Managing Temperatures: Top and Bottom Heating in the URBE Oven
Adjust the URBE oven's top (cielo) and bottom (platea) heating independently for perfectly baked pizza, bread, and pastries with precise temperature control.
The URBE oven by Alfa Forni allows you to independently control the top heating element (cielo) and the bottom heating element (platea). This feature lets you customize the cooking process based on different foods, ensuring the perfect balance of browning, crispness, and texture.
🔥 1. Heating Element Features
🔺 Top Heating Element (Cielo)
- Power: 2100W
- Main Function: Ensures proper browning of the crust and melting of toppings for pizza and other baked goods.
🔻 Bottom Heating Element (Platea)
- Power: 900W
- Main Function: Heats the refractory stone, which affects the crispness of the base and ensures even cooking on the bottom.
⚙️ 2. How to Adjust Cielo and Platea for Different Cooking Needs
💡 For Pizza (Quick & Even Cooking)
✅ Top (Cielo): High heat (350-400°C) → Ensures perfect browning of the crust and toppings.
✅ Bottom (Platea): Slightly lower (320-350°C) → Keeps the base crispy without burning.
🍞 For Bread (Balanced Rise & Crispness)
✅ Top (Cielo): Medium-low heat (250-280°C) → Prevents the crust from burning too quickly.
✅ Bottom (Platea): Higher heat (280-300°C) → Helps develop a crispy, well-baked base.
🎂 For Cakes & Pastries (Gentle, Even Baking)
✅ Top (Cielo): Low heat (180-200°C) → Avoids excessive browning on top.
✅ Bottom (Platea): Medium-low heat (200-220°C) → Ensures an even bake without drying out the base.
⏳ 3. Temperature Management for Optimal Results
✔ Proper Preheating
✅ Turn on both heating elements and let the oven preheat for at least 30 minutes to reach the desired temperature.
✅ Use an infrared thermometer to check the stone’s temperature for accuracy.
✔ Rotating During Cooking
✅ If you notice uneven browning, rotate the pizza or dish halfway through cooking for balanced heat distribution.
✔ Using the Refractory Stone
✅ The refractory stone helps distribute heat evenly, ensuring a crispy and perfectly cooked base.
❌ 4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Overheating the Top Element (Cielo)
🔹 Risk: The top browns too quickly before the base is fully cooked.
🚫 Overheating the Bottom Element (Platea)
🔹 Risk: The base burns while the top remains undercooked.
🚫 Setting Temperatures Too Low
🔹 Risk: Cooking takes too long, leading to a compromised texture.
🎯 5. Pro Tips for Perfect Results
✅ Test Different Settings
🔹 Experiment with different temperature combinations to find the best balance for your recipes.
✅ Monitor Cooking Progress
🔹 Observe how the food reacts to heat and adjust settings if needed.
✅ Use Independent Heat Control
🔹 Adjust top and bottom heating separately to optimize each dish’s cooking needs.
🔚 Conclusion
The URBE oven’s independent top and bottom heating control allows for precise cooking adjustments.
- For pizza: Higher cielo, slightly lower platea for a crispy base and golden toppings.
- For bread & pastries: More balanced settings to prevent burning.
Mastering these adjustments will give you perfect results for every type of bake! 🍕🔥