This article is a guide about selecting and buying the best outdoor pizza oven.
Do you love pizza as much as we do? If so, you’ll know that there’s nothing quite like the taste of a fresh, homemade pizza. And what’s the best way to make a fresh pizza at home? With a pizza oven, of course.
In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about buying your very own outdoor pizza oven. We’ll discuss different types of ovens, what features to look for, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
So whether you’re an experienced pizza maker or just starting out, read on for all the info you need to get yourself the best outdoor pizza oven today.
And be sure to find out if an indoor smokeless grill is worth it too in my DIY skills series of articles. Maybe you’re looking to buy a water filter, or just want some general maintenance guides, I’ve got you covered with my other articles.
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Outdoor Pizza Oven Buying Guide – How to buy an outdoor pizza oven and what to look for.
Wood Pizza Ovens vs Gas Pizza Ovens
Outdoor pizza ovens are available as wood-burning or gas-fired ovens. So which one is right for you?
Wood-fired pizza ovens are the traditional option and give a great wood-fired taste to your pizzas. They’re also a bit more affordable than gas ovens. However, wood-fired ovens do require a little more maintenance, and you’ll need to make sure you have enough wood to keep the fire going.
Gas pizza ovens are much easier to use than wood-fired ovens and don’t require any kind of maintenance. They also heat up much faster than wood-fired ovens, so you can start cooking your pizzas sooner. However, they do tend to be a bit more expensive than wood-fired ovens.
Which one should you choose?
It really depends on what kind of pizza lover you are. If you’re looking for the traditional wood-fired taste, then a wood-fired oven is the way to go. You will need to maintain a solid supply of wood, but the taste is worth it.
But if you’re looking for convenience and ease of use, then a gas pizza oven is probably the better choice. It heats up quickly and just requires a propane tank.
Now that you know the difference between wood and gas pizza ovens, let’s take a look at 6 of the features you should look for when choosing an outdoor pizza oven.
1. Outdoor pizza oven size guide
When it comes to size, outdoor pizza ovens come in three basic types: portable, freestanding, and built-in.
Portable Pizza Ovens:
Portable pizza ovens are small enough to be moved around, making them ideal for small patios or balconies. They are designed to sit on a countertop or a cart, and they’re also very easy to set up and take down, so they’re perfect for people who like to entertain often.
If you already have an outdoor kitchen but not the extra space to install a built-in pizza oven, the choice is easy to select a portable unit.
An excellent choice of a portable pizza oven is the Cru Ovens Model 30. It is handcrafted stainless steel and weighs only 33 lbs.
A portable pizza oven size will be in the range of 150 to 260 square inches of cooking area.
Freestanding pizza ovens:
Freestanding pizza ovens are larger and more durable than portable ovens. These fill that space between a smaller countertop pizza oven and a massive built-in pizza oven.
A freestanding unit can be moved or wheeled out to your desired location, but these are larger than countertop models. They’re perfect for people who have a lot of space outdoors and want to cook pizzas on a regular basis but don’t want to dedicate a large area just for their pizza oven.
A top choice of a freestanding unit is the Forno Venetzia Pronto 500 pizza oven. It has a great design, is wood-burning, and can cook two pizzas at a time.
A freestanding pizza oven size can range from 300 to over 1000 square inches of cooking area.
Built-in pizza ovens:
If you have the extra space in your outdoor kitchen, a built-in pizza oven is a great option. These ovens are large and take up a lot of space, but they’re also very durable and offer the best performance. Built-in pizza ovens are perfect for people who love to cook pizzas outdoors on a regular basis.
2. Pizza oven size guide
So which size is right for you? If you’re limited on space, then a portable pizza oven is the way to go. But if you have plenty of outdoor space and plan on using the oven frequently to make the best possible pizza, then a freestanding pizza oven is the better option.
Finally, if you want to showcase your perfect pizza oven as well as be able to make the best pizza, opt for a built-in outdoor pizza oven.
Tip: Choose the square inches of cooking area you wish to have based on how many pizzas you want to cook at a time, or what other foods you may want to cook.
| # Pizzas | Outdoor Pizza Oven Name |
|---|---|
| 1 Pizza at a time | Cru Ovens Model 30 Portable Outdoor Wood-Fired Pizza Oven |
| 2 Pizzas at a time | Forno Venetzia Pronto 200 33-Inch Countertop Outdoor Wood-Fired Pizza Oven |
| 4 Pizzas at a time | Forno Venetzia Torino 200 40-Inch Countertop Outdoor Wood-Fired Pizza Oven |
As an alternative, you may want to consider an indoor countertop pizza maker. These are popular for their ease of use and easy clean-up.
