Perfect Pizza Ovens

The Benefits And Advantages Of Outdoor Pizza Ovens

From a commercial or domestic perspective, outdoor pizza ovens are the best choice for cooking pizza.  Dining al-fresco has never been so popular in both the home and at restaurants with gardens or terraces. A pizza oven outdoors adds to the ambience and enjoyment of the meal on a number of levels. People can actually watch their pizza being cooked and can even participate in the preparation.

A great idea for a party at home is the cook your own pizza party. People can put their own choice of toppings on top and put it in the oven. This is extremely popular! The aroma of a pizza cooking outside is quite delicious.  If you have a wood fired oven the smoky aroma is always a great background. Add to that the toasting wheat base and sizzling melting cheese, bubbling tomato and herbs and you have a combination guaranteed to set your taste buds on fire! On a cool evening, it is lovely to sit outdoors next to a hot pizza oven. And outdoor pizza ovens can be used almost all year round for large parties or the usual family meal.

There are various types of oven ranging from the chunky metal varity shown or simple cast iron "Mexican" stove to a large custom built masonry pizza oven. The masonry ovens can be purchased precast to sit on a base or built from scratch on site. This is well within the ability of a competent DIY enthusiast and can be built for pennies on the dollar. These are built in an oval, volcano or beehive shape depending on your own particular taste. Chimneys and doors can be added if required although not essential.

Outdoor models are generally solid fuel, wood or gas fired, with propane gas. There are some beautiful stainless steel table top models that can be permanently sited in an outdoor kitchen, on a veranda or deck.  The best interior cooking base is stone, terracotta, brick or ceramic.  These materials are highly thermal, which means they retain heat for a long time, reach a high temperature and are naturally absorbant. These properties will ensure that moisture is drawn out from the pizza dough base crisping it up quickly. Pizza should always be cooked directly on the stone not on a tray, for this reason.

Insertion of a pizza with a paddle is a good idea as these ovens tend to get extremely hot and can burn you easily.   After pizzas have been cooked and eaten and once the oven has cooled down for some time you can use it to cook bread or add meat or casseroles. Once cold, the embers can be scraped out and the inside swept out with a brush.  there is little to no cleaning involved. Just a scrub now and then to remove foot deposits and charcoal stains. Metal ovens need a wipe round, similar care to a barbecue and cast iron a good brush out with a stiff brush.

Which ever type you choose, for home or business use, you will surely be delighted with your new oven.... and .....if it isn't already, pizza may just beome your favorite meal!