Oven peak temp

[130mountainside]

OK, finally ready to fire cure the oven....I read 200 degrees peak temp for first fire...is that A. the temp of the oven dome, B. the fire itself or C the general oven?

Thanks...just don't want more crack than I already have...

[Les]

I didn't go through this process, but I would think it's the dome. Paper ignites at Fahrenheit 451 (great movie) so it obviously isn't the fire. If you get the dome to the temp, the rest of your build should cure quite slowly.

Les...

[lwood]

Most likely C - general oven temperature...or D. Floor Temp. But can't really tell without a few more details, such as type of thermometer, thermometer placement (in the oven) and any other details you can add. A picture would be very helpful.

[texassourdough]

In my opinion the temperature is only a rough guide. The point is to be gentle with the first fires and to make fires gradually more robust. Don't get too hung up on precision.

Good luck!
Jay