# 🍕 How long does it take to preheat the Original Baking Steel?

*Published: 2024-09-06 | Updated: 2024-10-06 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/how-long-does-it-take-to-preheat-the-original-baking-steel*

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## Product: Ultra Conductive Pizza Stone (14"x16"x1/4")
**Brand:** Baking Steel

If you're curious about how long it takes to preheat the Original Baking Steel, it's typically about 45 minutes to an hour in a regular oven that's cranked up to around 500°F (260°C). This info comes from what we've found during our research.

The steel's ability to conduct heat is pretty impressive—it heats up much faster than the usual [ceramic pizza stones](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dceramic%2Bpizza%2Bstones%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which can take their sweet time. Plus, since this steel can hold a ton of energy, it shortens the whole preheating process, and your reward is a pizza with a perfectly crispy crust, almost like you'd get from a wood-fired oven.

While the performance of the Baking Steel is often praised, it’s worth mentioning that it does weigh about 16 pounds. This makes it solid and great at holding heat, but not exactly a featherweight. If moving heavy stuff isn't your favorite, just keep that in mind.

Taking care of it is a bit like maintaining a [cast iron skillet](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dcast%2Biron%2Bskillet%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). A light oil layer and some heating in the oven can help keep it from rusting. 

And according to our research, folks are really happy with the way it helps cook pizzas with the right balance of crispy exterior and soft interior. So if you're into making pizza at home, this steel could definitely be a worthwhile addition to your kitchen arsenal.

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*