Been looking and can't really make out what's good or bad based on reviews. Just to make a few pies a month, nothing too serious. But would like something battle tested by folks who know what they're doing. What say you guys, what should I be looking out for or avoiding.
Never have used a pizza peel, but I only use the oven to make pizza.
Just be careful with cooking other things on the stones. My sister in law cracked her stone when she tried to cook other things with a higher moisture content.
I use a 14" metal peel to place on the stone and remove as well. My wooden one got abused after a while
Any tips on cleaning?
The only tip I'd give is to season the stone frequently. And NEVER use soap on it. In fact, I wouldn't even use water on it until it is seasoned.
Because it is a stone, there will be a natural porosity to the material. You don't want to introduce moisture or it will crack. We had a stone baking dish that was in the oven and we heard a loud crack that sounded like the oven was about to break. Turns out the stone dish cracked, sending dinner all over the oven. Turns out my Mom had washed it when she visited.
For seasoning the stone, just pour about a half capful of olive oil after most uses and rub it into the surface evenly . The stone might stain but don't worry - and don't try to wash it! As for the smells - not sure if it is due to factory finish. Don't have advice for that.