A pizza oven thermometer is an essential tool if you want a consistent result in your pizza oven. Use a thermometer to make sure your oven has the right temperature, and you can get perfect pizza every time!
A pizza oven is great for cooking pizza, but knowing the temperature of your oven is important. Not knowing the temperature of your pizza oven can have devastating consequences. If your pizza oven is too hot or too cold, your pizza will not bake well. Also, if your pizza oven is too hot, the dough may burn before the cheese melts.
A pizza oven thermometer is a must if you want to cook the perfect pizza. It also helps you set the right temperature for your wood-fired pizza oven. Wood-fired pizza ovens can be unforgiving, so a thermometer will help you create and regulate the perfect flame.
However, finding the best pizza oven thermometer is easier said than done. Keep reading and we will see if we can help you make the right decision for your needs.
DOES TEMPERATURE MATTER?
Simply put, Yes! Temperature is extremely important. You need to only think of your regular kitchen over and you will realise different meals and food need to be cooked at different temperatures and lengths of time.
With regard to cooking pizza, different types require different cooking methods. The best example to give is that of the Neapolitan style, versus the Chicago Deep Dish style of pizza. Neapolitan Pizzas should be cooked very quickly in a very hot oven (up to 850 degrees F). Chicago Deep Dish Pizzas are cooked for a longer period of time at a lower temperature (up to 425 degrees F).
This is why it is so important to know what temperature your oven is cooking at.
TWO MAIN TYPES OF PIZZA OVEN THERMOMETERS
Infrared Pizza Oven Thermometer
Infrared thermometers, also referred to as laser thermometers or temperature guns, are a thermometer that measures temperature from a distance. They measure temperature by using a lens that reflects the infrared thermal radiation on to a detector, which is then converted to an electric signal. The signal is then processed and displayed on the thermometer screen as the measured temperature.
Infrared Thermometers are very easy to use. You just need to point and click! Point the laser at the spot you want measured (for example the pizza oven wall or floor), and you will be shown the temperature of the surface you are pointing at. And because you can use the Infrared Thermometers at a distance, you don’t need to burn yourself by having to put your hand and arm in or near the oven. They are great to identify any hot or cooler spots on a pizza oven floor.
Pizza Oven Probe Thermometer
A Probe Thermometer is used to measure the radiating temperature inside the pizza oven. As the oven is heated by the fire, heat will begin to be reflected off the walls, ceiling and floor. The Probe Thermometer is most commonly mounted on the door of the pizza oven, but it can also be mounted on the wall. If you do decide to mount the Probe Thermometer on the wall, please make sure you do not place it where you intend to light a fire. This is because we need to measure the radiating temperature, not the extreme heat of the fire, as you will not get an accurate reading.
Pizza Oven Probe Thermometers can be a more affordable option to the Infrared Thermometer as they don’t have the advanced features. Having said that they will still give accurate pizza oven temperature readings and are much easier to use.
CONCLUSION
Every pizza making enthusiast should own a Pizza Oven Thermometer. It is a very important tool required to make excellent and consistent Pizzas. They can be used for both wood and gas fired pizza ovens.
An Infrared Pizza Oven Thermometer is excellent for making Neapolitan style pizzas, as they can help to ensure you get an extremely hot oven (particularly floor temperature).
The Pizza Oven Prove Thermometer is excellent for making Deep Dish Style Pizzas as they tell you the radiant temperature of the oven. Less heat and longer cooking time is important for these pizzas.
