Wood Stone Startup Service

Wood Stone's Startup Service

With more than 18,000 installations in 80-plus countries,1 Wood Stone knows a thing or two about proper pizza oven setup. Once restaurant owners have installed one of these colossal units in their business, they can rely on Wood Stone's startup service to alleviate operator stress, eliminate issues caused by improper installation, and minimize costly downtime.

The oven is the heart of the establishment for foodservice operations specializing in pizza, so improper installation that could cause the oven to underperform or even shut down completely can bring the entire operation, and any potential profits, to a halt. Wood Stone's startup service aims to prevent this by ensuring every newly installed oven is equipped to maximize performance from day one.

We want to make sure that when the oven is turned over to a customer for use, it is fully operational and performing exactly as [we] have designed it.– Don Binkley, Wood Stone Technical Service Manager

What to Expect from the Startup Service

After your new oven is installed, an authorized Wood Stone service agent will visit your establishment and run through a detailed checklist to ensure the equipment is properly connected to utilities and performing as expected. If an issue is detected, the service agent informs the owner or contractor of the problem and returns once it has been corrected. In some cases, improper installation or unauthorized alterations can void the warranty, so it's crucial for problems to be addressed before the oven is put into operation.

The date and time of the startup service should be coordinated with your sales representative and scheduled far enough in advance that any detected issues can be resolved before the oven is needed. For new construction projects, this prevents the oven from underperforming on opening day – a moment that can make or break a business. The list below goes over some common installation problems Wood Stone hopes to eliminate with the startup service.

Common Installation Mistakes Addressed by the Startup Service

  • Blocked Airflow: In order to produce a flame, Wood Stone ovens must have oxygen for combustion. Often, operators will place a facade over a pizza oven to achieve a desired aesthetic, covering the air intake in the process; furthermore, if the oven is placed too close to walls or other equipment, it may not have enough space to draw in air. Inadequate airflow can cause issues with the burners and, in some cases, damage to the oven's components. During the startup service, the technician will examine the oven's clearances and facade to prevent an obstructed air intake and avoid costly repairs.

  • Insufficient Utilities: Wood Stone ovens are either wood-fired, gas-fired, or a combination of both, and they require a 120-VAC electrical circuit. A licensed gas installer should connect and test all fittings to ensure there are no leaks, and an electrician should be contacted to certify the building's electrical can handle the addition of the oven. Then, the service technician will verify the utilities have been connected correctly and all components are sized appropriately. Damage to the unit caused by low or high gas pressure, improper shut-off valves or pipe sizing, restrictive connectors, and gas supply deficiencies is not covered by the warranty,2 so double-checking the utilities is a critical step to a long-lasting, high-performing oven.

  • Improper Venting: Wood Stone's warranty also doesn't cover damage related to improper venting. All ovens must be ventilated with either a direct connection to a power-ventilated, grease-rated duct system or Type I exhaust hood. If the oven is not vented correctly, excess heat can harm vital oven components, or smoke and gas buildup can create a dangerous environment for employees and customers. More information regarding venting and hoods can be found on Wood Stone's venting overview and list of venting do's and don'ts.

  • Inaccessible Service Panel or Controls: Even with a facade, the service panels must remain unobstructed for service calls and regular maintenance. During the startup service, the service technician will examine the service panel and controls and make suggestions to optimize workflow and streamline future service visits.

  • Underperforming Equipment: Like with any equipment, a pizza oven may fall short of performance expectations for any number of reasons, including the ones mentioned above. While installation presents many challenges, it's possible the equipment itself might experience issues. The startup service offers service technicians the opportunity to troubleshoot these problems before the oven goes into operation.

Remember that the Wood Stone startup service does not assist with unloading the oven or connecting it to utilities. This startup service is intended only to confirm the equipment is ready for operation following installation. For information about moving the oven, required clearances, electrical connections, and other logistical concerns, visit Wood Stone's oven design and installation page.

Additionally, the service technician will not train operators on the oven during their visit; this service can be arranged with the sales representative handling the order. Wood Stone offers many online resources for operators such as the Wood Stone YouTube channel, which includes playlists on service and maintenance and videos about how to start an oven, cook various recipes, clean the hearth, and use accessories. It's also important to read your oven model's installation and operation manual prior to its arrival.

Which Ovens Qualify for the Startup Service?

As of 2023, every new Wood Stone pizza oven purchased includes the startup service. Currently, Wood Stone does not offer a startup service for other types of equipment, such as rotisseries, griddles, charbroilers, and rice cookers. For these appliances or for ovens already in operation, owners should refer to Wood Stone's 24/7 service and support request form.

What if I Need Help After the Startup Service?

From the initial purchase through decades of operation, Wood Stone prioritizes customer satisfaction during all stages of the oven's life. As mentioned above, Wood Stone offers 24/7 support for all equipment regardless of age or warranty status. This service can be requested through the online form or by calling the Wood Stone service team.3



An Image of a Wood Stone Oven in Use

A Wood Stone oven from the Bistro line.

References

  1. Our History. Wood Stone. Accessed March 2023.
  2. Fire Deck Series Installation and Operation Manual. Wood Stone. Accessed March 2023.
  3. Who do I contact for service, during, and after the warranty period? Wood Stone. Accessed March 2023.