To buy or to build? This is one of the simplest but often toughest questions to answer, especially for people who love DIY and those who crave the taste of authentic, wood-fired pizza right in their backyard.
If you're thinking about this dire situation, you're not alone. We at The Wood Fired Co understands the difficulty of deciding whether you make your traditional pizza oven or purchase a pre-made one.
That's why we're here to guide you through the pros and cons of both options, helping you make the best decision for your backyard pizza dreams.
What Sets Traditional Pizza Ovens Apart?
Traditional pizza ovens are more than just cooking appliances; they are centuries-old culinary utensils that have been refined over time. Here's what separates them:
Superior Heat Retention
Traditional pizza ovens are often constructed of solid materials, such as brick or clay, with great heat retention capabilities. This means they can achieve high temperatures rapidly and consistently, delivering deliciously crispy crusts and uniformly cooked toppings.
Wood-fired Flavour
One of the most distinguishing characteristics of classic pizza ovens is the use of wood as a fuel. The burning wood gives the pizza a smoky flavour that other cooking methods cannot duplicate.
Rapid Cooking Time
Traditional pizza ovens can cook pizzas in minutes with high temperatures and effective heat dispersion. This speeds up dinner preparation and keeps the pizza moist and flavorful.
Versatility
Traditional pizza ovens aren't only for pizza! Their high heat makes them perfect for cooking various items, such as bread, roasted vegetables, meats, and desserts.
Aesthetic appeal
Aside from their practical features, traditional pizza ovens lend a rustic appeal to any backyard or outdoor kitchen. Their iconic dome shape and exposed brick or clay structure are focal points for outdoor gatherings, adding to the ambience.
Benefits of Having a Traditional Pizza Oven in Your Backyard
Elavated Home Dining Experience
There's something magical about gathering around a wood-fired pizza oven in the backyard. It elevates a simple meal into a spectacular dining experience, creating a warm and inviting ambience for family dinners, dating nights, or casual get-togethers with friends.
Customised Culinary Creations
You may experiment with different toppings, sauces, and crusts with a classic pizza oven, tailoring each pizza to your tastes and preferences. From basic Margheritas to gourmet variations, the options are limitless.
Family-Friendly Fun
Involving your family in the pizza-making process may be a fun bonding experience. Everyone can get involved and delight in making wonderful meals together, from kneading the dough to selecting toppings and watching the pizzas bake.
Healthy Cooking Method
Unlike standard ovens that use electricity or gas, wood-fired pizza ovens cook at high temperatures, preserving nutrients and flavours while reducing the need for additional oils or fats. Furthermore, the short cooking time retains the freshness of the ingredients, yielding healthier and more tasty meals.
Outdoor Entertaining Made Easy
A backyard pizza oven becomes the centre point of outdoor gatherings, creating a natural gathering place for friends and family to interact, unwind, and enjoy wonderful food and conversation. Whether it's a summer BBQ, a birthday party, or a casual weekend hangout, the pizza oven lends warmth and friendliness to any gathering.
Cost-effective Dining Solution
Dining out can rapidly mount expensive, but with a classic pizza oven at home, you can get restaurant-quality pizzas for a fraction of the price. Furthermore, you have control over the quality and freshness of the components, delivering a pleasurable and cost-effective dining experience.
Year-Round Enjoyment
Unlike some outdoor cooking appliances limited to specific seasons, traditional pizza ovens can be used year-round, thanks to their ability to withstand various weather conditions. Whether it's a sunny summer afternoon or a crisp autumn evening, you can fire up the oven and enjoy delicious homemade pizzas whenever the craving strikes.
To Buy or To Build an Outdoor Pizza Oven - Which is Better?
Many pizza fans must decide whether to buy a ready-made outdoor pizza oven or go on the DIY road of making one themselves. Both solutions have their advantages, but which is ultimately preferable? Let's analyse the advantages and disadvantages of each so you can make an informed decision.
Pros of Buying an Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Convenience: Buying a pre-made outdoor pizza oven saves time and labour. You may have it delivered to your door and begin enjoying delicious pizzas immediately without building.
- Professional quality: Many industrial pizza ovens are precisely manufactured from high-quality materials, resulting in optimal performance and longevity.
- Warranty & Support: Most manufacturers provide warranties and customer support services, ensuring peace of mind and assistance for any problems or concerns.
