Pizza isn’t just food; it’s an experience. Everyone loves it and has their favorite toppings, but sometimes you need more options than the usual cheese-and-pepperoni. That’s where the pellet pizza oven comes in.
With one of these in your kitchen, you can make any type of this food you want with whatever toppings you like best, whether they’re traditional or not—if you don’t see it on the menu at your local pizzeria, you can always make some at home with a pellet pizza oven.
What Is A Pellet Pizza Oven?
It is an equipment that uses wood pellets instead of gas or electricity. The pellets are fed into a firebox, which heats up and cooks your pizza at around 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It gives you an even heat across your entire pizza, with no hot spots that could burn it. You can either choose to buy online or at a local store near you.
As you might have guessed, this type of oven gets its name because it’s specially designed to cook the food. However, you can also use it for cooking other types of food. Many pellet ovens come with convection fans, which circulate hot air evenly across your pizza for an even cook from edge to edge. Some models can even be used as smokers or barbecue pits.
How Does It Work?
Pellet pizza ovens work similarly to other wood-fired ovens, but with one key difference: the pellets. Pellets are made of compressed wood shavings, and they’re a renewable, sustainable fuel source. They also have a high energy density, which produces more heat than other wood fuels like logs.
Pellets are fed into a firebox, which ignites them and produces heat. That heat is then transferred to your pizza stone, cooking your food evenly across the entire surface. Because pellets are a consistent fuel source, you’ll get an even cook every time—no more hot spots or uneven cooking.
What Should You Look For In A Pellet Pizza Oven?
When you’re shopping for this device, there are a few things you should keep in mind, including:
Size
These ovens come in various sizes, so it’s essential to choose one to fit your needs. A small oven will suffice if you’re only cooking for a few people. But if you’re entertaining a large group, you’ll need a larger model.
Portability
Some of these ovens are designed for portability, so you can take them when you tailgate or camp. If you plan on using your oven in different locations, look for one with wheels or a carrying handle.
Price
Pellet pizza ovens range in price, so it’s essential to set a budget before you start shopping. Remember that larger, more feature-rich models will be more expensive than smaller, basic ones.
What Are The Benefits?
There are several benefits to cooking with this specific oven, including:
Better Flavor
Wood-fired pizzas have a unique flavor that you can’t get from gas or electric ovens. The smoke from the wood pellets infuses your food with a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the taste of the other ingredients.
Even Cook
These ovens cook your pizza evenly across the entire surface, so you don’t have to worry about hot spots or uneven cooking. It means that every slice will taste just as good as the last.
Faster Cook Time
These specific ovens can reach temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which means that your food will cook faster than in a traditional one. It’s perfect for when you’re entertaining and need to get food on the table fast.
Eco-Friendly
They are a renewable, sustainable cooking option. Because they use pellets made of compressed wood shavings, they produce less pollution than gas or electric ones.
What Are The Drawbacks?
Higher Upfront Cost
Pellet pizza ovens generally cost more than traditional gas or electric ovens. However, they last longer and use less fuel, so they’re a more cost-effective option in the long run.
It is Challenging to Clean
These ovens can be challenging to clean because of the ash produced when the pellets are burned. It’s essential to clean your device regularly to prevent build-up and ensure it works properly.
How to Use the Pellet Pizza Oven
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Preheat the oven for 20-30 minutes before cooking. It will ensure that the stone is evenly heated, and your food will cook evenly.
- Use a pizza peel to transfer your food to the stone. It will prevent the dough from sticking and make it easier to remove your pizza when it’s done.
- Cook your pizza for 2-3 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy your Pizza
FAQ
Can I cook other things in my pellet pizza oven?
Yes! You can cook anything in your oven that you would cook in a traditional oven, including bread, chicken, and vegetables.
Do I need to use special pellets for my oven?
No, you can use any wood pellet. However, hardwoods like oak or hickory will produce more smoke, which will give your food a more robust flavor.
How do I clean my oven?
To clean your oven, remove the ashes after each use and wipe down the inside of the device with a damp cloth. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove any stubborn ashes.
What is the best type of wood to use in my oven?
The best type of wood to use in your pizza oven is hardwood like oak or hickory. These woods will produce more smoke, which will give your food a more robust flavor.
Concluding Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun way to take your entertainment up a notch, consider investing in an oven. These ovens are becoming more and more popular because they allow you to cook delicious wood-fired pizzas right in your backyard.
Your guests will be impressed with the fantastic food, but they’ll also love the cozy atmosphere created by the crackling fire. So, what are you waiting for? Buy a pellet pizza oven today and start preparing some of the best pizzas you and your family or guests have ever tasted.