The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Oven Safety

If you’re the proud owner of an Igneus Wood Fired Pizza Oven, pizza oven safety and food safety is crucial for an enjoyable cooking experience. This guide covers everything you need to know about safely using, maintaining, and enjoying your pizza oven while keeping food safety in mind. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza maker or a beginner, these essential tips will help you avoid accidents and ensure your pizzas are both delicious and safe to eat.

Choose the Right Location for Your Pizza Oven

Selecting the perfect spot for your Igneus Wood Fired Pizza Oven is crucial for safety and efficiency. Ensure the oven is placed on a stable surface, away from flammable materials like dry leaves, or overhanging branches.

Adequate ventilation is essential as well, so position your oven in an open area to prevent smoke build up. This means not having the oven positioned under a canopy for example. Consider proximity to your kitchen for convenience but avoid placing it near high-traffic areas to reduce the risk of trips and accidents.

Setting Up

Proper setup of your Igneus oven is key to safe operation. If it’s the first time using the oven, start by assembling it according to the instructions included. Ensuring all parts are securely fitted. Position the oven on a heat-resistant base or stand. Get any accessories such as rakes / brushes and peels out and get them to hand before firing up the oven. Before your first use, conduct a test run to check for any issues and allow the oven to cure, which helps to prevent cracks and improves heat retention.

Prepping and Lighting the Fire Safely

Prepping and lighting the fire in your pizza oven requires caution. Use kiln dried hardwood for the best results, do not use treated or painted wood which can release harmful chemicals. Begin with small kindling and gradually add larger pieces to build a stable fire.

Always use long matches or a firelighter to ignite the kindling, and never use accelerants like gasoline. Ensure that the oven door is off when lighting the fire to allow for proper airflow. Once the fire is established you can put the door on to maintain heat if needed.

Temperature Control and Monitoring

Maintaining the right temperature in your Igneus Oven is essential for both safety and cooking quality. Use an infrared thermometer to accurately measure the oven’s internal temperature, aiming for between 400°C – 450°C. Adjust the fire and chimney damper to control the heat, adding more wood as needed to maintain the temperature. Avoid overloading the oven with too much wood, which can create excessive smoke and potentially hazardous conditions. Regularly monitor the oven to ensure it remains within the desired temperature range, making adjustments as necessary.

Using the Correct Tools and Equipment

Using the right tools and equipment is crucial for safe and efficient operation of your wood-fired pizza oven. Use heat-resistant gloves, a rake, and a sturdy brush for cleaning. Invest in a quality infrared thermometer to monitor oven temperatures accurately. Ensure all tools are made of durable, heat-resistant materials to withstand the high temperatures of the oven.

The tools that we sell here at Igneus are all made to a standard that can withstand the intense heat of the pizza oven. Proper equipment not only enhances safety but also improves your overall cooking experience as it makes reaching into the back of the oven that much easier.

Safe Cooking Practices

Safe cooking practices are vital to avoid accidents and ensure delicious results. Always preheat the oven to the desired temperature before cooking. Use a pizza peel to place and remove pizzas, keeping your hands away from the heat. Avoid wearing loose clothing or accessories that could catch fire. Keep a safe distance from the oven when it’s in use, and never leave it unattended. Be mindful of hot surfaces and use appropriate tools as mentioned above.

Food Safety Tips for Wood Fired Pizzas

Ensuring food safety when using your wood-fired pizza oven is crucial. Start by using fresh, high-quality ingredients and keep food items such as meat and fish in the fridge until needed. Cook poultry to 74°C and fish to 63°C. Meat such as lamb and beef are less high risk and should be cooked depending on your preference.

Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils, chopping boards and surfaces for raw and cooked foods. Always ensure to clean all tools and surfaces thoroughly after use.

Safety Precautions for Kids and Pets

Protecting kids and pets around your pizza oven is essential. Establish a safe zone of at least three feet around the oven, and make sure children and pets stay clear of this area. Supervise them closely when the oven is in use and never leave it unattended. Use barriers or gates if necessary to create a physical boundary. Educate older children about the dangers of the oven and the importance of staying away from hot surfaces.

Of course, here at Igneus we’d actively encourage you to get the kids involved with making pizzas, but depending on their age, it might be advisable to have them stick to stretching dough, adding sauce and toppings to the pizza, rather than getting near to oven itself.

Handling Ash and Embers

Properly handling ash and embers is crucial for safety. Always allow the oven to cool completely before removing ash. Use a metal shovel and bucket to collect the ash, ensuring no live embers remain. Store ash in a metal container with a lid, away from flammable materials, and dispose of it according to your local council’s regulations.

Avoid dumping hot embers on the ground, as they can ignite nearby combustibles. If you plan to reuse ash in your garden, make sure it is completely cool and free of any chemicals or food residues.

Final Thoughts

Ensuring the safety when using your Igneus Wood Fired Pizza Oven enhances both your cooking experience and the deliciousness of the food you cook in it! By following the advice in this blog, you can enjoy the art of wood-fired cooking while keeping you and loved ones safe. From choosing the right location and setting up properly to practicing safe cooking and maintaining your oven, each step is crucial. Remember, safety and food hygiene go hand in hand, ensuring your pizzas are as safe to eat as they are delicious. Happy cooking!

If you require any information about purchasing an Igneus Pizza Ovens, you can contact us on 01423 575885 or browse our full collection of pizza ovens online here.