There’s nothing quite like the experience of biting into a perfectly cooked pizza: a crispy, chewy crust, bubbling cheese, and flavorful toppings all harmonizing in a symphony of taste. For years, achieving that professional-grade pizza at home felt like a distant dream, reserved for those with expensive brick ovens. But what if I told you that with the right tools, specifically a Masterbuilt Pizza Stone or accessory, you could bring that dream to your backyard grill? Imagine creating delicious, wood-fired tasting pizzas that rival your favorite local pizzeria, all from the comfort of your patio. It’s more accessible than you think!

The Masterbuilt Advantage: More Than Just a Stone
Before we dive into the specifics of the Masterbuilt range, let’s talk about the magic behind a pizza stone. Traditionally, pizza stones are made from ceramic, cordierite, or clay, designed to mimic the high, even heat of a commercial pizza oven. They absorb and retain heat, then transfer it directly to your pizza dough, drawing out moisture for an incredibly crispy crust.
Masterbuilt, a brand synonymous with outdoor cooking innovation, has taken this concept and integrated it seamlessly into the grilling and smoking experience. They offer not just a standalone pizza stone but also a dedicated pizza oven accessory, transforming your grill into a high-performance pizza-making machine.
Masterbuilt Grill Pan & Pizza Stone Kit
For those looking for a versatile entry into pizza making on their grill, the Masterbuilt Grill Pan & Pizza Stone Kit is an excellent starting point. This kit typically includes a round pizza stone and a half-moon shaped grilling pan, making it a dual-purpose accessory. The pizza stone, often around 13 inches in diameter, is perfect for achieving that desired crispy crust on your grilled pizzas. It’s designed to be used directly on your grill or smoker grates, providing a heated surface that cooks your pizza evenly from the bottom up. This accessory is a straightforward way to start experimenting with pizza on your Masterbuilt grill or any compatible outdoor cooker.
The Masterbuilt Pizza Oven Accessory
If you’re serious about taking your outdoor pizza game to the next level, the Masterbuilt Pizza Oven accessory is a game-changer. This unit is specifically designed to fit Masterbuilt Gravity Series grills (such as the 800, 1050, 600, and XT models) and can also be compatible with most other gas, charcoal, and pellet grills, though it’s important to check compatibility as it’s not suited for the Gravity Series 560.
This innovative accessory creates a contained, high-temperature environment with 360° airflow convection, simulating a traditional brick oven. It features a premium stainless-steel interior and a porcelain-coated exterior, complete with its own pizza stone. The promise? Perfect pizzas, up to 14 inches, cooked in under five minutes, delivering authentic wood-fired flavor right in your backyard. It’s not just for pizza either; you can bake bread, cookies, or even lasagna, showcasing incredible versatility.
Choosing Your Weapon: Masterbuilt Pizza Stone vs. Pizza Oven vs. Pizza Steel
Deciding between a simple Masterbuilt pizza stone and the dedicated Masterbuilt Pizza Oven accessory, or even considering a pizza steel, depends on your pizza ambitions and budget. Each has its merits:
- Masterbuilt Pizza Stone Kit: This is your accessible entry point. It’s versatile, fitting various grills and smokers, and delivers good results for crispy crusts without a significant investment. It’s ideal for casual pizza nights.
- Masterbuilt Pizza Oven Accessory: This is for the pizza aficionado seeking speed, efficiency, and true wood-fired taste. Its enclosed design and convection capabilities ensure consistently excellent results, turning your grill into a high-performance pizza station. The cooking times are remarkably fast, typically 3-5 minutes, allowing you to churn out multiple pizzas for a gathering.
- The Pizza Steel Alternative: While Masterbuilt focuses on stones, some pizza enthusiasts might consider a pizza steel. Steels are known for their exceptional heat conductivity and durability, often touted for superior crust crispness and faster heat recovery between pizzas compared to stones, which can sometimes crack if not handled carefully. However, they are typically heavier and can be more expensive.
For most Masterbuilt grill owners, the choice often comes down to the convenience and performance of the dedicated Pizza Oven accessory versus the simplicity of a standalone Masterbuilt pizza stone. The oven accessory’s ability to maintain incredibly high, consistent temperatures is where it truly shines for rapid, restaurant-quality cooking.
