A bakestone is a type of griddle, particularly associated with Wales, where they are used for cooking Welsh cakes.[1] [2]
Before the 19th century, bakestones were made of stone; usually oval and of schistose steatite (soapstone), slate or very fine micaceous flaggy sandstone about NaNinches thick.[3] [4] Modern bakestones are usually circular with a cut-out handle and are made of cast iron or steel, approximately 1cm (00inches) thick. In Lancashire and the West Riding of Yorkshire the spelling is bakstone and are primarily used to cook very thin, yeasted oatcakes or riddle bread.[3]
New bakestones are seasoned by burning a mixture of lard or oil and salt, giving a non-stick surface and protecting against rust. The blackened surface is not removed when the bakestone is cleaned and bakestones are believed to improve with repeated use.[5]