Yes, new pizza screens require oiling as part of a crucial initial seasoning process to prevent pizza dough from sticking. This initial treatment is essential for optimal performance and longevity of your screen.
Understanding Pizza Screen Seasoning
When you acquire a new pizza screen, it's essential to prepare it properly before its first use. This preparation, known as seasoning, involves applying oil and baking the screen. This process creates a non-stick surface, which is vital for achieving perfectly baked pizzas without the dough adhering to the screen.
Why Season a New Pizza Screen?
The primary reason to oil and season a new pizza screen is to:
- Prevent Sticking: Seasoning forms a protective, non-stick layer that ensures pizza dough releases easily from the screen during baking. Without proper seasoning, new screens can cause pizza to stick, making removal difficult and potentially damaging the crust.
How to Season Your New Pizza Screen
The seasoning process for a new pizza screen is straightforward and involves a few simple steps using vegetable oil and an oven.
Here’s how to properly season a new screen:
- Apply Oil: Thoroughly spray or rub the entire surface of the new pizza screen with vegetable oil. Ensure an even, thin coat.
- Bake Temperature: Place the oiled screen in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake Duration: Bake the screen for 30 minutes. This allows the oil to polymerize and bond with the screen's surface, creating the non-stick layer.
After this initial seasoning, your pizza screen will be ready for use, providing a reliable, non-stick surface for your pizzas.
