High-Pressure Fuel Pizza: Worth The Investment?

If you're a pizza lover, an outdoor pizza oven is a great investment. Outdoor pizza ovens can reach temperatures of up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking your pizza in as little as 60 seconds.

There are a variety of fuel types to choose from, including wood, charcoal, gas, and propane. Wood-fired ovens take longer to heat up and require more maintenance, but they impart a smoky flavor to your pizza. Gas and propane ovens, on the other hand, heat up quickly and are more convenient to use.

When choosing an outdoor pizza oven, consider the size of the oven and the maximum temperature it can reach. Larger ovens can accommodate bigger pizzas and have larger openings, making them easier to maneuver.

Some popular options on the market include the Ooni Koda 16, Solo Stove Pi, and Gozney Roccbox. The Ooni Koda 16 is a gas-powered oven that can cook pizzas up to 16 inches in size. The Solo Stove Pi is a propane-fueled oven that is easy to use and perfect for those tight on space. The Gozney Roccbox is a compact, portable oven that uses propane or wood and heats up in just 15 minutes.

So, if you're looking to elevate your pizza game, an outdoor pizza oven is definitely worth considering!

Pros and cons of a high-pressure fuel pizza oven

High-pressure fuel pizza ovens, often powered by gas, wood, or charcoal, are a popular choice for those seeking to recreate the taste of restaurant-style pizza at home. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if investing in a high-pressure fuel pizza oven is the right choice for you:

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Gas-powered pizza ovens are generally easier to use than their wood-fired counterparts. They can be switched on with the turn of a dial and offer more precise temperature control, eliminating the need for constantly tending to the fire.
• Temperature Control: While gas ovens may not reach the same extreme temperatures as wood-fired ovens, they offer better temperature control and consistency. This is crucial for achieving the perfect pizza cook, as pizzas require specific temperature ranges for different styles (e.g., Neapolitan vs. New York-style).
• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Gas ovens are generally easier to clean and maintain due to the absence of soot and ash buildup associated with wood-fired ovens.
• Safety: Wood-fired ovens produce ash and soot, which can be hazardous to your health and require careful handling. Gas ovens eliminate these byproducts, making them a safer option, especially for those with respiratory issues.
• Portability: Some high-pressure fuel pizza ovens, particularly those powered by gas, are designed to be portable. They are often lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for outdoor use, such as camping trips or tailgating parties.
• Versatility: In addition to cooking pizzas, high-pressure fuel pizza ovens can be used for a variety of other dishes. You can roast meats, vegetables, and even bake bread, taking advantage of the high temperatures and even heat distribution.

Cons:

• Cost: High-pressure fuel pizza ovens, especially those with multiple fuel options, tend to be more expensive than traditional ovens. The cost of fuel, such as propane tanks or wood pellets, should also be considered.
• Learning Curve: Operating a high-pressure fuel pizza oven, especially a wood-fired one, can have a learning curve. Managing the fire, controlling temperature, and mastering the art of pizza turning require practice.
• Smoke and Flavor: While gas-powered ovens offer convenience and control, they may lack the deep, smoky flavor that wood-fired ovens impart. The trade-off is between ease of use and the authentic, traditional flavor of wood-fired pizzas.
• Space and Storage: High-pressure fuel pizza ovens, particularly the wood-fired ones, can be bulky and require dedicated space, especially for storing fuel. Propane tanks and wood pellets need to be stored safely, which can be challenging if you have limited space.
• Environmental Impact: Gas ovens, while more efficient, do contribute to greenhouse gas emissions during the extraction and transportation of natural gas.

In conclusion, high-pressure fuel pizza ovens offer benefits such as ease of use, temperature control, and versatility but come with drawbacks related to cost, learning curve, flavor, space, and environmental concerns. Ultimately, the decision to invest in one depends on your personal preferences, available space, and how often you plan to use it.

How to choose the right pizza oven for you

There are a few things to consider when choosing a pizza oven. Here is a guide to help you select the right one for you.

Fuel Type

Pizza ovens come in a variety of fuel types, but the most common are wood-fired and gas pizza ovens. Electric, pellet, and charcoal options are also available, though less common. Wood-fired ovens require more finesse and attention but are worth the effort for crunchy pizza. Gas pizza ovens, on the other hand, are convenient and easy to use.

Configuration

Pizza ovens can be built-in, countertop, freestanding, or portable. Built-in pizza ovens are great if you plan to make it the focal point of your outdoor kitchen. Countertop pizza ovens are designed to sit on a flat surface and are a good option if you already have a sorted kitchen setup. Freestanding pizza ovens are finished ovens on a cart and are a good choice if you want a simple cooking addition to your outdoor space. Portable pizza ovens are the smallest, least expensive, and most compact option, perfect for baking the occasional pie at home.

