Why Wood Choice Matters: Exploring Different Woods for Wood-Fired Pizza

It’s the time of year when we all start to take our pizza ovens out of hibernation and get them fired up, ready for a summer of al fresco dining. For those of you with a wood-fired or dual-fuel pizza oven, you’ll know the type of wood you use plays a crucial role in the flavour, cooking time, and overall experience. From the level of heat produced to flavours imparted into the food, wood choice can transform your pizza-making process.

Types of Wood for Pizza Oven

When selecting wood for your pizza oven, it’s essential to choose the right type to achieve the best results. Generally, hardwoods are preferred due to their denser structure, which allows them to burn hotter and longer, providing the high temperatures needed for authentic Neapolitan pizza.

• Oak is a popular choice, known for its ability to burn at a high temperature and produce long-lasting heat. 

• Beech offers a steady, consistent burn, perfect for slow cooking. So, if you use your pizza oven to cook more than just pizza, this could be a good option. 

• Silver Birch, on the other hand, burns quickly, creating intense heat and a slightly sweet, aromatic smoke, which can enhance the flavour of your pizza without overpowering it – perfect for classic pizza. 

• Chestnut offers a light, mild smoke, ideal for those who want a subtle flavour without any bitterness.

Each type of wood brings something unique to the table, but the key is to find one that suits both your flavour preferences and cooking style.

So, What Do We Use?

Kiln-dried silver Birch is a favourite choice for pizza enthusiasts, and for good reason. It burns efficiently, reaching high temperatures rapidly, which is essential for creating the perfect pizza. The Pizza Oven Shop offers high-quality kiln-dried silver Birch wood that ignites easily, allowing you to get your pizza oven to optimal temperatures as quickly as possible.

One of the key benefits of Silver Birch is its clean burn. With low moisture content, it produces minimal smoke, ensuring that your pizza maintains its delicious flavour without any overpowering aromas. The wood also burns steadily, providing consistent heat throughout the cooking process, which means less time spent tending to the fire.

Another advantage is the slightly sweet aroma that Silver Birch imparts. This subtle fragrance enhances the flavours of your pizza, complementing toppings without overpowering them.

Here at The Pizza Oven Shop, we offer top-quality kiln-dried silver Birch wood bundles which you can purchase here.

Practical Considerations

At The Pizza Oven Shop, we prioritise sustainability by offering responsibly sourced Silver Birch wood, ensuring that your pizza-making experience doesn’t come at the cost of the environment. Kiln-dried to the ideal moisture level, Silver Birch burns efficiently, providing optimal heat and flavour with minimal waste. For the best results, store your wood in a dry, well-ventilated area to maintain its quality.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right wood for your pizza oven is key to achieving the perfect cook and enhancing the flavour of your pizza. Silver Birch stands out as an ideal choice with its efficient burn and sweet, smoky flavours. Whether you’re new to wood-fired cooking or an experienced pizza aficionado, Silver Birch offers consistency and flavour that elevates your pizza-making experience.

Of course, as always, if you’d like any advice from our expert team, they’re on hand to help every step of the way. You can get in touch on 01423 608648 or email in a question on sales@thepizzaovenshop.com.