Whether you call it a baking steel or a pizza steel, proper care is the key to a lifetime of incredible pizza. Your Baking Steel arrives pre-seasoned and ready to use, but this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning, re-seasoning, and general maintenance to keep your steel in perfect condition.
Cleaning Your Baking Steel (Pizza Steel)
Daily Cleaning (After Each Use)
- Scrape It Clean: After cooking, use a bench scraper or a sturdy metal spatula to scrape off any burnt-on cheese, flour, or toppings. Do this while the steel is still warm (but not hot!). Our Bench Scraper is perfect for this—it's designed to quickly remove debris from your steel without scratching the surface.
- Wipe It Down: Use a dry paper towel or an old cloth to wipe away any remaining debris. For stubborn spots, a little hot water and a stiff brush can be used.
- Dry Thoroughly: Always dry your steel completely to prevent rust. You can place it back in the warm oven for a few minutes to ensure all moisture has evaporated.
Deep Cleaning (For Stubborn Messes or Rust)
For tougher jobs, like removing rust or caked-on residue, our Baking Steel Cleaning Bricks are your best friend. They will smooth out the finish and remove anything that's stuck without damaging the steel.
- Scrub with Cleaning Brick: Use the cleaning brick to scrub the surface of the steel. This will remove any rust or built-up carbon.
- Wash with Soap & Water: It's okay to use hot, soapy water this time because you're about to re-season. Use a stiff brush to scrub it clean.
- Rinse & Dry Completely: Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately. Place it in a 200°F oven for 10-15 minutes to ensure it's bone dry.
Re-Seasoning Your Baking Steel (Pizza Steel)
If your steel looks dull and gray, or if food starts to stick, it's time to re-season. This process builds up a natural, non-stick surface.
- Apply a Thin Layer of Oil: Apply a small amount of a high smoke point oil (like flaxseed oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil) to the center of the steel.
- Wipe It In: Use a paper towel to spread a very thin, even layer of oil across the entire surface (top and bottom).
- Wipe It Off: Use a clean paper towel to wipe off as much of the oil as possible. You want a micro-thin layer, not a thick, sticky coat.
- Bake It: Place the oiled steel in a preheated 400°F oven for one hour. Turn the oven off and let the steel cool completely inside the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What's the difference between a baking steel and a pizza steel?
They are the same thing! "Baking Steel" is our brand name for the original pizza steel we invented. Whether you call it a baking steel or a pizza steel, the care and cleaning process is identical.
Can I use soap to clean my baking steel?
Yes, you can use soap to clean your baking steel. While some people prefer to avoid soap for daily cleaning to preserve the seasoning, it's perfectly safe to use hot, soapy water whenever needed. If you notice the seasoning wearing off, simply re-season your steel following the instructions above.
How do I remove rust from my pizza steel?
The best way to remove rust is with our Cleaning Bricks and some elbow grease. Scrub the rust off, wash with soap and water, dry completely, and then follow the re-seasoning instructions above.
What's the best oil for seasoning a baking steel?
We recommend using an oil with a high smoke point. Organic flaxseed oil is our top choice, but grapeseed oil, canola oil, or even vegetable oil will work well.
How often should I re-season my steel?
You only need to re-season your steel if you notice it looking dull and gray, or if food begins to stick. For most users, this might be once or twice a year, depending on use.
About the Author
Andris Lagsdin is the inventor of the Baking Steel and founder of Baking Steel Company. After working in professional kitchens with chef Todd English, Andris combined his culinary background with his family's 40+ years of steel manufacturing experience to create the Baking Steel in 2012. Today, he develops recipes and teaches home cooks around the world how to make incredible pizza at home.