Size

Pizza ovens come in various sizes, so consider how many pizzas you want to cook at once and how much space you have. Smaller ovens can cook one to four 12-inch pizzas at a time, while larger ovens can accommodate four to six or more.

Class

Pizza ovens are also classified into luxury, premium, practical, and entry-level options based on quality, performance, and features. Luxury ovens offer stunning craftsmanship and perfect pizza, while entry-level ovens are portable, easy on the wallet, and ideal for occasional use.

Construction

Most pizza ovens have a steel exterior and a refractory cement interior. Powder-coated and painted steel are less expensive, while 304 stainless steel is more durable and weather-resistant. Some ovens have a single poured cement dome, while others have steel bodies with refractory tile floors.

Accessories

Don't forget the accessories! Pizza peels, pizza cutters, and cast-iron cookware are essential for building, handling, and serving your pizzas. A pizza oven cover is also recommended to protect your investment.

Practice

Lastly, don't be discouraged if your first pizzas don't turn out perfectly. Making pizza in a pizza oven has a learning curve, and it may take a few tries to get the hang of it. Experiment with different toppings and dough styles, and don't overload your pizza with too many heavy toppings.

How to get the best out of your pizza oven

Choose the right oven for you

First things first, you need to choose the right pizza oven for your needs. There are a few things to consider when making your choice:

• Fuel type: Pizza ovens can be fuelled by wood, charcoal, pellets, propane, or electricity. Wood-fired ovens offer a romantic, traditional experience, but require more maintenance and attention than other options. Pellet and propane-fuelled ovens are convenient and easy to use, while electric ovens are typically designed for indoor use and offer more precise temperature control.
• Size and portability: Consider how much space you have available and whether you want a portable oven that you can take with you on camping trips or to parties. Smaller, more compact ovens are generally more portable but may have limited cooking capacity.
• Budget: Pizza ovens can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Decide how much you are willing to spend and look for an oven that offers the best value within your budget.

Set up your workspace

Once you've chosen your oven, it's time to set up your workspace. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Table: Place your oven on a sturdy table made of metal, stone, or wood. The table should be at a comfortable height—somewhere between your waist and chest. If you don't have a suitable table, consider investing in a modular table designed specifically for pizza ovens.
• Location: Most pizza ovens are certified for outdoor use only, so make sure you have enough space in your yard or patio. Give yourself at least three feet (one meter) of clearance around the sides of the oven and nine feet (three meters) above it for safety. If you have an electric oven like the Ooni Volt, you can use it indoors as well.
• Tools: In addition to your oven, there are a few essential tools you'll need for making pizza: a pizza peel for launching and retrieving your pies, an infrared thermometer, and a pizza cutter wheel. You may also want a pizza topping station, a digital scale for measuring ingredients, and a metal peel for unloading pizzas.

Prepare your fuel and ingredients

Depending on the type of oven you have, you'll need to choose the right fuel. For wood-fired ovens, use high-quality, dry wood that burns efficiently and produces less smoke. For pellet-fuelled ovens, use food-grade wood pellets designed for cooking. If you have a propane-fuelled oven, make sure you have enough propane tanks on hand.

When it comes to ingredients, always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. Prepare your dough ahead of time, following your recipe's instructions. Have all your toppings ready and within easy reach before you start cooking.

Practice makes perfect

Before you invite your friends over for a pizza party, take some time to practice and experiment. Get comfortable with your oven by firing it up a few times and practising preheating the stone. Try making pizzas with different toppings and dough styles to find your favourites. Don't overload your pizzas with too many heavy toppings, as this can affect cooking time and make it harder to launch and retrieve your pies.

Care and maintenance

Proper care and maintenance will help extend the life of your pizza oven. Here are a few tips:

• Seasoning: Before using your oven for the first time, season it by running it at top temperatures for 30 minutes, letting it cool, and then wiping it down with a paper towel. This helps to remove any oil or remnants from the manufacturing process.
• Cleaning: Most parts of your pizza oven will clean themselves and don't need soap or water. For the exterior, you can use a damp cloth to wipe it down if necessary. Never use soap or water inside the oven or on the stone. The high heat inside the oven will burn off any food debris and burnt flour, so you'll have a fresh stone each time you fire up your oven.
• Storage: Pizza ovens are typically designed for outdoor use and should be stored in a covered area to protect them from the elements. If possible, store your oven in a garage or shed when not in use. Alternatively, invest in a dedicated cover to keep it protected.

