Frequently Asked Pizza Oven Questions
Outdoor pizza ovens are your fastest route towards the delicious draw of molten, crunchy, cheesy pizza. We've compiled a pizza oven answer guide that will lead you to your ideal machine using our years of experience in baking, grilling, and any other style you could name. With our expert guide, you’ll have all your pizza oven questions answered!
Why Buy a Pizza Oven?
Even the most basic pizza oven is a versatile machine that will adapt to every one of your baking needs. They’re not only great at cooking a variety of food, but they come in a variety of shapes and sizes as well. There are dozens of configurations available, ranging from personal pan styles to mega-size ovens.
Can I use an outdoor pizza oven indoors?
We do not recommend using pizza ovens indoors. Wood, charcoal, and pellet fuels emit fumes such as carbon monoxide, which is very harmful when inhaled and can be fatal. So, it is best to use it outside where it can be properly ventilated.
How often should i clean my pizza oven?
It is recommended that your pizza oven be cleaned after every use. Simply brush out any ash and soot from the oven’s stone floor.
What else can you cook in a pizza oven?
The possibilities are endless! No matter the type of fuel you choose to use, you can cook any type of protein and vegetables in a pizza oven. Roasts, casseroles, pastries, and desserts are compatible with pizza ovens!
Do I need to “burn in” or “cure” my pizza oven before I cook pizza?
That all depends on the oven you purchase. So, make sure to review your owner’s manual to see if you need to cure or burn in your oven.
How do you start a fire in a wood-burning pizza oven?
First thing first, build your fire upfront so it makes it easier for you to either add or subtract wood when needed. Be sure to leave the door and chimney open so the fire has enough oxygen. With a fire starter, allow everything to catch and burn. Once the smoke thins out, build the fire where you desire and start cooking!
Do you need to assemble pizza ovens, or do they arrive complete? How much setup is required?
Little to no assembly is required as many models arrive fairly finished. Most take minimal setup as most models weigh heavily.
How can I tell when my pizza oven is hot enough?
Simple, with a thermometer. Easy tip! If your thermometer reads 500 degrees or more, throw in a handful of cornmeal. Should it brown and burst into flames, break and separate your fire. Give it roughly 30 minutes to lower in heat before you start cooking.
Which is better: gas or wood pizza ovens?
Neither is better than the other, it simply comes down to convenience. Wood pizza ovens require a little more work as you would need to build and maintain a fire while a gas pizza oven preheats and ignite immediately.
How long does it take to preheat a pizza oven?
Most models take roughly 30 to 45 minutes to preheat. Of course, it varies between models; pellet pizza ovens take about 15 minutes while wood pizza ovens take longer as it takes time to build a fire.
What kinds of wood should you use in a pizza oven?
Hardwood. Softwood is not recommended as most contain chemicals that make the wood burn too fast. The flavor profile of the hardwood does not matter as pizza does not cook long enough to take on the flavors of the wood.
Can you add wood chips to a gas pizza oven?
Yes, you can, but the effect is subtle because pizzas do not cook long enough to absorb the smoke. However, pizza ovens are multifunctional. Add wood chips to enhance any roasts or proteins you desire when cooking in a pizza oven.
Do you need a pizza stone, or can you cook on the oven surface?
While you do not technically need a pizza stone as the floor of the pizza oven is the same material as a stone, a pizza stone does offer you easier clean-up.
Where can I find pizza recipes?
Right here! Check out our recipes in our learning center!
What’s the largest pizza you can cook in a pizza oven?
The smallest pizza ovens can fit a single 12-inch pizza while the largest can fit six 12-inch pizzas. Be sure to check out our pizza ovens to see which ones fit your desires.
Can you use charcoal in a pizza oven?
Natural lump charcoal, yes. Charcoal briquettes contain chemical additives that can leave a permanent taste and smell in the oven, so it is recommended to use natural lump charcoal when cooking with charcoal in a pizza oven.
Is a brick oven better than a metal oven?
Neither is better than the other, aside from mobility. Brick is heavy and permanent, so it won’t be easily moved around if you want a freestanding pizza oven.
Why does brick oven pizza taste better?
It comes down to material, be it brick, ceramic, or cordierite stone. Each material is exceptional at absorbing and radiating heat, allowing your pizza to be evenly cooked on all sides.
Do you have to close the door on a pizza oven?
Generally, yes, it is best to keep the door open, so the fire has enough oxygen access, but it is always recommended to consult with your owner’s manual for specific directions.
How do I keep my pizza oven from smoking?
That all depends on the color of the smoke. If you see white smoke, that indicates that there is too much moisture in the oven. Preheat your oven for 30 minutes or more to reduce any moisture in the oven. If you see black smoke, that means there is a grease fire happening in the oven. For your safety, close the door to starve the fire of oxygen and let it burn out on its own.
Why is my pizza oven not getting hot enough?
Do not worry about that, it simply means your oven may just need more time to heat up. Most models take about 30 minutes to preheat, but always consult your owner’s manual for more information.
How do you put out the fire in a pizza oven?
Starve it. Simply shut the door to cut off any oxygen access and let the fire die down on its own. It may take some time, so be patient and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
