Secrets of the best professional Neapolitan pizza ovens: buying guide
When you walk along the crowded streets of Naples, the heady scent of real Neapolitan pizza envelops you and awakens your senses and that unmistakable flavour that only a pizza cooked to perfection can offer, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with the fresh ingredients blending together to create an irresistible symphony of flavours. But what is the secret behind this magical culinary experience? The answer lies in the beating heart of the pizzeria: the oven. A good professional pizza oven can transform the art of authentic Neapolitan tradition into a tasty masterpiece to serve to your customers or friends and family. If you, too, wish to bring the divine culinary art of the bel paese directly into your kitchen or restaurant, then you must listen to some valuable advice. You will learn all the secrets of the best professional Neapolitan pizza ovens on the market, in the fascinating world of buying the perfect ally to make your exquisite edible works of art. Immerse yourself in the paths of ancient Neapolitan techniques as you discover together how to choose the best companion, without which you would never be able to prepare true Neapolitan pizza.
The structure and material of the oven: key factors for perfect baking
The structure and material of the oven are key factors in the perfect baking of Neapolitan pizza. The oven must be made of high quality refractory materials that can maintain heat evenly and constantly. In particular, the baking chamber must be made of refractory material, which guarantees excellent heat conduction and even temperature distribution on the bottom of the pizza. The thermal insulation of the oven is equally important, as it keeps the temperature high inside the oven without dispersing heat outside. Finally, the structure of the oven must be properly designed to allow effective air circulation, promoting the formation of a crispy, golden crust on the surface of the pizza.
Types of fuel used in the best professional Neapolitan pizza ovens
One of the factors that contribute to the quality of a professional Neapolitan pizza is the choice of fuel.Β The best Neapolitan pizza ovens, in fact, use wood, as it gives a special aroma and flavour to the pizza. The wood must be well seasoned and free of resins, to avoid excessive contamination in combustion. Some ovens also use gas, for greater convenience and heat management. In any case, the choice of fuel depends on the needs and preferences of the pizza chef, as long as the canons for an authentic Neapolitan pizza are respected.
Temperature and the importance of thermal insulation
Temperature and the importance of thermal insulation are two fundamental elements of a high quality professional pizza oven. The high temperature allows for uniform baking, with a crispy crust and soft inside, the main characteristic of Neapolitan pizza. Thermal insulation allows for a stable temperature inside the oven, avoiding heat dispersion that could compromise the quality of the final product. Good thermal insulation also reduces energy consumption, saving on oven running costs. For this reason, the best professional Neapolitan pizza ovens are equipped with state-of-the-art insulation materials, such as rock wool or ceramic fibre, that guarantee excellent performance even at high internal temperatures.