Tip: Caring for King Arthur's baking steel

 

In 2020, we purchased a "baking steel" from King Arthur's Baking Company. We use it for baking pizza. Here's how to care for it (emphasis added):

Main instructions.  

The Baking Steel is oven-and grill-safe. Allow to cool in the oven for at least 1 hour before attempting to clean. Avoid soap and water if at all possible: dry brush or scrape off any baked-on food. 

If rust develops.

Your Steel will gradually darken over time as you bake with it. If for some reason rust spots develop, scrub them off with fine sandpaper or steel wool. Wash in hot soapy water (this once only!), rinse, and dry completely. Put a dab of vegetable oil on the Baking Steel and use a paper towel to spread a thin film over both sides. Bake in a 375° to 400°F oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, turn off the oven and let the Steel cool inside.

NOTES: 

1. The baking steel is 15 pounds so it is awkward to put into the oven and remove it, especially when hot.

2. Even if pizza cheese melts beyond the pizza's crust and gets onto the baking steel. follow the main instructions above unless rust develops.