If you’re on the hunt for the best brush for your pizza oven, the first things you need to consider are durability, design, and brush length, among others. To help you shop, I’ve rounded up some of the top pizza oven brushes on the market.
Baking in a wood-fired oven delivers smoky flavored pizzas with crisper crust and toppings that are cooked to perfection. But, after the joy of watching your pizza cook and savoring each slice, there’s the cleaning step that you need to deal with—what a bummer, I know!
You should clean it immediately once your oven has cooled down if you’re cooking in an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven. If not, you may end up with thickened food debris that will be difficult to remove, making cleaning much more challenging.
The best pizza oven brush is the Cuisinart Pizza Stone Cleaning Brush, because it has great bristles for scrubbing, the length is just right, and the rubber handle is more comfortable to hold than other brushes.
As you cook, soot accumulates inside your oven’s chimney, the hopper, and the main cooking chamber. If you don’t clean it up, your oven may not run as smoothly and will affect the results of your pizzas the next time you bake.
Soot can also accumulate on your pizza oven’s ceiling, which might fly onto your pie as it cooks. As a result, not only will your pizza have a sooty flavor, but it may also look unappetizing.
For gas-fired users, you may not have to deal with as much mess as wood-burning models as there will be no soot buildup in the oven. However, you still need to clean your pizza stone.
While I do not recommend taking it out of the oven, you may want to clean your stone to remove any spills and crumbs before they burn and put out some smoke. A dependable pizza stone brush will come in handy for removing grime and baked-on food off your stone.
My Top Picks for The Best Brush for Pizza Oven
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Runner Up  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best for Ooni Pizza Ovens  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best for Scrubbing  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
What Is a Pizza Oven Brush?
It’s pretty obvious what a pizza oven brush is. However, it isn’t your typical cleaning brush. It is a specialized tool for cleaning large wood-fired pizza ovens, with the goal of ensuring that your equipment is performing well while keeping it clean.
Pizza oven brushes typically have long handles, though there are also handleless and short ones. The best brush for a pizza oven will have strong bristles at the end, often made of brass wires, steel, or natural plant fibers.
With these brush bristles, you can clean the surface of your oven or pizza stone, removing baked-on dough, burnt cheese, toppings, and other food debris.
The scraper that comes with most of these cleaning tools is a nice feature. These scrapers are made of solid metals and help remove tough cooked food. For those with large wood-fired outdoor ovens, brushes with scrapers are a great addition.
If you don’t have a large outdoor oven, you might have tried cooking with a pizza stone. You can remove food debris from your stone by wiping it clean, but a brush will provide you with a nicer, cleaner surface that is free of burnt stuff.
And I know how difficult it is to remove those pesky grimes, so I did the hunt for you and found some of the best brushes for pizza ovens. Check them out below!
The Best Brushes for Pizza Oven
There’s nothing more fun than making delicious homemade pizzas in your backyard. But dealing with the aftermath? Not so much!
What you need is a reliable cleaning tool to make sure your next pizzas come out perfect.
Cuisinart Pizza Stone Cleaning Brush – Best Overall
Inexpensive, eco-friendly, and easy to use. The Cuisinart Pizza Stone Cleaning Brush is one of my favorite cleaning brushes because it’s comfortable to use and has bristles made of palm stalk fiber. I think this is perfect for cordierite pizza stones since they are delicate.
And just because the bristles aren’t made of metal doesn’t mean it can’t clean effectively. This brush is just as tough on caked-on grimes as steel and brass wire bristles. It’s very safe, and I appreciate having a natural alternative to metal bristles.
This 18-inch long brush has a 13-inch steel handle designed with the user’s ergonomics in mind. The rubberized grip on the handle keeps your hand comfortable and away from the dirt while the brush cleans your stone or oven’s cooking surface.
For cleaning and removing tough food debris from the stone, the Cuisinart brush comes with a metal scraper with notched ends. I just wish that the scraper was wide enough, though. But it gets rid of tough debris so I still think it’s an excellent cleaning tool.
It’s also made by one of the most well-known brands for the best home kitchen appliances, so what’s not to love about this brush?
