How to Cook Fantastic Food on Your Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

Did you buy a wood-fired pizza oven with visions of using it week in week out and wowing your friends with culinary feasts? Has the reality been somewhat different? Don’t worry, you are not alone, and we are here to help. At Rangemoors, we believe that outdoor cooking with a Morsø wood-fired oven is an experience like no other.  It’s about combining the right techniques, premium equipment and fresh ingredients to create unforgettable meals.

Our helpful guide will take you through four essential steps to master the art of outdoor cooking.  Simple, helpful advice to allow you to get more out of your wood-fired pizza oven.

  1. It all starts with fire! – Choosing the right fuel…
  2. A great chef needs great utensils – a list of must-have equipment.
  3. Choosing your ingredients – Buy fresh, buy local.
  4. Tips and tricks to elevate your wood-fired cooking.

 

Step 1: It starts with fire!

Before you even light your outdoor oven, there is one very important thing to consider. Choosing the right fuel is almost as important, if not more so, than buying the freshest, tastiest ingredients. The fuel you decide to burn will impact your cooking in a number of different ways. Burning kiln-dried will give you a more efficient, more environmentally friendly burn. Well-seasoned logs can be used as long as the moisture content is lower than 20%. Kiln-dried wood will also help you retain your heat for longer and give a more consistent cooking temperature.

The type of wood you burn can also have a big impact on the flavour profile of the food you are cooking. Below is a guide on how to light your pizza oven and which woods to consider based on the food you are cooking.

Lighting the Fire

  • Prepare the Oven – Ensure the base of the oven is clean and mostly free of any ash from previous uses.
  • Top Down Lighting Method – Add some smaller logs to the base of the oven and then pile up plenty of kindling on top. Arrange in a Jenga pattern or a teepee shape to allow plenty of airflow. Firelighters must be natural and chemical-free. Any chemicals could get into the stone base and transfer into your food.
  • Add More Fuel – Once the fire is established, add some larger logs to build a good base of coals and increase the heat within the oven. You will want to keep this going for around 30 minutes before starting to cook.
  • Scrape Back the Coals to Cook – Create a cooking area by using an ash scraper. Push the ash and coals towards the back and sides of the oven to create a clean area in the centre of the appliance. You can also blow down the hollow centre of the ash scraper to clear any remaining ash. Then, simply cook directly on the base stones or using cast iron cookware.

Choosing Your Wood

The type of wood you burn can significantly enhance the flavours of your cooking. Different varieties of wood will impart different aromas to infuse your food.

  • Oak Wood – A strong, earthy smoke that’s ideal for red meats, such as beef and lamb.
  • Apple Wood – Adds a mild, sweet flavour perfect for poultry and desserts.
  • Cherry Wood – Slightly tangy with a mild sweetness, this wood works well with both chicken and fish.
  • Hickory Wood – A bold and intense flavour, hickory adds a smoky richness to classic barbecue meats.

Do not use pine wood, or other softwoods with high sap content in your outdoor oven. They produce large amounts of soot and creosote which can be harmful.

At Rangemoors, we offer a range of kiln-dried wood options, with free delivery available across most of the South West. To view our range, please click here.

Natural Lumpwood Charcoal

It is also possible to use restaurant-grade natural lumpwood charcoal to light your pizza oven. Its high density provides consistent heat and a long burn time. While still providing an authentic smoky barbecue taste, it can be a great choice for smoking large joints of meat over a long period of time.

 

Step 2: A Great Chef Needs Great Utensils

One of the greatest selling points of the Morsø Outdoor Living range is the wide range of accompanying accessories on offer. Each crafted to the highest standards using high-quality materials. The right accessories can help maintain optimal cooking temperatures, ensure your safety and make the whole cooking process easier and more fun. The Morsø accessories can also be used on most other outdoor pizza ovens. Here is a list of what you will need:

