Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about heating, cooking, and getting the best results from your ZaDome.
How does the ZaDome work?
The ZaDome uses two independent sources of stored heat to cook your pizza. The first is the lower 12.25-inch carbon-steel baking plate, heated on one burner. The second is the upper carbon-steel disc mounted inside the ZaDome and heated on another burner.
Once both surfaces reach the desired temperatures, place the pizza on the baking steel and set the ZaDome over it. The heat stored in the lower baking plate and upper disc cooks the crust and toppings quickly and evenly.
Will the ZaDome work on both gas and electric stoves?
The ZaDome works with gas stoves when the burner grate can safely support the 12-inch dome. Grates measuring less than 12 inches diagonally may not provide enough support.
It can also be used on most flat-surface electric burners. It does not work well on exposed coil burners and is not compatible with induction heating elements.
Where else can I use the ZaDome?
You can use the ZaDome anywhere you can safely heat both the lower baking plate and the dome's upper carbon-steel disc to the desired temperatures. This includes charcoal grills, gas grills, outdoor gas burners, and campfires.
Watch demonstrations in the Videos & Recipes section or on our YouTube channel.
Why won't my ZaDome reach extremely high temperatures?
Maximum temperature depends on burner power—measured in BTUs for gas or watts for electric—and the distance between the heat source and the steel plate. Burner-grate geometry can also affect that distance.
The ZaDome cooks pizza effectively when the upper carbon-steel disc is around 600°F or higher. At lower temperatures, the pizza will simply take a little longer to cook.
The top is perfect, but the crust is undercooked. How can I fix it?
The ZaDome uses separate heat sources for the top and bottom of the pizza. If the crust needs more cooking, heat the bottom baking plate to a higher temperature. For example, increase it from 400°F to 450°F or 500°F on your next attempt.
My crust is overcooked. How can I fix it?
Lower the temperature of the bottom baking plate. For example, if you heated it to 500°F, try 450°F or 400°F. Because the top and bottom heat sources are independent, you can fine-tune them separately.
How long does the ZaDome take to heat?
Heating time depends on burner power and the distance between the flame or element and the metal plate. The dome generally takes 10 to 15 minutes to reach cooking temperature.
The thinner lower baking plate heats more quickly, so begin heating the ZaDome first and start the lower plate later. This helps both surfaces reach their target temperatures at about the same time.
Why are there two thermometers?
The built-in thermometer measures the temperature inside the ZaDome near the upper carbon-steel disc. The included infrared thermometer measures the surface temperature of the lower 12.25-inch carbon-steel baking plate.
Because the top and bottom heat sources are controlled independently, both readings help you balance the crust and toppings.
How should I reheat pizza?
Preheat the lower baking plate over moderate heat, then place the pizza on the plate and cover it with the warmed ZaDome. Use lower temperatures than you would for baking a fresh pizza and watch closely; reheating usually takes only a few minutes.
Do ZaDome pizzas freeze well?
Yes. Wrap the pizza securely in aluminum foil and place it flat in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it, then reheat it gently using the method above.
What else can I cook with the ZaDome?
The ZaDome can cook foods such as salmon, other fish, steaks, and calamari.
It is also designed to fit over a 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Using a skillet instead of the baking plate creates more interior space for foods such as calzones, cookies, and biscuits.
What size pizza dough ball should I use?
The ZaDome is best suited to pizzas around 10 inches in diameter. A dough ball weighing approximately 5.5 to 8 ounces works well, depending on the pizza style. A 7-ounce dough ball is a good starting point for a 10-inch pizza.
Does store-bought pizza dough work well?
Yes. Store-bought dough works well in the ZaDome. We have had especially good results with dough from Aldi and Safeway, although quality and availability vary by location.
Dough from Wegmans, Trader Joe's, Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, and Restaurant Depot can also work well. A dough ball weighing about 5.5 to 8 ounces is a good fit.