Cleaning a pizza oven seems simple as can be.
Just scrub away the mess and call it a day, right? Well, let me tell you, this pizza maker has learned it ain’t nearly that easy.
Seems like every time I go to clean mine up after a long work week, a bigger burnt mess stares back.
Thought I had it licked last time, but boy was I wrong! Three hours and more elbow grease later, even I wasn’t sure this thing would ever sparkle again.
Now you may be thinking old Betty’s lost her marbles, but just wait until you get a load of what was stuck to the sides.
Pretty sure my leftover pepperoni from last July had hardened itself into the steel.
Nothing a scraper just wasn’t hackin’ off, I’ll tell you what! By the time I was half done, even the family had wafted off to the hills to avoid my fuming.
But with the tricks I’ll share today, maybe just maybe you’ll avoid the cusses I was spewing.
Ever wonder why pizza pros never fail to get that perfectly crisp and bubbly crust we all pay top dollar for?
It’s because they know not to skimp on oven cleaning, that’s for darn sure.
Put a little elbow into it and you’ll be cranking pies just like the best of ’em before you can say “garlic knots!” I’m telling you, these tips will have your customers loyal for life.
Now stop your grumbling and keep reading if you want them secrets, unless you want that mess stuck for another decade!
KEY TAKEAWAY
How to clean Bertello pizza oven?
To clean your Bertello pizza oven (1), start by allowing it to cool, then remove any leftover ashes and debris with a brush or scraper.
Next, wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces with a damp cloth and mild soap to maintain its cleanliness and pizza-making performance.
Cleaning Your Bertello Pizza Oven
Whether it’s a busy homemade dinner with the family or selling slices to customers, properly cleaning and using your Bertello pizza oven produces the best pizzas.
Over time, sauce, cheese and burnt dough can lead to build up that impacts flavor.
Removing residue means pellets burn hotter for crispier crusts.
With the right routine, your Bertello stays in peak form for seasons of enjoyment ahead.
Some just dump in pellets and call it a job well done.
But to get the most from this investment, maintenance cannot be overlooked.
Even pros admit scrubbing their stone is no walk in the park.
Before scrubbing, consider wearing protective gloves and an apron.
Caked on messes require effort to be removed efficiently.
Handling hot materials demands caution, starting with stone when cooler regarding burns.
With garden hose in hand and scraper at the ready, it’s time to tackle a heavy duty clean.
First spray stone thoroughly while wiping all mess away.
Scouring stubborn spots tests perseverance, but results reward efforts.
Rinsing all of the residue shows how amazing the cooking surface looks without distraction.
Now to scrub the exterior, concentrate elbow grease where grease splatters.
Options exist for upkeep beyond chore like scrubbing.
Some utilize gas to spark thorough baking yearlong.
Not all prefer flameblasting burnt portions to ash, though this speeds cleaning significantly.
Still, occasionally power washing leaves the oven fresh as new at low pressure power.
Proper care sustains these outdoor workhorses cranking delicious pizza for all wanting great flavor.
Time invested in caring for equipment likewise saves money letting Bertello perform for longer.
Cleaning as a small routine replaces deep scrubbing as a major ordeal later.
Remember that pellets individually placed inside rather than poured assist.
Prices vary for indoor or outdoor cooking, but either way investment creates excitement around the table like nothing else.
Step-by-Step Guide to Oven Cleaning
Whether running a business or feeding your crew, a clean pizza oven means happy customers and your best cooking.
Neglect caked on residue impacting flavor and results.
Removing build diminishes over time.
With regular maintenance maximizing equipment lifespan (2), ovens stay performing optimally for all pizza profits forth.
Just follow these handy steps!
First, have a towel, scraper, pellets and water close by.
Don protective gear except footwear kept off burning stone.
Before work, allow oven cooling then wipe dust from handles with a towel.
Sweep loose dirt inside using a scraper and you’ll find hidden grease.
Spray stone with hose dousing, scrub totally clean.
Rinse with more hot water until the water runs clear.
Now the exterior needs focus.
Concentrate flames are worse than others regarding staining.
Scrub in circles over messiest sides seeing clean emerge.
Check racks are too often neglected.
Rinse totally betting surface looks brand when doing.
Place pipes into Oven drying naturally better for metal than devices.
Tomorrow heat thoroughly then maintain your recipes tasting as delicious as before!
Following steps lead the cleanest oven ready, pleasing customers with the best quality of each cook.
Small routines prevent major effort later.
Occasionally power wash, lemon juice and more offer deep clean faster than scrubbing solely.
With care like this, Bertello oven investments gift incredible pizzas for all desiring outstanding flavor year-round at affordable cost!
Maintaining the Inside and Outside
Keeping your oven sparking inside and out takes a little regular care, but it’s easier than you think.
This handy guide from a baking enthusiast will help you keep oven surfaces glistening and interior components in tip-top shape.
For the exterior, start by giving the door a good wipe down weekly to remove grime and prints.
Use hot, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge.
