Jun
How to guides, Pizza Ovens, Tips & tricks!
Q&A: Common Questions About Using and Maintaining Your Igneus Pizza Oven
So, you’ve bought an Igneus Wood Fired Pizza Oven! Nice work! Whether you’ve given it its first run out, or still waiting for the perfect time to fire it up, you might well have some questions for us. Fear not, we’ve got you covered. In this Q&A-style article, we unpick the most common queries users encounter in terms of both using and maintaining their Igneus Pizza Oven.
From setting up the oven for its inaugural bake to mastering temperature control and maintenance procedures. We provide the guidance you need every step of the way. Whether you’re a novice exploring the world of wood-fired cooking or a seasoned pizza aficionado, get ready to elevate your pizza game.
How do I properly set up my pizza oven for the first time?
Setting up your Igneus pizza oven for the first time couldn’t be easier. Begin by selecting a stable, level surface, ensuring proper ventilation, (i.e. outside!). Place your oven on a heat-resistant stand or surface, away from flammable materials. We recommend allowing a minimum of 15cm from any surface at the back of the oven.
Before firing it up, give the oven a thorough inspection, checking for any loose parts or debris. Once assembled, you’re ready to start the curing process.
Curing an Igneus pizza oven is the process of gradually heating it to a high temperature to prepare it for cooking. This is vitally important so that the stone heats up gradually for the first time. This will help prevent it from cracking due to thermal shock. Timings vairy on the size of Igneus oven you are using.
- Build a small fire in the oven using dry kindling. Let it burn for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the oven to gradually warm up.
- Gradually increase the size of the fire, adding more wood as needed. Let the fire burn for another 5-10 minutes, ensuring that the oven reaches higher temperatures.
- Once the oven is up to temperature, maintain a consistent high heat (around 400-500°C). This helps to cure the oven’s interior and burn off any residual chemicals from the manufacturing process.
- After the curing process, allow the oven to cool down completely before using it for cooking. This can take several hours or even overnight, depending on which Igneus Oven you have.
How do I control the temperature inside the oven?
Controlling the temperature of your Igneus pizza oven is crucial for achieving perfect pizza. Start by adjusting the airflow using the oven’s door vents or chimney damper to regulate oxygen flow and therefore the intensity of the fire.
For higher temperatures, open the vents wider to allow more oxygen in, increasing the heat. Equally, for lower temperatures, partially close the vents to reduce airflow and lower the heat. To get an accurate measurement of the temperature of the oven, refer to the built in thermometer.
How long does it take to reach the cooking temperature?
The time it takes for your Igneus pizza oven to reach optimal cooking temperature depends on factors such as which oven you have, ambient temperature, and wood type. Generally, it takes about 15 to 30 minutes for the oven to heat up sufficiently to cooking pizza. Monitor the built-in thermometer or use an infrared thermometer to gauge the temperature. Once the thermometer reads around (450°C) or higher, your oven is ready to cook pizzas to perfection. Also be mindful that the stone doesn’t heat up at the same rate as the oven’s ambient temperature, so use an infrared thermometer to accurately measure this. Aim for 350-400°C for the stone.
What are some top tips for achieving perfect pizza?
Achieving the perfect pizza in your Igneus pizza oven requires attention to several key factors. First, ensure the oven is properly preheated to around 450°C for optimal cooking conditions. Use high-quality pizza dough, hand-stretched to a uniform thickness, and lightly flour the peel to prevent sticking. Rotate the pizza regularly with a turning peel to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
Experiment with different toppings and cooking times to find your ideal texture and flavours, but a rough rule of thumb is less is more when it comes to toppings, and 60-90 seconds should be enough to achieve the perfect cook on your pizza.
Check out one of our previous blogs for even more tips: Tips & Tricks to Elevate Your Pizza Game.
How often should I clean my Igneus pizza oven, and what is the best method for cleaning?
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain your Igneus pizza oven’s performance and prolong its lifespan, but it’s much easier than you might think! After each use, remove ash and debris from the oven floor using a brush or rake.
For stubborn residues, scrape gently with a metal scraper, the brush away the debris. Owing to the super high heat these pizza ovens can reach, any spills or toppings that have accidently dropped on the floor of the oven are quickly carbonised, and can easily be swept away.
Periodically inspect the chimney and vent openings for obstructions, clearing any buildup to ensure proper airflow.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the oven’s interior surfaces. Also, never use water or any liquid inside the oven. The stone is made of a porous material and will absorb the moisture.
How can I prevent my Igneus pizza oven from smoking excessively during use?
Excessive smoking in your Igneus pizza oven can be caused by various factors, including wet or unseasoned wood, poor ventilation, or insufficient airflow. To minimise smoke, use properly seasoned hardwood such as kiln dried silver birch and avoid adding too much wood at once, which can smother the fire.
Ensure the chimney and vent openings are clear of obstructions, and adjust the airflow by opening or closing the damper as needed.
Can I cook foods other than pizza in my Igneus oven?
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, and again… and again… an Igneus Pizza Oven is for so much more than just pizza! Its high temperatures and even heat distribution make it perfect for cooking a variety of dishes. You can grill vegetables, meats, and seafood, adding a delicious smoky, wood fired flavour to almost anything.
Additionally, you can bake bread, roast chicken or turkey, and even cook desserts like cookies or soufflés!
Although the high temperatures are perfect for a wide range of dishes, your Igneus oven can also make casseroles, curries and chillies on a lower heat. Allow the flames to subside and the oven temperature to drop to the 200°C – 250°C range, and due to the high performance insulation, your oven will stay at the perfect temperature for long, slow cooking.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has been useful in answering some of the common questions around using and maintaining your Igneus Wood Fired Oven. Of course, our team are always on hand should you have any further questions we haven’t covered. Equally, if you’re yet to purchase your new pizza oven and would like some further assistance, give us a call on 01423 575 885 or email us your query at sales@igneuswoodfiredovens.com.
Thanks for reading,
Team Igneus!