Curing Your Forno Classico Pizza Oven

Overview

Your Forno Classico gas‑fired pizza oven must be cured before its first use. Curing removes moisture from the exterior materials (cement, stucco, insulation) and protects the oven from cracking.
The interior firebrick dome is already kiln‑fired at over 4,000°F, so it does not require curing.

⚠️ Important Rules for Curing

  • Turn the gas knob directly to the BIG flame icon (the larger flame symbol) to begin each curing session.
  • Use only the pilot flame during curing.
  • Keep the oven door OFF while the oven is running.
  • After each curing session is finished and the oven is turned OFF, place the door ON.

    Leaving only the pilot flame on provides gentle, even warmth that helps the oven dry safely and evenly.

Three-Day Curing Process

Day 1

  1. Turn the gas knob to the BIG flame icon (maximum position).
  2. Keep the door OFF while the oven is running.
  3. Let the oven run for 1 hour.
  4. Turn OFF the main gas control.
  5. Leave ONLY the pilot flame ON.
  6. Place the door ON to keep the warm temperature inside.

Day 2

  1. Turn the gas knob to the BIG flame icon.
  2. Door OFF during operation.
  3. Let the oven run for 2 hours.
  4. Turn OFF the main gas control.
  5. Leave ONLY the pilot flame ON.
  6. Place the door ON after turning the oven off.

Day 3

  1. Turn the gas knob to the BIG flame icon.
  2. Door OFF during operation.
  3. Let the oven run for 3 hours.
  4. Turn OFF the main gas control.
  5. Leave ONLY the pilot flame ON.
  6. Place the door ON to maintain the warm temperature.

What To Expect

You may see water or moisture coming from the bottom of the oven. This is normal — it is moisture evaporating from the exterior materials.
When the moisture stops (usually after Day 3), the oven is fully cured.

After Curing

  • Once this three‑day curing process is complete, you can begin using the oven normally.
  • You do NOT need to cure the oven again.
  • Curing is a one‑time process only.