A new outdoor pizza oven is in high demand. There is a newfound interest in outfitting patios, campers, and state-of-the-art outdoor kitchens with these user-friendly and quick cooking appliances. But which one is the right one? There’s so much to consider when purchasing an item that is “hot”. Price, ease of use, and quality of not only the product but the outcome of the anticipated homemade concoction.
The expectations of cooking pizza at home in the great outdoors.
Whether it’s a gathering of friends for dinner, a teenage birthday party, or a simple evening at home alone, pizza is always a great dinner choice. And sometimes you’re just over your usual take-out establishment, or maybe you’re starting to add up what you spent on pizza recently. Either way, the thought of owning a pizza oven seems pretty cool. Making nice-looking and awesome-tasting pies, just the way you like it sounds like a terrific plan.
Outdoor pizza ovens
Know what is important to you when making the decision to purchase.
Price should always be a factor. There is no point in dropping hundreds of dollars on something you’re not sure you’re going to enjoy, or even use frequently, just because it’s the new trend. Stay within your budget. The quality of the product is also key. When I buy an appliance it should last for years. Gas or wood-fired? Which is most convenient for you? Does it perform the way it should? This is where things get tough. After recently combing the web for reviews, I have found one particular brand that stands out. I’m not going to knock on this brand, as I have not tried it. But it seems to be at the top of every list. Sometimes I wonder if they even tried the oven, as there are no pictures to show. If there are pictures, they often look like this…
There are a lot of reviews with pictures like this. Not an ideal pizza, in my opinion.
Why the Pizza Craft brand is a great choice in a pizza oven.
Coming in at under $200 for oven, pizza peel, and brush, the Pizza Craft is one of the most affordable options out there. It has a built-in thermometer, so no need to purchase an infrared one separately. The open flame is underneath the stones, so your crust is not exposed to it and has less chance of burning. This is a propane oven, but it cooks quickly, so in a few minutes you are enjoying a perfectly cooked pizza. Not only is it safe for use on any surface, it is lightweight and portable, and fits nicely into the camper storage for great pizza in the great outdoors as well.
Be realistic about your needs for an outdoor pizza oven.
Again, when reading reviews of other brands, the topic of “style” of pizza is mentioned quite often. Neapolitan, is the most frequented description. Sure, different styles are fun to try, especially if you are traveling to the area where their authenticity originates. But in reality, aren’t we just looking for a really good pizza? This is where the Pizza Craft oven shines. Just a quality product every time.
There is always a learning curve when making pizza in an outdoor oven.
I’ve made pizza for years, both professionally, and at home. There are some tricks to learn to make your experience more enjoyable with a better outcome. Check out my recent post on how I have perfected cooking in my outdoor pizza oven.
No matter what brand you choose, don’t buy extra accessories until you know you will need and use them.
This is where some of the companies will “get you”. Additional accessories can always be purchased later on. Be sure your new pizza oven is the right fit for you and your needs first.
Do you own and use an Outdoor Pizza oven?
Let us know what brand you chose and what you love about it.