Outdoor pizza ovens have become an increasingly popular addition to UK gardens, transforming alfresco dining experiences and allowing homeowners to create delicious pizzas right in their backyards. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional wood fired pizza oven or prefer the convenience of a portable pizza oven, the market offers a wide range of options to suit different spaces and needs. Not only do these ovens provide an opportunity to bake mouth-watering pizzas, but they also serve as a focal point for outdoor cooking, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for family gatherings and social events. In this guide, we’ll explore where to buy an outdoor pizza oven, the types available, and what to consider before making your purchase, so you can make an informed decision and enjoy the best pizza oven for your home.
Types of outdoor pizza ovens
When deciding where to buy an outdoor pizza oven, it’s essential to first understand the different types of pizza ovens available on the market. Each type offers unique features that can influence your outdoor cooking experience, from the method of cooking to the flavours you can produce.
- Wood fired pizza ovens: These traditional ovens are a favourite among pizza enthusiasts for the authentic, smoky flavour they impart to pizzas. Using wood as the main fuel type, the high heat generated by the fire allows you to cook pizza at incredibly high temperatures, resulting in perfectly crispy crusts and melted cheese. Beyond pizza, wood fired ovens are ideal for roasting meats, vegetables, and even baking bread, making them a versatile addition to your garden.
- Portable pizza ovens: For those with limited space or who prefer the flexibility of moving their oven around, portable pizza ovens are a fantastic option. These ovens are generally lighter and more compact, making them easy to store when not in use. Portable ovens are also perfect for impromptu pizza parties or taking along on a camping trip, offering a great addition to your outdoor cooking toolkit.
- Freestanding pizza ovens: If you have more space and are looking to make a focal point in your outdoor area, a freestanding pizza oven is an excellent choice. Larger and often more durable, these ovens provide a stable cooking platform and can become a permanent fixture in your garden. Many models are also beautifully designed, adding aesthetic appeal to your outdoor setting.
- Brick pizza ovens: For a more permanent solution, brick pizza ovens offer both functionality and style. These ovens are built to last and provide a more traditional cooking experience, typically becoming the centrepiece of a garden. While they require more space and effort to install, their insulation allows for slow cooking and retaining heat, ensuring that food like pizzas, roasts, and even bread are evenly cooked.
Each type of oven has its unique benefits, so when choosing, consider factors like available space, desired cooking results, and your overall outdoor cooking habits.
Fuel types and cooking styles
When selecting the best outdoor pizza oven, understanding the available fuel types is crucial, as it directly impacts both your cooking results and the types of dishes you can create. Pizza ovens typically use either wood or gas as a fuel source, with each offering different advantages depending on your preferences.
- Wood: The classic choice for wood fired pizza ovens, wood is renowned for imparting a rich, smoky flavour that enhances the taste of pizzas, bread, and other dishes. Cooking with wood creates an authentic, rustic experience, with flames licking the interior of the oven to generate intense heat. Wood-fired ovens can reach high temperatures quickly, making them ideal for creating crispy, stone-baked pizza in just a few minutes. Beyond pizza, wood-fired ovens are also great for roasting meats, grilling vegetables, and even slow-cooking dishes that benefit from prolonged exposure to gentle heat.
- Gas: If you’re looking for a more convenient and controllable option, gas-powered pizza ovens are an excellent alternative. Gas ovens heat up quickly, making them perfect for those who want to cook without waiting for wood to burn. They also provide a more precise temperature control, which makes it easier to get consistent cooking results across various dishes. From pizza to roasting a chicken or baking bread, gas ovens are incredibly versatile and can be used year-round without the hassle of gathering or storing wood.
By choosing the right fuel type, you can ensure the best results for your outdoor cooking experience. Whether you prefer the rich flavours produced by wood fired ovens or the convenience of gas, both options provide exceptional versatility, allowing you to experiment with a wide range of foods from crispy pizzas to perfectly roasted meats.
Where to buy outdoor pizza ovens – best options
If you’re wondering where to buy an outdoor pizza oven, there are several great options available, ranging from convenient online shops to specialist stores and local garden centres. Each option offers specific benefits, and your choice depends largely on your preferences for variety, convenience, and budget.
- Online Shops: Buying an outdoor pizza oven online is one of the most popular and convenient options, especially with the wide variety of pizza ovens available from different retailers. Websites such as Amazon, John Lewis, and specialist stores like Vitcas offer an extensive range of ovens, from portable pizza ovens to more substantial freestanding pizza ovens. Shopping online gives you the option to compare prices, read customer reviews, and choose from a diverse selection of oven types and sizes. Many online retailers also offer discounted or free shipping, making it easier to have your new oven delivered straight to your door. When purchasing online, be sure to check stock levels, availability, and delivery times to avoid any disappointment. Online reviews are also a source of valuable insights into how well the oven performs and its overall quality.
