CAN I USE MY DELIVITA OVEN ALL YEAR ROUND?
Absolutely – there are no set times as to when you should cook with wood-burning ovens.
WHERE CAN I PLACE MY DELIVITA OVEN?
The DeliVita oven has been specially designed to allow you to place it on any hard surface other than plastic and glass tables.
IS THE DELIVITA OVEN WEATHERPROOF?
It is important that you use the DeliVita Cover. The oven has been manufactured to be showerproof. However, persistent wetting will affect the oven, and moisture will be absorbed.
IS THE DELIVITA OVEN FROST-PROOF?
Yes, if the DeliVita Cover is being used. The manufacturer has tested the cover to be frost-proof at -12°C.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COOK A PIZZA?
Depending on the temperature of the oven, between 60-90 seconds.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE THE DELIVITA OVEN TO HEAT UP BEFORE I CAN COOK A PIZZA?
The oven should take about 25-30 minutes to heat up to pizza-making temperature. The size and length of the fire will determine the temperature of the oven. The oven is at its optimum when all of the black carbon has burned off.
HOW CAN I TELL WHAT TEMPERATURE MY DELIVITA OVEN IS OPERATING AT?
Simply use an infrared thermometer gun. When used in free stand, position it in the mouth 10-15cm from the front of the oven, NOT inside the oven. However, once you have used the oven and experimented with it, you will get a “feel” for the temperature.
HOW DO YOU NOT BURN THE PIZZA?
To make the perfect pizza, you should keep turning the pizza away from the flames every 10-12 seconds, allowing a full rotation of the pizza.
Top Tip – After each pizza, scrub the oven floor with the steel brush to remove any burnt remains of the excess flour/semolina from the pizza base.
HOW DO I STOP MY PIZZA BASE FROM GOING BLACK/BURNING?
There can be two reasons for this:
- The oven is too hot; don’t use more than 3 logs 8-10cm wide and 22-26cm.
- There may be surplus flour/semolina remaining on the oven floor. Scrub the oven floor with a steel brush to remove the surplus flour.
WHY IS MY PIZZA STICKING TO THE OVEN FLOOR?
First, remember to sprinkle flour onto your pizza peel and ensure your preparation area is floured well. Don’t wait too long to cook after adding your topping to the dough, as it could start to soak up and become sticky.
Make sure you don’t have any holes or thin spots in your pizza base, as these can allow moisture to penetrate and cause sticking.
CAN I USE NORMAL FIRELIGHTERS TO LIGHT MY DELIVITA OVEN?
No. All fire lighters should be free from kerosene or other additives that may soak into the floor of the oven and, in turn, taint the taste of your food. Please use Eco lighters.
WHY AM I GETTING LOTS OF BLACK SMOKE?
Ensure you use properly seasoned hardwood, ideally with less than 15% moisture content. This type of wood burns hotter for longer periods and produces very little smoke and ash.
HOW DO I PUT THE FIRE OUT?
Simply allow the wood to burn out naturally.
HOW MUCH DOES A DELIVITA OVEN WEIGH?
A DeliVita oven weighs 30kg. We have designed the ovens with handles for easy manoeuvrability.
CAN I POSITION THE DELIVITA OVEN INDOORS OR INSIDE MY GARAGE?
No. The oven must never be enclosed because the smoke and fumes must be allowed to escape properly.
IF I HAVEN’T USED MY OVEN FOR A WHILE, WILL IT STILL BE OK TO USE?
Absolutely, although it’s a good idea to light a small fire to warm the oven slowly before you want to start cooking to ‘cure’ and fully dry out your oven again.
IF MY DELIVITA OVEN IS WET, WILL IT STILL BE OKAY TO USE?
If you haven’t used it for a couple of months or the weather has been persistently wet, it might be a good idea to light a small fire 3 to 4 hours before you want to start cooking to “cure” your oven again.
WHAT ACCESSORIES DO I NEED TO GET STARTED WITH MY DELIVITA OVEN?
To get started with your DeliVita oven, you’ll need the following:
- Pizza Peel (to get the pizzas/food in/out of the oven).
- Pizza Cutter (essential for cutting a pizza).
- The Axe (useful for cutting kindling).
- All Weather Cover (essential if you leave your oven out all year round and keep it dry in the rain).
- Oven Brush (a useful tool to help you position the logs and to keep the oven floor clean).
HOW DO I CLEAN THE STAINLESS STEEL FRONTAGE?
For a perfect finish and to avoid damage to the stainless steel finish, just use baby oil or stainless steel cleaner using lint-free cotton cloth.
HOW DO I CLEAN THE OUTSIDE OF MY DELIVITA OVEN?
Just use a damp cloth with soapy water for a perfect finish and to avoid damage. You can use wet & dry cloth or T-cut from your local car accessory store if there are deep scratches.
This video will provide you with a demonstration of how to maintain your DeliVita oven.
WHERE ARE DELIVITA OVENS MADE?
We are proud of our birthplace! DeliVita ovens and stands are made in Yorkshire.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE CRACKS WITHIN MY DELIVITA OVEN?
As DeliVita ovens are made from natural products, hairline cracks will occur.
If cracks occur, please send photos and contact us where we can advise you further.
