Key Takeaways:
- Discover the top wood fired outdoor pizza ovens on the market, including the Ooni Fyra and the EDOSTORY Outdoor Pizza Oven.
- Learn about the unique features and benefits of each oven to make an informed purchase decision.
- Understand the versatility of wood fired ovens for cooking pizza, breads, meats, and more.
The Rise of the Wood Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven
The allure of restaurant-quality pizza right in your own backyard has led to a surge in popularity for wood fired outdoor pizza ovens. These ovens are designed to replicate the high temperatures and wood fired flavor that make pizzeria pizzas so irresistible.
The models reviewed here are wood, wood pellet, or charcoal fired. Many available options are gas, electric, or multiple heat source operated, but only a true wood fired model delivers the authenticity and flavors that pizza connoisseurs crave.
With the market expanding, numerous models like the PIZZELLO Outdoor Pizza Oven 4 in 1, and the Ooni Fyra have emerged, each promising to be the perfect oven for your outdoor kitchen.
Choosing the Right Wood Fired Oven
When selecting a wood fired pizza oven, it's essential to consider factors such as size, portability, and fuel type. Whether you're looking for a compact model like the aidpiza Pizza Oven Outdoor 12" for camping or a more substantial option like the Cru Wood Fired Pizza Oven for your deck, there's an outdoor pizza oven to suit every lifestyle and need.
The Portable Pizza Oven Pioneer
Ooni Fyra 12" Portable Wood Fired Pizza Oven
The Ooni Fyra has revolutionized the portable pizza oven market with its lightweight design and efficient wood pellet heating system. This oven is perfect for those who love to travel or enjoy camping, as it's easy to assemble and transport. The Ooni Fyra is a testament to the brand's commitment to providing access to wood fired flavor on the go.
Consistency and Control
The Ooni Fyra pizza oven enables the preparation of 12-inch, wood-fired pizzas in approximately 60 seconds. This highly portable oven uses hardwood pellets as fuel and can reach temperatures of up to 950°F, which is notably higher than standard home ovens, in just 15 minutes. The design incorporates a pellet hopper that uses gravity to supply fuel consistently.
Ooni Ovens promotes the idea that everyone should have access to high-quality pizza, and the Ooni Fyra is specifically designed to deliver wood-fired pizzas rapidly.
With a weight of only 20lbs and foldable legs, the Ooni Fyra is designed for easy transportation and storage, making it possible to enjoy pizza in various locations.
The oven's powder-coated carbon steel shell is engineered for efficient heat retention. This feature, along with the natural efficiency of wood pellets, ensures a prolonged burn time and reduces energy waste.
With the Ooni Fyra, you can expect consistent heating and more control over the cooking process. Unlike some of the other lower cost competitive manufacturers, Ooni has designed this model to avoid uneven cooking and ensure that each pizza comes out with the perfect combination of a crispy crust and melted toppings.
Product Overview
The Cru 30 Outdoor Pizza Oven is a testament to culinary excellence, engineered with high-grade 304 stainless steel and manufactured in Portugal. This portable oven rapidly achieves a temperature of 900°F within 15 minutes, offering convenience for those who appreciate the art of cooking outdoors.
Versatile Cooking Surface
The oven features a spacious L17"X13" cooking area, accommodating 12" pizzas, artisanal bread, and a variety of other foods such as roasted meats, seafood, and vegetables. The Cru Pizza Ovens expand your cooking capabilities, allowing for a wide range of culinary exploration.
Customizable Heat Sources
With the Cru 30, you have the option to use either wood or charcoal as your heat source, providing the flexibility to infuse your dishes with a distinctive smoky flavor that enhances your outdoor cooking experience.
Comprehensive Package
Each Cru 30 oven comes complete with a Pizza Peel and an Embers Rake, providing you with the essential tools to begin enjoying your outdoor culinary adventures immediately. This ready-to-use package is designed for those who are passionate about wood-fired cooking.
