Making homemade pizza is a true experience, especially when you have the right devices and accessories. Far from traditional barbecues, venturing into the creation of this iconic dish promises friendly moments with friends or family. To succeed in your endeavors, you need to equip yourself with quality tools that will make the task easier. Let’s explore the essentials that will help you turn your kitchen into a real pizzeria.
Which oven to choose for making homemade pizzas?
The choice of a pizza oven may seem complex, as the options available on the market are varied. Among the different alternatives, the electric oven, the wood-fired oven, and the gas oven stand out. Each of them has specific characteristics that can affect the quality of your pizzas. If you are looking for a practical and quick device, the electric oven can be a good solution. However, it is often less efficient in terms of heat. Wood-fired ovens, on the other hand, offer unparalleled cooking quality but require some know-how and space. To find a middle ground, you might consider Tefal’s Pizza Pronto, which reaches 400 °C in a record time of 15 minutes and bakes your pizzas in just 90 seconds.
In addition to its speed, this model features a cordierite stone that rotates thanks to a manual knob. This ensures even cooking, even for beginners. In terms of investment, the Pizza Pronto is quite reasonable, especially considering its ability to effectively prepare pizza nights with friends or family. Having such an oven also allows you to transform your kitchen corner into a friendly and warm space. In summary, the chosen oven will greatly shape your culinary successes in pizza making.
What accessories are essential for cooking?
Having a good oven is essential, but without the right accessories, it will be difficult to get the most out of your experience. First, there is the pizza peel, which allows you to handle your creations without the risk of burns. Then, accessories such as scissors or spatulas for precise cutting are also recommended. Additionally, an infrared thermometer can prove to be a valuable ally, as it will give you the temperature of your oven at the moment you insert your pizzas. Cooking at the right temperature is a guarantee of success.
The pizza stone is another important element. It helps distribute heat evenly across the base, making your crusts crispy. Also, consider getting a cleaning brush to maintain your stone, as water and detergents do not mix well with this material. Here is a quick list of accessories that will make a difference:
- Pizza peel
- Scissors or cutting spatula
- Infrared thermometer
- Pizza stone
- Cleaning brush
What type of preparation utensils to use?
Preparing the dough is a key step in successfully making homemade pizza. For this, it is recommended to use a standing mixer which usually provides a perfect consistency. Alternatively, a simple stainless steel bowl and your hands may suffice if you opt for manual kneading. The important thing is to work the dough until you achieve a smooth texture. Once the dough is ready, a dough cutter becomes a valuable tool for dividing your portions. This tool allows you to obtain uniformly sized dough balls, making portion management easier during preparation.
For a serene experience, a rolling pin should also be on hand. It will allow you to roll out your dough with ease. Finally, it is wise to have non-stick molds for baking pizzas to ensure that your creations do not stick. In short, various accessories will help make this step more enjoyable and less laborious.
How to master cooking temperature?
The cooking of pizza relies on a precise temperature. Having an infrared thermometer, as mentioned earlier, greatly helps in achieving this precision. This type of thermometer allows you to measure heat without contact, making each temperature reading easy and quick. When you open your oven, it is essential to minimize the exposure time to the air to avoid a temperature drop. So keep an eye on your preparations!
A good way to test the temperature, in addition to the thermometer, is to observe the color of your dough. If it struggles to take on a golden hue, the heat may not be sufficient. Keep in mind that cooking should be quick: a perfectly baked pizza often requires less than 2 minutes. That’s why it’s essential to experiment to find the ideal cooking time that will suit your oven and the recipes you are using.
What are the best tips for achieving your dough?
Creating successful pizza dough requires certain techniques and tips. It is often recommended to use a gluten-rich flour, such as T00 wheat flour, which promotes the lightness of the crust. Don’t forget to let the dough rest for at least an hour, or even more, in a warm place. This allows the gluten to relax and enhances the flavor. Using a levain, if possible, can also enrich the flavor of your dough. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
To knead your dough, circular movements are recommended, followed by a resting period. Once it has risen, it’s time to divide it into portions and shape them. Also, it’s advisable not to handle the dough too much after it has risen, to avoid losing the air bubbles that contribute to its lightness. You can reduce it by simply making balls that you will let rest again for a moment before rolling them out. Creating a slight indentation in the center before adding toppings will help keep the dough intact during baking.
How to maintain my pizza equipment?
The lifespan of your equipment depends on the maintenance you provide. For the pizza oven, after each use, it is recommended to leave the door open for a few minutes to cool naturally. Avoid washing it with water or detergents. A simple brush over the stone will suffice to keep it clean. As for the pizza peel, a piece of hard bread can be useful for wiping away residue before a wash with water.
The cleaning brush should be among your essentials; a quality brush will remove flour and dough residue without damaging the materials. Remember to regularly check the condition of your thermometer so that it remains reliable in its readings. Proper maintenance of your equipment will allow you to enjoy pizza nights for years without worries and in complete serenity.
To succeed in your homemade pizzas, it is necessary to have the right devices and accessories. A pizza oven, whether electric, wood-fired, or gas, is at the heart of your equipment. Among the options, the Tefal Pizza Pronto stands out for its ability to reach high temperatures quickly, while providing even cooking thanks to its rotating plate. This type of device makes preparing your pizzas smoother and faster.
Next, several accessories can enhance your experience. The infrared thermometer is a valuable ally for checking the oven temperature, ensuring optimal results. A dough cutter helps you obtain identical portions, which is a real bonus when cooking for family or friends. Finally, do not forget a special brush for cleaning the baking stone to extend the life of your equipment. Every detail counts to enjoy a successful pizza night.
