Curing a pizza oven might seem like a simple step, but its importance cannot be overstated. Let's delve discover why it's an essential process for every pizza oven owner
Understanding the Process:
Curing a pizza oven is the process of gradually heating it to high temperatures to eliminate any excess moisture and prepare it for cooking. This process typically involves several cycles of heating and cooling over a period of days or even weeks, depending on the type of oven. One of the primary reasons for curing a pizza oven is to eliminate any moisture present in the construction materials. Moisture trapped within the oven can lead to cracks, uneven heating, and even structural damage over time; by gradually exposing it to increasing temperatures, any residual moisture is expelled, reducing the risk of cracking or other damage during regular use. Curing allows the oven to reach optimal high temperatures more efficiently and contributes to its long-term durability. Curing and Caring for your pizza oven is crucial process that will help you prevent damage and cause you to achieve perfect crisp crust and evenly cooked toppings that define a great pizza.
How to cure your pizza oven
Place a firelighter at the center of the ovens floor then stack kindling around the firelighter as if your stacking a jenja tower, place a hardwood log on top of the “kindle Jenga tower” and light the firelighter keep the door and the flue open. Start by curing your oven at a low temperature and gradually increase the temperature over a day or two in short 4 hour curing sessions until you’ve “cured” your oven to the highest temperature. Keep moisture out and fresh pizza and delectable fired foods in! On the first day of the cure keep temperatures low (around 212 degrees Fahrenheit) for 4 hours. On the second day of the cure increase the ovens temperature to 350F for 4 hours. On the third day of the cure increase the ovens temperature to 450oF for 4 hours. Repeat this process until you’ve reach the full ovens temperature and your oven will be cured and ready for oven fired cooking! After a long period of unuse it’s recommended to “re-cure” your oven to prevent damage. Repeat the curing process when moisture needs evaporated. To maintain your oven; use an ash brush and ash scraper to remove ash and debris. Use your weatherproof cover to protect your pizza oven from the elements. After this process, your oven is ready to cook Italian pizza and your favorite oven fired foods!