Top Features To Look For In An Outdoor Pizza Oven

May 18, 2023

what to look for when buying an outdoor pizza oven

There’s something undeniably enchanting about the art of making your own pizza—from kneading the dough to carefully selecting the freshest ingredients and watching your creation transform into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

One of our favorite ways to elevate the pizza making experience is by taking it to the great outdoors using an outdoor pizza oven!

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or an adventurous food lover hungry for new experiences, outdoor pizza ovens are a great culinary tool to not only help you create the best kind of pizza in both flavor and texture, but also to add an exciting element of fun to your cooking process.

Outdoor cooking is a catalyst for unforgettable gatherings, bringing friends and family together to share laughter, stories and the sheer joy of good food.

If you’re looking to break free from the confines of your indoor kitchen and embrace the sizzle and crackle of outdoor pizza ovens, here’s what you need to know.

Hungry for more? Explore our collection of outdoor pizza ovens and accessories and find everything you need for that perfect slice.

Shop Our Outdoor Pizza Ovens

difference between outdoor pizza oven and oven

What makes an outdoor pizza oven different from a regular oven?

Outdoor pizza ovens can reach extremely high temperatures, typically ranging from 700–900°F.

These temperatures are significantly higher than what is typically achieved in conventional home ovens. The ability to reach such high temperatures is one of the key factors that sets outdoor pizza ovens apart and contributes to the unique cooking experience they offer.

The high temperatures of outdoor pizza ovens are crucial for achieving the desired results when baking pizzas. The intense heat allows for rapid cooking, creating a crispy and charred crust while ensuring that the toppings cook quickly and evenly. The short cooking time also helps retain the moisture and flavors of the ingredients.

How do portable pizza ovens work?

Portable pizza ovens offer a convenient and versatile option for enjoying homemade pizza in various settings, from backyard cookouts to camping trips. Portable pizza ovens function similarly to traditional pizza ovens but are designed to be compact, lightweight and easy to transport and set up.

They can be powered by different fuel types, such as propane, wood or electricity, depending on your preference and the specific model. Propane ovens are easy to light and control, while wood-fired ovens offer a traditional, smoky flavor.

Electric ovens are typically the most convenient but may not provide the authentic taste associated with wood or gas. These ovens often feature a specially designed dome shape that reflects heat onto the pizza from all sides, enabling it to cook evenly and quickly.

Some models also use a pizza stone, which absorbs heat and transfers it evenly to the pizza, giving it a perfectly crispy crust. Temperature control varies based on the fuel source; wood-fired ovens require managing the size and intensity of the fire, while gas and electric ovens have knobs or dials to adjust the heat level.

Types of outdoor pizza ovens

When it comes to outdoor pizza ovens, there are several types to choose from, each with its unique characteristics, cooking methods and benefits. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the unique flavor profiles you wish to achieve. Some of the most common types include:

Wood-fired pizza ovens: Wood-fired pizza ovens are the epitome of traditional pizza making. These ovens use wood as their fuel source, creating an authentic and smoky flavor that pizza enthusiasts adore. Typically made of brick or stone, wood-fired ovens reach high temperatures quickly, allowing for fast and even cooking. They are known for their excellent heat retention, which results in crispy yet chewy crusts and perfectly melted toppings.
Gas-fired pizza ovens: Gas-fired pizza ovens offer a convenient alternative to wood-fired ovens. They are powered by natural gas or propane and provide precise temperature control. Gas ovens heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. While they may lack the smoky flavor of wood-fired ovens, gas-fired ovens excel in efficiency and ease of use.
Pellet pizza ovens: Pellet pizza ovens combine the convenience of gas ovens with the smoky flavor reminiscent of wood-fired cooking. These ovens use wood pellets as their fuel source, which are automatically fed into the combustion chamber. Pellet ovens offer excellent temperature control and are known for their versatility, allowing you to experiment with different wood flavors to enhance the taste of your pizzas.
Charcoal pizza ovens: Charcoal-fired pizza ovens provide an intense heat source that can rival wood-fired ovens. These ovens use charcoal as their primary fuel, delivering a distinct smoky flavor to your pizzas. Charcoal ovens require some skill to control the temperature and achieve the desired results, but they offer an authentic and robust cooking experience.
Electric pizza ovens: Electric pizza ovens are ideal for those who seek convenience and simplicity. These ovens are powered by electricity and can be easily plugged into an outlet. Electric ovens heat up quickly and provide precise temperature control, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use. While they may lack the traditional flavors associated with wood or charcoal ovens, electric pizza ovens offer versatility and ease of operation.
Multi-fuel pizza ovens: A multi-fuel pizza oven is a type of outdoor pizza oven that is designed to be versatile and is capable of using different types of fuel sources for cooking. Unlike traditional pizza ovens that are limited to a specific fuel type, such as wood or gas, multi-fuel pizza ovens offer the flexibility to switch between different fuels based on your preferences or availability.

What to look for in an outdoor pizza oven

When choosing an outdoor pizza oven, there are several key features to consider. These will ensure that you select an oven that meets your specific needs and enhances your outdoor cooking experience. Here are some important features to look for:

Construction and material: Opt for an oven made from durable and insulating materials such as stainless steel or carbon steel. These materials help retain heat and provide excellent insulation for consistent cooking temperatures.
Fuel type: Pizza ovens are generally powered by wood, gas or electricity. Each type has its pros and cons.
- Wood-fired ovens offer a distinct smoky flavor that pizza enthusiasts love, but they require more effort in terms of lighting and maintenance.
- Gas ovens, on the other hand, are easy to use and control but may not provide the same traditional flavor.
- Electric ovens are the most convenient and easy to operate but often lack the high temperatures and authentic taste of wood or gas ovens.
Size and capacity: Consider the size of the oven and its cooking capacity. Larger ovens can accommodate multiple pizzas or larger dishes, making them suitable for large gatherings or entertaining guests. Smaller ovens are more compact and may be a better fit for smaller spaces or intimate gatherings.
Temperature range and control: To achieve that crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese, your pizza oven needs to reach high temperatures. The ability to maintain consistent, high heat is a key feature to look for. This is where the material and design of the oven come into play. Certain ovens, for example, have built-in thermometers, which can be handy for maintaining the ideal baking temperature. You’ll also want to look for an oven that offers effective temperature control. This feature allows you to adjust and maintain the desired cooking temperature, ensuring that your pizzas are cooked to perfection. Temperature control may be achieved through adjustable dampers, airflow systems or thermostats.
Cooking surface: Consider the type and quality of the cooking surface. Most outdoor pizza ovens feature a stone or brick cooking surface that absorbs and radiates heat for optimal pizza baking. Look for a smooth and even cooking surface that is easy to clean and maintain.
Portability: If you plan to move or transport your oven, consider its portability. Some models are designed to be portable and lightweight, making them suitable for camping trips, picnics or tailgating events. Others are more permanent fixtures and may require professional installation.
Safety features: Ensure that the oven has safety features in place, such as insulated handles or heat shields, to prevent accidental burns. It’s also important to consider the ventilation and smoke management system to ensure proper airflow and minimize smoke accumulation.
Ease of use and maintenance: Look for an oven that is user-friendly and easy to maintain. Pizza ovens that are easy to light, heat up quickly and maintain steady temperatures can make the cooking process much more enjoyable. Consider features such as ignition systems, ash removal mechanisms and removable parts for easy cleaning. Similarly, an oven that’s easy to clean will save you time and effort, keeping your outdoor kitchen looking great.