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      Quickstart Tips for Using Your Versa 16 Outdoor Pizza Oven

      Hooking Up Your Propane, Starting the Oven, Regulating the Oven Temperature, Cordierite Stone & Cooking Tips, Searing Your Toppings, Launching & Retrieving, Cooling Your Oven, Taking Your Oven On-the-Go, Troubleshooting Flame Issues

      In this article… 

      Hooking up Your Propane 

      Starting Your Oven 

      Regulating the Oven Temperature 

      Cordierite Stone + Cooking Tips 

      Searing Your Toppings 

      Launching + Retrieving 

      Cooling Your Oven 

      Taking Your Oven On-The-Go 

      Troubleshooting Flame Issues 

       

      If you're a pizza lover and a fan of outdoor cooking, the award-winning Versa 16 Countertop Pizza Oven from HALO is your gateway to creating delicious homemade pizzas and unforgettable memories. This versatile pizza oven combines convenience, quality, and performance, making it a must-have for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, getting started with the Versa 16 is a breeze. In this article, we'll provide you with some quick start tips to ensure you make the most of this fantastic pizza oven. 

      Hooking up Your Propane:

      Before you fire up your Versa 16, it's essential to connect the propane tank properly. Depending on the size of your propane tank, follow these steps: 

      For a 1 lb. cylinder: 
      • Attach the 1 lb. quick-connect regulator to the oven and screw in the 1 lb. tank until comfortably tight. 
      • Ensure that your propane valve is open all the way before turning the center knob on the Versa 16 to HIGH. 
      For a 20 lb. tank: 
      • Attach the 20 lb. quick-connect regulator hose to the oven and screw the other end to your propane tank. 
      • Loosen the flow valve in a counterclockwise direction all the way to ensure proper propane flow. 

      Did you the Versa 16 is natural gas compatible? Convert your pizza oven to natural gas with the HALO Natural Gas Conversion Kit for Versa 16. 

      Starting Your Oven:

      To ignite the Versa 16, follow these steps: 

      1. Loosen the propane valve before turning the center knob to HIGH to prevent negative pressure in the regulator and allow propane to flow. 
      2. Turn the center knob to HIGH and wait for about 3 seconds to let the propane reach the burners before igniting. 
      3. Press the ignition (more than once if necessary) until both the ambient and infrared burners are lit. 
      4. Allow the oven to preheat for approximately 12 minutes. 

      Regulating the Oven Temperature:

      For precise temperature control, follow these steps: 

      • To lower the temperature of the stone, dial down the temperature to LOW and wait for 10 minutes. 
      • This gradual drop in temperature ensures even baking for your next pizzas. 

      Cordierite Stone + Cooking Tips:

      The double-sided cordierite cooking stone is a unique feature of the Versa 16.

      Here are some tips for using it effectively: 

      • Season the stone and use one side exclusively for pizza and the other for other types of food to avoid unintentional flavor transfer. 
      • Use cookware that is safe for high temperatures, such as 12" and smaller pans with handles that fit in the Versa 16. 
      • The Versa 16 cooks a wide variety of foods, similar to your conventional home oven, but in a fraction of the time. 
      • When baking casseroles or other dishes, use two sheets of aluminum foil on top of an oven-safe pan to protect the food from direct heat. 

      Searing Your Toppings:

      For a delectable finishing touch, sear your pizza toppings as follows: 

      • Slide the pizza onto the peel and angle the handle up with the nose of the peel down. 
      • Position the toppings in the direction of the flame, going around the pizza until you achieve your desired sear. 

      Launching + Retrieving:

      To avoid any mishaps during the cooking process, remember the following: 

      • Stop the stone rotation (press the rotation button) before launching your pizza or placing food on the stone. 
      • Press the rotation button to stop the stone when retrieving your cooked pizza or dish. 

      Cooling Your Oven:

      To speed up the cooling process after cooking, follow these steps: 

      • Use high heat-resistant mitts/gloves to lift the oven lid fully open and allow it to air out. 
      • Be cautious with the stone, as it retains heat longer. After 15 minutes, the outer shell of the oven should be cool to the touch and safe to carry. 

      Taking Your Oven On-The-Go:

      If you're planning to take your Versa 16 with you on outdoor adventures, consider the following: 

      • Remove the cordierite stone and wrap it in a protective covering, such as a blanket, towel, or oven cover, to prevent damage during transportation. 
      • Place the oven upright in the backseat of your car, trunk, or truck bed for secure travel. 

      Troubleshooting Flame Issues:

      If you encounter any difficulties starting a flame, consider the following: 

      • Check both ends of the regulator for debris or residue that might obstruct propane flow. Clean them thoroughly and reconnect before re-igniting. 
      • Always wait to turn the knob to HIGH after opening the propane valve to avoid negative pressure and backflow that hampers propane flow. 
      • Confirm whether your propane tank is empty or filled. 
      • If issues persist, don't hesitate to call Halo Support at 1-833-572-1688 to troubleshoot with their Consumer Service Team.
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      Now that you have these quick start tips, it's time to fire up your Versa 16 Countertop Pizza Oven and embark on a delicious journey of homemade pizza perfection. Create memories, indulge in mouthwatering pizzas, and enjoy the ultimate outdoor cooking experience with the Versa 16 from HALO!