Ceramic vs Steel Grills: Which Should You Buy?
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You are comparing a ceramic pizza stone against a steel gas grill. This ceramic vs steel grill analysis highlights their distinct roles. Both help you cook outdoors, but they serve different purposes. The ceramic stone is an accessory for indirect heat in kamado-style cookers. The steel unit is a standalone gas grill with direct flame control. You choose based on whether you need a specialized baking tool or a complete cooking system.
Key differences
| Aspect | BMMXBI 19.8" Half-Moon Ceramic Pizza Stone | Veralune 4-Burner Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Ceramic | Stainless steel |
| Fuel Type | Not listed | Gas |
| Form Factor | Accessory | Portable grill |
| Heat Output | Not listed | 55000 BTU |
| Included Accessories | Pizza Stone | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose BMMXBI 19.8" Half-Moon Ceramic Pizza Stone if
- You own a kamado-style grill and need a heat deflector for indirect cooking
- You want to bake pizzas or smoke meats without burning the bottom
- You prefer ceramic material for heat retention and circulation
Choose Veralune 4-Burner Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner if
- You need a standalone grill with independent burner control
- You want high heat output for quick cooking and searing
- You prefer steel construction for durability and easy cleaning
Verdict: Choose the ceramic stone if you already have a kamado grill and want to expand its capabilities for baking and smoking. Choose the steel gas grill if you need a complete, portable cooking unit with direct flame control and high power. Your decision depends on whether you need an accessory or a primary grill.
Ceramic Stone vs Steel Grill
Material Build
The BMMXBI pizza stone is made from food-grade ceramic, which provides excellent heat retention and circulation. This material helps prevent burnt bottoms when smoking ribs or baking bread. In contrast, the Veralune grill is constructed primarily from stainless steel. This metal offers durability and resistance to rust, making it suitable for frequent outdoor use. Steel conducts heat differently than ceramic, providing a robust cooking surface for direct grilling. You get a passive heat deflector with one and a full active cooking system with the other.
Heat Output
The Veralune grill delivers a powerful 55,000 BTU of heat through four main burners and one infrared side burner. This high output allows for rapid heating and searing capabilities. The BMMXBI ceramic stone does not produce its own heat; it is an accessory that fits inside other cookers like Kamado Joe models. It reflects and retains existing heat rather than generating it. If you need immediate, high-temperature cooking power, the steel grill provides that directly. The ceramic stone relies entirely on the heat source of the grill it sits in.
Form Factor
The Veralune grill is a portable unit with dimensions of 17.9 inches deep, 17.7 inches wide, and 13.8 inches high for the base, though the total height can reach 45.1 inches. It weighs 94 pounds, offering a stable but movable structure. The BMMXBI stone is a half-moon shape measuring 19.7 inches long and 9.85 inches wide, weighing only 7.6 pounds. It is designed to sit flat inside existing kamado-style grills. You choose between a standalone portable appliance and a lightweight accessory that integrates with your current cooker.
Cooking Applications
The Veralune grill supports versatile cooking methods including direct grilling, indirect cooking, and smoking thanks to its independent burner controls and infrared side burner. You can monitor temperature with a built-in thermometer. The BMMXBI stone is specialized for indirect heating, baking, and slow smoking. It is ideal for delicate foods like pizzas, bread, and ribs that need steady, reflected heat without direct flame contact. One unit handles multiple cooking styles actively, while the other optimizes specific techniques within an existing grill.
Included Accessories
The BMMXBI package includes two half-moon ceramic heat deflector plates. These are ready to install in compatible kamado grills like Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe models. The Veralune grill comes as a complete unit with stainless steel grates and a push-pull oil pan for easy cleaning. It does not list additional cooking accessories in its core package. You receive replacement parts for indirect cooking with the ceramic option, whereas the steel grill provides a complete, ready-to-use cooking station with cleaning features built in.