Just a fair warning though, you can’t use this on hot surfaces or else the bristles will be burned away. So make sure to let your stone cool down before cleaning it with the brush. I mean, that’s you’re supposed to clean a pizza stone, anyway.
Pros:
• Comfortable and easy to use
• Eco-friendly yet scrubs off crumbs easily
• Comes with metal scraper
• Inexpensive
Cons:
• Short bristles
• Not suitable for hot surfaces
Janico Bristles Pizza Oven Stone Brush & Scraper – Runner Up
When it comes to wide scrapers, I consider the Janico Bristles Pizza Oven Stone Brush & Scraper as a nice trade-off to the Cuisinart brush and the rest of the products on my list. This one also has very long bristles which work well for dusting off any food residues.
With its industrial-grade, heavy-duty stiff brass wires, it will keep your pizza oven spotless after each use. This brush also features an industrial-grade steel scraper that’s been attached securely to the wooden block and provides extra scraping power. It helps get rid of baked-on residue and excessive grease.
Once you get your hands on this brush, one of the first things you’ll notice is that, unlike other brushes with brass-coated bristles, the Janico pizza oven brush has real brass wire bristles. Well, the bristles may contain an alloy, yet they seem to be pure as a composite, not coated.
This commercial-grade brush is ideal for large wood-fired ovens like those seen in restaurants and pizzerias. Keep in mind that you must buy this one with a handle. So, while the brush itself is not that expensive, I think the extra cost of needing to buy the tool separately is just inconvenient.
But, because not all pizza ovens are the same size, you will have the option of deciding on the length of your handle to widen your coverage when cleaning. On the other side of the brush, there is a threaded handle hole. Any standard handle will fit through the hole.
Despite the lack of a handle, I still think it’s a great addition to keep your kitchen clean.
Pros:
• Durable brush and scraper combo
• Industrial-grade
• Inexpensive
Cons:
• Doesn’t come with a handle
Ooni Pizza Oven Brush – Best for Ooni Pizza Ovens
If you’re a proud owner of an Ooni outdoor pizza oven, this brush may be a great option to pair. Comes with a high-quality bamboo handle and stainless steel bristles and scraper, the Ooni Pizza Oven Brush is well-crafted to take on the task of removing tough buildups and grimes.
What I like about this oven brush is that the bristles can withstand hot temperatures. The 24-inch handle is comfortable to use and it may not be as long as the other brushes on the list, but I think it’s still a great pizza oven brush for home use. If you have an Ooni Koda 16, this may be your best option.
It is not the cheapest pizza oven brush on the market, but I think the quality outweighs the cost.
But even so, you may find with time that heating your Ooni pizza oven at 800+ degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 60 minutes is similar to using a self-cleaning oven. This will burn almost all food waste into white ashes, and you may need just a dry cloth to wipe it clean.
If you’re not willing to shell out on an expensive brush like this, you may want to look at other options that tackle the same job. But if you want your brush to match your Ooni pizza oven, then this could be a good investment.
Pros:
• Well-crafted
• Comfortable and easy to use
• Can survive high temperatures
Cons:
• Expensive
• Shorter than other pizza oven brushes
Pizzacraft Pizza Stone Scrubber Brush – Best for Scrubbing
The Pizzacraft Pizza Stone Scrubber Brush may be another ideal solution if you need a pizza stone brush to scrub away stubborn grimes. I love the design of this brush because it’s very comfortable to use and has long bristles.
It has a small, knob-like handle that allows you to easily scrape off all the leftovers without burning your hand. If you’re one who prefers the effects of a classic stainless steel wire brush, you’ll be pleased to hear that this brush delivers.
But, you must be careful not to apply too much weight to your stone when using this brush. If you have a light-colored pizza stone, I would not recommend getting this stone brush. Some users with beige pizza stones have reported that leave behind traces of brush lines on their stones.
And that’s why you shouldn’t be too rough with it when scrubbing your stone. While pizza stones are quite durable, they get easily scratched. This isn’t a pretty sight, so you can either use it with a dark pizza stone or explore other options from the list.
