Charred Pizza Pans: What You're Doing Wrong

Burning pizza pans is a common problem for pizza enthusiasts, and it can be caused by various factors. The main culprit is often too much heat from the bottom of the oven, leading to burnt pizza bottoms. Other factors include inadequate preheating, using a dirty or damaged pan, and excess flour for dusting. To prevent this issue, it is crucial to monitor the oven temperature and ensure even heat distribution. Using a pizza stone or cast iron pan can also help distribute heat evenly and prevent burning. Additionally, proper maintenance of pizza pans, such as seasoning and cleaning, is essential to avoid burning and ensure consistent baking results.

How to clean burnt pizza pans

Burnt pizza pans can be a challenge to clean, but with the right techniques and some elbow grease, you can get them looking like new again. Here are some detailed, step-by-step methods to effectively clean your burnt pizza pans:

Method 1: Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

• Sprinkle baking soda liberally all over the surface of the burnt pizza pan.
• Spray or pour a generous amount of hydrogen peroxide over the baking soda until the powder is completely wet.
• Let the mixture sit for at least a couple of hours or preferably overnight. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be at breaking down the burnt residue.
• Use a plastic scraper to scrape off the dried mixture, then rinse the pan.
• If necessary, scrub the pan with a sponge or scrubber and warm, soapy water to remove any remaining stains or residue.

Method 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar

• Plug your sink and fill it with hot water.
• Add equal parts baking soda and vinegar, approximately 1/2 cup of each. The mixture will bubble and react, creating a powerful cleaning solution.
• Submerge the burnt pizza pan in the sink and let it soak for 30-60 minutes.
• Use a scouring pad, scrub sponge, or steel wool to scrub off the burnt residue. Steel wool may leave scratches, so scrub in even, circular motions to make them less noticeable.
• Wash the pan with dish soap and warm water, then dry it.

Method 3: Boiling Water and Baking Soda

• Boil a gallon of water with 2 cups of vinegar in a large pot.
• Pour the boiling water and vinegar mixture into a plugged sink.
• Place the burnt pizza pan in the sink and let it soak. If the pan is too large, rotate it a few times to ensure all areas are soaked.
• When the water cools down enough to handle safely, sprinkle the pan with baking soda.
• Scrub the pan with a scouring pad until the burnt residue comes off.
• Wash the pan with soap and water, then rinse.

Method 4: Cream of Tartar and Vinegar

• Sprinkle cream of tartar evenly over the surface of the burnt pizza pan.
• Spritz the cream of tartar with vinegar to soak it through.
• Let the mixture sit and dry for at least eight hours.
• Scrub the pan with a scrub sponge and warm water to remove the loosened residue.
• Rinse the pan with soap and water.

General Tips:

• Always wear dishwashing gloves when cleaning with harsh chemicals like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.
• For maintenance, clean your pizza pans regularly with mild dish soap and warm water after each use.
• To prevent burnt-on residue, line your pizza pans with parchment paper or aluminum foil before baking.

How to prevent burning pizza in a professional oven

Burning pizza in a professional oven can be a common problem, but there are several ways to avoid it. Here are some detailed instructions to prevent your pizza from burning:

Understand the Causes of Burning

Firstly, it's important to understand why pizza burns in an oven. The main culprits are usually:

• Excessive heat from the bottom of the oven.
• Faulty heating elements or a malfunctioning thermostat, leading to uneven heat distribution.
• Inadequate preheating, causing uneven cooking.
• Using too much flour for dusting, which burns and affects the taste.
• Cold dough going into a hot oven, causing thermal shock and faster burning.
• Dough recipes with too much sugar or oil, which lower the burning temperature.

Monitor Oven Temperature

Keeping a close eye on the temperature is crucial. Use an oven thermometer to ensure the oven is at the right temperature, ideally between 700°F and 1,000°F for a pizza oven. Place the pizza on the center rack and consider using two baking sheets below it if the oven bottom is too hot.

Use a Pizza-Turning Peel

Invest in a pizza-turning peel to easily rotate the pizza and check its doneness. This helps ensure even cooking and browning.

Preheat the Oven Adequately

Preheat the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the oven to reach the desired temperature and ensures even cooking.

Prepare the Dough Properly

Let cold dough sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours before baking to prevent thermal shock. Use minimal flour when stretching the dough, just enough to prevent sticking. Reduce sugar and oil in the dough, as they lower the burning temperature.

Choose the Right Type of Flour

Fine wheat flour burns quickly and creates bad odors. Instead, use semolina, a coarser flour that handles heat better, to dust your peel and prevent sticking.

Avoid Excess Flour

Get rid of excess flour from the dough to prevent burning and unpleasant flavors. Use a perforated pizza peel to make this easier and reduce sticking.

By following these instructions, you can greatly reduce the chances of burning your pizza in a professional oven and consistently achieve perfectly baked pizzas.

