What to Do If the Oven Does Not Maintain a Constant Temperature?

Discover the causes and solutions if your Alfa oven struggles to maintain a constant temperature: fuel, ventilation, and maintenance.

1️⃣ Check the Fuel Used

For Wood-Fired Ovens
✔️ Type of Wood:
✅ Use well-seasoned wood with moisture below 20% (oak, beech, olive). Damp wood burns poorly and causes temperature fluctuations.
✔️ Fire Management:
✅ Keep a lively, stable flame by adding wood regularly to avoid sudden heat drops.
✔️ Amount of Wood:
✅ If the fire weakens too much, the oven will lose temperature. Gradually add wood pieces to ensure uniform combustion.

For Gas Ovens
✔️ Gas Level:
✅ Check that the LPG cylinder is not nearly empty or that the natural gas pressure is stable.
✔️ Pressure Regulator:
✅ Ensure you use a regulator suitable for your oven's gas type (🔗 Gas Connector Alfa).
✔️ Burner:
✅ If the flame is weak or unstable, check that the burner nozzles are not blocked and that the gas hose is not bent or damaged.

2️⃣ Check the Ventilation System

✔️ Chimney:
✅ Ensure the chimney is free from obstructions such as soot or ash that could reduce the draft.
✅ If you have extended the chimney, the natural draft may be too strong. In this case, a butterfly valve might be needed to regulate airflow.
✅ If the oven is installed under a cover, the chimney must extend at least 1 meter above the structure for proper smoke exhaust.

✔️ Airflow Inside the Oven:
✅ For wood-fired ovens, ensure the fire is well-oxygenated: avoid completely closing the door while the oven is in use.
✅ For gas ovens, position the unit in a wind-protected area, as drafts could extinguish the flame or affect its stability.

3️⃣ Inspect the Oven and Its Main Components

✔️ Oven Door:
✅ Ensure the door is properly closed during use; excessive opening can cause heat loss and temperature fluctuations.

✔️ Burner (for Gas Ovens):
✅ The flame should be blue with yellow tips; an irregular flame may indicate blocked nozzles or incorrect gas pressure.
✅ If the oven is connected to the home gas network, check that no other appliances (such as a boiler) are reducing the gas pressure available to the oven.

✔️ Refractory Stone:
✅ The refractory stone is crucial for maintaining temperature stability. Ensure it is clean and correctly positioned to promote even heat distribution.
✅ Use an infrared thermometer to verify that the stone's temperature is uniform. Remember that an inserted thermometer measures the combustion chamber's temperature, so a laser thermometer is more reliable for the stone.

4️⃣ Environmental Conditions Affecting Temperature

💨 Strong Wind:
✅ Wind can alter the draft in wood-fired ovens and disrupt the flame in gas ovens. If possible, protect the oven with windbreaks or position it in a less exposed area.

🌡 Intense Cold:
✅ In winter or when temperatures drop below freezing, the oven may take longer to reach the desired temperature and may cool down faster.
✅ Add more initial fuel to compensate for heat loss.

🔥 Temperature Fluctuations Due to Improper Use:
✅ Avoid frequently opening and closing the door, as this can cause heat loss.
✅ Cook pizzas or other foods in quick succession to maintain a stable temperature.

5️⃣ Regular Maintenance for Optimal Performance

🛠 Chimney Cleaning:
✅ Clean the chimney at least every 2-3 months, removing soot and combustion residues.

🛠 Burner Cleaning (for Gas Ovens):
✅ Periodically check the burner and remove any impurities from the nozzles.

🛠 Pressure Regulator and Gas Hose Check:
✅ If you notice changes in flame intensity, ensure the pressure regulator and hose are in good condition and free of leaks.

6️⃣ What If the Problem Persists?

If you have followed all these recommendations and the oven still fails to maintain a constant temperature, there might be a technical fault. We recommend contacting Alfa customer service or an authorized dealer for further assistance.