Mastering the Heat: Using Your Masterbuilt Pizza Stone or Oven
Getting started with your Masterbuilt pizza stone or oven is simpler than you might think, but a few key steps will ensure perfection every time.
How to Install Your Masterbuilt Pizza Oven or Place Your Stone
For the Masterbuilt Pizza Oven accessory, assembly is straightforward. You’ll typically remove your grill’s warming racks and cooking grates, then install heat deflectors before placing the pizza oven into the grill. Panels are usually included to cover any open space in the cooking chamber, ensuring heat is contained. If you’re using a standalone Masterbuilt pizza stone, simply place it directly on your grill grates.
Preheating is Key: The Foundation of a Great Pizza
This is perhaps the most crucial step. A pizza stone or oven needs to be screaming hot to deliver that ideal crispy crust. You must preheat your grill to a high temperature, typically between 550°F and 700°F (or as high as your grill can safely go, often 500°F minimum), with the pizza stone or oven inside and the lid closed. This allows the stone to fully absorb and radiate heat, creating the perfect cooking surface. Allow at least 15-20 minutes, sometimes more, for the stone to reach its optimal temperature.
How hot should a Masterbuilt pizza stone get?
For a perfectly crispy crust, your Masterbuilt pizza stone or oven should aim for temperatures between 550°F and 700°F. This intense heat cooks the pizza rapidly, preventing sogginess and developing a beautifully blistered crust.
Launching Your Culinary Creation
Once your stone or oven is adequately preheated, it’s time for the pizza. A pizza peel, lightly dusted with cornmeal, is your best friend here. The cornmeal acts as tiny ball bearings, helping your raw pizza slide smoothly onto the scorching hot stone. Avoid using flour, as it can burn on the stone and impart an unpleasant flavor.
The Cook: Fast and Furious
With the Masterbuilt Pizza Oven accessory, you’ll be amazed at the speed. Load your pizza, close the grill lid, and cook for approximately 3-5 minutes. Thanks to the 360° airflow, there’s often no need to rotate your pizza. If you’re using a standalone Masterbuilt pizza stone directly on the grates, cooking times might be slightly longer, perhaps 5-8 minutes, and a quick rotation halfway through might be beneficial for even cooking. Always keep an eye on it – pizza cooks quickly at these temperatures!
Tips and Tricks for Masterbuilt Pizza Perfection
Beyond the basics, a few expert tips can further elevate your homemade Masterbuilt pizzas:
- Room Temperature Dough: Always let your pizza dough come to room temperature before shaping and cooking. Cold dough can be stiff and prone to tearing, and it might also cause thermal shock to your hot stone.
- Don’t Overload: Keep toppings light and even. Too many toppings release excess moisture, which can lead to a soggy crust, even on a hot stone.
- Thick vs. Thin Crust: Adjust your grill temperature accordingly. Lower temperatures work better for thicker crusts, allowing them to cook through without burning the top, while higher temperatures are ideal for achieving a super crispy thin crust.
- Infrared Thermometer: Invest in an infrared thermometer to accurately measure the surface temperature of your Masterbuilt pizza stone. This helps ensure you launch your pizza onto a consistently hot surface.
- Prep Ahead: Have all your toppings prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. The pizza-making process is fast, and you don’t want to be scrambling for ingredients while your stone is cooling down.
- The “No-Touch” Principle: Once your pizza is on the stone, resist the urge to peek or move it too often. Let the heat do its work for the initial couple of minutes to ensure a solid, crispy base before checking.
Preserving Your Investment: Care and Maintenance
Proper care is essential to ensure your Masterbuilt pizza stone or pizza oven accessory lasts for countless pizza nights. Here’s what you need to know:
Cooling Down: The Thermal Shock Myth
The most critical rule for pizza stone longevity is to allow it to cool down gradually and completely. Rapid temperature changes, known as “thermal shock,” are the leading cause of cracked pizza stones. Never take a hot stone and place it directly under cold water or on a cold surface. Let it cool inside the grill or oven until it reaches room temperature.
