Sur La Table Baking Steel Instruction Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Sur La Table Baking Steel. This high-performance baking surface is designed to provide superior heat retention and conductivity, resulting in perfectly crispy crusts for pizzas, artisan breads, and other baked goods. Please read this manual carefully before first use to ensure proper setup, operation, and maintenance.

Important Safety Information

• The baking steel becomes extremely hot during use. Always use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling.
• Do not place the hot baking steel directly on unprotected surfaces. Use a trivet or heat-resistant mat.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as placing a very cold steel into a very hot oven, or vice versa, as this can cause warping or damage over time.
• Ensure proper ventilation when using the oven at high temperatures.

Setup and First Use

1. Unpacking: Carefully remove the baking steel from its packaging.
2. Initial Cleaning: Wash the baking steel thoroughly with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse completely and dry immediately to prevent rust.
3. Seasoning (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly required, seasoning can enhance non-stick properties and protect against rust. Apply a thin, even layer of high smoke point cooking oil (such as grapeseed or flaxseed oil) to all surfaces of the steel. Wipe off any excess oil. Place the steel in a cold oven, then preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 1 hour. Turn off the oven and let the steel cool completely inside the oven. Repeat this process 2-3 times for best results.
4. Placement in Oven: Place the baking steel on an oven rack, typically in the upper-middle position for pizzas, or lower for breads, depending on your oven and desired crust. Ensure there is adequate clearance around the steel for air circulation.

Operating Instructions

Preheating the Baking Steel

For optimal results, the baking steel requires thorough preheating to reach and maintain high temperatures. This is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.

• Place the baking steel in a cold oven.
• Preheat your oven to the desired temperature (e.g., 450-550°F or 230-290°C for pizza).
• Allow the steel to preheat for at least 45-60 minutes after the oven reaches the set temperature. This ensures the steel is fully saturated with heat.

Using for Pizza

The baking steel is ideal for achieving a professional-quality pizza crust at home.

1. Ensure the steel is fully preheated as described above.
2. Prepare your pizza on a lightly floured or semolina-dusted pizza peel.
3. Carefully slide the pizza from the peel directly onto the hot baking steel in the oven.
4. Bake according to your recipe, typically 5-10 minutes for thin-crust pizzas, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
5. Use a pizza peel or tongs to remove the cooked pizza from the steel.

Image: A freshly baked pizza with asparagus and cheese on the Sur La Table Baking Steel, ready to be served.

Image: A gourmet pizza topped with prosciutto, ricotta cheese, and fresh basil, baked to perfection on the Sur La Table Baking Steel.

Image: A breakfast-style pizza featuring baked eggs, bacon, and asparagus, cooked on the Sur La Table Baking Steel.

Using for Bread and Other Baked Goods

The baking steel's high thermal mass also benefits artisan breads, pastries, and other items requiring a strong heat source from below.

• Preheat the steel and oven to the temperature specified in your recipe.
• For bread, consider placing a pan of water on a lower rack to create steam, which helps with crust development.
• Carefully transfer your dough or pastries onto the hot steel using a peel or parchment paper.
• Bake according to your recipe's instructions.

Image: Several golden-brown puff pastry turnovers baking evenly on the Sur La Table Baking Steel within an oven.

Image: Two freshly baked baguettes with crispy crusts resting on the Sur La Table Baking Steel, lightly dusted with flour.

Maintenance

Cleaning

• Allow the baking steel to cool completely before cleaning.
• Scrape off any stuck-on food residue with a metal spatula or bench scraper.
• Wash with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Avoid harsh detergents or abrasive scrubbers, which can remove seasoning.
• DO NOT wash in a dishwasher. The baking steel is not dishwasher safe and doing so can lead to rust and damage.
• Dry the steel immediately and thoroughly after washing to prevent rust. You can place it back in a warm oven for a few minutes to ensure complete dryness.

Re-seasoning

If the steel appears dull, food starts to stick, or rust spots appear, it may need re-seasoning. Follow the seasoning steps outlined in the "Setup and First Use" section.

Storage

Store the baking steel in a dry place. Many users store it permanently in their oven, which can also help regulate oven temperature and improve overall baking performance.

Troubleshooting

• Food Sticking: Ensure the steel is properly seasoned. If food continues to stick, re-season the steel. Use parchment paper for very sticky items.
• Rust Spots: Rust indicates moisture. Clean the rust with a steel wool pad, then wash, dry thoroughly, and re-season immediately. Ensure the steel is always completely dry before storage.
• Uneven Baking: Ensure the oven is fully preheated and the steel has had ample time to absorb heat (45-60 minutes after the oven reaches temperature). Oven calibration issues can also contribute to uneven baking.
• Smoke During Use: A small amount of smoke during initial uses or after re-seasoning is normal as excess oil burns off. Excessive smoke may indicate too much oil was used during seasoning; wipe off excess before baking.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For information regarding warranty, returns, or product support, please refer to the original purchase documentation or contact Sur La Table customer service directly. Contact details can typically be found on the Sur La Table official website or through your retailer.