What's the Best Way to Light an Outdoor Pizza Oven?

22 minutes read

The best way to light an outdoor pizza oven is to start by cleaning out any debris or ash from previous use. Then, crumple up some newspaper and place it in the center of your oven. Next, stack small pieces of kindling on top of the newspaper in a crisscross pattern. Light the newspaper with a long match or lighter and allow the kindling to catch fire. Once the kindling has started burning, you can add larger pieces of wood to build up the heat. Make sure to keep the fire well-ventilated by leaving the oven door slightly ajar until the fire is well-established. Once the fire has burned down to hot embers, you can push the embers to the side to create an even cooking surface for your pizzas.

Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens of November 2024

1
Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven – Portable Wood and Gas Fired Pizza Oven with Pizza Stone, Outdoor Ooni Pizza Oven - Woodfired & Stonebaked Pizza Maker, Countertop Dual Fuel Pizza Oven

Rating is 5 out of 5

Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven – Portable Wood and Gas Fired Pizza Oven with Pizza Stone, Outdoor Ooni Pizza Oven - Woodfired & Stonebaked Pizza Maker, Countertop Dual Fuel Pizza Oven

  • HOT NEW FEATURES – A custom designed fuel tray that maximises airflow and delivers a powerful blast of searing flame allows the Ooni Karu 12 pizza oven to maintain the ultra-high temperatures – load it up with real wood or charcoal, with no excess ash to clean
  • ULTRA PORTABLE – Weighing only 26.4lbs this outdoor pizza oven can be moved around easily but has all the power and heat of a larger wood fired pizza oven. Fold down the legs and remove the chimney and enjoy the freedom to cook amazing pizza on your next outdoor adventure.
  • GREAT PIZZA – A motto that Ooni Pizza Ovens live by – We believe that everybody deserves great pizza and our Ooni Karu 12 Multi-fuel pizza oven has been designed with that sole purpose in mind.
  • VERSATILE – Level up your pizza game with one of Ooni’s most popular ovens and learn how to become a true pizzaiolo – or discover that you can even use your pizza oven to cook steak, fish or veg in one of our cast iron range of cookware
2
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16 Inch Wood Pellet Burning Pizza Oven Pellet Pizza Stove, Portable Stainless Steel Pizza Oven with Pizza Stone for Outdoor Backyard Pizza Maker Garden Kitchen

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16 Inch Wood Pellet Burning Pizza Oven Pellet Pizza Stove, Portable Stainless Steel Pizza Oven with Pizza Stone for Outdoor Backyard Pizza Maker Garden Kitchen

  • ❤Let’s make a pizza - Pizza oven reaching of up to a massive 1112℉(600℃) after adding the fuel combustion, the 16 inch outdoor pizza oven needs only 15 minutes to preheat, can reach 300℃, and can cook delicious stone baked pizza in 60-90 seconds(depend on pizza size)
  • ❤Easy use and set up - The pizza oven come with a 16 inch pizza stone, ideal for family party gathering, overall dimension of the pizza oven is 25"H x 18"W x 36"D, and the weight of pizza oven is 42lb, only take few minutes to finish the installation and ready for baking, easy to assemble
  • ❤Choice of quality performance - The whole pizza oven made of stainless steel material, with four fold-able legs, provide stability when the pizza oven is used, large baking area with chimney, less smoke and flame will more even, with the efficiency burning design, increase usage time
3
ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven - Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven, Woodfired & Stonebaked Pizza Maker, Countertop Pizza Oven Grill, Cook 12 Inch Pizzas and More, Pizza Cooker for Outdoor Kitchen

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven - Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven, Woodfired & Stonebaked Pizza Maker, Countertop Pizza Oven Grill, Cook 12 Inch Pizzas and More, Pizza Cooker for Outdoor Kitchen

  • PERFECT PIZZA – Cook epic 12-inch, wood-fired pizza in as little as 60 seconds with this ultra-portable, hardwood pellet-fueled oven.
  • JOIN THE PIZZA PARTY – A motto that Ooni Ovens live by - We believe that everybody deserves great pizza and our Ooni Fyra pizza oven has been designed and developed with the sole purpose of cooking epic wood-fired pizza in 60 seconds.
  • PORTABLE – Weighing only 20lbs and with foldable legs for easy storage and transport we have made the Ooni Fyra our most portable outdoor pizza oven yet – Allowing you to enjoy your perfect pizza wherever you want to take it!
4
EDOSTORY Outdoor Pizza Oven, Wood Fired Pizza Oven for Outside, Patio Pizza Maker with Pizza Stone, Pizza Peel, Grill Rack, and Waterproof Cover for Backyard Camping

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

EDOSTORY Outdoor Pizza Oven, Wood Fired Pizza Oven for Outside, Patio Pizza Maker with Pizza Stone, Pizza Peel, Grill Rack, and Waterproof Cover for Backyard Camping

