How to Protect Your ProForno Oven in Winter: Best Practices for Cold Weather
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As winter approaches, it’s important to take steps to protect your ProForno wood-fired oven and ensure it continues to perform beautifully year-round. Cold, moisture, and freezing temperatures can affect your oven if precautions aren’t taken. Here’s a complete guide to winter care and best practices for winter use.
1. Keep Your Oven Dry
Moisture is the biggest winter threat to wood-fired ovens. Even though ProForno ovens are weather-resistant, prolonged exposure to rain, snow, or ice can cause minor damage over time.
Tips:
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Use a protective cover designed for your oven.
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Avoid placing your oven in areas with standing water or poor drainage.
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After a snowstorm, brush off snow immediately rather than letting it melt on the oven surface.
2. Avoid Extreme Temperature Shocks
Brick ovens expand and contract with heat, and extreme temperature fluctuations can increase cracking. To protect your oven:
Tips:
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Gradually heat your oven when cooking in very cold weather. Start with a small fire and slowly increase to full temperature.
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Do not pour water on the oven to speed up heating — thermal shock can damage the bricks.
3. Perform Regular Curing and Maintenance
Even in winter, it’s important to maintain your oven:
Tips:
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If the oven hasn’t been used for a while, perform a short curing fire to drive out any accumulated moisture before cooking at full heat.
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Check for minor cracks and use your ProForno repair kit if needed — cracks are normal but maintaining the oven helps longevity.
4. Protect the Oven Floor and Components
Cold and moisture can affect metal parts and the oven floor.
Tips:
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Sweep the cooking floor before and after use to remove debris.
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Consider using a small amount of olive oil on metal doors or chimney flues to prevent rust.
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Ensure doors and flues are closed tightly when not in use to prevent snow or ice from entering.
5. Winter Cooking Tips
Don’t let winter stop your cooking adventures! Wood-fired ovens perform well even in cold weather if used correctly:
Tips:
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Use dry hardwoods like oak, maple, or apple to ensure a hot, consistent fire.
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Allow extra time for the oven to reach cooking temperature in cold weather — it may take 5–10 minutes longer.
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Consider cooking heartier winter dishes like roasted vegetables, stews, or artisan breads, which benefit from longer cook times.
6. Storage Tips for Extended Winter Periods
If you won’t use your oven for several weeks:
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Cover the oven completely with a weatherproof cover.
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Remove any loose accessories or tools and store them indoors.
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Check for moisture and dry the oven with a small fire if needed before first use in spring.
Conclusion
With a few simple steps, your ProForno wood-fired oven can stay safe, functional, and beautiful all winter long. Protecting your oven not only preserves its lifespan but ensures every pizza, bread, or roasted dish tastes perfect — no matter the season.
Pro Tip: Keep your oven covered and dry, use proper hardwoods, and never rush the heating process — these small habits make a big difference in winter performance.