How to Clean the Clay Biscuit | Practical Guide for Forno Pizza Diavola Pro

When talking about pizza cooking, two terms are often used interchangeably, but in reality, they refer to different materials with specific characteristics: refractory stone and clay biscuit. Both are essential for achieving professional results, but they have distinct properties and uses. In this article, we will clarify the differences between the two materials and focus on how to effectively clean the clay biscuit, a key component of the Diavola Pro 3.0 Electric Pizza Oven.

Refractory Stone vs Clay Biscuit: What’s the Difference?

Refractory Stone

Refractory stone is a ceramic material resistant to high temperatures, designed to distribute heat evenly during cooking. It has low porosity and high thermal conductivity, making it ideal for medium-temperature baking (up to 400°C). Refractory stone is particularly suitable for pizzas with a crispy base, such as Roman-style pizza or other preparations that require gentler cooking.

Clay Biscuit

The clay biscuit, on the other hand, is a refractory support made from clay fired at extremely high temperatures (up to 900°C). It has high porosity and low thermal conductivity, making it perfect for absorbing excess moisture from doughs and slowly releasing heat. These characteristics make it ideal for high-temperature baking (450-500°C), such as those required for Neapolitan pizza. The clay biscuit is therefore the preferred choice for those seeking professional results with moist doughs and high temperatures.

Why Is It Important to Clean the Clay Biscuit?

During cooking, residues of ingredients like mozzarella, tomato, oil, and flour can burn on the surface of the biscuit or seep into its pores. This buildup not only compromises the aesthetics of the biscuit but can also negatively affect heat distribution and, consequently, the quality of the cooking.

Regularly cleaning the clay biscuit is therefore essential for:

• Ensuring even cooking.
• Preventing unpleasant odors.
• Avoiding the accumulation of residues that become difficult to remove.
• Prolonging the life of the material.

What NOT to Do When Cleaning the Clay Biscuit

Before diving into the cleaning details, it's important to know some fundamental rules to avoid causing irreparable damage:

• Do not use aggressive detergents: Chemical products can penetrate the biscuit's pores, altering its properties and compromising its functionality.
• Do not immerse the biscuit in water: Water can cause cracks or fragmentation during subsequent heating.
• Avoid abrasive objects: Metal scrapers or abrasive sponges can scratch the surface, making it more porous and encouraging residue buildup.
• Do not use metal utensils to handle it: They could damage the surface and reduce thermal efficiency.
• How to Properly Clean the Clay Biscuit

Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely and effectively clean the clay biscuit of your Diavola Pro Pizza Oven:

Step 1: Remove Visible Residues

After turning off the oven and allowing the biscuit to cool completely (never clean it while it's hot!), use a blunt spatula or steel paddle to gently remove visible charred residues, such as burnt mozzarella pieces or other raised elements.

Step 2: Clean with a Damp Cloth

Wipe the surface of the biscuit with a cloth slightly dampened with water to remove residual dust. Avoid using too much water: the biscuit should only be slightly damp. If necessary, you can pat the surface with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Perform Pyrolysis

Pyrolysis is the best method to clean the clay biscuit without damaging it. This process involves heating the biscuit to high temperatures (over 500°C) to break down organic residues into easily removable ash. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn on the oven to maximum power and let it run for about 30/45 minutes.
2. During heating, the burned residues will turn into fine powder.
3. Once the oven has cooled, wipe it again with a damp cloth to remove the dust.

Extra Tips for Maintaining the Clay Biscuit

1. Always use cornmeal or semolina flour: Reduces the risk of the dough sticking to the biscuit.
2. Avoid pouring liquids directly onto the biscuit: They may seep into the pores and cause cracks during heating.
3. Allow it to cool completely before cleaning: Sudden temperature changes can damage the material.

Conclusions

The clay biscuit of the Diavola Pro 3.0 Pizza Oven is an indispensable element for achieving perfect pizzas, but it requires proper care to maintain its performance over time. By following our tips, you can clean the biscuit safely and effectively, ensuring professional results every time you use your oven.

Remember: A well-maintained clay biscuit not only lasts longer but also improves with time, giving your pizzas that touch of authenticity that only a "well-seasoned" material can offer.

Put these tips into practice and enjoy crispy, delicious pizzas with your Diavola Pro Pizza Oven!