Tested by Tasteful NH: our pizza oven

Photo and article below: Tasteful NH

Baking a pizza in a wood-fired pizza oven is the ultimate dream for many pizza lovers. Only, most enthusiasts run into the problem that their pizzas lack that authentic, crispy crust and delicious flavor that makes traditional Italian pizzas just so delicious.

And that problem is caused by using a standard kitchen oven, only it often does not reach the high temperatures needed to bake a pizza perfectly. As a result, pizzas lack that crunch and flavor.

A wood oven offers an alternative, with the high temperatures and smoky, wood-fired flavor closest to the authentic Italian pizza experience. In this article, I explain how to bake the tastiest pizza in a wood oven!

Key points:

• Baking pizza in a wood-burning oven brings an authentic Italian flavor and texture that cannot be matched with standard kitchen ovens.
• The choice of wood oven and type of wood are crucial to achieving the desired baking results.
• Lighting and heating the wood oven correctly is essential to baking the perfect pizza.

History of baking pizza in a wood oven

Baking pizza in a wood oven takes us back to the traditional Italian way of making pizza. The unique flavor and texture offered by a wood oven is unmatched.

When it comes to choosing a wood oven, we have a particular preference for the Utenovn from Welvaere. The Utenovn is a beautiful wood-fired pizza oven that not only looks beautiful, but also functional and convenient to use. The oven's design ensures even heat distribution, so your pizzas are always perfectly baked.

In addition, on top of the Utenovn, you bake sausages, burgers and grill sandwiches that instantly create the ultimate garden party.

1. Different types of wood furnaces

There are several wood-fired pizza ovens available on the market, varying in size, design and price. It is important to choose a model that suits your needs and space.

Besides the Utenovn, there are other brands and models that are also highly regarded by pizza lovers. We chose the Welvaere pizza oven because in addition to being a fine size, it also fits well in our garden.

2. Wood oven preparation

Selection of the right wood

The type of wood you use has a big impact on the taste and baking process of your pizza. Wood types such as:

• Beech wood
• Oak
• Ash wood

These firewood species are ideal because of their slow burning time and ability to reach high temperatures.

Lighting the oven

Lighting the wood oven correctly is important to achieve the right temperature. The process begins by placing kindling and smaller logs in the center of the oven, and once they catch fire, add larger pieces of wood. I find that lighting the Utenovn is quite quick because the opening is large enough to get at this properly.

Heating the oven to the desired temperature

The temperature of the wood-fired oven needs to be around 450-500°C to achieve that perfect, crispy crust. Depending on your pizza oven, heating up the oven may take some time, so it is advisable to start this well in advance. After all, the most important thing is that the oven stone is well hot, otherwise your pizza will stick to the stone. And yes this has happened to me as well.

3. Required accessories

Key points:

• The right accessories are crucial for a safe and efficient pizza baking experience.
• A well-prepared dough and toppings are the basis for a delicious pizza.
• Building and baking your pizza correctly in a wood-fired oven provides an authentic Italian pizza experience.

Overview of essential and useful accessories:

Some accessories are essential for baking pizza in a wood-burning oven. A large pizza scoop or slider is essential for safely sliding your pizza in and out.

Whether you choose a wooden or aluminum scoop, make sure it is long enough to protect you from the heat of the oven.

How and where to use these accessories

Using the right accessories in the right way can make the difference between a well-baked pizza and a failed project.

Learn how to efficiently use your pizza scoop to safely place and remove your pizza from the hot oven.

What I have noticed is that the opening of the Utenovn may be slightly higher. That way there is the space to drop the pizza, so to speak, instead of sliding it in and out over the stone.

Continue reading?

You can read the entire article on the Tasteful NH website. Do! Because of course you don't want to miss the pizza dough recipe! 🍕

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