The aidpiza Wood pellet pizza oven is a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive brand names. It is capable of cooking a 12-inch pizza, suitable for sharing among several people. This pizza oven utilizes hardwood pellet fuel, which ensures a consistent and efficient burn. This method also imparts a unique smoky flavor to the food, a taste that is not achievable with gas grills.
It comes equipped with a built-in thermometer, eliminating the need for an external infrared thermometer. The oven can reach a temperature of 662℉ (350℃), indicating it is ready for cooking pizza or other dishes. Additionally, the pizza oven features a portable design with folding legs, making it convenient to enjoy homemade pizza in various locations. This product offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality.
Cost-Effectiveness and Simplicity
The aidpiza Pizza Oven is simple to use and easy to assemble, making it accessible for all levels of cooks. It's a practical choice for those who want to discover the joys of wood fired cooking without a significant investment.
The Pizzello Gusto Oven's innovative 2-tier detachable design allows for dual functionality. This means that while utilizing the oven top for pizza preparation, the firebox remains available for barbecuing. It serves as a versatile tool, functioning as a 12-inch stand-alone fire pit, a charcoal BBQ grill, or a pizza baking oven, effectively offering four distinct uses in a single product.
The inclusion of vents on the side walls of the pellet pizza oven ensures even heat distribution, guaranteeing consistently well-cooked pizzas. The cordierite pizza stone is specifically designed to extract moisture from the dough's surface, resulting in an optimal crust that is crisp on the outside while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior.
Flexibility and Functionality
This oven offers the flexibility to use different fuels, including wood, charcoal, and even propane with an additional attachment. Its functionality makes it a perfect oven for those who want more control over their cooking experience.
For ease of transport and safety, the outdoor pizza oven is equipped with top and side carry handles, allowing for effortless relocation without the risk of injury.
The Pizzello Wood Fired Pizza Oven Kit is comprehensive, including a 12" Grill Pizza Oven, a Fire Pit, a Stainless Steel Pizza Peel, a 12" Pizza Stone, a Waterproof Cover to protect against dust, and an Ash Tray.
The EDOSTORY Outdoor Pizza Oven stands out with its robust construction and ease of use. It's a great option for those who want to achieve high temperatures without the hassle of managing hot spots. This oven is designed to accommodate multiple pizzas, making it ideal for a family dinner or entertaining friends in the backyard.
The outdoor oven offers versatility beyond baking pizzas; it can also roast meats, steaks, fish, bread, vegetables, and more. It includes a 12" pizza stone that aids in achieving a crispy crust for pizzas. This oven is capable of heating up within 10 minutes and can reach temperatures of up to 550°F (287°C), allowing for pizzas to be cooked in approximately 6-7 minutes. A built-in thermometer is present to monitor the cooking temperature.
Features of the pizza oven include an adjustable chimney and air outlet to control the heat and smoke, as well as a detachable space for carbon ash collection, facilitating easy cleanup. The oven is portable, equipped with two large wheels and a side handle, and has an open shelf underneath for wood storage.
Performance and Versatility
Not only does the EDOSTORY oven produce crispy, delicious pizzas, but it's also versatile enough to handle breads and meats. The wood fired cooking experience it offers is authentic, and the oven heats up quickly, ensuring that your meals are cooked evenly and efficiently.
Constructed from high-quality iron, the oven is designed for stability and even heat distribution. The exterior is made of powder-coated carbon steel to maintain heat effectively.
The oven comes with accessories valued at $199, including a waterproof cover, 12x12 inches pizza stone, a pizza peel, stainless steel pizza cutter wheel, pizza oven brush, heat resistant oven glove, pizza stands, two baking trays, and two carbon meshes.
Wood Fired vs. Gas Fired: An In-Depth Comparison
When the topic of outdoor pizza ovens arises, the classic debate of wood-fired versus gas-fired ovens is inevitable. Wood-fired ovens, such as those we've meticulously reviewed, are celebrated for delivering an authentic flavor profile and embodying the essence of traditional cooking techniques. Conversely, gas-fired ovens are lauded for their unparalleled convenience and user-friendly operation, with the versatility to utilize either propane or natural gas.
