6 Best Wood-Fired Ovens: Pizza Anytime, Anywhere
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Wood-fired pizza ovens have become a sought-after addition to many homes and commercial spaces, offering an authentic pizza-making experience. These ovens, often considered the best for achieving that perfect crispy crust, are not just limited to homes; they’ve found their place in backyards and outdoor settings too.
Many brands have received positive reviews for their performance and durability. For those looking to recreate the magic of traditional pizzas, these ovens are a top choice.
They’re not just for pizzas either; they can roast meats, bake bread, and more. From commercial spaces to backyard gatherings, the allure of wood-fired ovens is undeniable.
ooni Fyra 12 Outdoor Pizza Oven
Advantages of Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens
Wood-fired pizza ovens are not just a trend; they’re a testament to time-honored cooking traditions. These ovens offer a unique cooking experience, infusing dishes with a distinct smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate with other cooking methods.
The high temperatures achieved by these ovens ensure a crispy crust on pizzas and a quick cooking time for other dishes. Moreover, wood-fired cooking is energy-efficient, using renewable resources like wood, making it an eco-friendly choice.
The heat distribution in these ovens is even, ensuring consistent cooking results every time. Beyond the taste and efficiency, there’s an undeniable charm in cooking with a wood-fired oven, turning every meal into a special occasion.
Top 6 Brand of Wood-Fired Ovens Reviews
1. BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Oven
Crafted with precision, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Oven is a culinary masterpiece for every outdoor enthusiast. Made with premium stainless steel, this oven promises durability and safety, ensuring every dish is cooked to perfection.
It’s specially designed for Neapolitan-style pizzas, reaching scorching temperatures of up to 860°F in just 18 minutes. This means you can savor a delectable pizza in under 90 seconds!
But it’s not just about pizzas; from steaks to salmon, this oven can handle it all. Its ultra-portability, combined with easy assembly, makes it a must-have for every backyard event or outdoor cooking adventure.
Why Best
- Premium stainless steel construction
- Quick 18-minute preheat time
- Ultra-portable with folding legs
- Even cooking with easy pizza rotation
- Versatile for various dishes
Compatible For
- Backyard parties
- Outdoor cooking events
- Neapolitan pizza enthusiasts
- Quick meal preparations
Where Need to Improve
- Needs frequent cleaning
- Limited to smaller pizza sizes
2. ooni Fyra 12 Outdoor Pizza Oven
This outdoor oven is designed to cook a stunning 12-inch pizza in just 60 seconds. Yes, you read that right! Preheating to an impressive 950°F in a mere 15 minutes, it’s twice as hot as most home ovens.
The Ooni Fyra is not just about speed; it’s about delivering the authentic taste of wood-fired pizza. Its portability, weighing only 20 lbs, ensures you can take the pizza party wherever you go.
Moreover, its efficient design ensures optimal heat retention, promising a cooking experience like no other.
ooni Fyra 12 Outdoor Pizza Oven
Why Best
- Rapid 60-second pizza cooking
- Ultra-portable design
- Efficient heat retention
- Authentic wood-fired taste
- Ingenious pellet hopper design
Compatible For
- Backyard gatherings
- Outdoor adventures
- Pizza parties on-the-go
- Quick gourmet meals
Where Need to Improve
- Bit expensive
3. aidpiza Outdoor Pizza Oven
The aidpiza Outdoor Pizza Oven is a game-changer for pizza lovers. Designed to cook a 12-inch pizza, it’s perfect for family gatherings or parties. Using hardwood pellet fuel, it provides a balanced burn, infusing your pizza with that smoky wood flavor that’s impossible to replicate on gas grills.
One of its standout features is the built-in thermometer, eliminating the need for an additional infrared thermometer. Its portability is enhanced with a folding leg design, allowing you to enjoy your handmade pizza creations anywhere.
Beyond pizzas, its versatility shines, capable of cooking steaks, lamb chops, and even vegetables.
