How To Use A Pizza Oven The Correct Way

Ever wondered why your homemade pizzas don’t quite match up to the wood-fired wonders from your favourite pizzeria? The secret could be in how you’re using your pizza oven—or perhaps you haven’t yet discovered the magic of DIY pizza oven kits?

Read on to learn how to master the art of the perfect pizza with our comprehensive guide on using a pizza oven the correct way, and how a DIY kit could be the key ingredient in elevate your pizza-making game.

A juicy salmon steak that has been perfectly cooked in a wood fired pizza oven being used in the correct way.

1. Location and Safety of a Wood-Burning Pizza Oven

Place your pizza oven in an area away from flammable materials, overhanging trees, or structures that could be damaged by heat.
Build your pizza oven with the flue at least 1m from any boundaries. It’s recommended that you keep your pizza oven at least 3 meters from your house.
Ensure there is enough space for ventilation and airflow around the oven to prevent overheating and smoke build-up.

2. Preparing The Base

If you opt for a modular oven, construct a sturdy base using fire-resistant materials such as bricks or concrete.

For portable ovens, ensure you have a stable surface like a sturdy table or a purpose-built stand.

3. Gather Essential Tools And Accessories

Square Pizza Peel: A long-handled wooden or metal pizza peel is used for placing and retrieving pizzas from the oven.
Round Pizza Peel: You will find it easier to turn your pizzas with a round pizza peel for balanced cooking.
Infrared Thermometer: This tool allows you to monitor the temperature of the oven accurately.
Firewood And Kindling: Choose dry hardwoods like oak or beech for the best flavour and long-lasting heat. Don’t use large logs as they can make your pizza oven smoke.

4. Mastering The Fire

Start by creating a base of kindling and small pieces of firewood at the centre of the oven.
Gradually add larger pieces of wood to build up the fire, allowing it to burn until the oven reaches the desired temperature.

Where Do You Move The Fire To In Your Pizza Oven?

For pizzas, move the fire to one side. This allows you to see the crust cooking, unlike when you have the fire at the rear.

Create direct and indirect heat zones in different places for alternative cooking styles and recipes.

5. Pizza Preparation And Cooking

Prepare your pizza dough and toppings in advance.
Keep your toppings simple and use fresh ingredients for the best flavours.
Preheat the pizza oven to ensure a crispy crust.
Slide the prepared pizza onto the preheated oven using the pizza peel.
Rotate the pizza periodically for even cooking and remove it once the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
Push embers to the side when the oven floor is hot enough (400 c to 450c) for the best results when cooking pizza

6. Experiment and Enjoy!

Whether you’re savouring the meal solo, in the company of your significant other, or surrounded by your loved ones, make the most of your pizza oven all summer long and relish the delectable dishes you can conjure up.

Browse Our Pizza Oven Kits Today!

Explore our wide range of pizza oven kits at Pizza Oven Supplies and unleash your culinary creativity. Get in touch with us today to find the perfect kit for your outdoor cooking adventures this Autumn!

Andy bought a Milano 750 nearly six years ago. He has used his oven day after day and month after month. He’s not much for pizza but the dishes he creates are amazing. Check out the video where he shows you how to light a pizza oven and pictures of some of the meals he’s created – https://youtu.be/UXYmEcFS9og