If you’ve been dreaming of adding a pizza oven to your outdoor kitchens, you’re not alone. Their popularity has soared in recent years. But, with a price tag of hundreds or even thousands for premium brands, it’s understandable that you might be wondering, are pizza ovens worth it? before you commit.
Here at Open Space Concepts, we’re passionate about helping people make the most from their outdoor spaces. We do this by designing and installing bespoke outdoor kitchens by Kiitch, complete with protective structures to keep them usable and comfortable – no matter the weather.
So if you’ve been dreaming of kneading pizza dough at a beautiful outdoor kitchen island, under the cover of a contemporary pergola, we can help you make that a reality.
However, we also know that every addition to your outdoor needs to earn its place, not just take up valuable room. That’s why we’ve put together this definitive guide to help you understand the benefits and limitations of pizza ovens to help you come to a decision.
What makes pizza ovens special?
You might be wondering what exactly it is that sets pizza made in a pizza oven apart from just one made using your regular kitchen oven. After all, you can’t make a fair decision about whether a pizza oven is worth the purchase unless you know what you stand to gain. Let’s explore the differences and benefits.
They operate at much higher temperatures than ovens
Your typical indoor oven can only reach 220°C, whereas a pizza oven will have temperatures of up to 500°C. It’s why you can achieve that distinct caramelisation of the cheese on top as well as the charred and chewy crust that stonebaked pizza is known for.
Together these elements make the pizza taste more authentically like the pizza you’d get in a restaurant, rather than out of a packet.
They cook the pizza much faster
Cooking at a higher temperature means things cook much faster. The average pizza cooks for about 60-90 seconds in a pizza oven. It might sound too good to be true but it really does happen that quickly. This makes it ideal for quickly catering for as many guests as you want to invite!
They’re actually quite energy-efficient
The fast cooking time means that once the outdoor pizza oven is up to temperature, you can cook for an entire family within a matter of minutes. This means you use less fuel than you might expect.
You can use them for cooking more than just pizzas
This benefit might not be immediately apparent, but you really can use pizza ovens to cook more than just a Margherita. From roasted vegetables to crusty bread and even slow-cooked meats. While you’ll be able to cook restaurant-quality pizzas at home, you won’t want to eat pizza every day so getting more from this bit of kit is crucial.
Despite what the name suggests, pizza ovens are surprisingly versatile. You can use them to cook far more than just pizza – think perfectly roasted vegetables, crusty artisan bread, or even slow-cooked meats.
They can help you save on eating out & hosting
If you find yourself spending too much money eating out at restaurants as a nice way to round off the week, a pizza oven can bring that restaurant experience back home.
We’re all feeling the rising cost of luxuries like restaurant dining. It only really takes swapping out a few occasions of dining out for using your new pizza oven to make the outlay cost-neutral.
It’s also a remarkably cost-efficient way to host guests, as pizza ingredients are relatively inexpensive, especially when buying in bulk. The basic ingredients for pizza dough – flour, yeast, and water – cost pennies per serving, while toppings can be as simple or luxurious as you choose.
Things to consider before purchasing
The benefits might seem excellent but there are a few practical checks and balances you need to consider before you get serious about a purchase. We’ll take you through them.
Do you have the space?
Pizza ovens take up a large footprint. And remember – you’ll need more than just room for the oven itself. Think about where you’ll store your fuel and prepare your ingredients, especially if you’re working with a small outdoor kitchen.
How often will you really use it?
If you love entertaining and cooking outdoors, a pizza oven could become your weekend go-to. But if you think it might just be a novelty, consider whether the investment really makes sense. Investing in a top-of-the-range built-in barbeque grill may be a better investment for your outdoor cooking.
Have you considered the additional costs?
Outlay on the pizza oven itself is just the upfront cost. You’ll also need to think through outdoor kitchen roof ideas and come up with the best solution, like a veranda or metal pergola, to keep your investment in good condition. And of course, there’s fuel and ingredients to add into the mix every time you want to use it.
What type of pizza oven will you opt for?
You see there are three main types to pick from, and they all have distinct advantages and drawbacks.
- Wood-fired pizza ovens reach the highest temperatures and give that authentic smoky flavour, but require more skill. Plus, you’ll have to buy and store wood to use them.
- Gas-powered pizza ovens have convenient temperature control and easy operation, making them perfect for beginners. Although you’ll miss out on that wood-smoke taste.
- Electric pizza ovens are the most straightforward choice and work well in smaller spaces, but typically don’t reach the extreme temperatures of the other types.
Factors like lifestyle and budget will likely determine which you opt for.
Our verdict: Are pizza ovens worth it?
As you see there are a lot of fantastic benefits to adding a pizza oven to your outdoor kitchen setup. The main thing is that you think you’ll get good use from it and it doesn’t sit gathering dust.
A big part of that is ensuring you have the right setup to enjoy al fresco dining all year round, like one of our bespoke outdoor living structures. Otherwise, you’ll allow the weather to decide when and where you can use your new kit.
Get protection from the elements with a pergola
To keep your shiny new pizza oven protected from the elements it needs to be covered. Otherwise, it will be at risk from moisture, cracks and erosion from rain or snow or even UV damage from the sun.
However, it’s also crucial that the smoke it produces is properly vented – making a retractable pergola the perfect solution. You’ll be able to vent smoke through the sides and even the top, but add overhead coverage if you need it.
With a covered outdoor kitchen pergola, your pizza oven is covered from anything the British weather throws at you, and so are you. Meaning you can still host family pizza nights whatever the weather, all year round.
Want to explore how your new bespoke outdoor kitchen could work for you? Get your free online quote today.
Want to learn more about creating your perfect outdoor kitchen? Our team is here to help. Call us on 0808 168 0043 or contact us online for expert advice on bringing your vision to life.