Wood-fired ovens stand out for their remarkable ability to achieve soaring temperatures, which is essential for creating that coveted crispy pizza crust. Moreover, they are adept at infusing a distinctive smoky essence into the food, a trait that is highly prized by culinary enthusiasts. Operating a wood-fired oven does demand a greater level of engagement and finesse to maintain the fire, yet the culinary rewards are often deemed a fair trade-off by those who cherish the genuine wood-fired flavor.
Best Wood Flavor for Pizza Ovens
When selecting wood for a pizza oven, oak is often preferred for its authentic flavor, while beech serves as a solid alternative. However, personal preferences may lead one to opt for non-traditional woods that impart unique tastes. Fruitwoods like apple or cherry are examples of such choices, known for their ability to subtly modify the flavor of pizza, which is often well-received.
The Benefits of High Temperatures in Cooking Pizza
One of the key advantages of wood fired outdoor pizza ovens is their ability to achieve high temperatures. This is crucial for creating the perfect pizza with a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese. High temperatures also allow for quicker cooking times, meaning you can produce multiple pizzas in rapid succession for your guests.
Achieving the Perfect Crust
The intense heat from a wood fired oven creates the ideal conditions for pizza dough to puff up and form a crispy, yet chewy crust. This is something that conventional home ovens often struggle to replicate.
Cooking Beyond Pizza: The Versatility of Wood Fired Ovens
While pizzas are the main attraction, wood fired ovens are also excellent for cooking a variety of other dishes. From roasting vegetables to baking artisan breads, these ovens offer a range of culinary possibilities.
Exploring New Recipes
With a wood fired oven, you can experiment with different recipes and cooking styles. Whether you're preparing meats for a smoky flavor or baking bread with a crunchy crust, the versatility of these ovens expands your outdoor cooking repertoire.
Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen with a Wood Fired Pizza Oven
Transform your backyard into a gourmet paradise by adding a wood fired pizza oven to your outdoor kitchen design. Not only does a wood fired oven act as a stunning focal point, but it also invites family and friends to come together for unforgettable dining experiences. Discover the joy of cooking with fire and elevate your outdoor entertaining to new heights.
Design Considerations
When planning your outdoor kitchen, consider the space needed for your wood fired oven and the access required for fuel and maintenance. A well-designed outdoor kitchen with a wood fired oven can add value to your home and provide a unique cooking and dining experience.
Summary
Wood fired outdoor pizza ovens offer an authentic cooking experience that elevates the taste and quality of pizzas and other dishes. From portable models like the Ooni Fyra to professional-grade options like the Cru Stainless Steel Wood Fired Pizza Oven, there's a wood fired oven to suit every need and budget. These ovens not only produce restaurant-quality pizza but also serve as versatile cooking appliances for a variety of foods. When choosing the perfect oven, consider factors such as size, portability, and fuel type to find the best fit for your outdoor kitchen.
FAQ Section
Q: What to look for when buying a wood fired pizza oven?
A: When selecting the optimal wood-fired pizza oven for your home, it is important to consider three primary factors: the construction quality of the oven to ensure durability, the presence of multiple layers of dense, heat-retaining insulation for efficient heat retention and reduced wood consumption, and the size of the cooking surface area to accommodate your needs.
Q: Can wood fired pizza ovens only cook pizza?
A: No, wood fired pizza ovens are versatile and can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including breads, meats, and vegetables.
Q: Are wood fired pizza ovens difficult to maintain?
A: Maintenance requirements differ by model, but generally, wood fired pizza ovens require regular cleaning to remove ash and soot buildup. Some models offer easier maintenance features than others.
Q: How long does it take for a wood fired pizza oven to heat up?
A: It varies by model, but most wood fired pizza ovens can reach cooking temperatures within 15 to 30 minutes.
BRIAN M JACKSON
