Pizza Ovens

How Pizza Ovens Differ from Regular Ovens or Grills

• Temperature: Reach 450–900°C vs. standard ovens (max 250°C), enabling rapid cooking and authentic charred crusts.
• Heat distribution: Radiant heat from dome-shaped chambers crisps bases evenly, unlike bottom-up heating in home ovens.
• Versatility: Grill kits or pizza steels mimic results but lack portability and require longer preheating.

Types of Pizza Ovens & Best Uses

1. Wood-fired: Authentic smoky flavour, ideal for Neapolitan-style pizzas (60-second cook time). Requires skill and maintenance. See for example the Igneus Classico.
2. Gas-powered: Consistent heat, easy to control. Best for beginners or frequent use (e.g., Ooni Koda for a portable oven, or Clementi Dual fuel for a full size oven that can burn wood or gas).
3. Electric: Indoor-friendly, budget-friendly. Suits small spaces but lacks smoky notes. A good example here is the new Clement Crosti!
4. Portable: Compact designs (e.g., Gozney Dome) for camping or gardens. Multi-fuel options offer flexibility.

UK Price Ranges & Brands

• Budget: £150–£300 (e.g., basic electric models).
• Mid-range: £300–£800 (e.g., Ooni Fyra, gas-powered Clementi Clementino models).
• Premium: £800–£2,000+ (e.g., Igneus Classico, Clementi Original, Gozney Dome). Igneus offers artisan-built, wood fired high-temperature ovens; Clementi focuses on wood/gas-fired flexibility and durability.

Optimal Usage Tips

• Preheat thoroughly: 20–40 minutes for wood/gas ovens to hit 400°C+.
• Thin dough: Stretch to 10–12mm for quick, even cooking.
• Rotate pizza: Use a peel to turn pies every 20 seconds in wood-fired ovens.
• Minimal toppings: Overloading slows cooking; fresh mozzarella and basil work best.

Cleaning Techniques

• Wood-fired: Brush ash after cooling; avoid water on hot stones.
• Gas/electric: Wipe interiors with damp cloth; remove grease with baking soda paste.
• Stone maintenance: Scrape off burnt residue; never use soap to preserve seasoning.

For detailed guides or accessories (peels, thermometers), consult manufacturer instructions.