Baking pizza in a cooking range is easy once you control temperature, rack position, and baking surface. Whether your cooking range is gas or electric, the goal is to achieve a crispy base, fully melted cheese, and evenly cooked toppings. This guide explains the full process clearly and practically.
Before You Start (Preparation)
Before baking pizza:
• Make sure the oven is clean
• Remove unnecessary racks or trays
• Use oven-safe pizza tools or bakeware
• Allow enough time for full preheating
Proper preparation is critical for a crisp crust.
Step 1: Preheat the Cooking Range Properly
Pizza requires high heat.
Recommended oven temperature:
• 220–250°C (425–480°F)
Preheat for at least 20–30 minutes, especially if using a pizza stone or steel. Insufficient preheating is the most common cause of soggy crust.
Step 2: Choose the Right Oven Mode
Select one of the following modes:
• Conventional bake (top + bottom heat)
• Fan-assisted bake for more even heat
If using fan-assisted mode, reduce temperature by 10–20°C.
Avoid grill-only mode at the start, as it will burn toppings before the base cooks.
Step 3: Select the Baking Surface
Pizza Stone or Steel (Best Result)
• Produces crisp bottom crust
• Retains and transfers heat efficiently
• Must be preheated with the oven
Place it on the middle or lower rack.
Baking Tray or Pizza Pan
• Suitable for home use
• Slightly softer crust than stone
• Lightly oil the surface
Preheating the tray improves results.
Step 4: Prepare the Pizza
Before baking:
• Roll or stretch dough evenly
• Keep dough thickness consistent
• Apply sauce thinly
• Avoid overloading toppings
Too many toppings prevent proper heat transfer and cause soggy pizza.
Step 5: Place Pizza in the Oven
• Slide pizza onto the hot stone or tray
• Position on the middle rack for balance
• Close the oven door quickly
Fast placement prevents heat loss.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Typical baking times:
• Thin crust → 8–10 minutes
• Medium crust → 10–14 minutes
• Thick crust → 14–18 minutes
Times vary based on temperature, dough hydration, and toppings.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
Pizza is ready when:
• Crust is golden and firm underneath
• Cheese is fully melted and bubbling
• Edges are lightly browned
If the top needs more color, move pizza briefly to the upper rack or use top heat for 1–2 minutes only.
Common Pizza Baking Mistakes to Avoid
• Baking without full preheating
• Using low oven temperature
• Overloading sauce or toppings
• Placing pizza too high initially
• Opening the oven door repeatedly
Most pizza problems come from heat loss or excess moisture.
Gas vs Electric Cooking Range Tips
Gas Cooking Ranges:
• Heat faster
• May have hotter bottom heat
• Rotate pizza if browning is uneven
Electric cooking ranges:
• More even temperature control
• Better for consistent results
Both work well with proper preheating.
Cleaning After Baking
After the oven cools:
• Remove crumbs and cheese spills
• Wipe surfaces to prevent burning smells
• Clean trays or stone according to manufacturer guidance
Regular cleaning maintains oven performance.
Summary
To bake pizza in a cooking range:
Preheat oven to 220–250°C
Select bake or fan-assisted mode
Use a hot stone, steel, or tray
Keep toppings light
Bake on middle rack
Finish briefly if needed
With correct heat and setup, a cooking range can produce crispy, evenly baked, restaurant-style pizza at home.