Why Best
- Hardwood pellet fuel for the smoky flavor
- Built-in thermometer for precision
- Portable with foldable legs
- Versatile cooking options
- Suitable for family gatherings
Compatible For
- Outdoor family parties
- Tailgating events
- Beach picnics
- Creative outdoor cooking
Where Need to Improve
- Limited temperature control
- Pellets may burn out quickly
4. EDOSTORY Outdoor Pizza Oven
The EDOSTORY Outdoor Pizza Oven is a culinary enthusiast’s dream. This multi-functional oven is not just for pizzas; it’s perfect for roasting meats, baking bread, and even grilling vegetables.
With its 12″ pizza stone, you’re guaranteed a crispy crust every time. The oven heats up in just 10 minutes, reaching temperatures of up to 550°F, ensuring your pizza is ready in under 7 minutes.
The built-in thermometer and adjustable chimney offer unparalleled temperature control. Designed with practicality in mind, it features a detachable storage space for carbon ash and an open shelf for wood storage.
Made of high-quality iron, this oven promises even heat distribution and durability.
Why Best
- Multi-functional cooking capabilities
- Quick 10-minute preheat time
- Built-in thermometer for precision
- Detachable ash storage space
- Premium quality iron construction
Compatible For
- Backyard gatherings
- Outdoor camping trips
- Bread baking enthusiasts
- Quick gourmet meals
Where Need to Improve
- Requires frequent ash cleaning
- Limited to smaller pizza sizes
5. Pizzello Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Pizzello Outdoor Pizza Oven is a game-changer for those who love a good pizza party. With its large 2-layer cooking capacity, you can cook a 16″ pizza and grill simultaneously.
Whether it’s wood, charcoal, or pellets, this oven promises a rich, smoky flavor. The vents in the front door and side ensure optimal air circulation for a better cooking experience.
Its adjustable legs and side handles make it incredibly portable, perfect for any outdoor setting. The Pizzello oven is not just about functionality; it’s about delivering an experience, ensuring every meal is a memorable one.
Why Best
- Large 2-layer cooking space
- Multi-fuel compatibility
- Enhanced air circulation vents
- Adjustable and portable design
- Comprehensive accessory package
Compatible For
- Large family gatherings
- Outdoor BBQ parties
- Multi-course meals
- Camping and picnics
Where Need to Improve
- May require frequent fuel refills
- Assembly might be challenging for some
6. Giantex Outdoor Pizza Oven
Step up your outdoor cooking game with the Giantex Outdoor Pizza Oven. This 2-layer oven boasts a total internal cooking area of 288 square inches, allowing you to multitask like a pro.
Adjust the air content effortlessly with the vents on the door and chimney. The pizza stone ensures a crispy crust, while the additional accessories like the pizza peel and waterproof cover enhance your cooking experience.
But it’s not just for pizzas; from steaks to vegetables, this oven can handle it all. Lightweight and portable, it’s perfect for any outdoor adventure.
Why Best
- Spacious 2-layer cooking design
- Easily adjustable vents
- Comprehensive accessory set
- Versatile cooking options
- Lightweight and portable
Compatible For
- Backyard BBQs
- Outdoor family parties
- Versatile meal preparations
- Camping and tailgating
Where Need to Improve
- Might need frequent temperature adjustments
- Legs might be unstable on uneven surfaces
Buying Guide: Best Wood Fired Pizza Oven
Material Quality
The primary factor to consider is the material of the oven. High-quality materials like stainless steel or cast iron ensure durability and optimal heat retention. These materials can withstand high temperatures and are resistant to rust and wear.
Size and Portability
Depending on your needs, you might want a compact oven that’s easy to move around or a larger, stationary one for big gatherings. Look for ovens with wheels or foldable legs if portability is a priority.
Temperature Range
A good wood-fired pizza oven should reach high temperatures quickly. Ovens that can achieve temperatures of 800°F or more are ideal for authentic Neapolitan pizzas. Built-in thermometers can be a handy feature to monitor the heat.
Fuel Type
While wood is the traditional fuel for these ovens, some models also support charcoal or pellets. Each fuel type offers a distinct flavor profile. Choose an oven that supports your preferred fuel type for the best results.
Cooking Space
Consider the oven’s internal cooking space. Some ovens come with multi-layer designs, allowing you to cook multiple items simultaneously. This feature is especially useful for parties or family gatherings.
Accessories
Many ovens come with added accessories like pizza stones, peels, or covers. These can enhance your cooking experience and save you the cost of buying them separately.