Choose Your Outdoor Cooking Tool
Kamado owners needing indirect heat
If you own a Kamado Joe Big Joe I, II, or III, this half-moon ceramic stone fits perfectly. It measures 19.8 inches in diameter and weighs 7.6 pounds. The food-grade ceramic material retains heat well, allowing you to smoke briskets or bake bread without burning the bottom. It acts as a heat deflector for low and slow cooking methods.
Camping enthusiasts wanting portability
This Veralune grill is designed for outdoor dining and camping. Its compact footprint measures 17.9 inches deep by 17.7 inches wide. Despite its portable size, it delivers 55,000 BTUs across four stainless steel burners and an infrared side burner. The independent temperature control lets you adjust firepower for different needs, making it versatile for backyard or trail use.
Cookers needing precise temperature control
The Veralune gas grill features independent burner controls for accurate firepower adjustment. A built-in thermometer monitors real-time grill temperature to ensure cooking accuracy. The stainless steel construction supports long-lasting heating performance. The push-pull oil pan design simplifies cleaning, maintaining hygiene and safety after each use, which is ideal for those who value consistency and ease of maintenance.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMMXBI 19.8" Half-Moon Ceramic Pizza Stone | Kamado Joe Big Joe indirect cooking | Check price of BMMXBI 19.8" Half-Moon Ceramic Pizza Stone on Amazon |
| 2 | Veralune 4-Burner Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner | High-heat searing and zone cooking | Check price of Veralune 4-Burner Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner on Amazon |
The products compared
BMMXBI 19.8" Half-Moon Ceramic Pizza Stone
Best for: Kamado Joe Big Joe indirect cooking
- Material
- Ceramic (what this guide is about)
- Included Accessories
- Pizza Stone
- Style
- Kamado
- Dimensions
- 19.7 × 9.85 × 3.27 inches
- Weight
- 7.6 pounds
View on Amazon: BMMXBI 19.8" Half-Moon Ceramic Pizza Stone Affiliate link
This half-moon ceramic heat deflector fits Kamado Joe Big Joe I, II, and III grills. Measuring 19.8 inches in diameter, it creates indirect heat for baking pizza, bread, or smoking briskets. The food-grade ceramic material retains and circulates heat effectively. At 7.6 pounds, the stone provides stable coverage. It allows you to cook delicate foods without burning the bottom, making it a practical addition for low-and-slow cooking methods.
Pros
- Made of food-grade ceramic for excellent heat retention
- Fits Kamado Joe Big Joe I, II, and III models
- 19.8-inch diameter covers large cooking areas
- Prevents burnt bottoms when smoking ribs or brisket
Cons
- Limited to specific Kamado Joe Big Joe models
- Heavy at 7.6 pounds for frequent handling
- Only includes two half-moon plates, not a full circle
Good fit if
- You own a Kamado Joe Big Joe I, II, or III
- You want to bake pizza or bread in a kamado grill
- You need to smoke meats without direct flame contact
Skip if
- You use a standard steel gas grill like the Veralune 4 Burner
- You need a full-circle heat deflector for even coverage
- You prefer lightweight accessories for easy storage
Verdict: BMMXBI 19.8" Half-Moon Ceramic Pizza Stone is a specialized tool for Kamado Joe Big Joe owners who need reliable indirect heat. It suits those prioritizing heat retention for baking and smoking over versatility across different grill types.
Veralune 4-Burner Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner
Best for: High-heat searing and zone cooking
- Material
- Steel (what this guide is about)
- Fuel Type
- Gas
- Heat Output
- 55,000 BTU
- Burner Count
- 4
- Primary Material
- Stainless steel
- Placement
- Outdoor
View on Amazon: Veralune 4-Burner Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner Affiliate link
The Veralune 4-burner grill delivers 55,000 BTU across four stainless steel main burners and one infrared side burner. It features independent temperature control for each burner and a built-in thermometer. The unit weighs 94 pounds and measures 49.6 inches wide. This steel construction offers durability for outdoor cooking. It suits those needing high heat output and precise zone control for various grilling tasks.