How to avoid burning pre-baked pizza

Pre-baked pizzas are supposed to make your life easier, but it can be frustrating when you end up burning them. Here are some tips to help you avoid burning your pre-baked pizza:

Understand Your Oven

Get to know your oven and its hot spots. Most consumer ovens have their primary heat source at the bottom, which can cause the lower rack to get hotter than the upper racks. When using two trays, you create three zones of heat, with the bottom tray getting the most heat. To avoid burning your pizza, always bake it on the center rack, where the heat is distributed more evenly. If you must use the lower rack, place two baking sheets on the bottom rack to block some of the heat.

Monitor the Temperature

Keep a close eye on the baking time and temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature. The ideal temperature for baking pizza is around 500°F, but this may vary depending on your oven and the type of pizza you are making. Remember to preheat your oven for at least 20-30 minutes before putting the pizza in to ensure even cooking.

Prepare Your Dough

If your dough has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours before baking to prevent thermal shock and tearing. Use a minimal amount of flour when stretching the dough to avoid burnt spots and an unpleasant aftertaste. Reduce or eliminate sugar and oil in your dough, as these ingredients can cause the crust to burn more easily.

Choose the Right Cookware

Use a pizza stone, baking sheet, or baking steel, and preheat it in the oven before placing your pizza on it. This will help you achieve a crispy crust. If using a pizza stone, preheat it for at least 20 minutes. You can also use a perforated pizza peel to get rid of excess flour from your dough and prevent sticking.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Avoid overloading your pizza with too many toppings, especially if you have a thin crust. Too many toppings can slow down cooking, resulting in an unevenly cooked pizza. Always pre-cook your toppings, especially meat, to avoid getting sick. Finally, don't forget to let your pizza cool down for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to prevent burning your mouth and to allow the cheese to set.

How to stop a pizza base from burning

A burnt pizza base is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some detailed tips to help you stop your pizza base from burning:

Monitor the Oven Temperature:

Keeping a close eye on the baking time and temperature is crucial to avoid burning your pizza. Use an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven is at the right temperature. Aim for a balance between the top and bottom heat to ensure even cooking. If the bottom of your oven is too hot, place the pizza on the centre rack and stack two baking sheets below to block some of the heat.

Use a Pizza Spinner or Turning Peel:

Invest in a pizza spinner or a turning peel to help you check the doneness of the base. This will allow you to monitor the cooking process and prevent burning.

Ensure the Dough is at Room Temperature:

If your dough has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours before baking. This prevents thermal shock, which can cause the exterior of the dough to burn before the interior is cooked.

Avoid Excess Flour:

Use a minimal amount of flour when stretching your dough. Aim to use just enough to prevent sticking. Excess flour can burn and create an unpleasant taste. You can also use a perforated pizza peel, which has holes to allow excess flour to fall away.

Reduce Sugar and Oil in the Dough:

Too much sugar or oil in the dough can cause it to burn. Sugar burns and caramelises at lower temperatures, and oil can speed up the baking process. Stick to a lean, low-sugar, and low-oil recipe with a hydration level of around 70%.

Choose the Right Type of Flour:

Some types of flour, such as American flour, have higher sugar content and may burn more easily. Opt for a flour that is suitable for high-temperature baking, such as Italian pizza flour or Tipo 00 flour.

Preheat the Oven Properly:

Make sure to preheat your oven for at least 30 minutes before baking. This ensures that the oven reaches the desired temperature and cooks the pizza evenly.

Use a Pizza Stone or Steel:

Using a pizza stone or steel can help distribute heat more evenly and reduce the risk of burning. However, be aware that these surfaces cook the base faster, so keep a close eye on your pizza while it's cooking.

Adjust Your Toppings:

If your toppings aren't cooking at the same rate as your base, you may need to adjust them. Experiment with different toppings and cooking methods until you find a balance. You can also try cooking some toppings beforehand to ensure they are cooked through.

How to clean a burnt pizza stone

To clean a burnt pizza stone, you'll first need to let it cool down completely. You can leave it in a turned-off oven for a few hours or overnight. Once it's cool, use a scraper or spatula to remove as much of the burnt food as possible. If there are still burnt spots, scrub the stone with a bristle brush under hot running water. Be sure not to soak the stone, as it is porous and will absorb the water, affecting the texture of your pizza crust.

If there are still burnt-on stains, you can create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the stains. Leave the paste for 5-10 minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse with hot water.

If the stains are particularly stubborn, you can place the pizza stone in a cold oven and turn the temperature up to 500°F (260°C). Leave the stone in the oven for an hour, then turn off the heat and allow it to cool down completely. Once cool, wipe the stone with a damp cloth.

Remember to avoid using soap or other cleaning chemicals on your pizza stone, as these can be absorbed and affect the flavour of your food.

Frequently asked questions