If you love delicious, crispy pizzas, a pizza oven is the perfect way to bring the flavor of your favorite pizza to your home.
But before you can enjoy the fruits of your labor, you need to get the fire started in your pizza oven. Here is a step-by-step guide for setting up the perfect fire in your pizza oven.
Why Fires Matters So Much
The way you set up your wood fire and the type of wood you use can make a huge difference in the taste and texture of your pizza.
First things first, when setting up your wood fire, you want to make sure you have a good bed of hot coals before you start cooking. This will give your pizza a nice even cook and that delicious wood-fired flavor.
And speaking of wood, the type of wood you use is key. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and mesquite will give your pizza a nice smoky flavor, while fruitwoods like apple and cherry will add a sweeter taste. Experiment with different types of wood to find the flavor you like best.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you should use dry and well-seasoned wood. The drier the wood, the hotter the fire and the less smoke you’ll produce, which is great for the pizza. It’s important to note that some wet woods produces a lot of creosote, which can be a fire hazard if it builds up in your chimney.
So, when it comes to wood-fired pizza ovens, don’t skimp on the wood selection and fire set up. Trust me, it’s worth it to take the time to get it right. Happy cooking!
Step One: Are You Ready To Fire Up Your Pizza Oven?
Before beginning, you’ll want to make sure that your pizza oven is ready to go. Make sure that it is clean, that all the pieces are connected properly, and that everything is set up and heat-resistant.
Step Two: Get Your Firewood Together
For a high-heat fire, you’ll need the right type of wood. The best wood for a pizza oven is hardwoods that are dense and slow-burning.
These include oak, hickory, maple, and ash. Such woods are preferred because they burn at higher temperatures for longer periods of time and will produce longer-lasting coals.
You may be able to find firewood for a pizza oven in local stores, firewood suppliers, and from other pizza oven owners.
Step Three: Prepare the Fire
Now that you have your firewood, you’re ready to prepare your fire. Stack the pieces of wood in a pyramid shape and light the bottom.
Placing some kindling such as paper or sticks will help the firewood get going. Once the fire is burning, you may want to add some more firewood and adjust the arrangement to ensure sufficiency without triggering a firestorm.
Step Four: Get the Fire and Coals Burning Brightly
Once the fire is roaring, you can move onto this step. Activate the pizza oven’s draft system and get the air flow going. Move the coals around, distributing them in the oven. You want to make sure there is an even distribution of coals so that all the heat concentrates in the oven.
Step Five: Maintain The Temperatures
Now, you need to ensure that the temperature inside the pizza oven is at the desired level. This can be done by controlling the main draft, adding more firewood as needed and baking small test pizzas to monitor the heat.
Once the desired temperature is reached and the coals are glowing, you’re ready to start baking your pizzas.
Enjoy your delicious, crispy pizzas and make sure you keep an eye for any sparks and embers around your pizza oven. With the right fire, wood, and temperature, your pizzas are sure to come out tasting incredible.