  • 【Multi-functional Outdoor Pizza Oven】 Our outdoor oven is much more than a pizza oven, as well as roasting meat, steaks, fish, bread and vegetable dishes and so much more. With the 12" pizza stone, you’ll get that perfect crispy crust on the bottom and around the edges of the pizza.
  • 【Practical Design】There is a detachable storage space for carbon ash, which is convenient for you to remove carbon ash. Easy to move with 2 large wheels and a side handle. An open shelf under the oven where you can store wood.
  • 【PREMIUM QUALITY】 The outdoor pizza oven is made of high-quality iron which improves overall stability and ensures even heat transfer inside. The powder-coated carbon steel shell offers optimal heat retention.
5
BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Ovens Wood Pellet 12” Pizza Oven Cooking Wood Fired Pizza Maker Portable Stainless Steel Pizza Grill, Silver Portable Party use

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Ovens Wood Pellet 12” Pizza Oven Cooking Wood Fired Pizza Maker Portable Stainless Steel Pizza Grill, Silver Portable Party use

  • 【Premium & Safe Stainless Steel】Outdoor Ovens pellet pizza oven is constructed with high-quality stainless steel. This sturdy and compact oven is safe for cooking all types of foods, more than 24 months warranty to you
  • 【Easy Use & Cook Evenly】Preheat oven for 18 minutes. Slide in that pizza, turn it often and enjoy! Cooking outdoors with wood pellet has never been so simple. Little sauce & minimal toppings are best on Neapolitan. Cheers!
6
Ninja Woodfire Pizza Oven, 8-in-1 outdoor oven, 5 Pizza Settings, Ninja Woodfire Technology, 700°F high heat, BBQ smoker, wood pellets, pizza stone, electric heat, portable, terracotta red, 9x13

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Ninja Woodfire Pizza Oven, 8-in-1 outdoor oven, 5 Pizza Settings, Ninja Woodfire Technology, 700°F high heat, BBQ smoker, wood pellets, pizza stone, electric heat, portable, terracotta red, 9x13

  • 8-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Do more outdoors and turn any space into an outdoor kitchen; Pizza, Max Roast, Specialty Roast, Broil, Bake, Smoker, Dehydrate and Keep Warm.
  • ARTISAN PIZZAS: 3-minute no turn, no fuss pizzas. Choose from 5 different settings to satisfy any craving; Neapolitan, Thin Crust, Pan, New York, and Frozen. *cooked at 700°F excludes 25-minute preheat.
  • 700°F PREMIUM RESULTS: Brick oven-inspired results without the hassle—charring, caramelization, blistering and crunch for premium textures and flavors.
  • SMOKY FLAVORS ON ANYTHING: Add authentic BBQ flavors to anything you make with just 1/2 cup of pellets at any temperature up to 700°F.
  • COMPLETE TEMPERATURE CONTROL: No flame, full control. Electric heat unlocks a wide range of temps from 105-700°F. Expand your horizons and cook more outdoors.
7
Giantex Pizza Oven Outdoor, Wood Fired Pizza Oven with Pizza Stone, Pizza Peel, Waterproof Cover, Cooking Grids, Pizza Maker with Wheels for Outside Camping Backyard Party (64 Inch)

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Giantex Pizza Oven Outdoor, Wood Fired Pizza Oven with Pizza Stone, Pizza Peel, Waterproof Cover, Cooking Grids, Pizza Maker with Wheels for Outside Camping Backyard Party (64 Inch)

  • 【Multi-functional Outdoor Pizza Oven】: The fantastic pizza maker is ideal for a variety of occasions, including parties, family gatherings, BBQs, and outdoor camping. Its versatile cooking grids allow the creation of numerous dishes, such as chicken, beef, pepperoni pizza, mouthwatering steak, burgers, baked fish, and more.
  • 【Easy Temperature Control】: The built-in thermometer enables temperature monitoring, while the chimney's adjustable shovel grants you control over the air content inside, facilitating easy fire regulation. To prevent a pizza stone from cracking, it is important to preheat it in the pizza oven gradually, ensuring even heat distribution. Avoid place a cold pizza stone directly into a hot oven.
8
Outdoor Pizza Oven Wood Fired Pizza Oven Patio Portable Pizza Maker Cooking Grill with Wheels Waterproof Cover for Backyard Camping

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Outdoor Pizza Oven Wood Fired Pizza Oven Patio Portable Pizza Maker Cooking Grill with Wheels Waterproof Cover for Backyard Camping

