Making pizza at home can be hard. For instance, kitchen ovens often don't get hot enough, which may result in a soggy crust and inconsistent cooking. As a result, someone finds it difficult to acquire the perfect, crispy crust. After numerous tries, the ideal pizza continues to elude home chefs. Fortunately, a wood-fired pizza oven might just be the answer.
This article will assist you in selecting the ideal wood pizza oven for your requirements. Specifically, it will go over fuel alternatives, sizes, varieties, and upkeep. Read on to discover the perfect oven for your home and start making great pizzas today!
Types of Wood Pizza Ovens
Pizza ovens that burn wood come in a variety of styles. Every type has unique qualities and advantages. Here are some popular types:
Brick Ovens
Brick ovens are traditional and made from bricks. They retain heat well and cook evenly. Although heating up takes time, once hot, they stay warm for many hours. As a result, they are often used in restaurants and large outdoor kitchens.
Portable Ovens
Portable ovens are light and easy to move, making them perfect for outdoor trips or small spaces. Usually composed of stainless steel, these ovens are perfect for outdoor events like picnics and camping.
Countertop Ovens
Countertop ovens sit on your kitchen counter, making them a great option for indoor cooking. These compact ovens can reach high temperatures, providing the wood-fired flavor without needing a large outdoor setup. Therefore, a kitchen countertop oven is great for small homes.
Hybrid Ovens
Hybrid ovens can use wood, gas, or charcoal, offering flexibility in fuel choice. You can switch between fuels based on preference while still enjoying the unique wood-fired flavor. Consequently, they are versatile and convenient for different cooking needs.
How to Choose the Best Wood Pizza Oven
As you choose your oven, keep the following points in mind:
Size Matters
Size is important when selecting a wood-fired pizza oven since it determines how many pizzas you can cook at once. For instance, 24 to 36-inch-wide compact ovens work well for families and can accommodate many pizzas, which makes them ideal for intimate gatherings. On the other hand, larger ovens, over 36 inches wide, are better for big events or restaurants as they can cook many pizzas quickly.
Portable and countertop models are smaller and easy to move. Compact ones, 16 to 22 inches wide, work well in small spaces like balconies, while medium models, 22 to 30 inches wide, are good for small groups. Large models, more than 30 inches wide, are great for outdoor events. Additionally, ovens can also be customized to meet your needs for cooking needs or space, whether these might be huge for business use or small for personal use. Hybrid ovens come in various sizes.
Considering how you intend to use the oven, selecting the appropriate size ensures you can cook enough pizzas this way to meet your needs.
Fuel Type
Different fuel types are available for wood-fired pizza ovens, and each has its own advantages. Because oak and maple burn hot and long, they are the woods of choice for most ovens when preparing pizza, which requires intense heat.
However, some ovens can also use gas or charcoal, gas fuels are convenient because they allow easy temperature control making starting the fire and cleaning up simpler. On the other hand, charcoal is another option known for the smoky flavor it gives to food, although it might not get as hot as wood. Charcoal is less messy than wood and still easier to manage than a full wood fire.
Your preference for cooking and cleaning will determine which fuel is best for you. Every variety offers benefits, be it the food’s taste or its convenience of use.
Construction Materials
Choosing the suitable materials for a wood-fired pizza oven is key. Common materials include stainless steel and brick. For instance, stainless steel is strong and prevents rust, ideal for outdoor use. On the other hand, brick excels in holding and spreading heat evenly, perfect for pizza.
Insulation is also vital in constructing a pizza oven. Effective insulation maintains stable temperatures and minimizes heat loss, making the oven more energy-efficient. Typically, ceramic fiber or special heat-resistant bricks are typical insulation materials, helping the oven keep heat longer.
Therefore, when choosing a pizza oven, consider materials and insulation. In addition to cooking better, a robust oven with adequate insulation lasts longer, even in warm weather. The oven’s cooking performance by the deliberate selection of materials and insulation.
Temperature Control
Ovens with adjustable vents provide excellent temperature control, which is crucial for perfect cooking. For instance, these vents let you change the airflow, altering the oven's heat. Opening the vents introduces more air, making the fire hotter and quicker, which is perfect for searing meats or quickly baking pizzas at high temperatures.
Conversely, closing the vents limits the airflow, which lowers the heat. This slower cooking is great for dishes like slow-roasted meats or baked bread, which need gentle, even heat.
Having good temperature control means you can cook each dish at its ideal heat. This feature makes adjustable vent ovens popular with everyone, from professional chefs to home cooks. It improves food quality and enriches the cooking experience by allowing precise adjustments to meet recipe demands.
Ease of Use
Features like removable ashtrays make wood-fired pizza ovens easier to use. For example, these trays catch the ash from burning wood, making cleanup simple. You just remove the tray, empty the ash, and put it back, keeping the oven clean and working well.
Easy access to the cooking surface is also important. It lets you easily put in and take out food, which is helpful when cooking many dishes quickly. Moreover, it also helps you check on your food to make sure it cooks perfectly.
A pizza oven that is easy to clean and maintain is better because it saves time and keeps the oven in good condition. These features help everyone use the oven more and enjoy it.
Budget
Before you shop, decide how much money you can spend. Consider how often you will use the oven. If you will use it a lot, spending more makes sense. And, if you'll use it only occasionally, a cheaper oven might be better.
Wood-fired pizza ovens come in various prices. For instance, affordable ones are good for occasional use, while expensive ones suit frequent use better. For example, small, portable ovens cost less and work well for rare backyard pizza parties. On the other hand, big, permanent ovens cost more but are perfect for regular hosting or even professional cooking.
Consider how the oven will improve your outdoor cooking. A good oven offers more cooking choices and becomes a key part of social gatherings. Therefore, choose an oven that fits your budget and fulfills your cooking needs well. This careful choice helps you get the most value from your purchase.