The best pizza ovens for beginners

If you're looking to buy a high-pressure fuel pizza oven, there are a few things you should consider. Firstly, you'll need to decide whether you want to cook your pizzas indoors or outdoors. If you're cooking outdoors, you'll need to invest in a good table to place your oven on—something between waist and chest height is ideal. You'll also need to ensure you have enough space in your garden for the oven, as some can be quite large.

When it comes to fuel type, you can choose between wood, charcoal, gas, or electricity. Wood-fired ovens tend to take longer to heat up and require more practice to get the hang of maintaining heat and feeding the fire, but they give your pizzas a delicious smoky flavour. Gas-fired ovens, on the other hand, heat up faster and offer more consistent heat. If you want the best of both worlds, you can opt for a dual-fuel oven that can use either gas or wood.

Ooni Koda 16 Gas Powered Pizza Oven

This oven is a great option for beginners as it's easy to set up and use. It has a spacious baking surface and superior heat distribution, making it forgiving if you're still mastering the art of pizza-making. It can reach the perfect pizza temperature in less than 20 minutes and can bake an impressive number of pizzas on one tank of gas.

Gozney Dome Dual-Fuel Pizza Oven

If you're looking for a more luxurious option, the Gozney Dome is a great choice. This oven can be fuelled by propane or wood, offering precision, versatility, and a fun experience for novice pizza makers. It has a generous oven opening and a spacious stone that stays hot, allowing you to cook multiple pizzas at once.

Solo Stove Pi Prime Propane Pizza Oven

For a more compact and budget-friendly option, the Solo Stove Pi Prime is a great choice. This propane-fuelled oven is perfect for smaller pizzas and can make a lot of them in quick succession. It's easy to set up and use, making it a great option for beginners.

Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo

If you prefer an indoor pizza oven, the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is a fantastic choice. This countertop oven can reach temperatures of up to 750 °F, mimicking the heat of a wood-fired oven. It has easy-to-use settings and produces excellent results, making it a great option for beginners.

Ooni Karu 12G Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven

Another great option for beginners is the Ooni Karu 12G. This oven can use wood, charcoal, or gas, giving you the flexibility to choose your fuel type. It's easy to assemble and use, and its small size makes it perfect for those with limited space.

Gozney Arc

The Gozney Arc is a compact and modern gas pizza oven that's perfect for small outdoor spaces. It has a digital thermometer to monitor the temperature and an open damper to let out smoke and heat. It produces consistent results and is easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners.

Ninja Woodfire Electric Outdoor Oven

If you're looking for an electric option, the Ninja Woodfire is a great choice. It has preset settings for different types of pizzas and can also be customised for unique styles. It's easy to use and produces consistent results, making it a good option for beginners.

The best pizza ovens for experts

If you're an expert pizza maker, you'll know that a good pizza oven is the key to a great pizza. Here are some of the best pizza ovens for experts:

Ooni Koda 16 Pizza Oven

This oven is lightweight yet large, so make sure you have the space to use and store it. It's one of the easiest pizza ovens to use and assemble, and it produces perfectly crispy crusts and melty cheese. It's also one of the quickest to heat up, taking just 25 minutes to reach the ideal temperature.

Ooni Karu 12G Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven

This oven is a smaller, lighter, and more versatile alternative to the Ooni Koda 16. It can operate on wood, charcoal, or gas, so you can customize your cooking experience. It's also one of the lightest pizza ovens we tested, weighing just over 34 pounds.

Gozney Dome Dual-Fuel Pizza Oven

If you're looking for a beginner-friendly pizza oven, the Gozney Dome is your best bet. It's a large-scale oven that holds its temperature well and produces perfectly cooked, restaurant-quality pizzas. It's not portable, so make sure you have the space to accommodate it.

Everdure KILN S Series Oven

The Everdure KILN is a sleek and modern gas pizza oven that is consistent and efficient. It's also one of the quickest to cook pizzas, taking just 3 to 6 minutes. However, the crust turned out doughier than we would've liked.

Alfa Forni Moderno 2 Pizze Oven

The Alfa Moderno 2 is an extra-large pizza oven that can anchor any outdoor dining area. It can burn wood, charcoal, propane, or natural gas, so you can choose your fuel based on your preferences. It's also one of the largest pizza ovens we tested, fitting two 10- to 12-inch pizzas.

KettlePizza Pro Pizza Oven Kit

The KettlePizza Pro Pizza Oven Kit turns any gas grill into a pizza oven. It's easy to set up and use, and it produces similar results to some of the full pizza ovens we tested. It's also portable and easy to store when not in use.

Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo

The Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is an indoor pizza oven that can reach temperatures of up to 750°F. It has pre-programmed settings for different pizza styles and produces pizzas with crispy crusts and golden cheese. It's also one of the most expensive pizza ovens we tested.

Frequently asked questions