Outdoor ovens come in a broad variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, so it is important to know what to look for before making a purchase. Our buying guide for outdoor ovens delves into the many features that make each model unique, so it is a must-read if you are in the market for one. As a consequence, you will be able to make a more well-informed decision and get the most out of your investment.
Using the Outdoor Ovens
Outdoor ovens may be either wood- or gas-fired. Wood-burning ovens are the standard and possibly most popular option, but gas-fired ovens are quickly becoming the preferred method of cooking for many.
The Right Oven
In order to use wood-fired ovens, it is first essential to burn wood. Despite the apparent ease of this procedure, it is crucial to remember that not all woods can be used for cooking. Hardwoods, wood chippings, and wood pellets are all OK, although it is possible to unintentionally consume chemicals if you cook with dyed or treated wood. If such is the case, you will want to be extra careful while choosing firewood. Using a wood-fired oven requires a more vigilant approach to cooking. It is crucial to make sure there is enough fuel and that the oven stays at a steady temperature during cooking at the outdoor kitchen. However, proper ventilation in the oven requires careful adjustment. Another consideration is the potential necessity to monitor smoke levels when cooking. Wood-burning ovens need more maintenance, but they cook food more rapidly and at a higher temperature than conventional ovens, and the smoke adds a rich flavor to the dish.
Choosing Gas Ovens
Gas ovens may be less complicated to light and operate. You will not have to worry about lighting the fire or checking to see whether there is enough fuel in the oven the entire time. Commercial kitchens are more likely to use gas-powered pizza ovens because of how little care they need from the cook. When food is in the oven, workers do not have to hover over it the whole time, but may instead attend to other tasks or attend to clients.
Appliances that run on gas are more reliable since the gas keeps the temperature consistent over long periods of time. Gas ovens, on the other hand, take much longer to heat up and do not provide the same smoky taste to the food that their wood-fired counterparts do. There are benefits to both wood-burning and gas-fueled outdoor ovens that should be weighed when making a purchase decision.
Conclusion
A few fundamental differences in the materials used in the building of the numerous types of outdoor ovens should be kept in mind. Insulated walls and tiled floors help keep the heat in the oven where it belongs for a longer period of time when cooking. When using a pizza oven for cooking, make sure the oven maintains a steady temperature throughout. This will ensure that your food cooks evenly and completely. Remembering this is especially crucial while cooking pizza. If just the top of the oven is hot, the pizza will be undercooked in the middle since it will be lying on the cold floor. A pizza with a soggy middle is almost as bad as one with a burnt crust. Outdoor ovens are gaining popularity because they can heat food to higher temperatures than conventional ovens.