You can also mix a solution of equal parts vinegar and water for a natural cleaner.
Be sure to get along the door edges and around the handle – these areas collect grease and drips.
Don’t forget to check the window pane if your oven has one! A razor blade can gently scrape off any hardened splatter.
It’s also smart to remove the lower kick plate every few months and vacuum out any dust bunnies hiding below.
This allows better air circulation and prevents debris from smoldering.
For stainless steel surfaces like an oven door, massage on some olive oil occasionally to maintain the sleek shine and prevent corrosion.
Just rub in a thin layer with a soft cloth or paper towel.
If you notice grease stains inside the oven, grab a bowl of warm water, a little dish soap, and a soft cloth.
Dip the cloth in the solution and wring out well, then wipe down the soiled areas.
No need for heavy scrubbing!
For routine upkeep, I like to give the interior a quick once-over about every other month.
This prevents major buildup that requires elbow grease later.
Tips for Efficient Oven Cleaning
As an avid home chef, I’ve tested all the tricks to discover the most effective oven cleaning hacks.
Here are my handy tips for fast and easy oven cleaning:
- To gently loosen baked-on food, put a small bowl of ammonia inside the cold oven overnight (make sure ventilation is adequate). The fumes will soften splatter for easier wiping the next day.
- For stuck-on grime, let a wet paste of baking soda and water sit on areas for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing. The paste helps loosen carbon deposits.
- Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water for an all-purpose oven cleaner. Spritz on grease or soils, allow to sit briefly, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Old plastic spatulas are perfect for scraping off crusty food residues. Don’t use anything too sharp or abrasive that could scratch the oven surface.
- To prevent new stains and drips, line the bottom of the oven with foil or a cookie sheet when cooking messy dishes like roasts or pizzas. Much easier to just toss the liner after!
- For smoother oven rack movement, rub racks with vegetable oil periodically. This keeps the slides lubricated and squeak-free.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to grab and wipe away soils. The moisture lifts residues and the texture traps particles better than a sponge or rag.
- Don’t forget the top of your stove! Grease and dust buildup can stain the area above the oven door. Give it a good wipe down during each cleaning session.
With these handy shortcuts, oven cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore.
A little upkeep here and there keeps your oven sparkling with less elbow grease required!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bertello is a popular portable wood-fired outdoor pizza oven that can reach temperatures over 900°F for authentic, crisp wood-fired neapolitan pizza right in your backyard.
However, like any pizza stone or brick oven, the Bertello requires proper cleaning to keep it in top condition. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about effectively cleaning your Bertello portable pizza oven:
How should I clean the oven after use?
It’s best to clean the Bertello while it is still warm, but not dangerously hot.
Remove any large debris with a metal pizza peel or brush. Then, use a damp cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water to wipe down the interior cooking surface.
This removes grease and any stuck-on pizza crusts or cheese.
Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
What about the exterior?
Wipe down the stainless steel exterior using a soft cloth, sponge, or brush with warm water and mild dish soap.
Take care around any decals or logos. For stubborn deposits, use a specialized stainless steel cleaner.
Should I clean it after every use?
Yes, it’s advisable to do a quick clean of the cooking surface and empty the wood chunks and ash after each homemade pizza cooking session.
This prevents buildup that becomes more difficult to remove later.
How do I clean the chimney?
Use a narrow chimney brush to scrub the interior of the chimney pipe after the traditional wood-fired oven fully cools.
Remove all soapy pizza drips or ash deposits so air and smoke can flow freely during the next use.
Anything special about wood pellet ashes?
Wood pellet ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight fitting lid and soaked with water before disposal.
The ashes can stay dangerously hot for an extended period after use. Proper care will keep your Bertello looking and performing like a high-quality pizza oven.
Don’t let food drips, grease splatters or ash buildup slow you down from making those tasty wood-fired pizza at ideal cooking temperatures!
Conclusion
It ain’t no lie, scrubbing the guts out of that oven is more work than most care to admit.
But let me tell you, once your pies start getting that glorious char we all pay top dollar for, you’ll be thankful you took the time.
Cleanliness makes for perfection when it comes to putting smiles around your community table.
So whether you’re a pro shop itching to impress or just a hobbyist after dinner, I hope you take these strategies to heart.
Give that oven some TLC and it’ll keep on baking slice after slice of your customers’ favorite memories for years.
And who doesn’t want that, right? Now I’ve held you up long enough, so get yourself some goggles, grab a scrub brush and get after it.
Your customers await the magic you’re about to unleash!
Before I let you go though, let me just say this – safety first, always.
Gloves, ventilation, breaks when needed.
We want you around to enjoy these tips for seasons more.
Got it? Then what are you waiting for? I expect comment boxes full of before and afters once you’re gleaming with success! Happy scrubbing!
References
- https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/cleaning-kitchen/how-to-clean-a-pizza-stone
- https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-clean-an-oven
Related Articles
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/how-to-use-bertello-pizza-oven/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/bertello-pizza-oven-outdoor/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/does-a-pizza-oven-need-a-door/
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
