To keep a wood-fired pizza oven hot without using gas, you'll need to continue burning wood to maintain the heat. Wood-fired ovens rely on the combustion of wood to generate high temperatures necessary for baking pizzas and other foods. Here are some tips to help you keep the oven hot:
Use dry and seasoned wood: Ensure that you use dry and well-seasoned hardwood, like oak or maple, for your pizza oven. Wet or green wood will not burn efficiently and will produce more smoke than heat.
Maintain a bed of hot coals: As the wood burns, it will turn into hot coals. Spread the hot coals evenly across the oven floor to create a consistent heat source.
Push the embers to one side: If you want to create different temperature zones in the oven, move the hot embers to one side of the oven floor. This will give you a hot area for quick cooking and a cooler area for slower cooking.
Use the oven door to control airflow: Adjust the oven door to control the airflow. A wider opening will increase the heat, while a partially closed door will reduce the temperature. You can also use a metal or wooden door to regulate the heat further.
Feed the fire: Add more wood to the oven when necessary to maintain the desired temperature. Gradually add small pieces of wood to keep a steady heat source without producing excessive smoke.
Practice temperature management: Controlling the temperature in a wood-fired oven takes practice. Learn to read the color of the flames, the behavior of the fire, and the heat radiating from the oven walls to gauge the temperature accurately.
Limit open door time: Try to avoid frequently opening the oven door, as it lets out heat and affects the cooking process. Monitor the cooking progress through the oven's opening or use an infrared thermometer.
Insulate the oven: If possible, insulate your wood-fired oven to help it retain heat better. This can be done using specialized oven insulation materials or techniques.
Remember that wood-fired ovens can reach extremely high temperatures, so always exercise caution and use appropriate protective gear when handling the oven and the firewood. With practice and experience, you'll become more skilled at managing the wood-fired oven and achieving the perfect cooking temperatures for your delicious pizzas.