Since you have your entire palm on the brush, you might be applying a lot of pressure when scrubbing your pizza stone with it. The Pizzacraft pizza stone brush has stainless steel bristles that can be a bit abrasive, but it has enough stiffness to handle all its job.
That said, the brush works well and cleans all of the tiny food debris with no fuss. It’s ideal for pizza ovens with large cooking floors.
Pros:
• Has very long bristles for efficient cleaning
• Ideal for ovens with large cooking surfaces
• Adorable, short handle design
• Easy to use
Cons:
• Easily scratches light pizza stones
American Metalcraft 1597 Oven Brush – Best Long-Handled
The American Metalcraft 1597 Oven Brush has a thin wooden handle, but it’s surprisingly very sturdy. Manufactured by one of the leaders in the food service business focused on creating innovative solutions, this brush has you covered in all your cleaning needs in a simple two-in-1 tool.
It’s designed to be a heavy-duty, multi-purpose cleaning tool for pizza ovens, featuring sturdy and heavily-filled, 65-tuft brass wire bristles on one side and a rust-proof steel scraper on the other.
This brush is 40-inch long, which is a great length for cleaning large pizza ovens. The length protects your hands from the hot pizza oven.
When you get this brush, it has a screw-type handle and a die-cast aluminum-threaded tip that is simple to put together. I suggest placing a screw in the thread to keep it from wobbling. Then, put some Teflon tape on the threads to protect it from coming unscrewed from the wooden head.
I do think it’s a bit pricier than comparable models, though. However, I think it serves its purpose.
Pros:
• Durable construction
• Long handle protects hands and reaches a greater surface
• Easy to assemble, but can get a bit wobbly if not done right
Cons:
• More expensive than other brushes with comparable quality
SHANGPEIXUAN Pizza Oven Brush & Turning Peel – Best Bundle
Here’s the most expensive on the list but is one of the best value for money. The SHANGPEIXUAN Pizza Oven Brush & Turning Peel is a combo that comes with a perforated round-turning peel that allows you to maneuver your pizza as it cooks.
This brush has brass wire bristles which are heavy-duty and can take on the task of removing stubborn food debris while being gentle on the oven and pizza stone. Its head is also adjustable and swivels, allowing you to customize your cleaning experience
The 40-inch long handle is crafted from aluminum which is known for being lightweight so it’s easy to maneuver. And, it’s long enough you get into the hard-to-reach areas in large pizza ovens.
Also, I can’t leave out one of its best features, the stainless-steel scraper on the back. It comes in handy for getting rid of tough food debris from the pizza stone and works well whenever you need a more vigorous cleaning approach.
Again, it costs twice as much as the other models on the list. However, if you can go without the turning peel, you may want to go for the same brush but with an extra head at a fraction of the price of this one.
Pros:
• Lightweight
• Comes in with a pizza peel
• Long handle allows for greater reach
• Adjustable head
Cons:
• Expensive
Carlisle Pizza Oven Brush – Great Option
A big yet lightweight brush that comes easy to maneuver. The Carlisle Pizza Oven Brush has an overall length of 39 inches, which is longer than the Cuisinart one but slightly pricier. It is the ideal tool to use if you are always having difficulty working with shorter cleaning tools.
However, while the handle is made out of hardwood, I find it a bit thin so I suggest that you don’t put a lot of force when you’re brushing. It’s equipped with carbon steel wire bristles, so you can trust that it can take care of baked-on food and stubborn grimes.
You can also use it on hot surfaces, though I recommend letting your pizza stone cool down before cleaning it with the brush. I appreciate how well the bristles get rid of food debris off the surfaces, however, I think it’s not thick enough to reach a larger area.
Other users say it’s too bulky to be hanging in their kitchens, but I think the American Metalcraft and the SHANGPEIXUAN brushes are since they are longer by an inch.
Another con of this brush is that it doesn’t come with a scraper. This would have been the perfect tool since carbon steel bristles are super durable. But overall, it’s still a handy simple cleaning tool.
