Cuisinart 13-inch Pizza Grilling Set (Model CPS-445) Instruction Manual

Introduction

The Cuisinart 13-inch Pizza Grilling Set (Model CPS-445) is designed to enhance your homemade pizza experience, whether you're cooking on a grill or in a conventional oven. This 3-piece set includes a durable cordierite pizza stone, a foldable stainless steel pizza peel, and a sharp stainless steel pizza wheel, providing the essential tools for crafting delicious, crispy-crusted pizzas.

Product Components

Your Cuisinart Pizza Grilling Set includes the following items:

The complete Cuisinart 3-Piece Pizza Grilling Set.

1. 13-inch Cordierite Pizza Stone

The 13-inch cordierite pizza stone ensures even heat distribution.

This round cordierite stone is designed to retain and distribute heat evenly, absorbing excess moisture from the pizza dough to create perfectly crispy crusts. It is suitable for use on both grills and in standard ovens.

2. Stainless Steel Pizza Peel

The stainless steel pizza peel for easy pizza handling.

The stainless steel pizza peel features a foldable handle for convenient, space-saving storage. Its thin, sturdy design allows for easy placement, rotation, and removal of pizzas from hot surfaces.

3. Stainless Steel Pizza Wheel

The durable stainless steel pizza wheel for clean slices.

This durable pizza wheel cutter is designed to effortlessly slice through pizzas, ensuring clean cuts for serving without disturbing toppings.

Setup

Unpacking

Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Inspect each item for any signs of damage. Dispose of all packaging materials responsibly.

Pizza Stone Preparation (Initial Seasoning)

Before first use, it is recommended to season the cordierite pizza stone to enhance its non-stick properties and durability. Follow these steps:

1. Lightly oil the pizza stone with a high smoke point oil, such as olive oil or grapeseed oil.
2. Place the oiled stone in a cold oven.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately one hour.
4. Allow the stone to cool completely inside the oven.
5. For an enhanced seasoning, you may repeat the oiling process and bake at 400°F (200°C) for another hour, ensuring good ventilation as some smoking may occur.

Pizza Peel Assembly

The stainless steel pizza peel features a folding handle. To prepare for use, simply unfold the handle and ensure it is securely locked into place. For storage, the handle can be folded back to save space.

Operating Instructions

1. Preheating the Pizza Stone

• For Oven Use: Place the pizza stone in a cold oven on the middle rack. Preheat the oven to your desired pizza cooking temperature, typically between 400°F and 500°F (200°C and 260°C). Allow the stone to preheat for at least 30-60 minutes after the oven reaches temperature to ensure it is thoroughly hot.
• For Grill Use: Place the pizza stone on a cold grill. Close the grill lid and preheat the grill to your desired pizza cooking temperature, typically between 400°F and 500°F (200°C and 260°C). Allow the stone to preheat for at least 30-60 minutes after the grill reaches temperature.

2. Preparing and Transferring the Pizza

• Lightly dust the surface of the pizza peel with flour or cornmeal. This helps prevent the pizza dough from sticking.
• Assemble your pizza directly on the prepared pizza peel.
• Carefully slide the pizza from the peel onto the preheated pizza stone. A quick, decisive motion works best.

3. Cooking the Pizza

• Cook the pizza for approximately 8-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cooking times may vary based on oven/grill temperature, crust thickness, and toppings.
• For even cooking, you may carefully rotate the pizza halfway through the cooking process using the pizza peel.

4. Removing and Slicing the Pizza

• Once cooked, use the pizza peel to carefully remove the pizza from the hot stone.
• Transfer the pizza to a cutting surface.
• Use the stainless steel pizza wheel to slice the pizza into desired portions.

Care and Maintenance

Pizza Stone

• Cool Down: Always allow the pizza stone to cool completely before cleaning. Cleaning a hot stone can cause thermal shock and lead to cracking.
• Cleaning: Hand wash only. Do NOT use soap or detergents on the pizza stone, as it is porous and will absorb the chemicals, which can affect the taste of future pizzas. Scrape off any excess food residue with a plastic scraper or stiff brush. Rinse with hot water only.
• Drying: Air dry the stone completely before storing. Ensure no moisture remains to prevent mold or mildew.

Pizza Peel and Pizza Wheel

• Cleaning: Hand wash with warm water and mild dish soap.
• Drying: Dry thoroughly immediately after washing to prevent water spots or rust on the stainless steel components.

Storage

Store all components in a dry place. The pizza peel's foldable handle allows for compact storage in cabinets or hung on a hook.

Troubleshooting

• Pizza Sticking to Stone: Ensure the stone is fully preheated to the correct temperature. Use sufficient flour or cornmeal on the pizza peel before assembling the pizza.
• Unevenly Cooked Pizza: Verify that the oven or grill is preheated adequately and consistently. Rotate the pizza halfway through cooking for more even results.
• Pizza Stone Cracking: This is often due to thermal shock. Always place the stone in a cold oven/grill and allow it to heat up gradually. Never place a cold stone into a hot environment or a hot stone into a cold environment (e.g., cold water).

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information or customer support regarding your Cuisinart Pizza Grilling Set, please refer to the product packaging or visit the official Cuisinart website. You may also contact Cuisinart customer service directly for assistance.