Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza Ovens

1. What types of pizza ovens are available?

Answer:
There are three main types of pizza ovens: wood-fired, gas, and electric.

• Wood-fired ovens provide a traditional, smoky flavor but require more effort to heat and maintain.
• Gas ovens are convenient and heat up faster but lack the wood-fired taste.
• Electric ovens are suitable for indoor use, often more compact, and easier to control, but they don’t get as hot as wood or gas models.

2. What size pizza oven should I buy?

Answer:
The size depends on how many pizzas you want to cook at once and your available space. For home use:

• A small oven can cook 1-2 pizzas at a time and is ideal for smaller families or limited space.
• A larger oven can cook multiple pizzas simultaneously, which is great for entertaining or large families.

3. How long does a pizza oven take to heat up?

Answer:
It depends on the type of oven:

• Wood-fired ovens take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to reach optimal temperature (around 700-900°F).
• Gas ovens can heat up in 15-30 minutes.
• Electric ovens typically heat up in about 10-20 minutes but may not reach as high temperatures as wood or gas ovens.

4. Is a pizza oven only good for making pizza?

Answer:
No! Pizza ovens can be used to cook a variety of foods, including bread, roasted vegetables, meat, fish, and even desserts. Wood-fired ovens are especially versatile due to their high heat and ability to retain heat for slow cooking.

5. What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor pizza ovens?

Answer:

• Indoor pizza ovens are usually electric or compact gas models designed for use in kitchens. They’re easier to control and install but generally have lower maximum temperatures.
• Outdoor pizza ovens are often wood-fired or gas-powered, capable of reaching higher temperatures and providing more space. They’re ideal for backyard cooking and entertaining.

6. Are wood-fired pizza ovens difficult to maintain?

Answer:
They require more effort than gas or electric ovens. You’ll need to regularly clean out ash, control the temperature by adjusting the wood supply, and protect it from the elements if it’s outdoors. However, many pizza enthusiasts believe the flavor and experience are worth it.

7. What temperature should a pizza oven reach for perfect pizza?

Answer:
For authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, the oven should reach around 700-900°F. At this temperature, pizzas cook in 60-90 seconds, achieving a crispy crust with a soft interior. Lower temperatures (500-600°F) can still produce great pizzas but will take a bit longer to cook.

8. How much does a pizza oven cost?

Answer:
Pizza ovens range from $200 to $2,000+ depending on the size, material, and type.

• Portable electric or gas ovens are on the lower end ($200-$500).
• Larger wood-fired or professional-grade ovens can cost $1,000 or more. Be sure to factor in any extra costs like installation, accessories, or maintenance tools.

9. What materials are the best for pizza ovens?

Answer:

• Brick and stone ovens offer excellent heat retention and are ideal for wood-fired cooking.
• Stainless steel ovens heat up quickly and are often used in gas or electric models. They are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to rust and weather damage.

10. Can I use a pizza oven year-round?

Answer:
Yes, especially if you have a well-protected outdoor space or if the oven is designed for indoor use. For outdoor wood-fired or gas ovens, you may need to use covers to protect them from the elements and make sure you have appropriate ventilation if you plan to cook in cooler months.

How much are shipping costs?

Shipping costs vary depending on the size, weight and the shipping location of the oven. Also, for some of our heavier/larger ovens a lift gate might be required which is an additional cost. We do frequently have free shipping promotions so keep an eye out!

How long will it take to receive my pizza oven?

Most of our ovens arrive within two weeks of your order date although times do sometimes vary depending on if an item is in stock. 

If I buy a large traditional style pizza oven, will it be installed upon delivery?

Unfortunately, most of our freight companies will only offer curbside delivery. The good news is that our traditional ovens are shipped with hooks installed so they can attach to an engine hoist or comparable device to be easily moved to the location needed. 

How much will the sales tax be?

There is no sales tax if shipping outside of Wyoming!

I’ve heard about curing my oven. Do I need to do this?

If you are purchasing an oven with natural materials (i.e. firebrick, clay, refractory cement, etc) the answer is yes.

Do I need to keep my oven covered?

It is important that your oven is protected from the elements...especially moisture.  If your oven is not protected under a covered area, we strongly recommend using a cover. In some cases, cover use is required for your warranty to remain intact. 

There are so many different options… How do I choose?

Pizza Oven Paradise aims to offer a large variety of pizza ovens so that you can find your perfect fit! We are also happy to chat with you to help you find the pizza oven that works best for you. 

If you have any additional questions or would like for us to guide you in your oven selection, please give us a call at 207-233-6348 or email us any time at sales@pizzaovenparadise.com.