Buying Guides
2023 Pizza Oven Buyer's Guide
We all know that pizza is a beloved food enjoyed by people all around the world. The huge rise in popularity of home pizza ovens is due to the convenience of having your very own pizza whenever you want and the ability to customize the pizzas to your liking. With a home pizza oven, you can choose your own toppings and create your own unique flavor combinations. While there are many options for making pizza at home, such as using a regular oven or a stovetop pizza maker, an outdoor pizza oven can take your homemade pizza game to the next level and if you are in the market, or thinking about buying an oven, here are a few reasons to consider buying an outdoor pizza oven:
Authentic flavor:
An outdoor pizza oven is designed to replicate the high heat and wood-fired flavor of a traditional pizzeria oven. This means that you can enjoy the same delicious, crispy crust and melty cheese as you would at a restaurant, but in the comfort of your own backyard.
Versatility: An outdoor pizza oven is not just for pizza. You can also use it to cook a variety of other dishes, such as roasts, bread, and even desserts. This makes it a versatile and useful addition to any outdoor kitchen.
Convenience:
An outdoor pizza oven is easy to use and requires minimal effort to set up and clean. Simply light the fire, let it heat up, and you're ready to start cooking. Plus, since it's outdoors, you won't have to worry about filling up your kitchen with the smells of cooking pizza.
Outdoor entertainment:
An outdoor pizza oven is a great way to bring people together and create a fun, social atmosphere. Invite friends and family over for a pizza party or use it as an excuse to try out new recipes and cooking techniques. Who doesn't love pizza!!
After you have decided to purchase a pizza oven, picking the perfect outdoor pizza oven can be a daunting task. There are many options on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here at Patio Sanctuary, we'll break down some key things to consider when shopping for an outdoor pizza oven to help you find the one that best fits your needs. The quality of insulation, design (interior, dome etc.) and cooking surface area are really the most important aspects of your pizza oven. Also, consider the fuel type, size and capacity (how many people you'll be cooking for), temperature range, ease of use, price and where you'll be placing your oven.
Key factors to consider:
Size and Capacity:
Consider the size of your outdoor space and how many people you'll be cooking for when choosing an outdoor pizza oven. If you have a small patio, a smaller oven would be the obvious choice. If you have a larger outdoor space and plan on entertaining a crowd, you'll want an oven with a larger cooking surface and higher capacity.
Fuel Type:
Do you want a wood fired or gas oven or a hybrid oven that will allow you to use either wood or gas. We'll discuss the pros and cons of wood and gas a little further down.
Temperature Range:
Pizza is traditionally cooked at high temperatures, around 700-900°F. Look for an outdoor pizza oven that can reach and maintain these temperatures for the best results. Some ovens have built-in thermometers to help you monitor the temperature.
Ease of Use:
An outdoor pizza oven should be easy to use and maintain. Look for features like a removable ash tray, an easy-to-clean cooking surface, and a built-in thermometer to make your life easier. Gas ovens will be easier to clean than wood fired.
Materials and construction:
Look for an oven that is made from durable materials such as ceramic, brick, or stainless steel. Check for features like insulation, and a double wall to help retain heat and improve cooking performance.
Price:
Outdoor pizza ovens can range in price from under $400 for a truly portable oven to over $10,000. Determine your budget and look for an oven that fits within it while still offering the features and performance you need.
Warranty and support:
Check for a warranty and customer support options in case you experience any issues with your oven. Patio Sanctuary is an authorized dealer of only the best pizza oven brands.
Fuel Type - Which is better?
Outdoor pizza ovens can be powered by wood, gas, or electricity. Wood-fired ovens are the traditional choice and produce a delicious, smoky flavor. However, they can be more labor-intensive to use and require a steady supply of wood. Gas-fired ovens are more convenient and easier to use, but they may not produce the same authentic flavor as wood. Electric countertop ovens are the most convenient and easiest to use, but they will not reach the high temperatures needed for traditional pizza cooking and are for indoor use.
Pros of a Wood Fired Pizza Oven:
Fast cooking times:
Wood-fired ovens can reach very high temperatures, allowing pizzas to cook in as little as 60-90 seconds.
Authentic flavor:
The high heat and wood-fired flavor imparts a unique and authentic taste to the pizza.
Energy efficiency:
Wood-fired ovens can retain heat for long periods of time, making them more energy efficient than gas or electric ovens.
Versatility:
In addition to pizzas, wood-fired ovens can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, including bread, roasts, grilled meats and vegetables and even cookies.
Ambiance:
Wood-fired ovens can add a rustic and romantic ambiance to any outdoor gathering or backyard party.
Environment:
Wood-fired ovens do not produce any harmful emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly and healthy cooking option.
Cons of Wood Fired Pizza Ovens:
Cost:
Wood-fired pizza ovens can be more expensive to purchase and install if you need to make modifications to your outdoor space to accommodate a pizza oven but we here at Patio Sanctuary say there are so many options now for either a freestanding oven or one that can be placed on/in an outdoor kitchen countertop that cost is really not any more than any other type of pizza oven.
Maintenance:
Wood-fired ovens require regular maintenance to keep them in good working order, including cleaning the chimney, sweeping out ashes, and repairing any damage to the oven itself.
Fuel cost:
Wood is a finite resource and using it as a fuel source for cooking can be more expensive and less environmentally friendly than using natural gas.
Time:
It takes time to start and maintain a fire in a wood-fired oven, which can be a drawback if you want to cook pizza quickly or need to feed a large group of people.
Pros of Gas Pizza Ovens:
Speed and convenience:
Gas outdoor pizza ovens heat up quickly and can reach high temperatures in a short amount of time, allowing you to cook your pizzas faster.
Consistency:
Gas outdoor pizza ovens are known for their consistency in cooking, as they maintain a constant temperature throughout the cooking process. This helps to ensure that your pizzas are cooked evenly and to your desired level of doneness.
Easy to use:
Gas outdoor pizza ovens are generally very easy to use, as they typically have simple controls and do not require any special setup or preheating.
Energy efficiency:
Gas outdoor pizza ovens are generally more energy efficient than wood-fired ovens, as they do not require the constant addition of wood to maintain the desired temperature.
Cleanup:
Gas outdoor pizza ovens are generally easier to clean than wood-fired ovens, as they do not produce ashes or soot.
Versatility:
Gas outdoor pizza ovens, like wood fired, can also be used to cook a variety of dishes in addition to pizzas, including roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and more.
Cons of Gas Pizza Ovens:
Cost:
Outdoor gas pizza ovens can be more expensive to install if you are using natural gas as you will need a professional.
Fuel source:
Outdoor gas pizza ovens require a gas line or propane tank, which can be inconvenient and may require additional setup and maintenance.
Safety:
Gas appliances, including outdoor pizza ovens, can present a risk of fire or gas leaks if not used or maintained properly.
Hybrid Pizza Ovens:
You'll have the best of both worlds as you have complete flexibility in your cooking. Use gas if you want something quick or use wood if you are entertaining - a Hybrid can do it all! Drawbacks are that they are the most expensive pizza ovens to purchase.
In short, an outdoor pizza oven is a worthwhile investment for any home cook or entertaining enthusiast. Not only does it provide delicious, authentic pizzas, but it's also versatile and convenient, making it a great addition to any outdoor kitchen.