  • 【Package Included】The package comes with a Pizza oven (56"H x 14.6"W x 19.5"L), a pizza stone (12" x 12"),a baking shovel,ash collect tray and a waterproof cover.
  • 【Perfect Temperature Control】 The built-in thermometer displays the max 700℉ baking temperature in real-time, allowing you to monitor the fire temperature and control it by adding and reducing wood accurately. You can also adjust the fire by vent valve on the door and chimney.
  • 【Multipurpose Pizza Oven】The pizza oven can not only bake pizza but also roast chicken, beef, steak, hamburgers, baked fish, bread, vegetables, grill chicken,etc. Also, it keeps you warm during cooking, picnics and so on, which is perfect for parties, family gatherings, BBQ or camping outside.
9
BIG HORN OUTDOORS Gas Pizza Oven, Portable Propane Pizza Oven with 13 inch Pizza Stone, Stainless Steel Pizza Maker for Outdoor Cooking

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

BIG HORN OUTDOORS Gas Pizza Oven, Portable Propane Pizza Oven with 13 inch Pizza Stone, Stainless Steel Pizza Maker for Outdoor Cooking

  • ❤UNIQUE DESIGN - BIG HORN OUTDOORS gas pizza oven is made of high quality stainless steel, specially designed for outdoor application, stable construction is easy to take apart for CLEANING, STORAGEE and MOVING, this portable propane pizza oven can be easily assembled and installed in minutes
  • ❤MULTI-FUNCTION PIZZA OVEN - Dimension of this gas pizza oven is 22.5x22x19.5 inch, large cooking area of 13 inch is not just for baking pizzas, but also perfect for roasting steaks, chicken, fish, lamb chops, sausages and vegetable dishes, enjoy a restaurant level cooking experience with this propane pizza oven
10
PolarcoForgeco Portable Pizza Oven Outdoor - 12 Inch Wood Fired Pizza Oven for Outside, Stainless Steel Pellet Pizza Stove for Charcoal Grill on Backyard Camping - Silver Gray

Rating is 4.1 out of 5

PolarcoForgeco Portable Pizza Oven Outdoor - 12 Inch Wood Fired Pizza Oven for Outside, Stainless Steel Pellet Pizza Stove for Charcoal Grill on Backyard Camping - Silver Gray

  • PIZZA DONE IN 90 SECONDS - Level up your pizza game! With the continuous and reliable combustion system, the PolarcoForgeco outdoor pizza oven helps you reach high temperatures of 900℉ (450℃) in just 30 minutes. It takes only 90 SECONDS to bake a perfect 12" pizza, and it supports continuous baking. The only challenge is deciding - make pizza, steak, seafood, vegetables, or bread according to your preference.
  • FOOD-GRADE PREMIUM MATERIAL - Crafted from high-quality SUS430 Stainless Steel, this wood-fired pizza oven offers excellent corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity, making it sturdy and durable. With a superior heat resistance of up to 1500℉ (816℃), it helps you unlock more new recipes with confidence.
  • BUILT FOR WOOD FIRED FLAVOR - Want to craft an authentic Neapolitan pizza but have no brick oven? Then this portable pizza oven is for you! The specially designed fuel tray has a larger capacity and eliminates the need to add woods multiple times, helping you easily achieve full combustion. You can choose charcoals for a consistent temperature, hardwood chunks for a controllable burn, and fruit woods for a special flavor.


How to adjust the temperature in an outdoor pizza oven?

  1. Locate the temperature control dial or lever on your outdoor pizza oven. This control is typically located on the front or side of the oven.
  2. To increase the temperature, turn the dial or lever clockwise. This will allow more heat to build up inside the oven, resulting in a higher cooking temperature.
  3. To decrease the temperature, turn the dial or lever counterclockwise. This will reduce the amount of heat inside the oven, resulting in a lower cooking temperature.
  4. Keep in mind that adjusting the temperature may take some time to see the effects, as outdoor pizza ovens can take a while to heat up or cool down. It's a good idea to monitor the temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired level.
  5. Experiment with different temperature settings to find the perfect balance for cooking your pizzas to perfection. Some recipes may recommend specific temperature ranges for optimal results.


How to ensure even heat distribution in an outdoor pizza oven?

  1. Properly position the fire: Make sure the fire is built in a way that it creates even heat distribution throughout the oven. Avoid placing the fire too close to one side of the oven, as this can cause uneven heating.
  2. Use a pizza stone or baking steel: Place a pizza stone or baking steel in the oven before heating it up. This helps distribute heat evenly across the surface of the pizza, ensuring a crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings.
  3. Rotate the pizza: To ensure even cooking, rotate the pizza halfway through the cooking process. This allows all parts of the pizza to be exposed to the heat evenly.
  4. Monitor the temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the oven. Make sure it stays at the desired heat level for even cooking. Adjust the fire as needed to maintain consistent heat.
  5. Preheat the oven: Allow the oven to preheat for at least 30 minutes before cooking the pizza. This ensures that all parts of the oven are evenly heated before placing the pizza inside.
  6. Keep the oven door closed: Avoid opening the oven door too frequently, as this can cause heat to escape and lead to uneven cooking. Only open the door when necessary to check on the pizza.
  7. Use a pizza peel: Use a pizza peel to easily rotate the pizza and move it around inside the oven. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents hot spots.


