Essential Tips for Cooking in a Wood-Fired Oven

Cooking with a wood-fired oven is a great way to bring out rich, smoky flavors and create delicious meals. Whether you’re making crispy pizzas, slow-roasted meats, or fresh-baked bread, using the right techniques can make all the difference.

If you're new to wood-fired cooking or just looking to improve your skills, these essential tips will help you get the most out of your Wood Fired Pizza Oven.

Choosing the Right Wood

The type of wood you use plays a big role in how your food tastes and how well your oven performs. Hardwoods like oak, maple, hickory, and cherry burn hot and steady, giving your food a rich, smoky flavor. On the other hand, softwoods like pine and cedar burn too quickly and can leave behind an unpleasant taste.

Seasoned vs. Unseasoned Wood

Always use seasoned wood, which has been dried for at least six months. It burns cleaner, produces less smoke, and gives off steady heat. A simple way to check if wood is seasoned is by knocking two pieces together—if it makes a hollow sound, it’s good to go.

Getting Your Oven to the Right Temperature

One of the most important parts of wood-fired cooking is heat control. Unlike a regular oven, you don’t just set a temperature and walk away—you need to build and maintain the fire.

1. How to Preheat Your Oven

2. Start your fire with small pieces of wood and gradually add larger logs.

3. Let the oven heat up for 30-45 minutes to reach the right temperature.

4. Use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature of the oven floor before cooking.

2. Ideal Temperatures for Different Foods

3. Pizza: 700°F (370°C) for a crispy crust in just 60-90 seconds.

4. Roasting meats: 400-500°F (200-260°C) for tender, juicy results.

5. Baking bread: Start at 500°F (260°C) and let the heat gradually drop for a nice, golden crust.

Managing the heat takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to adjust the fire and use different spots in the oven for various types of cooking.

Must-Have Tools for Wood-Fired Cooking

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and safer. Here are a few essentials:

• Pizza Peel – Helps you slide pizzas in and out of the oven with ease.

• Infrared Thermometer – Lets you check the exact temperature of the oven floor.

• Heat-Resistant Gloves – Protects your hands while handling logs or hot cookware.

• Wood Splitter – Makes it easier to prepare smaller pieces of wood for better burning.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Results

Once your oven is ready, using the right cooking techniques will ensure your food turns out just right.

1. Pizza Cooking

For perfect pizzas, stretch your dough thin and add just enough toppings to avoid excess moisture. Place the pizza directly on the oven floor for that coveted crispy crust. Rotate it halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

2. Roasting Meats

For roasting, sear your meat over high heat to lock in flavor, then move it to a cooler section of the oven. Close the door to retain heat and moisture for succulent results.

3. Baking Bread

Bread requires steam to create a crispy crust. A simple trick is to place a shallow pan filled with water at the bottom of the oven. This will provide the necessary moisture during cooking.

Why the Right Oven Matters

Not all wood-fired ovens perform the same, and having a high-quality one can make cooking much easier. ilFornino wood-fired ovens are built for excellent heat retention and even cooking, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced cooks. Whether you're making pizza, roasting meats, or baking bread, a well-designed oven helps you achieve the best results.

Cooking in a wood-fired oven is a fun and rewarding experience. By choosing the right wood, controlling the heat, using the right tools, and applying good cooking techniques, you can create restaurant-quality meals right at home.

So fire up your oven, try out these tips, and enjoy the rich flavors that only wood-fired cooking can offer!