EarthStone

EarthStone has functioned as a premier authority in the design and manufacture of high-performance stone hearth ovens since its founding in 1987 by Maurice Sabbagh Yotngeparian. Based in Glendale, California, the company was established to refine the traditional European wood-fired cooking experience through advanced materials and modern engineering. EarthStone serves as a primary infrastructure provider for prestigious restaurant groups—including several major North American casual dining chains—and high-end residential estates, maintaining a reputation for "the physics of flavor" through superior thermal mass.

The brand's technical identity is anchored by its mastery of refractory ceramics and heat-retention geometry. A defining engineering hallmark is the use of high-alumina refractory material with an 80% alumina content, significantly denser than the firebrick used in standard stone ovens. This density allows for a 4-to-6-inch thick wall and dome construction that creates a "thermal battery," absorbing and holding heat to ensure consistent radiant energy without the temperature fluctuations common in lighter-weight units. To optimize the cooking surface, EarthStone utilizes "Pierre de Boulanger" (Bakers Tiles)—industrial-grade hearth tiles that are cold-pressed at 8,500 psi and ceramitized at 2,800°F to provide an ultra-durable, moisture-wicking surface for perfect crust development.

Innovation at EarthStone is concentrated on safety-certified versatility and hybrid fuel management. Key technical pillars across the portfolio include:

• 1-Inch Clearance to Combustibles: A significant engineering achievement, many EarthStone models are U.L. and ETL listed for installation with just a 1-inch side clearance to combustible materials. This is achieved through a multi-layer insulation shell (4 to 20 inches thick) that keeps the exterior cool while the interior exceeds 900°F.
• Hybrid Fuel Systems (PAGW): The brand has pioneered "total flexibility" in fuel, offering units that can operate on wood, gas, or a combination of both. Gas models feature high-output infrared burners and digital thermometer controllers that automatically adjust flame intensity to maintain a set temperature, allowing for "set-and-forget" operational efficiency.
• Serviceable Modular Design: Unlike many monolithic cast ovens, EarthStone’s modular units are designed with individual cast pieces that allow for natural expansion and contraction, virtually eliminating the stress cracks that can plague solid-body ovens over time.
• Dual-Opening (Due) Series: Specialized high-volume models featuring two oven entrances, allowing for "pass-through" workflow or multi-chef operation in high-velocity open kitchens.

The product portfolio is strategically divided into two primary tiers:

• Commercial Series: Ranging from the compact Model 60 and "The Cafe" series to the massive Model 160, which can accommodate up to 20 8-inch pizzas simultaneously. These are available in Pre-Assembled (PA) configurations for easy drop-in installation or Modular (MOD) kits for custom-built architectural surrounds.
• Residential Series: Scaled versions of their professional technology designed for luxury indoor and outdoor kitchens, featuring the same refractory mass and "Pierre de Boulanger" tiles to provide restaurant-quality results at home.

The strategic value of EarthStone lies in its "Handcrafted in the USA" reliability and its extensive domestic support. By maintaining its manufacturing and test kitchen in California, the brand ensures strict quality control and a responsive supply chain for its proprietary refractory cement and specialized accessories. This combination of nearly 40 years of metallurgical experience and a commitment to rigorous safety certifications makes EarthStone a foundational partner for operators seeking to integrate the theatrical and culinary benefits of stone-hearth cooking into modern kitchen environments.