3. Temperature Range
Another important consideration when choosing a pizza oven is the temperature range. Some ovens only reach temperatures of around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, while others can reach temperatures of up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tip: If you want to cook authentic wood-fired pizzas, you’ll need an oven with a high-temperature range of between 700-850 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, choose a unit that is fully insulated to keep in the heat.
4. Ease of Use
Some pizza ovens are much easier to use than others. Some come with inset temperature gauges and see-through glass doors to keep an eye on the food as it is cooking. Also, consider a side shelf, a fire brick hearth, and a unit with wheels to ease maneuverability.
5. Construction Material
Pizza ovens are made from a variety of different materials, including stainless steel, ceramic, brick, and even pizza ovens with a tiled roof.
The most popular finish for an outdoor pizza oven is stainless steel, as it is easy to clean and maintain. Brick ovens are also popular, as they give your patio or backyard a traditional Italian look. And if you’re looking for something a bit different, there are some pizza ovens with a tiled roof that come in a variety of colors.
Check out the Top 5 Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens as determined by the experts at BBQGuys.com.
So which material is right for you? If you’re looking for an oven that is durable and easy to maintain, then choose a 304 or 430/441-grade stainless steel oven.
6. Outdoor pizza oven price
Of course, one of the most important considerations when choosing a pizza oven is price. Outdoor pizza ovens can range in price from around $500 to over $2000.
So how much should you spend? It really depends on your budget and what features are most important to you. If you want an easy-to-use oven with all the bells and whistles, then you’ll need to spend a bit more money. But if you’re on a tight budget, there are some affordable ovens available that still have all the essentials.
Benefits of an Outdoor Pizza Oven
Outdoor pizza ovens have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a number of benefits that other ovens simply can’t match.
Here are just a few of the benefits of an outdoor pizza oven:
- They’re fast. Outdoor pizza ovens can reach cooking temperatures of up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit, which means your pizzas will cook in just a few minutes.
- They’re energy-efficient. Wood-fired pizza ovens are very energy-efficient, as they use less fuel than gas ovens.
- They’re versatile. Outdoor pizza ovens can be used to cook a variety of foods, not just pizzas. You can use them to cook everything from roast chicken to desserts.
- They’re fun. Pizza ovens are a lot of fun to use, and they add a bit of excitement to your backyard or patio.
Is an outdoor pizza oven worth it?
Yes, an outdoor pizza oven is definitely worth it. They’re fast, energy-efficient, and versatile, and they’re a lot of fun to use. A quality outdoor oven will last years and will be a focal point for parties, birthdays, or just to provide an alternative to cooking indoors.
So if you’re looking for a way to take your cooking to the next level, then an outdoor pizza oven is the way to go.
Pizza oven FAQs
No, outdoor pizza ovens should only be used outdoors. These are either wood-burning or gas-fed ovens and thus require ventilation and produce smoke.
A variety of foods, such as roast chicken, ribs, and even desserts.
Yes, it is recommended that you season your pizza oven before using it for the first time. This will help to protect the metal from corrosion and ensure that your pizzas cook evenly.
There are a few different ways, but the most common method is to use a fire starter or lighter fluid.
It depends on the size and type of the unit. Most are easy to assemble unless it is a DIY built-in pizza oven.
You can buy a DIY pizza oven kit that includes what you need to build your own oven. This is a good option for those wanting to customize their outdoor pizza oven.
Good question. With a wood-fired pizza oven, you can tell it is ready when the flames have died down and the wood has turned to ashes. But use a thermometer to see the precise temperature. For gas pizza ovens, most have a temperature gauge that will tell you when it is hot enough.
This depends on the size and type of pizza oven, but it usually takes around 30 minutes to preheat. For large built-in units, it will take a little longer, anywhere from 45 to 50 minutes to attain the proper temperature.
The best wood to use is hardwood, such as oak or hickory. Avoid using pine or other softwoods, as they will produce a lot of smoke.
This depends on the size and type of pizza oven. Most units can cook at least two pizzas at a time.
You can cook pizza directly on the oven surface, but a pizza stone will help to ensure an evenly cooked crust.
How to Buy an Outdoor Pizza Oven – Summary
Now that you know everything there is to know about buying an outdoor pizza oven, it’s time to choose one and start cooking up some delicious pizzas.
The best outdoor pizza ovens. We will be taking a look at some of the most popular models on the market and giving our thoughts on them
I’m J.S., I created and am the content manager at DIYHouseSkills.com. I do the research and write the articles that appear on this website. I’ve learned many household skills during my life and think it’s important to at least know the basics so that you can save yourself time and money… READ FULL BIO >