Cracks in Wood Stone Ovens

Cracking in the ceramic floor and dome of a Wood Stone oven is normal, expected, and not a cause for concern. Like all ceramic materials exposed to daily heating and cooling, our oven surfaces naturally expand and contract, which can lead to visible cracks over time. This is not a defect, does not indicate structural failure, and will not affect cooking performance.

Why Cracks Occur

  • Our floors and domes are cast as single-piece ceramics, 3–6 inches thick, for
    maximum heat transfer and structural strength.
  • A tensioned steel exoskeleton surrounds and connects the floor and dome, ensuring the structure remains stable and preventing any shifting after cracks form.
  • The internal crack path is irregular and rough, locking the surfaces together. This design prevents separation and maintains cooking performance.
  • Expansion/contraction cracking is common in all stone hearth ovens across the industry, not just Wood Stone.

Impact on Performance

  • Cracks do not affect heat retention, cooking quality, or product lifespan.
  • Because of the large contact surface area, cooking performance remains consistent even after cracks appear.

Ceramic Debris and Cleaning Best Practices

Occasionally, small amounts of ceramic material may shed from the dome or floor as cracks
settle in. This is normal and typically decreases over time.
To maintain a clean cooking surface:

  1. Brush the oven floor with a natural fiber brush at the start of each day and before placing food in the oven.
  2. Mop the deck with a damp towel (water only) as part of the daily prep routine.
  3. If shedding is visible, gently brush the affected area with a natural fiber brush.
  4. Avoid metal scraping tools; if absolutely necessary, use only a gentle wire brush and avoid severe scraping or grinding.

For a cleaning demonstration, see: Cleaning a Wood Stone Oven Floor

Service Support

If a crack ever affects production or operation, contact Wood Stone Technical Service at
(800) 988-8103. We are committed to providing many years of reliable performance and will
assist with any concerns.

 

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