One of the most overlooked equipment used in baking is the oven. Since it is important in a creating a great Artisan bread, we should check and study our ovens.

To know whether the oven is still giving its optimal heat, point the switch of the oven to each number and check if the temperature is correct by using an oven thermometer. These thermometers can be easily bought in restaurant supply shops, or even online stores.

You should do this because some ovens that are used extensively for years are inaccurate. Sometimes that mode that you had switched it to is not as hot as it was new. If you don’t want to use an oven thermometer to check the warmth of your oven, you can practically know if your oven is working at its best by testing it. Use your own understanding and experience because only you can know if your oven is inaccurate due to years of usage.

To manually test it, take note of the temperature you use when you bake different kinds of food such as meat, pastries, cakes, and Artisan breads. By listing and comparing the results, you will know if the status of your oven is consistent. If there are differences in the outcome when you made sure that the same ingredients and preparation is used, you will know that there must be something wrong with the oven.

An oven with an accurate temperature is a must have in the kitchen because it is obviously a necessity in baking. To show emphasis on the importance of a well working oven, back then bakers used stone hearths because very hot ovens is the key to a great crust and crumb.

Getting your oven checked once in a while is more practical than getting a customized stone hearth. You need to this to be sure that it will give you the Artisan breads you want. A very hot oven is needed in Artisan baking because once you have put the dough in, it springs up because of the direct heat, which is great for achieving crusts.

You should always keep an eye on your oven and make sure that it is at its best. The oven is the magic tool that turns a big boring blob of white mass into delicious and crusty Artisan bread.