How to Choose the Perfect Wood-Fired Pizza Oven for Your Home
There has been an increase in the popularity and use of wood-fired pizza ovens over the last couple of years. These ovens come in numerous styles and sizes and more people are buying portable and convenient wood-fired pizza ovens to give them that smoky, mouth-watering pizza experience. Having yours is a decision you will not regret.
What is a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven?
A wood-fired pizza oven, as the name implies, employs the use of burning wood to cook pizza. This method of cooking pizza is becoming increasingly popular and is great for outdoor pizza parties with family and friends.
I think it’s important you know that you cannot just use any kind of oven for your pizza. Beyond the ingredients that go into pizza, the type of oven can actually have a major effect on the taste of the pizza. If you are looking for that delicious smoky flavored pizza, cooked to perfection with crusty toppings, then the wood-fired pizza oven is your best bet
Benefits of Using a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
Pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven has a flavor that simply can’t be replicated by any other cooking method. The high temperature reached in these ovens helps to quickly cook the pizza which locks in all the juices and flavors of the ingredients, giving the pizza a delicious smoky taste.
Heats up Quickly
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Cooks Pizzas Evenly
Another great benefit of using a wood-fired pizza oven is that it cooks pizzas evenly. No more worrying about the cheese not being melted or the toppings not being cooked properly. The high heat and even cooking of these ovens ensure that your pizza will be cooked to perfection every time.
Cooks a Variety of of Meals
Not only can you cook pizzas in a wood-fired pizza oven, but you can also cook a variety of other meals such as bread, chicken, meat, and other appetizers. So if you’re looking for an oven that is versatile and can be used to cook more than just pizzas, then a wood-fired pizza oven is the perfect choice for you.
Enhanced Flavor
There is an undeniable and unforgettable aroma and taste that comes from a wood-fired cooked pizza. As the heat is distributed evenly, the pizza ingredients melt into the dough and the aroma from the wood saturates the pizza.
Saves Energy
Wood-fired pizza ovens are an absolute yes when thinking of how to cut down on your utility bills and save energy. This is a good way to cut back on electricity or household gas usage.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
In choosing the perfect wood fired pizza oven for your home, the following factors should be considered:
- How Portable Is The Oven?
Pizza ovens that are portable and easy to move around are the best choice. A mobile wood-fired oven is smaller than the common ovens and can be taken along on camp trips, outdoor family parties, etc. - Do You Have Space For it?
The location of your wood-fired pizza oven is important. This is something to consider especially if your oven will be built-in. It has to fit your desired space and not be an obstacle or stand out of place in your kitchen or backyard setting. - Is It Durable?
Wood-Fired Pizza ovens are expensive so you certainly do not want to buy an oven that won’t stand the test of time. The goal is to buy it once and buy it right. When buying, go for tested and trusted manufacturers that use high quality, durable materials. - How Does It Look?
It is often said that you should never judge a book by its cover. Even so, we are aware that a terrific cover with appealing designs willl always attract our attention. Your wood-fired pizza oven will be a long-term part of your home aesthetic and you want to make sure you get the one that fits just right. It is advisable to choose one that fits and compliments your kitchen or backyard perfectly. - How Many Pizzas Can it Bake at Once?
This is a crucial factor to consider especially if you frequently entertain large groups of people. Some wood-fired pizza ovens can accommodate one to two pizzas at a time while others can bake up to six pizzas simultaneously. Be sure to choose the one that would suit your needs the most. - Is it Affordable?
After taking all the other factors into consideration, it all comes down to how much you’re willing to spend on your oven. Just because an oven is expensive does not mean it is of high quality and vice versa. Do your research, compare prices, and find the perfect wood-fired pizza oven that is also affordable.
Choosing the Wood for Your Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
The wood remains the most important part of your wood-fired pizza oven. It is the wood that provides heat and flavor to your pizza. There are different types of wood available, each with its own unique aroma and flavor. Hence, you need to choose the right kind of wood for your oven.
Seasoned and dried hardwoods are the best woods for your pizza oven. They are cleaner and last longer. The best kinds of hardwood include walnut, maple, oak, beech, hickory, etc.
Another kind of wood that’s great for your pizza oven is Fruitwood. As the name implies, it comes from fruit-bearing trees. These kinds of woods are great because they add an aromatic effect and flavor to your pizza! Smoky and fruit flavored? Yum! They include maple, chestnut, avocado, apricot, cherrywood, etc.
When choosing wood for you wood-fired oven, make sure the moisture content of the wood is just around 20%. When wood has too much moisture in it, the oven spends more time drying the wood and less time heating up. Also, avoid using resinous woods like pine as they can produce too much smoke and are difficult to light.
Seeking to buy good wood? Here are some Amazon recommended options:
Frequently Asked Questions on Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens
How do I Know a Good Wood-Fired Pizza Oven?
First, you have to make sure the oven is one that retains heat well so that your pizza can cook properly. Hence, it must be made with durable and high-quality materials. It should also have enough space for your pizzas, considering your family size. We have reviewed a lot of ovens here on our website. Feel free to check them out and make your choice.
How does a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven Work?
Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens work with three principles: Radiant heat, Conduction, and Convection.
Radiant heat is generated by the wood and spreads through the oven floor. Cool air pushes the heat through the walls of the pizza oven. This is conduction. Convection heat is circulated around the oven dome as it comes over your pizza dish. This heat can be controlled by opening and closing the pizza oven door.
What is the Difference Between a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven and a Gas Pizza Oven?
A wood-fired pizza oven uses wood to generate heat while a gas pizza oven uses natural gas or propane. They both have their own benefits. A wood-fired pizza oven cooks pizzas with a smoky flavor that you wouldn’t get with a gas oven. Gas ovens on the other hand give you more control over cooking temperatures and are better at evenly cooking the pizza, while wood ovens can create hotspots that can overcook or burn the pizza
Final Thoughts
Wood-fired pizza ovens are a great way to get that authentic pizza flavor right in your backyard. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect oven for your family. Just make sure to choose the right kind of wood for your oven, and you’ll be cooking up delicious pizzas in no time!
If you are interested in learning more, check out my other blog posts on Pizza Ovens. I’m here to help. I’ve got great wood-fired pizza oven reviews with all the pros and cons that you need to know.