Ease of Cleaning
Ovens with removable ash trays or easy-to-clean surfaces can save you a lot of time and effort in maintenance.
Cooking Techniques of Wood Burning Pizza Oven
Using a wood-fired pizza oven is both an art and a science. The oven needs to be preheated for a specific duration, usually an hour or two, to achieve the desired temperature.
The type of wood used can influence the flavor profile of the dish. Hardwoods like oak or hickory are preferred for their long burn time and aromatic smoke. Pizzas are best placed closer to the oven’s center, where the heat is most intense.
Rotating the pizza ensures an evenly cooked crust. Beyond pizzas, these ovens are versatile. From roasting meats to baking bread, the techniques vary based on the dish but rely on the oven’s consistent heat.
Accessories & Tools of Wood Fired Pizza Oven
To make the most of a wood-fired pizza oven, certain accessories and tools are essential. A pizza peel is crucial for placing the pizza in the oven and rotating it during cooking.
Pizza stones, made of ceramic or clay, help in achieving that perfect crispy crust by distributing heat evenly.
Ash rakes and brushes assist in cleaning the oven’s floor, ensuring optimal cooking conditions.
Fire tongs or gloves are necessary for handling logs and maintaining the fire. Investing in these tools not only enhances the cooking experience but also ensures safety.
Cleaning Wood Fired Pizza Oven
Regular cleaning is vital for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of a wood-fired pizza oven. After each cooking session, once the oven cools down, remove the ashes using an ash rake or brush.
For deeper cleaning, a mixture of water and a mild detergent can be used to scrub the oven’s interior. Ensure the oven is thoroughly dried after cleaning to prevent mold growth.
The exterior can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Regular cleaning not only ensures better-tasting dishes but also extends the oven’s lifespan.
Maintenance and Care of Wood Fired Pizza Oven
Proper maintenance ensures that a wood-fired pizza oven lasts for years. Regularly inspect the oven for cracks or damages. Small cracks can be repaired using refractory cement.
The chimney and air vents should be checked to ensure they’re not clogged, ensuring proper air circulation. The oven’s exterior can be treated with a protective sealant to guard against weather elements if placed outdoors.
Always use seasoned hardwood as fuel, as it burns cleaner and reduces soot buildup. Proper maintenance not only ensures the oven’s longevity but also guarantees consistent cooking results.
Common Questions About Best Pizza Oven
What Makes Wood Fired Ovens Different from Regular Ovens?
Wood fired ovens use wood as fuel, creating a unique smoky flavor in the dishes. The high temperatures achieved in these ovens ensure a crispy crust and quick cooking time.
How Long Does It Take to Preheat a Wood Fired Oven?
Typically, a wood fired oven takes about 1 to 2 hours to reach optimal cooking temperatures, depending on its size and design.
Can I Cook Foods Other Than Pizza in These Ovens?
Absolutely! While pizzas are the most popular, these ovens are versatile and can be used to roast meats, bake bread, and even grill vegetables.
Is There a Specific Type of Wood Recommended?
Hardwoods like oak, hickory, or cherry are preferred due to their long burn time and aromatic smoke. They also produce less soot and ensure a clean burn.
How Often Should I Clean My Wood Fired Oven?
It’s advisable to remove ashes after each cooking session. For deeper cleaning, scrubbing the oven’s interior once a month can help maintain its efficiency.
Are Wood Fired Ovens Safe to Use?
Yes, with proper precautions. Ensure the oven is placed on a stable surface, away from flammable materials. Always monitor the fire and use heat-resistant gloves.
Do Wood Fired Ovens Require a Lot of Maintenance?
Regular cleaning and occasional checks for cracks or damages are sufficient. Using seasoned hardwood and protecting the oven from extreme weather conditions can also prolong its lifespan.
So,
After discussing various aspects of wood fired pizza ovens, it’s evident that they offer a unique cooking experience, infusing dishes with a distinct flavor and ensuring optimal results. For those looking to invest in a top-tier oven, the ooni Fyra 12 Outdoor Pizza Oven comes highly recommended. It’s not only efficient but also designed for convenience and durability. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, the Ooni Fyra 12 promises to elevate your pizza-making game.
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