustable Heat Control
The dual heating elements and adjustable controls provide a level of precision that is often missing in other home pizza ovens.
Whether you prefer a lightly cooked top or a thoroughly crispy bottom, you can tailor the heat settings to match your preference. This flexibility is particularly useful for experimenting with different pizza styles.
- Electric Powered Convenience
The convenience of simply plugging the oven into any standard outlet cannot be overstated. It’s ready to use right out of the box, with no need for additional gas or fuel sources.
The base suction cups add an extra layer of stability, preventing any movement during use, which is especially handy if you have kids or pets running around.
- Perfect for Gatherings
Despite its compact size, the quick cooking time allows you to serve multiple pizzas in a short span. This makes it ideal for family gatherings or small parties where you want to keep the food flowing without long waits.
- User-Friendly
The inclusion of a recipe booklet is a thoughtful touch, making it easy for even the most novice cooks to start making delicious pizzas right away.
The wooden peels provided for transferring pizzas are another user-friendly feature that simplifies the process and reduces the chances of dough sticking issues.
Cons of Granitestone PIEZANO Pizza Oven
- Build Quality: While the oven performs admirably, it’s worth noting that it’s a bit lighter than some higher-end models. This doesn’t affect its functionality, but it does mean it may not feel as robust as other options.
- Temperature Fluctuations: The oven doesn’t always maintain a consistent 800˚F. It tends to cycle between 700-750˚F, which can be a bit frustrating if you’re aiming for that exact high heat. However, this hasn’t significantly impacted the quality of the pizzas I’ve made.
- Limited to Thin Crusts: The oven’s design, with about 1.75 inches of clearance between the stone and the top heating element, means it’s not suitable for deep-dish pizzas. It’s best suited for thin to medium crusts.
- Ceramic Stone Maintenance: The stone is fixed in a metal housing, which can make cleaning a bit tricky. Residue can accumulate in the seams, and there’s no option to purchase a replacement stone from Granitestone.
Maintenance Tips For Your Granitestone PIEZANO Pizza Oven
Keeping your PIEZANO in top shape is crucial for long-lasting performance. Here are some maintenance tips that have worked well for me:
- Regular Cleaning: After each use, allow the oven to cool down and then wipe the interior and the stone with a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the ceramic surface.
- Handling the Stone: Be gentle with the ceramic stone. While it’s designed to withstand high temperatures, sudden temperature changes can cause it to crack. Allow it to cool gradually.
- Check the Heating Elements: Periodically inspect the heating elements for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, contact customer support for advice on replacements.
- Store Properly: If you’re not using the oven regularly, cover it to prevent dust accumulation. Store it in a cool, dry place to maintain its condition.
- Use the Right Tools: Always use the wooden peels provided to handle your pizzas. This prevents unnecessary scratching or damage to the stone surface.
Comparing The Granitestone PIEZANO With Other Brands
To give you a better perspective, let’s see how the PIEZANO stacks up against some other popular pizza ovens on the market.
| Feature | Granitestone PIEZANO | Breville Crispy Crust | Ooni Koda 12 |
| Maximum Temperature | 800˚F | 660˚F | 932˚F |
| Heating Time | 10-15 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 4-6 minutes | 7-10 minutes | 1-2 minutes |
| Pizza Size | Up to 11 inches | Up to 12 inches | Up to 12 inches |
| Heating Elements | Dual (Top and Bottom) | Single | Gas-powered |
| Stone Material | Ceramic | Ceramic | Cordierite |
| Portability | Moderate | High | High |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely. The PIEZANO offers excellent value for its price. Its high cooking temperature, even baking, and user-friendly design make it a great investment for any pizza lover.
Yes, you can cook frozen pizzas in the PIEZANO. Preheat the oven to the desired temperature, and follow the cooking instructions on the frozen pizza packaging. The high heat ensures a crispy crust and evenly cooked toppings.
Using the PIEZANO is straightforward. Plug it in, set the desired temperature using the adjustable heat controls, and let it preheat for about 10-15 minutes. Place your prepared pizza on the stone using the wooden peels, close the lid, and cook for 4-6 minutes. Keep an eye on the built-in thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Granite can be a good base for a pizza oven, but in the case of the PIEZANO, a ceramic stone is used. Ceramic stones are excellent for retaining and evenly distributing heat, ensuring a crispy crust. Granite, while durable, doesn’t offer the same heat properties as ceramic stones.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for an affordable, high-performing pizza oven that brings the pizzeria experience home, the Granitestone PIEZANO is a fantastic choice. Its high cooking temperature, even baking, and user-friendly features make it a great addition to any kitchen.
While it has a few minor drawbacks, the overall performance and convenience far outweigh them. Trust me, once you try the PIEZANO, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.