  1. Pizza Peel – A must-have for any outdoor oven user! Allowing you to safely insert, rotate and remove your wood-fired pizzas. It can also be used when cooking bread, roasting meats and much more. The long handle keeps you away from the hot flames and gives you plenty of control and manoeuvrability.
  2. Ash Scraper / Blow Pipe – This handy little gadget should always be by your side when cooking outdoors. It can be used to move the coals around within your pizza oven. Push them to the back and sides to create a clear space to cook. Using the mouthpiece to blow away any missed ashes. Once you have finished cooking, scrape the coals back into the centre of the stones to maintain the heat and add more fuel as required.
  3. Cast Iron Cookware – Grilling, roasting and baking can all be accomplished in a wood-fired oven, as long as you have the right equipment. Solid cast iron will retain the heat for longer and provide an even cook. It also adds a wonderful char and colour to your food, which is a signature of wood-fired ovens. Griddles and grills are perfect for fatty foods such as steak. Trays and frying pans can be used for bacon and roasting vegetables.
  4. Door and Smokekeeper – Instantly convert your oven into a smoker with the addition of a door and optional smokekeeper. The smokekeeper fits directly into the flue pipe to stop the smoke from escaping. A great addition for slowly smoking large joints of meat over several hours.
  5. Oven Gloves – Handling hot cast iron cookware and being around open flames requires proper safety gear. Oven gloves are an essential accessory for safe and efficient cooking while protecting you from burns.
  6. Meat Thermometer – Measure the internal temperature of meat, especially larger cuts, and other cooked foods with a digital probe thermometer. Ensure everything is thoroughly cooked through and safe for you and your guests. A relatively cheap gadget that you will wonder how you ever did without.

To view our full range of Morsø Outdoor Living accessories, please visit our Morsø Outdoor Living Shop here.

 

Step 3: Choosing Your Ingredients – Buy Fresh, Buy Local

The best wood-fired meals are cooked using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you are roasting, grilling or baking, sourcing the freshest, locally-grown ingredients ensures that your dishes are packed with flavour. It also helps support your local community. Here are some ideas for getting more out of the ingredients you buy.

  • Vegetables – Think roasted root vegetables. Pizza with fresh tomatoes, herbs and Mediterranean-style grilled veg. Corn on the cob also tastes amazing when cooked in a wood-fired pizza oven.
  • Meats – Consider slow-cooked meats like lamb, beef, or chicken that will absorb the delicious smoky flavours from your wood. For a quick and easy meal, why not griddle some steaks and then toast some bread in all those tasty juices?
  • Bread and Pizzas – Baking bread or cooking a homemade pizza in your Morsø Forno oven results in a crispy crust and perfectly melted toppings. All infused with a natural smoky flavour.

Local farmers markets are a great way to source the freshest seasonal produce and reduce your carbon footprint. Sustainably sourced meat from a local butcher or farm shop will be packed full of flavour and elevate your cooking experience. There are plenty of cheeses, fruits and vegetables which pair beautifully with the smoky aroma of your wood-fired oven. Don’t be afraid to get creative and discover just how versatile your outdoor (pizza) oven can truly be.

 

Step 4: Expert Tips and Tricks

To really take your outdoor cooking to the next level, here are some expert tips and tricks to make the most of your Morsø outdoor oven. These tips will also apply to other similar pizza and outdoor ovens.

  1. Master temperature control – Practice makes perfect. It can be tricky to start with, but the more familiar you get with your wood-fired oven, the more control you will have. Start by creating a solid base of fire. Do not rush this process. You can then use fuel to raise the temperature. Use different areas of the cooking stone and outer casing of the oven to achieve different cooking techniques.
  2. Try Indirect Cooking – For larger cuts of meat like roast chickens or ribs, an open flame can lead to the outside burning before the centre is cooked. Indirect cooking moves the food away from direct flames and allows it to roast slowly. This helps to ensure even cooking and delicious deep flavours. Casseroles and stews can also be made and left to become tender and packed full of warming goodness.
  3. Clean and Maintain Your Oven – A well-maintained oven will cook better and last longer. Regularly clean out ash and soot and make sure the flue is clear of debris. This will ensure the efficiency of your product and make sure your meals turn out perfectly. A cover for your outdoor oven can also help keep it looking great and performing to its greatest potential.

By incorporating these expert tips, you can unlock your inner culinary expertise. Invite your friends and family around to sample perfectly cooked food time after time. So, what are you waiting for? Start cooking today and let Rangemoors be your trusted partner for all your outdoor cooking adventures. The Morsø Forno outdoor oven can also be used as a space heater once you have finished cooking, so you can enjoy this product all year round.

View the full Morso Outdoor Living range here.

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