Pros:
• Comfortable and easy to use
• Long handle allows for greater reach
• Withstands hot surfaces
• Durable bristles
Cons:
• Doesn’t come with a scraper attachment
• Thin handle and bristles
Things To Consider in Choosing the Best Brush for Pizza Oven
Before buying a new pizza oven brush, make sure to look at these following factors:
Durability
The best brush for a pizza oven should be durable enough to take on the task. The build quality of the brush is important because you don’t want it to break while cleaning your oven and pizza stone. A brush with bristles that are falling out is a big miss.
Make sure to look for a brush that is well-crafted, is built with solid craftsmanship, has an ergonomic handle, and has well-tufted bristles. If the brush has a scraper, make sure it’s welded nicely.
Design
Pizza oven brushes are available in a variety of designs and styles. This is one of the first things you should think about because it affects how you clean your oven and pizza stone.
When you shop for a pizza oven brush, you’ll find that most of them have stiff bristles on one end and a scraper on the other. This design helps make sure that you have two useful tools whenever you just want to lightly dust off any debris or need to lift tougher baked-on foods.
However, keep in mind that not all brushes have this style and others only come with a brush. I usually prefer models that do but it’s up to you.
And depending on the material of the bristles, you may have to wait for your oven and stone to cool down before cleaning them. But, there are oven brushes designed to withstand high temperatures.
I recommend that you refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use your pizza oven brush. By reading the manual, you’ll know whether or not it’s ideal for use on hot surfaces.
Overall Length & Handle
The overall length of your pizza oven brush is another key consideration since it dictates how large a space the pizza oven brush can reach without putting your safety in danger while cleaning the hot oven.
If you want a double safety, I suggest that you wait for your oven to cool down, unless you have a lot of toughened debris to defeat, which you can scrub off easily while the oven is warm.
The length of the handle also varies by brand. And this, by the way, adds to the overall length of your brush. Some models boast a 40-inch length, while others are only 24 inches long. Always choose a brush according to the size of your oven.
So, if you have, say, a large outdoor oven with a deep cooking chamber, then it makes sense to go for a long-handled brush. But if you have a small to medium size pizza oven, a regular-sized brush should suffice.
Bristles
You’ll come across inexpensive brushes with bristles made from nylon or fiber bristles. I suggest that you pick them if you intend to use one of those for cleaning cold pizza stones and your oven in general. When it comes to cleaning hot surfaces, however, a brush with metal bristles is what you’ll need.
Steel and brass wire bristles are very common. You’ll also find brushes with copper bristles. These metal bristles can withstand high temperatures and won’t catch fire or melt on hot surfaces. Stainless steel is typically less expensive than brass, although it can scratch delicate pizza stones, so use them with caution.
You can use stainless steel and brass bristles on your cordierite pizza stones. But if you have a biscotto stone or any other delicate material, the brass wire bristle is the better option since it’s gentler on these types of stones.
Price
Pizza oven brushes can come in a wide range of price points. But the best brush for pizza oven should give you the best bang for your buck. While you do get what you pay for, sometimes, you’ll find the most reliable brushes in the most affordable selections.
I made sure to list products to accommodate different budgets, and most of them come at an affordable price.
And, while I know how important a handle is when getting a pizza brush, for some reason, certain manufacturers just don’t include them in the package. This means you’ll have to buy the handles separately. So, make sure to consider both the cost of the brush and the handle.
FAQs
Do pizza stone brushes work for any pizza stone?
If you have a cordierite pizza stone, it is always better to clean it using a dedicated brush. It’s a brittle material so it shatters and cracks easier than cast iron pizza stones. When you clean your ceramic pizza stone, you should use caution and avoid applying excessive pressure.
For pizza stones made from biscotto, you need to be even more careful since you can easily scratch these stones. It’s a delicate material often used in many Neapolitan-style pizza ovens. Biscotto stones are also more expensive so you definitely don’t want to scratch them.
If you have a biscotto pizza stone, you can use a brass stone brush since the bristles are not as rough on the stone as stainless steel.
Can you use a grill cleaning brush on a pizza stone?
