Too Hot to Handle
Keep Your Cool: How to Perfect Dough Prep in a Hot Kitchen
With heatwaves on the rise across the UK, kitchens are facing a new challenge: temperature control. While climate change impacts many industries, few feel it more acutely than pizza restaurants—where precision dough preparation is key to quality. High temperatures can throw off hydration, consistency, and handling. But with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your dough (and your operation) under control.
1. Cool Water, Better Dough
Start with the basics: water. Warm weather calls for slightly less water than normal and it needs to be chilled. Don't place ice directly into your mixer, as this can damage your mixer, simply let it melt before adding. A precise hand is key, using a thermometer and measuring jug ensures hydration levels stay consistent, even on the hottest days. This simple change can prevent overly sticky dough and improve handling.
2. Rethink Your Mixer
Professional mixers like the IGF Fornitalia 3000 use spiral dough hooks and variable speed control to reduce friction—and therefore heat—during mixing. Less heat means better hydration management and more consistent results.
3. Smart Surfaces = Efficient Prep
Never underestimate your worktop. A marble-topped pizza station with under-counter cooling such as Atosa’s Pizza Prep Counter  helps regulate dough temperature during peak service. These mobile, cooled units keep your team working quickly and efficiently. Or, for a budget-friendly boost, use stainless steel baking sheets—they retain a cool temperature and transfer it to the dough, helping you stay in control.
4. Automate for Consistency
Manual dough handling increases the chance of error, especially in hot kitchens. That’s where automation comes in. The IGF DOUGH ROUNDER-ARR/300M gently shapes dough without adding stress or heat. Or step it up with a cold dough press like the PIZZA SPREADER SPRIZZA SPZ40 220/50/1 Its patented system delivers a perfectly raised edge—no hand-stretching required.
5. For the Hands-On Pros
Prefer to roll by hand? Then upgrade your tools. A stainless steel rolling pin holds its temperature longer than wood or plastic, making it ideal for hot kitchens, simply cool it before you roll. They come in a range of lengths, so you’ll find one that fits your workflow perfectly.
Final Slice
Don’t let rising temperatures lower your standards. Whether you're managing a busy commercial kitchen or crafting artisan pizzas in a independent shop, adapting your dough preparation process can mean the difference between average and exceptional. The right gear—from cooled prep stations to cold dough presses—helps you stay efficient, consistent, and ready for whatever the forecast brings.