Transitioning from BBQ to Pizza Ovens

Here in the UK, we’ve long been conditioned to whip the BBQ out of the shed as soon as there’s the slightest glimmer of sunshine. Sometimes in the height of summer, it feels as though you can’t walk out of your house without the smells of charcoal-seared sausages wafting over the fence. That’s perfectly fine an’ all, but what if there’s something better? We all know the upsides to BBQing, but do they outweigh the downsides? After all, who enjoys scrubbing and scraping at a metal grill for hours on end? Thankfully, there is another option, and here at The Pizza Oven Shop, we feel it’s about time to shout about the humble pizza oven. With the ability to bake, roast, and grill at higher temperatures, a pizza oven offers versatility, ease and flavour that a traditional BBQ just can’t match.

So, Why Make the Switch?

Switching from a BBQ to a pizza oven might feel like a big step, but trust us, it will significantly change the way you think about outdoor cooking. Rather than being limited to just grilling meat and vegetables, a pizza oven offers the versatility to cook a wide variety of dishes. We often say that one of the downsides to pizza ovens is the fact that they’re called ‘pizza ovens’, which suggests they’re limited to that particular niche. This couldn’t be further from reality. Yes, a pizza oven will allow you to make restaurant-quality, Neapolitan pizza in as little as 60 seconds, but it also opens the door to succulent roasted meats, flame-roasted fresh fish, fresh bread, and even desserts! For those worried about missing out on that distinctive chargrilled flavour that BBQ cooking offers, don’t be. If that’s a deal breaker for you, we urge you to experience the unique smoky flavour that a wood-fired pizza oven offers.

Key Difference Between BBQs and Pizza Ovens

BBQs are designed for direct grilling, typically through charcoal or gas and are designed to cook food quickly over an open flame. Pizza ovens, on the other hand, use radiant heat as well as the open flame, which provides a more consistent and even distribution of temperature, which, of course, is perfect for creating the crispy, charred crust that is the hallmark of traditional pizza. It’s also perfect for achieving that gnarly texture on meats such as steak, chicken and burgers – offering a direct replacement to your BBQ. Where pizza ovens really have the edge on versatility, though, is their ability to slow roast meats. The temperature is easy to control, owing to their excellent insulating properties, a pizza oven will maintain a steady heat for hours, even after the flame has died down. This opens the door to dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shoulder, casseroles and even lasagnes.

What to Look for When Choosing a Pizza Oven

Whether you’re looking to fully replace your BBQ or add to your outdoor kitchen set up, choosing the right pizza oven for your needs is essential. 

Size

First off, size matters! If you’ve got a big space and plan to cook for a lot of people, consider a large tabletop pizza oven such as the Gozney Dome or Arc XL, or the Igneus Pro 600 or Classico models. These models allow you to cook multiple things at the same time. If you’ve got a smaller space, consider a more compact pizza oven, such as the models for Ooni or the lightweight Igneus Minimo. These smaller pizza ovens offer the added benefit of being portable, so you can take them anywhere!

Fuel Type

The next consideration is fuel type. If you want to replicate that charred, smoky flavour if your BBQ, consider a wood-fired pizza oven, such as those available from Igneus Pizza Ovens. Gas pizza ovens, on the other hand, provide convenience and easier temperature control. If you want the best of both worlds, the Gozney Dome is a dual-fuel oven, giving you the choice depending on what it is you’re cooking.

Final Thoughts

Making the switch from a BBQ to a pizza oven may seem like a big change, but the rewards are well worth it. With the ability to cook a wide range of dishes, from wood-fired pizzas to slow-cooked meats, a pizza oven brings unmatched versatility to your outdoor cooking.

If you’re unsure about which pizza oven is right for you, our expert team is here to help. We can guide you through every step of the way to ensure you find the perfect fit for your needs. Feel free to get in touch at 01423 608648 or send us an email at sales@thepizzaovenshop.com. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you elevate your outdoor cooking game.