How to maintain your pizza oven (and keep it like new)

A pizza oven gives you that perfect crispy crust and authentic flavor every time. But to keep enjoying it for years to come, good maintenance is essential. In this article, we’ll show you how to keep your pizza oven, like the Pizza Oven Pro, clean and protected against wear and tear, so it stays as good as new every time.

How to maintain a pizza oven?

Maintaining a pizza oven starts with cleaning up, cooling down, and storing it in a dry place. After using the oven, let it burn out completely and cool for at least two hours. Then, empty the fire tray and ash tray into the trash, clean the pizza stone with a brush or dry cloth, and store the oven in a dry spot. Pro tip: here’s how to make the perfect pizza dough for your wood-fired oven. Check out the best pizza dough tips.

Cleaning your pizza oven: practical steps

1. Let the oven cool down completely
After baking, allow the oven to cool down for at least two hours. Never start cleaning when it’s still hot – it’s not safe and can cause damage.

2. Clear out the interior
Remove all leftover debris, and fully empty the fire tray and ash tray into the trash. Ash can attract moisture over time and cause damage to the stone.

3. Clean the pizza stone
Use a dry brush or cloth to clean the stone. Never use water or cleaning products, as this can cause cracks. Want more tips? Read our full guide on how to clean a pizza stone.

4. Clean the exterior of the oven
Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe off dust or grease from the outside. No harsh chemicals – keep it gentle.

5. Clean the chimney
After several uses, you might see some soot residue inside the chimney. It can build up and flake off as small sheets. No worries – it’s easy to remove. Take the chimney off, tap it upright on the ground, and the soot will fall out on its own. That way, it won’t end up in your oven or on your pizza.

How to protect and store your pizza oven?

A convenient way to store your pizza oven safely is with the special carrying bag from BOSKA (coming soon). It’s made to fit the Pizza Oven Pro Pellet perfectly. It protects the oven from scratches and dirt and makes it easy to take it to your vacation spot or to friends’ houses for a pizza night.

A pizza oven is usually used outdoors, but it’s not meant to stay outside permanently. Always store it in a dry place. Rust can form quickly if the oven stays damp. The wooden legs and handles also need to stay dry. If your oven isn’t used for a while, make sure it’s completely clean and dry before storing it.

Want to cook outside even in winter? Learn how to use your oven year-round in our article on outdoor cooking in every season.

Why regular maintenance matters

Cleaning your pizza oven might sound like a chore, but it’s quick and easy. Just remove the ash, brush the stone, and you’re done. It’s like doing the dishes after a pizza feast – a small job that ensures you’ll be ready for next time.

Thanks to the high temperatures (about 400 °C / 752 °F) during use, most of the dirt burns away. Any leftover food bits and black residue will disappear naturally when you heat up the oven again. But it’s still a good idea to remove the ash and lightly brush the stone after every use.

By taking care of your your pizza oven, you extend its lifespan and avoid damage. You’ll keep enjoying those perfect pizza results. A little attention after each session ensures your oven will perform like a champ for years to come.

Want to learn more about cleaning your pizza stone? Check out our cleaning tips for pizza stones.