- Variety of Options: There are a variety of ready-made outdoor pizza ovens on the market, allowing you to select the size, style, and features that best meet your requirements and preferences.
Cons of Buying a Pre-made Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Higher Cost: Ready-made outdoor pizza ovens can be more expensive than making your own, especially if you choose premium versions with complex amenities.
- Limited Customisation: While you can choose from existing models, you have less freedom to tailor the design and features of the pizza oven to your exact outdoor space and cooking preferences.
Pros of Building an Outdoor Pizza Oven:
- Cost Savings: Building your outdoor pizza oven can be more cost-effective, especially if you are resourceful and can repurpose materials or discover inexpensive building components.
- Personalisation: DIY projects enable greater creativity and customisation. You can personalise the pizza oven's size, shape, and design to reflect your vision and style.
- Sense of accomplishment: Creating something with your hands is tremendous fulfilment. Building an outdoor pizza oven may be a gratifying and rewarding experience, giving you a sense of accomplishment and ownership.
- Learning Experience: Building a pizza oven from scratch provides an opportunity to learn new skills and methods in construction, masonry and outdoor cooking.
Cons of Building Your Pizza Outdoor Oven
- Time and Effort: Building an outdoor pizza oven requires tremendous time, effort, and attention. It's a labour-intensive undertaking that may necessitate specialised tools and knowledge, especially if you need to become more familiar with construction or masonry work.
- Potential challenges: DIY projects may face setbacks and hurdles along the road, such as structural faults, design flaws, or difficulty acquiring supplies.
- Limited Warranty: Compared to commercially sold pizza ovens, which come with warranties, DIY pizza ovens may provide different protection and support in case of flaws or failure.
Things To Consider When Deciding If You're Buying or DIY-ing Your Pizza Oven
So, you're considering adding an outdoor pizza oven to your backyard – an awesome choice! But now comes the big decision: do you buy one ready-made or roll up your sleeves and DIY it?
Here are six key things to consider when buying or building your outdoor pizza oven.
Cost
Evaluate your budget and compare the costs of purchasing a pre-made outdoor pizza oven to building one yourself. If you engage construction assistance, consider the initial cost and continuing expenses such as materials, tools, and possible labour.
Time and Effort
Determine your availability and desire to contribute time and effort to the project. Building an outdoor pizza oven from scratch can be time-consuming, requiring study, planning, construction, and possibly troubleshooting. Consider whether you have the time and expertise to complete the project successfully.
Skill and Experience
Consider your previous expertise with DIY projects and construction activities. Building an outdoor pizza oven requires masonry, carpentry and, depending on the design, electrical or plumbing construction. Buying a ready-made oven may be better if you need more trust in your talents.
Space and Location
Evaluate the available space in your backyard and any local ordinances or restrictions on outdoor construction. Determine the best position for your outdoor pizza oven, taking into account accessibility, ventilation, and safety concerns.
Design and Customisation
Consider your precise design elements and aesthetic preferences for your outdoor pizza oven. Building your oven offers greater customisation, as you may adapt the size, shape, and style to your needs and tastes. However, buying a pre-made oven may be better if you prefer convenience and a wider range of design possibilities.
Long-Term Usage and Maintenance
Consider the long-term maintenance and upkeep needs of your outdoor pizza oven. Consider durability, ease of maintenance, and future repairs or upgrades. A well-built DIY outdoor pizza oven may provide more longevity and satisfaction but also demands constant maintenance and attention to ensure peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a classic pizza oven for more than just pizza?
Absolutely! Traditional pizza ovens are quite adaptable. They can be used to prepare various meals, including bread, roasted vegetables, meats, and desserts. The tremendous heat and wood-fired flavour enhance any dish.
How much space is required for an outdoor pizza oven?
The amount of space necessary for an outdoor pizza oven is determined by the oven's size and design. You'll need adequate room for the oven and a safe clearing area. Reviewing local legislation and requirements for outdoor buildings in your area is critical.
How much does it cost to build a DIY outdoor pizza oven?
The cost of building a DIY outdoor pizza oven can vary depending on factors such as the materials used, the size and design of the oven, and any additional features you choose to incorporate. Generally, DIY outdoor pizza ovens can be built for a fraction of the cost of purchasing a pre-made oven. Still, it's important to budget for materials, tools, and potentially labour if you need assistance with construction.