- Garden Centres and Home Improvement Stores: If you prefer seeing an oven in person before making a purchase, your local garden centre or home improvement store might be the best option. Stores like B&Q, Homebase, and other UK retailers often carry a selection of freestanding pizza ovens and portable pizza ovens, which you can inspect before buying. Many customers enjoy the tactile experience of seeing the oven up close, understanding its size, weight, and material quality. These stores may also provide tips on how to set up and maintain your pizza oven, ensuring you get the best results from your purchase.
- Specialist BBQ and Outdoor Cooking Stores: For those looking to invest in a premium wood fired pizza oven or a custom brick pizza oven, visiting a specialist store that focuses on outdoor cooking equipment can be a wise choice. These stores typically offer expert advice, a wider range of fuel types, and accessories such as roasting trays and tools to help you get started with your oven. They can also provide guidance on how to install larger ovens in your garden and how to properly care for them to ensure they last for years. Specialist stores may stock high-end brands, offering exceptional quality and durable ovens that can truly enhance your outdoors dining experience.
Regardless of your preferred shopping method, there are plenty of options in the UK to find the best outdoor pizza oven to suit your needs. Whether you are looking for a compact portable pizza oven or a larger, more traditional wood fired pizza oven, you should buy one without difficulties.
Tips for choosing the right outdoor pizza oven
With so many options on the market, choosing the right outdoor pizza oven can seem daunting. However, by considering a few key factors, you can ensure that you select the perfect oven for your outdoor cooking needs.
- Size and Space: One of the first things to consider is how much space you have in your garden or outdoor area. Larger ovens, such as brick pizza ovens or freestanding pizza ovens, require more room and are best suited to those with ample outdoor space. If you have a smaller garden or want the flexibility to move your oven around, a portable pizza oven might be the best choice. Portable ovens can easily be stored when not in use and are ideal for those who want the option to cook in different locations, whether in the garden or on a weekend trip with friends.
- Cooking Capacity: Think about how many pizzas or dishes you plan to cook at once. If you regularly entertain large groups of people, a larger oven with more cooking space allows you to bake multiple pizzas or prepare many dishes such as roast meats, veggies, and even bread. However, if you’re just cooking for your family or yourself, a smaller oven may be more than sufficient.
- Material and Insulation: The material and insulation of the oven are critical factors in determining cooking results. Well-insulated ovens, especially those made of brick or stone, retain heat better and provide more consistent cooking temperatures. This is particularly important for achieving the perfect crispy pizza crust. Wood fired pizza ovens and brick pizza ovens are known for their excellent insulation, making them a top choice for serious outdoor cooks. Portable ovens, while smaller, also come with good insulation, but they may not retain heat as long as their larger counterparts.
- Ease of Use and Assembly: Some pizza ovens require assembly and installation, especially brick pizza ovens and some freestanding models. Make sure you understand how to assemble your oven and what tools are needed. Portable pizza ovens, on the other hand, are generally easier to set up and use right out of the box, making them a convenient option for beginners.
- Budget: Finally, consider your budget. Outdoor pizza ovens come in a wide range of prices, with portable ovens typically being the most affordable and brick ovens or premium models on the higher end. Determine how much you’re willing to invest in your outdoor cooking experience and choose an oven that fits within your budget while still meeting your needs for quality and performance.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can find the ideal outdoor pizza oven to suit your lifestyle, garden space, and cooking ambitions. Whether you’re after a wood fired pizza oven for authentic, smoky flavours or a more versatile gas oven for quick, efficient cooking, there’s an option on the market for every pizza lover.
Advantages of owning an outdoor pizza oven
Investing in an outdoor pizza oven offers numerous benefits beyond the ability to make delicious pizza. These ovens transform your outdoor space into a hub for alfresco dining, providing a versatile cooking experience that can go far beyond just pizza. Whether you opt for a wood fired pizza oven or a portable pizza oven, the rewards are significant.
One major advantage is the focal point an outdoor pizza oven can become in your garden. With a beautiful, glowing oven in the centre of your outdoor space, you can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that draws in family and friends. These ovens aren’t just for summer either – with well-insulated designs, many models are built for year-round use, meaning you can cook even in the cooler months.
The versatility of an outdoor pizza oven is another key benefit. While they’re often associated with pizza, these ovens can also roast meat, bake bread, or cook veggies, providing a broad range of cooking options. You can even use them for slow-cooking dishes that require steady, gentle heat. Wood fired pizza ovens in particular excel at retaining heat, allowing you to prepare a wide variety of meals, from pizza to chicken, to perfection.
Whether you’re looking to bake crispy pizzas or create hearty roasts for your family, an outdoor pizza oven is a great addition to any outdoor space, offering endless possibilities for creativity and fun in your cooking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an outdoor pizza oven is a fantastic investment for those looking to enhance their outdoor cooking experience, providing endless opportunities to enjoy delicious pizza and more in the comfort of your own garden. From the traditional charm of a wood fired pizza oven to the convenience of a portable pizza oven, there’s something for every home, lifestyle, and budget.
When thinking about where to buy an outdoor pizza oven, you have various options, from the convenience of online shops to the hands-on experience of visiting a garden centre or specialist store. Whatever your choice, ensure you consider important factors like oven type, fuel source, and size to find the perfect fit for your needs.