What is an Outdoor Pizza Oven?
Outdoor pizza ovens are popular appliances for those who like cooking and entertaining outside. They're designed to cook pizza and other foods at higher temperatures compared to standard kitchen ovens. These high temperatures can produce restaurant-quality, evenly cooked pizzas with crusts that are thin and crispy.
Outdoor Pizza Oven Cooking Methods
A pizza oven relies on three main methods to cook pizzas: conduction, convection and radiation.
- Conduction: The oven floor absorbs heat from the fire. This heat then transfers directly onto the crust when the pizza is kept on this surface. This creates a crispy base.
- Convection: Hot air is generated from the fuel, which circulates through the oven. This cooks the pizza's toppings.
- Radiation: This refers to the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. It allows for direct heat transfer from the dome to the pizza. A pizza oven has a dome-shaped top which directs heat downwards to cook the top of the pizza. This is important to melt the cheese.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Pizza Oven
Below are some essential factors to consider before you invest in a backyard pizza oven.
Space and Portability
Backyard pizza ovens are available in various mouth widths and sizes. They're also available as portable tabletop models or freestanding models. Measure the space where you want to place the pizza oven before you buy one. Make sure there is enough space so you can move around while cooking. The platform you keep it on should be non-combustible like concrete or brick.
In small spaces, make sure there is adequate ventilation to allow smoke to escape. You can consider adding a heat shield or barrier to protect people from intense heat.
The size you opt for is also based on how many pizzas you want to make simultaneously. A larger oven would work better for baking multiple pizzas.
The oven should be placed out of reach of children and pets to ensure their safety.
Fuel Type
There are three main fuel options that impact the cooking style and cleanup. Wood, gas and pellets are most commonly used to fuel an outdoor pizza oven.
Wood-fired ovens offer a smoky taste and can reach significantly high temperatures. But, it requires practice to maintain the temperature. It also needs more preheating time and maintenance due to ash buildup.
Alternatively, gas-fired ovens offer quick ignition and temperature control with easy-to-use knobs. You can also use propane tanks or your natural gas line to cook. It may not reach very high temperatures or give a smoky flavor like wood-fired ovens.
Pellet-fired ovens also offer easy ignition and temperature control. A big benefit is that it can impart a smoky flavor without all the ash and soot. But, pellet fuel can be more costly.
Extinguish the flames safely by letting small flames burn out naturally once cooking is complete. For larger flames, you can pour water over the embers carefully. This can cause steam and cracking of the oven’s stones. If your oven has a vent, close it to limit oxygen and let the flames burn out. When it’s completely cool, remove ashes from the oven to prevent any fire hazards.
Always wear protective clothing and gloves when handling the hot oven. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies.
Types of Outdoor Pizza Ovens
Below are some essential factors you need to consider before you invest in a backyard pizza oven.
Freestanding Backyard Pizza Ovens
Freestanding pizza ovens are usually designed on wheels so they can move around your yard or patio.
Tabletop Backyard Pizza Ovens
These are portable options that provide a compact solution for a small balcony or patio. They're also great for people who like the flexibility of moving their oven around.
Both electricity and gas fuel options are available, which allow for high temperatures. While this is an affordable option, it also has a smaller surface area.
Built-In Backyard Pizza Ovens
This pizza oven style is built into already existing structures in your outdoor space. They're typically made from brick, stone or stainless steel. One major advantage is that it can blend easily with your outdoor kitchen space. They also offer heat retention and can reach high temperatures. However, professional installation may be required based on its complexity.
The Best Type of Wood for Pizza Oven Use
Hardwoods are considered to be an ideal choice for wood-fired pizzas. Examples inclide oak, maple, ash and beech. They provide a conducive environment for heating and burn for a longer period of time.
One wood type to avoid is softwood, which burns easily and results in smoke. Woods like red cedar or eucalyptus should also be avoided as they can lead to grease buildup and create an undesirable flavor.
Proper Storage of Outdoor Pizza Ovens
Freestanding and built-in pizza ovens will require regular cleaning. Once everything is clean and dry after use, secure your oven with a high-quality, weatherproof cover. Some outdoor pizza ovens include removable covers. As an extra measure, store your pizza oven in a covered area like a shed or patio. Exposing a pizza oven to direct sunlight can be dangerous as its exterior can become extremely hot. This can increase the risk of fires if combustible materials are nearby or can cause burns if the exterior surface is touched.