Setting Up Your Wood Pizza Oven
Setting up your wood pizza oven requires careful planning. First, choose a level area that is safe from any flammable items. If your oven is portable or modular, follow the assembly guide closely. It is crucial to season the oven before its first use by heating it gradually to high temperatures. This process burns off manufacturing residues and seals the cooking surface.
Always use dry, seasoned wood for the best results. This ensures a cleaner burn and better flavor. Avoid using painted or treated wood as it may emit dangerous chemicals. Additionally, consider the direction of the predominant breezes as well to minimize smoke problems. This thoughtful setup will enhance your cooking experience and safety.
Preparing and Cooking with Your Oven
To start cooking in your wood pizza oven, begin with dry, seasoned wood. Heat the oven until it reaches 700-900 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is perfect for pizza cooking. Use a pizza peel to place and rotate your pizza inside the oven, ensuring your pizza cooks evenly.
Besides pizza, try cooking other dishes in your oven to explore its full potential. For example, roast vegetables or bake bread to enhance your meals. Always use the right tools, like oven gloves and long handles, to keep safe.
Remember, the intense heat can cook food quickly. Keep an eye on your dishes to prevent burning. This practice will help you master the use of your wood pizza oven.
Maintaining Your Wood Pizza Oven
Here’s a simplified guide to keep your oven in top condition:
- Regular Cleaning: Always clean out the ash after each use. Use a long-handled brush for this task. This keeps the oven floor clean and safe for next time.
- Avoid Water: Never use water inside your oven as it could damage the structure. Instead, just sweep out debris dryly.
- Check for Damage: Regularly look for any cracks or wear. Fix any issues quickly to avoid worsening the problem. This helps extend the oven’s life.
- Use Protective Gear: When cleaning, wear gloves and a mask. This protects you from inhaling dust or touching hot surfaces.
- Cover Your Oven: When not in use, cover your oven. A cover protects it from the weather and keeps it clean.
- Season the Oven: Occasionally, re-season your oven. Heat it to a high temperature, then cool it. After cooling, lightly coat the interior with vegetable oil using a cloth. This process maintains the oven's interior surface.
Top Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens for Beginners
Starting with the right pizza oven can make all the difference. Here are three top options to consider, each offering unique features to suit different needs
Pinnacolo Premio Wood-Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Pinnacolo Premio Wood-Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven is inspired by Italian design. It offers reliable performance and delicious wood-fired flavor. The oven has a double-walled stainless steel dome that retains heat well. Its Cordierite cooking surface ensures a crispier crust and resists thermal shock. The oven can cook two pizzas at once. A 14" wide stainless steel side shelf provides prep space. The secure door and built-in thermometer help you monitor the temperature. The adjustable chimney damper controls airflow. The oven has a side handle, tool hangers, and locking wheels for easy movement. The large wooden door handle stays cool for safety.
Specifications:
- Exterior dimensions: 32” x 28.75” x 78” tall
- Interior dimensions: 29.5” x 25.25”
- Chimney height: about 24"
- Weight: about 180 lbs
- Cooking capacity: 2 average-sized pizzas
- Maximum temperature: up to 1000F
- Heating time: 1 hour
- Cooking area: 745 square inches
- Total width with shelves: 46"
- Included accessories: 12” pizza peel, pizza cutter, cleaning broom, gloves, weatherproof cover, infrared thermometer, fire separator, and a PINNACOLO apron
WPPO Pro 100 Red Rock Addition Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
The WPPO Pro 100 Red Rock Addition Wood-Fired Pizza Oven is ideal for big families, restaurants, and professionals. Five pizzas or seven loaves of bread can be baked simultaneously in this huge oven. The Pro 100 comes with a black trolley that makes it simple to transport the oven around and provides a handy location to store wood. You can install the Red Rock 100 in just 20 minutes without any construction work. This oven is perfect for anyone needing a reliable and spacious cooking solution.
Specifications:
- Cooking Area: 1,521 square inches
- Style: Freestanding
- Assembled Dimensions: 48.0" H (85.4" with trolley) x 39.4" W x 43.7" D
- Door Opening: 9.25” H x 17.3” W
- Oven Weight: 386 lbs
Santino 70 Pizza Oven
The Santino 70 Pizza Oven gives you luxury performance at a great price. This powerful and compact oven is perfect for small patios, balconies, and spaces where bigger ovens won't fit. Despite its small size, the Santino is very reliable. You can host summer parties with fresh Margherita pizzas or warm up winter nights with wood-fired roasts. You can even bake rich desserts using a cast iron pan. The Santino 70 Pizza Oven will bring family and friends together whenever you light the fire.
Specifications:
- Internal Dimensions: Length (front to back) 33", Width (left to right) 28"
- Oven Weight: 640 lbs
- Package Dimensions: L 46" x W 44" x H 33"
- 2.5” Thick Dome: Stores heat well and range from 200°–1000°F.
- Bakes pizza in 60–90 seconds.
- Hemispherical Design: The Tuscan-style dome allows for roasting larger foods like whole chicken, turkey, and pork shoulder.
- 2” Firebrick Floor: Holds heat to cook multiple pizzas without losing heat.
- Included accessories: Castable refractory clay oven, flue, recipe book, powder-coated oven door, optional oven stand, and optional shelf (adds 12” of length).
Conclusion
Choosing the right wood-fired pizza oven can greatly improve your pizza-making at home. Brick ovens give a classic touch, while portable and countertop models fit any space. Think about size, fuel type, materials, temperature control, and ease of use.
Want to make great pizzas at home? Check out our wood pizza ovens and find the best one for you. Start cooking like a chef. Enjoy tasty, homemade pizza!