The Science
Most home bakers don't preheat long enough. Your oven may reach temperature in 15 minutes, but your pizza stone or steel needs much longer.
Thermal mass takes time to heat through. A pizza stone at 250°C on the surface might only be 180°C inside after 20 minutes. This means less oven spring and soggy bottoms.
The Rule
Preheat at maximum temperature for at least 45-60 minutes. Use the broiler for the last 10 minutes if possible. Your stone should be screaming hot.
