Slow Cooking vs High Heat Mastering Different Styles in Your Alfa Oven
One of the greatest strengths of an Alfa Forni oven is its versatility. With the ability to reach extreme temperatures quickly and retain heat for hours, you can master both slow cooking and high heat cooking in one oven. Here is how to make the most of both methods.
🔥 1. High Heat for Pizza and Searing
Alfa ovens are famous for their ability to reach over 400 °C, ideal for authentic Neapolitan pizza and high heat searing.
Best uses:
Neapolitan pizza (90 seconds at 450 °C).
Ribeye steaks (2 minutes per side at 350 °C).
Flatbreads, pitas and naan (quick blistering bakes).
Tip: Always preheat until the fire bricks are fully saturated with heat for even results.
🕒 2. Slow Roasting Meats
Once the oven has been used for pizza or searing, it holds residual heat for hours. This is perfect for slow roasting meats, allowing flavours to develop gently.
Recipe idea: Slow roasted pork shoulder
After pizza cooking, let oven cool to around 160 °C.
Rub pork with spices and olive oil.
Place in a roasting dish and cook for 3–4 hours until tender.
Shred for pulled pork sandwiches.
🍞 3. Baking Bread with Retained Heat
Alfa’s fire bricks make them excellent for baking bread after the main cooking is finished. The falling heat ensures crusty loaves with soft centres.
Recipe idea: Country sourdough loaf
Once oven cools to 230 °C, place shaped dough on a tray.
Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.
Cool before slicing.
🥕 4. Vegetables at Different Heat Levels
High heat (220–250 °C): Caramelises root vegetables for crisp edges.
Lower heat (160–180 °C): Gently roasts Mediterranean vegetables until soft and sweet.
🌳 5. Choosing Fuel for Each Style
Wood fired: Best for slow roasting and adding smoky depth.
Gas fired: Excellent for consistent high heat and quick results.
Hybrid models: Give you flexibility to switch depending on the dish.
✨ Bringing It All Together
With an Alfa Forni oven, you do not need to choose between fast, fiery pizza baking and slow, gentle roasting. By adjusting fuel, timing and temperature, you can master both cooking styles and expand your menu well beyond pizza.
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Slow Cooking vs High Heat Mastering Different Styles in Your Alfa Oven
Slow Cooking vs High Heat Mastering Different Styles in Your Alfa Oven
One of the greatest strengths of an Alfa Forni oven is its versatility. With the ability to reach extreme temperatures quickly and retain heat for hours, you can master both slow cooking and high heat cooking in one oven. Here is how to make the most of both methods.
🔥 1. High Heat for Pizza and Searing
Alfa ovens are famous for their ability to reach over 400 °C, ideal for authentic Neapolitan pizza and high heat searing.
Best uses:
Tip: Always preheat until the fire bricks are fully saturated with heat for even results.
🕒 2. Slow Roasting Meats
Once the oven has been used for pizza or searing, it holds residual heat for hours. This is perfect for slow roasting meats, allowing flavours to develop gently.
Recipe idea: Slow roasted pork shoulder
🍞 3. Baking Bread with Retained Heat
Alfa’s fire bricks make them excellent for baking bread after the main cooking is finished. The falling heat ensures crusty loaves with soft centres.
Recipe idea: Country sourdough loaf
🥕 4. Vegetables at Different Heat Levels
🌳 5. Choosing Fuel for Each Style
✨ Bringing It All Together
With an Alfa Forni oven, you do not need to choose between fast, fiery pizza baking and slow, gentle roasting. By adjusting fuel, timing and temperature, you can master both cooking styles and expand your menu well beyond pizza.
👉 Explore the full Alfa Forni range here: Alfa Forni Pizza Ovens
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The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Entertaining with Alfa Forni
Seasonal Cooking in Your Alfa Pizza Oven Autumn Vegetables and Winter Roasts
How to Set Up Your Outdoor Kitchen with an Alfa Forni Pizza Oven
Top Accessories to Get the Most from Your Alfa Forni Oven