We understand that buying a pizza oven can be incredibly daunting with so many options available to customers it can seem very confusing and trying to figure out the best one for you seems like trying to choose whether you should have gin or white wine on a Friday evening -too many choices! Don't worry, we've got you covered with some basic questions that will help guide you on the journey.
First Question: Wood Fired Vs. Gas Fired?
When it comes to outdoor pizza ovens, the choice between wood and gas can set the stage for your perfect pizza night. Let's break it down!
Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens
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Flavour: Nothing beats the authentic, smoky flavour that wood imparts to your pizza. It’s that classic pizzeria taste right in your garden.
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Experience: If you enjoy the process of building and maintaining a fire, wood-fired ovens offer a hands-on, rewarding experience.
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Versatility: Great for more than just pizzas! Roast meats, veggies, and even bake bread.
Gas Pizza Ovens
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Convenience: Quick and easy to light, gas ovens get up to cooking temperature in no time, perfect for spontaneous pizza cravings.
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Consistency: Offers precise temperature control for consistently great results every time.
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Maintenance: Easier to clean with less ash and residue compared to wood-fired ovens.
Whether you cherish the tradition of wood-fired cooking or prefer the modern convenience of gas, Ember & Stonehouse has the perfect pizza oven to match your lifestyle and culinary passion. Of course, we also offer dual fuel pizza ovens if it's just too difficult to choose or you want the freedom of both.
Size Matters: Choosing the Right Pizza Oven for Your Gatherings
When it comes to hosting gatherings, the size of your pizza oven can make all the difference. Whether you're throwing a casual family dinner or a big garden party, here's what you need to consider:
Compact Pizza Ovens
- Perfect for Small Gatherings: Ideal for intimate dinners or small family get-togethers, compact ovens can cook one pizza at a time.
- Portability: Often lightweight and easy to move, making them great for picnics, camping trips, or simply repositioning in your garden.
- Space-Saving: Fits comfortably in smaller outdoor spaces or patios, without compromising on performance.
If you want a smaller more portable oven, we recommend the Alfresco Chef Ember or the Woody Oven for those after a wood fired pizza oven. We also like the Gino D'Acampo gas fired oven and this is perfect for those camping trips away!
Medium-Sized Pizza Ovens
- Versatile Capacity: Can handle two to three pizzas simultaneously, making them suitable for mid-sized gatherings or regular family use.
- Balanced Footprint: Offers a good balance between cooking capacity and space, fitting well in most garden setups.
- Enhanced Features: Often come with additional features like temperature control and multi-fuel options.
We recommend the Igneus Bambino or Classico ovens and the Alfresco Chef Naples oven for those wanting to cook 2 -3 pizzas at once.
Large Pizza Ovens
- Party-Ready: Built for large gatherings, these ovens can cook multiple pizzas at once, ensuring no one has to wait long for their slice.
- High Throughput: Perfect for entertaining a crowd, allowing you to keep up with the demand during parties or events.
- Impressive Centrepiece: Acts as a focal point in your outdoor space, adding a touch of grandeur and attracting guests to gather around.
No matter the size of your gathering. Ember & Stonehouse has a pizza oven that fits your needs. Whether you're hosting a cosy dinner with friends or a lively garden party, we have the perfect solution to make your pizza night unforgettable.
For those wanting a real impact in their garden, we would really recommend looking at the Fontana Forni Marinara or Mangiafuoco ovens (wood, gas and dual), Igneus Pro 600 and Igneus Pro 750 wood fired ovens.
What Impacts The Cooking Performance and Heat-Up Time
When choosing a pizza oven, cooking performance and heat-up time are crucial factors to consider. A high-performing oven will evenly cook your pizza, ensuring that the crust is perfectly crisp and the toppings are cooked to perfection.
Gas ovens tend to heat up more quickly, often reaching cooking temperatures in as little as 10-15 minutes. Wood-fired ovens, while taking a bit longer to heat up, can provide higher temperatures and impart a unique, smoky flavour to your pizza. Whether you prioritise speed and convenience or the rich, authentic taste, understanding the cooking performance and heat-up time of your chosen oven will help you achieve pizza perfection every time.
Build Quality and Materials are also important!
The build quality and materials of a pizza oven play a significant role in its durability and cooking efficiency. High-quality materials, such as stainless steel and refractory bricks, are essential for maintaining consistent heat and withstanding the rigours of frequent use.
Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for gas ovens. Refractory bricks, often used in wood-fired ovens, offer excellent heat retention and distribution, allowing for even cooking and longer-lasting heat. Investing in a pizza oven with superior build quality ensures that your oven will not only perform well but also stand the test of time, providing you with countless delicious meals.
Here at Ember & Stonehouse, we are committed to ensuring that you find the right pizza oven for you and it is important to us that all our customers feel special. We are big on communication here and will be here to support you throughout the journey.
