Cooking pizza in an outdoor oven is an incredibly fun and delicious way to make pizza at home. With the right techniques and tools, you can achieve wood-fired pizza restaurant quality results in your own backyard. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about using an outdoor pizza oven, from choosing the right oven and tools to preparing the dough and toppings, managing the fire, and cooking techniques for perfect pizza every time.

Choosing an Outdoor Pizza Oven

The first step is selecting the right outdoor pizza oven for your needs. Here are the main options to consider:

Wood Fired Oven

Traditionally made from materials like brick, stone, or clay, wood fired ovens can reach temperatures upwards of 700-900°F.
They cook pizza by combining direct heat from an open wood fire with radiant heat absorbed in the oven walls and floor.
Offer an authentic wood-fired pizza experience, with great smoky flavor. Require more effort to manage the fire.
Relatively expensive but will last for decades when properly maintained. Built-in or standalone models available.

Gas Fired Oven

Use propane or natural gas burners to heat up the floor and interior walls.
Reach high temperatures of around 600°F quickly and conveniently.
Provide great results in a simpler, more user-friendly package. Still get some smoky flavor from wood chips or pellets.
More affordable and easier to operate than wood fired ovens. Many stylish freestanding models to choose from.

Electric Oven

Heated internally using electric heating elements. Temperatures up to around 500°F.
Very convenient plug-and-play operation. No fire management required.
Models range from small countertop ovens to larger freestanding ovens. Budget-friendly options available.
Don’t get the same smoky flavor, but still make delicious pizzas.

Key Features

Look for ovens with thick stone floors that hold heat well and distribute it evenly. Durable, high-heat resistant construction. Generous interior space to fit multiple pizzas. Secure, tight-fitting doors. Easy to access controls. Built to withstand outdoor conditions.

Necessary Tools and Equipment

Having the right tools will make prepping and cooking pizza much easier. Here is the essential gear:

Pizza Peel – For sliding pizzas in and out of the oven. Look for a long handle and thin, tapered wooden or metal blade. Dust it with flour or semolina before use.
Pizza Stone – Helps crusts brown evenly. Consider multiple stones for larger ovens. Pre-heat stone for at least 30 mins before cooking.
Infrared Thermometer – Essential for monitoring cooking temperatures. Aim it at the floor or walls, not directly at the fire.
Fireproof Gloves – Protect your hands and forearms when managing the firebox or turning/retrieving pizzas.
Wooden Pizza Paddle – Use to turn and rotate pizzas while baking. Look for a long handle for safe handling.
Metal Brush – For sweeping ashes and debris out of the oven floor and firebox area.
Dough Cutter – A pizza wheel or kitchen shears make quick work of dividing dough balls.

Preparing the Dough

Great pizza begins with great dough. Here are some tips:

Choose a style – Neapolitan and New York style work well. Pick a recipe and technique that matches your oven’s capabilities.
Use quality ingredients – 00 or bread flour produces better crust. Opt for fresh yeast over dry when possible.
Measure precisely – Carefully weigh ingredients. Avoid volume measurements which can be less accurate.
Knead thoroughly – Spend at least 10 minutes kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. Let it rise properly.
Portion dough – Divide into equal 230-280g balls for personal size pizzas. Dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Use parchment – For easier transfer, line peels and stones with parchment paper cut to size.

Preparing Toppings and Sauces

Planning your toppings in advance will make the cooking process smooth.

Pick simple, classic toppings – Less is often more! Tomato, mozzarella, basil is a perfect combo.
Prep toppings ahead – Wash, slice, and grate toppings. Measure sauces into containers for easy use.
Don’t overdo it – Pile on too many toppings and the pizza won’t cook evenly. Keep it simple.
Use high quality ingredients – Splurge on the good mozzarella, parmesan, olive oil, etc. Quality makes a difference.
Have all tools ready – Pizza cutter, spoons, ladles, bowls, and grater should be laid out and ready to go.

Managing the Fire

For wood fired ovens, mastering fire management is essential:

Start small – Begin with a small manageable fire. It’s easier to add more fuel than reduce the fire if it gets too large.
Use good fuel – Hardwoods like oak and maple give the best heat and flavor. Avoid softwoods like pine which burn too quickly.
Let the fire burn down – Allow the fire to burn down to embers before cooking. Red coals, not large flames, should heat the oven.
Maintain a consistent heat – Add more wood as needed during cooking to keep the temperature steady.
Have an extinguishing plan – Always keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher on hand. Safety first!