Pros
- 55,000 BTU total heat output
- Four stainless steel main burners
- One infrared side burner
- Independent burner control
- Built-in thermometer
Cons
- Heavy at 94 pounds
- Large footprint at 49.6 inches wide
- No app or remote control mentioned
Good fit if
- You need high BTU output for searing
- You want independent control over cooking zones
- You prefer durable stainless steel construction
Skip if
- You need a portable unit under 50 pounds
- You require smart connectivity features
- You have limited deck space
Verdict: Veralune 4-Burner Steel Gas Grill is a high-output option for cooks who prioritize raw power and zone control. It fits well in permanent outdoor kitchens where weight and size are not constraints.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | BMMXBI 19.8" Half-Moon Ceramic Pizza Stone | Veralune 4-Burner Gas Grill with Infrared Side Burner |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | not stated | Gas |
| Heat Output | not stated | 55,000 BTU |
| Burner Count | not stated | 4 |
| Primary Material | not stated | Stainless steel |
| Placement | not stated | Outdoor |
| Application | not stated | Camping, Tailgating |
| Form Factor | not stated | Built-In |
| Material | Ceramic | Steel |
| Features | not stated | Side Burner, Thermometer |
| Included Accessories | Pizza Stone | not stated |
| Style | Kamado | not stated |
| Heating Method | not stated | Infrared |
| Dimensions | 19.7 × 9.85 × 3.27 inches | 18.1 × 49.6 × 45.1 inches |
| Weight | 7.6 pounds | 94 pounds |
| Size | 19.8" For Kamado Joe Big Joe I, II & III | not stated |
| Color | Green | 4 Burner+1 Infrared |
| Model | BGE Heat Deflector | XM-EQC64 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a ceramic pizza stone on a steel gas grill?
The BMMXBI ceramic stone is designed specifically for Kamado Joe Big Joe models. It is not intended for direct use on steel gas grills like the Veralune. Using it on incompatible equipment may result in poor fit or damage. You should stick to accessories made for your specific grill type.
Which material holds heat better, ceramic or steel?
Ceramic offers superior heat retention compared to steel. The BMMXBI stone uses food-grade ceramic to maintain steady temperatures for smoking or baking. Steel grills like the Veralune heat up quickly but lose temperature faster when the lid is opened. Choose ceramic for consistent indirect heat.
Is a steel grill better for searing steaks?
Steel gas grills provide high-heat searing capabilities. The Veralune model features infrared side burners and four main burners for intense direct heat. This setup allows you to achieve a proper crust on steaks. Ceramic stones are better for baking and smoking rather than high-heat searing.
How much space does a ceramic pizza stone take up?
The BMMXBI stone measures 19.8 inches in length and 9.85 inches in width. It weighs 7.6 pounds, making it manageable to store. It fits specifically inside Kamado Joe Big Joe I, II, and III models. Ensure your grill interior matches these dimensions before purchasing.
What is the weight difference between these two options?
The ceramic stone weighs 7.6 pounds, while the steel grill weighs 94 pounds. The steel unit is significantly heavier due to its metal construction and burners. The ceramic accessory is lightweight and portable within your kamado. Consider your setup stability when handling the heavier steel grill.
Can I use the ceramic stone for smoking ribs?
Yes, the BMMXBI stone is ideal for indirect cooking tasks like smoking ribs. Its ceramic material circulates heat evenly, preventing burnt bottoms. This makes it suitable for low-and-slow cooking methods. It serves as a heat deflector to protect food from direct flame in kamado cookers.
Does the steel grill include a side burner?
The Veralune steel grill includes an infrared side burner. This feature adds versatility for preparing side dishes or keeping sauces warm. It complements the four main burners for zone cooking. This setup is useful for large outdoor kitchens where permanent installation is feasible.