Dopnyc's Pizza Tools Buying Guide (2 of 2)
Proofing Containers
Proofing containers get their own post
A Baking Stone/Steel Plate/Aluminum
A steel plate is ideal, but only if your oven is a good candidate
If you're oven only goes to 500F, 3/4"ish aluminum plate is your best option
https://www.midweststeelsupply.com/store/6061aluminumplate
As of today, 18 x 18 x .75 (the thinnest I'd go) is less than $100 shipped. Considering what this can do for a 500F oven, I think it's well worth it. Like steel, aluminum can be sourced locally for considerably savings.
There are very few scenarios where baking stones are ideal, but, I know that there are folks that are going to buy them anyway, so here are a few good options:
If your oven can fit it, there's this:
https://www.axner.com/cordierite-shelf-18x18x34square.aspx
otherwise, there's this:
https://www.axner.com/cordierite-shelf-16x16x34square.aspx
https://www.amazon.com/Pizzacraft-Round-ThermaBond-Baking-Pizza/dp/B005IF2ZNM/
This used to be very competitively priced (in the $23 range), but it appears they are sold out. If you're shopping for a baking stone, I'd check to see if they have more in stock.
The smell referenced in some of the reviews concerns me, but I think it should be resolved with a soak in baking soda and/or a run through the cleaning cycle (after thoroughly drying it first in a warm oven).
Lastly, the link I posted to above is for sourcing your own steel plate, which is going to be drastically less expensive than buying one online. That said, this ebay seller seems pretty reasonable:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-Steel-Pizza-Baking-Plate-1-2-x-16-x-16-5-A36-Steel/322893918588
Pros: 1/2", 16" wide, better price than the big guys Cons: 16" is still not ideal, unknown condition- you'll most likely have to season it yourself. Edit:This is only reasonably priced if you're in the Northeast.
A Jeweler's Scale (Optional)
Some folks like to weigh their yeast on a jeweler's scale. I use teaspoons for yeast. If you wish to purchase a jeweler's scale this is a good model.
https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Weigh-GEM20-Precision-Milligram/dp/B00ESHDGOI/
Don't forget the calibration weight.
Instant Dry Yeast
Yeast is an ingredient, not a tool, but, since some of you will be purchasing your yeast online, you might as well order it at the same time.
For the home pizza maker, nothing can touch the reliability of jarred instant dried yeast stored in the fridge. No ADY, no fresh yeast, no packets.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fleischmann-s-Bread-Machine-Yeast-4-oz/10306744
For those outside the U.S., vacuum packed is typically your best bet:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lallemand-Dry-Yeast-Instant-Professional/dp/B01GQA3ULS/
The split second you open the package, it will need to be transferred to an airtight jar (like a mason jar) and refrigerated.
Mixing Bowls
Your going to need a large bowl (for the wet ingredients) and a slightly smaller bowl (for the flour, salt and sugar). I use a vintage version of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Mixing-Finedine-Polished-Nesting/dp/B01HTYH8YA
You'll also need a bowl for your sauce. For this, I tend to prefer glass.
A Good Cheese Grater
Avoid pre-shredded cheese like the plague. Like most of my gear, I bought my grater about 30 years ago, but it's very similar to this.
https://www.amazon.com/Traex-SG-200-Stainless-Steel-Grater/dp/B0062I2RVY
A Level
You're going to need to make sure the steel/aluminum is perfectly level in the oven. If I'm using an oven isn't perfectly level, I fold a big piece of aluminum foil over and over again until it's a small thick chunk and wedge that between the steel and shelf to lift it a bit.
This one's a good width for working in your oven and the reviews seem solid:
https://www.amazon.com/Kapro-227-08-Toolbox-Level-9-Inch/dp/B001N3FCNS/
A Hand Blender
The Sclafani's I'm currently using don't really need blending, but the crushed tomatoes you are using might. Never use an upright blender for tomatoes because it whips air into them, turns them pink and destroys their flavor. Even be aware of the threat of oxygen with a hand blender, and make sure the blender is always fully submerged, and blend minimally. If you really want to play it safe, use a food mill.
A Basil Plant
You can get potting soil, seeds and a small plastic planter or grab a plant from your supermarket. Put it in the sunniest window of your home and water it every few days. Pinch out any flowers that appear.
Disclaimer: I spent some trying to track down the best price for most of these items, but there may be better deals out there, so don't just automatically pull the trigger on any of these links. Also, this list is obviously most likely to change.