Cooking Techniques

Follow these tips for perfect pizza every time:

Fully preheat the oven – Heat up to full temperature for at least 30 minutes or longer before cooking. Verify with a thermometer.
Work quickly – Have toppings and equipment ready. Stretch dough, top, and get pizzas into the oven fast.
Rotate frequently – Use the paddle to turn pizzas often for even browning and cooking on both sides.
Watch temperatures – If the temp drops too low, the crust won’t crisp enough. If too high, cheese and toppings may burn.
Manage multiple pizzas – When cooking several pizzas, leave 2-3 inches between them for air flow. Rotate and switch positions part way through.
Inspect the bottom – Use the paddle to lift and check if the crust is browned and charred nicely.
Finish on the peel – Transfer pizzas to the peel once done for easier handling. Let them rest 1-2 minutes before slicing.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even experienced pizza makers encounter the occasional issue. Here is how to troubleshoot some common problems:

Dough sticks to peel – Always generously flour the peel. Use parchment to keep dough from sticking if needed. Work quickly and decisively when transferring dough.

Undercooked crust – Allow oven to fully preheat. Use an IR thermometer to verify temperature. Leave pizza in oven 2-3 mins longer until nicely charred.

Soggy pizza – Use fewer toppings, especially meats and veggies that release moisture. Sprinkle on cheese after partially cooking crust first.

Burnt crust or cheese – Check that oven temp is not too hot. Rotate pizza frequently. Add cheese half way through cooking.

Uneven cooking – Ensure the stone/floor is evenly heated. Rotate pizza to promote even browning. Leave enough room between pies for air flow.

Pizza sticks to stone – Be sure stone is hot enough before use. Flour the peel and add parchment paper to help dough release. Gently wiggle pizza to loosen after cooking.

Cleanup and Maintenance

Follow proper practices after each use:

Allow oven and stone to fully cool before cleaning up.
Brush out oven floor and walls with a sturdy metal brush.
Remove ash and debris from the chimney flue and firebox.
Clean any spills or drips on the oven exterior.
Wipe stones clean. Heat up stones before next use to burn off residue.
Store tools and supplies neatly between uses.
Perform periodic deeper cleaning and repairs as needed.
Inspect for any damage after each use. Address issues promptly.

Getting the Most Out of Your Outdoor Pizza Oven

Follow this advice to become an outdoor pizza pro:

Practice frequently to dial in your dough, sauce, and topping preferences. The more you use your oven, the better you will get.
Experiment with recipes – Try different dough hydration levels, ingredients, cooking methods, and flavor combinations.
Take notes so you can replicate successes and learn from mistakes. Jot down oven temp, cook times, recipes, etc.
Invest in quality ingredients – Great dough, sauce, and toppings make all the difference.
Master your equipment – Learn all the ins and outs of your specific oven and tools.
Have fun! – Relax and enjoy the process. Outdoor pizza ovens are designed for good times and great pizza!

Cooking delicious wood-fired pizza at home is very achievable with the right outdoor oven setup and techniques. Follow this guide and you will be serving up piping hot, fresh, artisanal quality pizza in no time. The whole process is deeply enjoyable and satisfying. Whether making casual family meals or hosting crowds, an outdoor pizza oven is sure to create lasting memories. Now get fired up and start perfecting your pizza!

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions? Here are answers to common queries about outdoor pizza ovens:

What temperature should I heat the oven to?

For Neapolitan style, aim for around 700-800°F. For New York style, 600-700°F is ideal. Use an infrared thermometer to monitor.

How long does it take an oven to fully preheat?

Depending on the size and design, it usually takes 30-60 minutes for the floor and walls to fully heat soak at the desired temperature.

What oven material works best?

Brick and stone ovens retain and conduct heat well. Stainless steel or ceramic interiors make for easier cleaning.

How do I arrange coals for oven heating?

Spread hot coals evenly across the oven floor in a thin layer. Maintain an even heat by occasionally raking and redistributing.

Should I cook pizzas directly on the floor or use a stone?

Stones make it easier to slide pizzas in and out. But floor cooking gives great results too if your peel handling skills are good.

How long does it take to cook a pizza?

In a 700°F+ oven, pizzas take just 2-5 minutes to fully cook. Thinner Neapolitan pies cook faster than thicker New York crusts.

What oven accessories do I need?

At minimum, a pizza peel, infrared thermometer, brush and paddle. Heat resistant gloves highly recommended. Multiple stones useful for larger ovens.

How do I extinguish the fire when done?

Let it burn out naturally. Or carefully spread coals evenly across floor. Sprinkle flour generously before closing oven door.

Conclusion

Cooking pizza in an outdoor wood fired or gas oven is an incredibly enjoyable way to achieve delicious, restaurant-quality pizza at home. With the right equipment, preparation, and technique, you can master the art of homemade pizza that rivals the best pizzerias. This guide covers all the key steps and tips for success. From constructing or choosing an oven to managing the fire and cooking process, you now have a solid foundation for making your outdoor pizza oven an indispensable part of summertime outdoor cooking and entertainment. Gather your equipment, dial in your go-to dough and sauce recipes, and invite over family and friends. Enjoy fun evenings around the fire, highlighting seasonal, fresh toppings. Your new outdoor pizza oven will quickly become a backyard favorite for making delicious memories.

How to Use an Outdoor Pizza Oven