By following these tips and techniques, you can ensure even heat distribution in your outdoor pizza oven, resulting in perfectly cooked pizzas every time.


How to troubleshoot common issues with an outdoor pizza oven?

  1. Check the Gas Supply: If your outdoor pizza oven is gas-powered, make sure the gas supply is turned on and that there are no leaks in the gas line. You can do this by checking the gas hose for any visible damage and listening for any hissing sounds.
  2. Check the Ignition System: If your oven has an ignition system, make sure it is functioning properly. Clean the ignition system and check for any corrosion or damage that may be preventing it from lighting.
  3. Inspect the Burner: If your oven is not heating properly, check the burner for any blockages or debris that may be hindering the flow of gas. Clean the burner and ensure that it is properly aligned to provide even heat distribution.
  4. Monitor the Temperature: If your oven is not reaching the desired temperature, use an external thermometer to verify the accuracy of the built-in temperature gauge. Adjust the temperature settings accordingly.
  5. Check the Pizza Stone: If your pizzas are coming out undercooked or burnt, check the condition of the pizza stone. Clean it with a damp cloth and ensure it is properly preheated before placing pizzas on it.
  6. Monitor Airflow: Proper airflow is essential for even cooking in an outdoor pizza oven. Check for any obstructions in the chimney or vents that may be restricting airflow. Adjust the airflow controls as needed to achieve optimal cooking conditions.
  7. Inspect the Insulation: If your oven is losing heat too quickly, check the insulation for any gaps or damage that may be allowing heat to escape. Repair or replace the insulation as needed to improve heat retention.
  8. Consult the Owner’s Manual: If you are still experiencing issues with your outdoor pizza oven, consult the owner’s manual for troubleshooting tips specific to your model. If necessary, contact the manufacturer for further assistance or to schedule a professional inspection.


How to check for leaks in a gas-fueled outdoor pizza oven?

  1. Turn off the gas supply to the outdoor pizza oven before starting the inspection.
  2. Mix equal parts of dish soap and water in a spray bottle.
  3. Open the gas valve and turn on the oven to pressurize the gas lines.
  4. Spray the soapy water solution on all the gas connections, including the hoses, valves, and regulators.
  5. Look for any bubbles forming on the connections. Bubbles indicate a gas leak.
  6. If you spot any bubbles, tighten the connections or replace any damaged parts as needed.
  7. Continue to check all the connections until no bubbles are present.
  8. If you are unable to locate the source of the leak, it is recommended to contact a professional gas technician for further assistance.


What is the best way to monitor the temperature in an outdoor pizza oven?

The best way to monitor the temperature in an outdoor pizza oven is to use a high-quality oven thermometer specifically designed for outdoor cooking. These thermometers are typically made of durable materials that can withstand the high temperatures of a pizza oven and provide accurate readings. Place the thermometer in the hottest part of the oven, such as near the fire or heat source, to ensure an accurate reading of the temperature inside the oven. Check the thermometer regularly while cooking to make sure that the oven stays at the desired temperature for making delicious pizzas.


How to properly start a fire in an outdoor pizza oven?

  1. Gather your firewood: Make sure you have a good supply of dry, seasoned hardwood for your fire. Avoid using softwoods like pine, as they can create excessive smoke and leave a residue on your oven.
  2. Build a good base: Start by placing a layer of crumpled up newspaper or fire starter at the bottom of the oven. Add a layer of small kindling on top of the newspaper in a criss-cross pattern to create good airflow.
  3. Light the fire: Use a long lighter or match to ignite the newspaper or fire starter at the base of the oven. Make sure the flames are well-established before adding larger pieces of wood.
  4. Add larger wood: Once the fire has caught on, gradually add larger pieces of wood to build up the flames. Be sure to leave some space between the logs to allow for proper airflow.
  5. Maintain the fire: Keep an eye on the fire and add more wood as needed to maintain a steady flame. Use a poker or tongs to move the logs around and ensure they are burning evenly.
  6. Let the fire burn down: Allow the fire to burn down to a bed of glowing embers before adding your pizza. This will ensure that the oven is heated evenly and will provide a consistent cooking temperature.
  7. Clean the oven: Use a brush or damp cloth to remove any ash or debris from the oven before cooking your pizza.


By following these steps, you should be able to properly start a fire in your outdoor pizza oven and enjoy delicious, wood-fired pizza in no time.

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