Yes, you can definitely use a grill cleaning brush to get the gunks off your pizza stone. Most grill brushes, however, have smaller or narrower heads. Their shape makes them less suitable for scraping off flour residues.
How do you brush a pizza stone?
Keep in mind that pizza stones are porous, which means they absorb everything that comes into contact with them. Avoid cleaning them with soap and water if you don’t want it to leak a soapy flavor into your pizza.
To clean your pizza stone, just scrub it clean with a bristle brush or scouring pad. If there is food debris that requires some water, you can wet the stone but not too much or it will take a long time to dry. Then, wipe it off with a clean cloth and allow it to dry for a few hours before baking your next homemade pizzas.
Another great way to clean your pizza stone is by applying a baking soda paste with a brush.
To make the paste, combine half a teaspoon of water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Scrub the paste off the stone with your brush, then wipe it clean with a damp towel. Once that’s done, let the stone dry thoroughly before using it again.
What are pizza oven brushes made of?
Pizza oven brushes can be made of metals and natural plant fibers. Their handles are typically made of wood, but you’ll also find ones made of metal with rubberized wrap.
How do you clean a commercial pizza oven stone?
Commercial pizza oven stones are typically made of cordierite. As I’ve said, this material is more brittle than its cast iron counterparts, so make sure to clean it carefully.
Avoiding too much pressure on the stone, and clean it using a scouring pad or a stone brush to scrape down any baked-on food. If it has stains, you can use the baking soda method and wipe it away with a damp cloth. Then, allow the stone to completely dry before returning it to the oven.
Can I use a wire brush on a pizza stone?
You could. Such brushes are built from stiff wire and are ideal for removing charred bits from pizza stones.
Can you use metal scraper on pizza stone?
It’s OK to use a metal scraper to raise big stubborn pieces. But, use it only when absolutely necessary. When cleaning your pizza stone with a metal scraper, use little pressure because it could still scratch the surface of your stone.
What length should a pizza oven brush have?
Depends on your level of ergonomics. However, there’s a good reason why people prefer longer pizza oven brushes over shorter ones. How long a pizza oven brush is depends on the length of the handle. Some models don’t even have handles at all, while others can go as long as 60 inches.
With commercial pizza ovens, for example, larger brushes allow you to reach the entire surface faster. But if you have a residential pizza oven, a shorter brush should suffice.
Is it safe to use a pizza oven brush on a hot surface?
Pizza oven brushes are made from different materials. Some brushes can withstand heat, while others can’t.
Brass bristles, for example, are generally safe for use on hot surfaces and can help you clean quickly and easily and you won’t have to wait for the oven to cool down.
Before using your pizza oven brush for cleaning, I suggest that you read the manufacturer’s instructions. This way, you’ll know whether or not your brush is safe to use on a hot surface.
Can you use steel wool on a pizza stone?
You may hear from somewhere that it’s OK to use steel wool to clean your pizza stone. But, if you can, just avoid and use a pizza oven brush instead. Steel wools are abrasive materials that can scratch your stone if not used with caution.
Why did my pizza stone turned black?
The darkening and discoloration of pizza stones happen over time. They may even build a natural patina, which adds more seasoning.
If you’ve started noticing any stains or darkening, don’t fret because it’s a very common occurrence on most pizza stones. Most of the time, they won’t go away no matter what you do. But this doesn’t mean that your stone is dirty. It’s just what comes with repeated use and there’s no need to worry about replacing it soon.
Which Pizza Oven Brush Is Right for You?
A good pizza comes from a clean cooking station, and the best brush for pizza oven will help you achieve both excellent pies and a clean oven.
You’ll have a lot of options, from big-brand pizza oven brushes to handleless, adorable scrubbers. That said, you need to look at what you want the most in a brush. Think about factors like the brush design, length, and your budget.
Don’t skimp on features and you’ll have everything you’ll need to keep your oven in top shape.
Whether you need a heavy-duty for your large commercial pizza oven or prefer a simple tool for your home oven, I hope you’ve found what you’re looking for in one of my recommendations.
Good luck!
