If you want to take your backyard kitchen or grill station to the next level, you should consider adding a dedicated outdoor pizza oven. But with so many different options available on the market, trying to figure out which model is right for you can be challenging.
- Fuel Selection
Let’s start by talking about what’s going to power your pizza oven. Each type of fuel has its own unique abilities, advantages, and drawbacks. There are mainly three types: wood, gas, and hybrids.
- Wood-fired Ovens: These are the classic choice. They give your pizzas that authentic, smoky flavor that you just can’t get from a regular oven. Plus, they can reach super high temperatures, which is perfect for getting that crispy crust and gooey cheese. The downside: They require a bit more skill to manage the fire and temperature.
- Gas Ovens: Gas ovens are the “easy mode” of pizza ovens. They heat up quickly and let you control the temperature with the turn of a knob. This means less time fussing and more time eating. However, you might miss out on that wood-fired taste. So if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll probably want to go wood-fired.
- Hybrid Ovens: Can’t decide? They do make hybrid options. These ovens let you switch between wood and gas, giving you the best of both worlds. Typically, you’re going to pay a bit more for these models, but it can be worthwhile if you plan to use it frequently.
With plenty of different types to choose from, it’s important that you begin your search here. This is like going car shopping. You must start by deciding if you want a truck, van, sedan, convertible, etc. This helps narrow your search down so that you focus on the finer details.
- Size and Materials
Because outdoor pizza ovens are stored, well, outdoors – and are exposed to extremely high temperatures – they need to be sturdy. Not only that, but they have to be big enough to accommodate your needs.
Start by considering how much space you have in your backyard and how many people you usually cook for. If you’re planning big parties, you’ll want a larger oven that can handle multiple pizzas at once. But if space is tight, there are plenty of compact models that still pack a punch.
Then there’s the materials, which will affect how well it holds heat and how long it’ll last through the seasons. Stainless steel is lightweight and resists rust, while brick or clay offer excellent heat retention for that perfect crust. Most homeowners choose stainless steel options, but some types of stainless are better than others.
“High quality outdoor pizza ovens will feature full, heavy gauge stainless steel construction,” RTA Outdoor Living explains. “304 stainless steel in particular is the absolute best choice. This is extremely durable, and will provide superior rust and corrosion-resistance.”
Do your own research, but make sure you’re choosing an outdoor pizza oven that’s built to last. After all, you don’t want to invest a lot of money into one just to see it fall apart after one season of use.
- Heat Retention
Heat retention is a big deal for pizza ovens. The better your oven can hold onto heat, the more efficiently (and predictably) it can cook your pizzas. Again, this is where the materials come into play.
Ovens made from thick, insulating materials like brick or clay excel at keeping the heat steady, which is key for evenly cooked pizzas and a warm oven ready for batch after batch. But even though most of today’s “off the shelf” models are made from stainless steel, a thick stainless steel construction will help preserve plenty of heat.
- Ease of Use
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to use an outdoor pizza oven, but picking one that’s easy to use can make your pizza parties a lot more fun. Look for ovens with clear temperature controls, easy-to-clean surfaces, and straightforward instructions. This way, you can spend less time stressing and more time impressing your friends with your pizza skills.
Wrapping It Up
Selecting the right outdoor pizza oven isn’t just about picking the coolest looking one. It’s about finding the perfect match for your specific needs. By considering the fuel type, size and materials, heat retention, and ease of use, you’re setting yourself up for a future with plenty of pizza!
There’s no such thing as “the best” pizza oven. It’s all about finding the right one for you.