KettlePizza FAQ’s & Cooking Tips
Have a Question About the KettlePizza?
You’ll almost certainly find the answer here in the frequently asked questions. If not, please contact us via email or call us at 888-205-1931. You can also download our instruction booklets here:
Charcoal Inserts - FAQs
What charcoal grills do you recommend to be used with the KettlePizza Charcoal kits?
We exclusively recommend Weber charcoal grills for use with our products. The 22″ models are the most popular. Customers often purchase the Weber kettle grills through Amazon.com:
22 Inch Weber Kettle Recommendations From Amazon
Will the KettlePizza kits work with Weber 26.75 inch grills?
Yes with our extension kit you can adapt the KettlePizza ring for use in the Weber 26.75 inch grill.
What is the width of the opening on a KettlePizza Charcoal kit?
The width of the opening on the KettlePizza Charcoal kit when installed on a 22″ grill is 17″.
What are the dimensions of the Tombstone cooking stone?
The Tombstone is designed to fit snugly in the KettlePizza Pro Grate system. The dimensions of the stone are 15″ wide, 16″ long, 5/8″ thick, cordierite construction.
What size charcoal grills does the KettlePizza Charcoal insert fit?
18.5”, 22.5” and (with extension plate) 26.75” non-hinged kettle grills, preferably a Weber grill brand as we have had the best results with Weber kettle grills.
What type/size kettle grill do you recommend to use with the KettlePizza?
We recommend the 22.5” size. This size works with our Baking Steel and ProGrate/Tombstone KettlePizza accessories as well.
Will the KettlePizza work on the 18.5 and 22.5″ Weber Smokey Mountain?
Yes! Remove the center section of the WSM and the KettlePizza works great!
Will the KettlePizza work with Stok grills?
Yes! We have many customers who use the KettlePizza on Stok grills.
Will the KettlePizza work on a Big Green Egg?
No. The KettlePizza does not work on BGE or other ceramic grills.
Why is it hard to insert and remove pizzas from my KettlePizza?
Check to make sure that the grill grate is installed on the three standoffs inside the KettlePizza and not sitting inside the kettle grill. The grate should be even with the bottom opening of the KettlePizza Oven.
I have a conventional oven pizza stone. Will this work with my KettlePizza?
Our Cordierite stones withstand heat over 1200 degrees, which is needed to cook pizza hot and fast. Convection-oven-style stones do not withstand the high heats required to cook pizza, which can result in a cracked stone.
Why do bolts extend 2″ on the outside of the KettlePizza insert?
The extended bolts provide enough length to rest the bottom of the KettlePizza Oven insert level over the lip of the base and level for the kettle lid.
Why is my grate not flush and lower than the front opening?
You probably have the grate installed in the kettle standoffs and not in the KettlePizza standoffs. First remove the existing kettle grate. Then place the KettlePizza Oven insert on the base of grill resting on the horizontal wing nuts. Then, slide your grate at an angle into position.
When do I insert my stone?
As your charcoal and wood chunks are firing up, assemble your KettlePizza Oven insert as directed and place the stone on the grate and cover with the grill lid. Your stone should be hot enough to cook your pizza in about 15 minutes. Look for the temperature to reach “PIZZA” level on the thermometer.
How do I refuel my KettlePizza Oven?
Unless you are using our ProGrate, you must remove the KettlePizza Oven insert from the grill to add fuel to the grill base.
What is the width and height of the KettlePizza Oven opening?
Width: 17” and Height: 3.25”
Why did my KettlePizza Oven insert discolor over time?
The KettlePizza insert is made of 304 grade stainless steel. “Heat tint” is a natural discoloration process that occurs over time to stainless steel. It is caused by heat. You can use a stainless steel cleaning product, but your KettlePizza Oven insert will not return back to its original color.
How do I clean my stone?
