Wood-burning pizza ovens are a fantastic way to liven up your backyard BBQs. In this article, we’ll show you everything you need to know about using and maintaining a wood-fired pizza oven.
If you read until the end, you’ll also find some mouthwatering pizza dough recipes to try at home.
How to Clean a Wood Burning Pizza Oven
To avoid your pizza absorbing unpleasant smells or flavours, it’s important to clean your wood-fired pizza oven regularly. With proper maintenance, you can preserve that delicious smoky taste.
You’ll need a large brass wire brush, a cloth, water, and vinegar. A half-moon shaped copper wire brush can also be useful for detailed cleaning.
Start by sweeping the flue with the brass wire brush to remove soot and blockages.
Next, remove ash using a shovel and brush. For stubborn debris, a scraper or knife can help loosen hardened residue.
Finally, clean hardened food and grease stains using a cloth soaked in water and vinegar. Rinse with clean water afterward. Periodically inspect the oven dome for cracks, as these can cause heat loss during cooking.
How Long to Preheat a Woodfired Pizza Oven
Preheating a wood-fired pizza oven requires some preparation time. For best results, start heating your oven 2–3 hours before cooking. Using a pizza stone is highly recommended for achieving authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Always use high-quality hardwood when firing your oven. Avoid pine or other softwoods, as they can release harmful chemicals and affect flavour.
Wood Burning Pizza Oven Recipes
When cooking pizza in a wood-burning oven, place the pizza close to the flame and rotate it during cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
Here are two pizza recipes to try with your wood-fired pizza oven.
Easy Pizza Dough
Ingredients
- 1 kg flour
- 600 ml water
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 25 g salt
Method
- Combine water and yeast until dissolved.
- Gradually mix in the flour.
- Once a dough forms, add salt and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Add olive oil and continue kneading.
- Let the dough rise for 2 hours, then divide into six balls and allow them to double in size.
- Stretch the dough, add toppings, and bake.
Ultimate Veggie Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 batch of pizza dough (pre-made or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 8–12 oz mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup sliced bell pepper
- ½ cup sliced yellow onion
- Optional toppings: parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, basil leaves
Method
- Preheat the pizza oven for 2–3 hours.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, then add cheese and spinach.
- Top with mushrooms, bell pepper, onion, and desired toppings.
- Bake until the cheese melts and the crust turns golden. This should take only a few minutes on a hot pizza stone.
- Remove from the oven, garnish, slice, and serve immediately.
We hope this guide helps you enjoy your new wood-burning pizza oven from Goldline. If you have any questions about our products, give us a call at (03) 9799 9660.