Cleaning Ritual: No Soap, No Soak
Pizza stones are porous, and this characteristic is key to their performance. However, it also means they can absorb liquids and detergents, which can lead to cracking and impart unwanted flavors to your food.
Can you wash a Masterbuilt pizza stone with soap?
No, you should never wash a Masterbuilt pizza stone with soap or detergent. The porous nature of the stone means it can absorb cleaning agents, which will then impart a soapy or chemical taste to your pizzas during subsequent cooks.
Instead, once your Masterbuilt pizza stone is completely cool, use a plastic spatula or a stiff-bristled brush (avoid metal) to scrape off any baked-on food residue, cheese, or cornmeal. For tougher stains, you can create a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water, apply it, let it sit, then gently scrub. Afterward, wipe the stone clean with a damp cloth, making sure not to soak it. Any darkening or staining on the stone over time is perfectly normal and contributes to its “seasoning” without affecting performance or taste.
Drying & Storage
After cleaning, ensure your Masterbuilt pizza stone is thoroughly air-dried before storing or its next use. Any residual moisture can cause it to crack when exposed to high heat. Store it in a safe, dry place where it won’t be accidentally dropped or knocked.
Expert Insights: Elevating Your Pizza Game
“The secret to a truly outstanding homemade pizza, especially with a Masterbuilt setup, lies in understanding and respecting the heat,” advises Chef Isabella Rossi, a renowned outdoor cooking enthusiast and artisan pizza maker. “The consistent, high temperature that a quality pizza stone or oven accessory provides is what sets it apart, ensuring that beautiful char and crispy texture. It’s about letting the equipment do its job, patiently preheating, and then enjoying the rapid transformation of dough into a culinary masterpiece.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Masterbuilt Pizza Stone
Making pizza at home with a specialized tool like the Masterbuilt pizza stone often sparks a few common questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked:
What kind of pizza stone does Masterbuilt make?
Masterbuilt offers a versatile Grill Pan & Pizza Stone Kit, which includes a round pizza stone, and a dedicated Pizza Oven accessory that comes with its own rectangular pizza stone. These are designed for use with Masterbuilt grills and smokers, as well as many other outdoor cooking systems.
Can I use a Masterbuilt pizza stone in a regular oven?
Yes, a standalone Masterbuilt pizza stone can be used in a regular indoor oven. Simply place it on the lowest rack in a cold oven, then preheat the oven to its highest temperature (usually 450-550°F) for at least 30-60 minutes to ensure the stone is fully heated before baking your pizza. The dedicated Pizza Oven accessory, however, is designed specifically for outdoor grills.
How long do you cook pizza on a Masterbuilt pizza stone?
Cooking times vary, but with the Masterbuilt Pizza Oven accessory, pizzas can be ready in as little as 3-5 minutes at grill temperatures between 550-700°F. If using a standalone Masterbuilt pizza stone on grill grates, it might take 5-8 minutes, depending on your grill’s heat and crust thickness.
Why did my Masterbuilt pizza stone crack?
Pizza stones typically crack due to thermal shock—a rapid change in temperature. This can happen if a cold or frozen pizza is placed on a scorching hot stone, or if a hot stone is quickly exposed to cold water or a cold surface during cleaning. Always allow your stone to cool gradually.
Do I need to season my Masterbuilt pizza stone?
No, a Masterbuilt pizza stone does not require seasoning with oil. Pizza stones are designed to be porous and are ready to use. Oiling can lead to smoking and unpleasant odors during cooking. Any darkening or staining that occurs with use is a natural part of its seasoning and does not affect performance.
The Final Slice: Your Masterbuilt Pizza Journey Awaits
Embracing the Masterbuilt pizza stone or the advanced Pizza Oven accessory opens up a world of culinary possibilities right in your backyard. From casual weeknight meals to lively outdoor gatherings, the ability to produce restaurant-quality pizza at home is a truly rewarding experience. The crispy crust, the perfectly melted cheese, the joy of crafting your own masterpiece—it all comes to life with the consistent, high heat these tools provide. So, preheat your Masterbuilt, gather your favorite toppings, and prepare to embark on your delicious journey to homemade pizza perfection. It’s time to ignite your passion and share the incredible flavors with friends and family. Happy pizza making!