To clean, scrape off excess food with a spatula. When the stone has cooled, run it under hot water while scrubbing with a brush. Do not use soap on the stone since it may leave a soapy aftertaste. The natural properties of the stone will cause it to darken and spot with age; do not attempt to remove this discoloration. Air-dry the stone.
Can I cook other foods besides pizza?
You can bake and grill all kinds of foods, including bread and cookies.
Does the Baking Steel make that much of a difference in cooking time?
The Baking Steel will cut cooking time about 1-3 minutes per pizza, depending on toppings and thickness of crust. Please note, the Baking Steel works with the ProGrate/Tombstone accessories on grills that are 22.5″ only.
Is my Baking Steel already pre-seasoned?
Yes, your Baking Steel is pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil. After each use it must be seasoned again with a food-safe cooking oil, such as olive, canola or flax seed.
How do I clean my Baking Steel?
Clean Baking Steel with a stiff nylon brush. No soap or detergents. Avoid putting Baking Steel in water. Baking Steel may warp due to thermal shock. If Baking Steel is wet, towel dry immediately.
When do I re-season my Baking Steel? How do I re-season my Baking Steel?
Re-season if food sticks to the surface or if you notice a dull gray color. Re-season your Baking Steel by washing in hot, soapy water and a stiff brush. Rinse and dry completely. Apply a dab of organic flax seed oil (we recommend Barleans) or cooking oil in the center of the Baking Steel. Use a paper towel to wipe oil around Baking Steel evenly. Use another towel to wipe excess oil. Do this procedure to both sides. Prepare your KettlePizza Oven with charcoal and hardwood. Once your KettlePizza Oven thermometer reaches 375-400 degrees, place Baking Steel on grate and bake for one hour. After one hour, let grill cool and remove Baking Steel.
My Weber is called a “Weber 22” not a 22.5. Will KettlePizza fit?
Yes, it will be fine.
Gas Pro - FAQs
Can you recommend a gas grill to be used with the KettlePizza Gas Pro?
We have had great luck with the following Weber Genesis grills. You can learn more about them at Amazon.com here:
Weber Gas Grill Recommendations From Amazon
What size gas grills does the KettlePizza Gas Pro insert fit?
Any gas grill with at least 24″ x 17″ cooking surface and 3+ burners.
General - FAQs
Can you use KettlePizza kits without a pizza stone?
Yes, you can cook directly on the aluminum pan that is included with our charcoal and gas pizza oven kits.
How Does The KettlePizza Gas Pro Compare With The Bakerstone?
Both are fine products that cook great pizza on a gas grill. The Gas Pro is made from one piece construction utilizing the finest American stainless steel. The product requires little assembly and is very easy to clean.
How Can I Measure My Stone Temperature?
Your stone temperature can be measure using an infrared thermometer similar to this one: https://www.kettlepizza.com/product/high-temp-infrared-thermometer/
How Hot Does The KettlePizza Oven Get?
The charcoal KettlePizza Ovens can easily get over 700 degrees F. The Gas KettlePizza Ovens can get to 6-700 degrees F depending on the BTU’s of your grill.
For optimum pizza cooking we strive for a 200 degree F difference between the grill cooking surface (or floor) and the area above (dome).
How wide is the aluminum peel?
It measures 22″ x 12″. Made completely in the USA, the Pro Peel is a sturdy, professional-grade pizza peel (paddle) that will outlast any other pizza peel you may have owned.
What is the length and width of my wood peel?
The KettlePizza 22″ wooden pizza peel is built to endure the heat, yet it is economically priced. 12″ x 14″ blade. Made in the USA.
When do you use a wood peel?
To prepare your pizza. Tip: Use a little cornmeal on your wood peel to help prevent sticking.
When do you use an aluminum peel?
To turn and remove cooked pizza. Great for checking bottom of pizza and sliding out of oven. Tip: Raise aluminum peel to top of dome for higher heat to cook extra toppings.
My stone has slight imperfections.
Our pizza stones are made of the highest-quality materials and are made in the USA. They are handmade and may have slight imperfections that will not affect performance.
