Bella Grande Series
Owner’s Manual ©Forno Bravo, October 2018
13
Additional firewood can be added as necessary to sustain the required heat. To
maintain the most consistent oven temperature, use your metal pizza peel to place any
new wood inside of the oven away from the active fire for a few minutes. When the
wood has warmed, move it over onto the coals, where it will light quickly with a
minimum of smoke. Never toss or throw wood into the oven or directly onto the fire.
An open oven mouth (i.e. no door covering the opening) allows extra air flow. This is
useful when lighting the fire, or for boosting the fire when adding firewood. Partially
blocking the mouth of the oven with the door will reduce the flame size, intensity, and
heat, allowing for a more controlled cooking temperature.
⚠
DO NOT completely cover the mouth of the oven with the door when there is a live
flame inside the oven. This will cut off oxygen to the fire, and can cause the fire to erupt
suddenly when the door is removed. Gasses from the fire can also create pressure
build up behind the light-weight door, causing it to blow out like a projectile.
⚠
BEWARE of very high temperatures in the oven. Use long, heat-resistant gloves or
mitts that are rated as flame-retardant and non-combustible up to a minimum of 800°F
when handling pots and tools. DO NOT put unprotected hands or arms inside of the
oven while it is lit.
5. Firewood and Fuels:
The efficiency of the oven depends on the quality of the firewood used. Only dry wood
should be used, as damp wood produces excessive smoke and will delay the oven
reaching the desired operating temperature. Double-
split wood in lengths of 12”
−
16” and
2”
−
5” diameter is preferred. Visit
www.fornobravo.com/tech-resources/choosing-the-right-
wood/
to learn more about firewood types, properties, and recommendations.
Use solid wood fuels only. DO NOT use charcoal, pressure treated lumber, chipped wood
products, sappy wood (such as pine,) laminated wood, or any material other than dry,
medium or hard firewood.
⚠
DO NOT use liquid fuel (firelighter fluid, gasoline, lantern oil, kerosene, or similar
liquids) to start, “freshen up,” or maintain the fire. These types of fuels can cause
explosions or flashbacks to occur, resulting in severe burns.
