best wood for ooni pizza oven
Introduction
As a lover of pizza, I have always dreamt of making a perfect pizza in a wood-fired oven. Recently, I stumbled upon the Ooni Pizza Oven, which promised to provide an authentic wood-fired pizza experience. However, to truly achieve a perfect pizza, the right wood is essential. So, I did my research and tested various types of wood, and here are my findings that I would like to share with you.
Importance of using the right wood for a pizza oven
Before discussing the types of wood, it’s essential to understand why using the right wood is so critical for a pizza oven. The right wood not only provides heat but adds a unique flavor to the pizza. The wood should have a low moisture content to ensure a consistent temperature and a beautiful crust. Using the wrong wood might result in uneven heat, unpleasant flavors, and excessive smoke.
What makes a good wood for a pizza oven?
A few factors commend what makes an appropriate wood for a pizza oven. These considerations are heat output, flavor, and low moisture content. Let us dive further into each one of these factors.
Heat Output
The wood selected for your pizza oven should generate a high heat output. This would enable the oven to attain a high temperature quickly, necessary for the dough’s quick cooking. Hardwoods are known to produce a high heat output compared to softwoods.
Flavor
A good wood for a pizza oven should add a delicious flavor to the pizza rather than overshadow it. Fruity and hardwoods are considered better for this reason. Aromatic woods like mesquite, cedar, and pine are not suitable for pizza ovens as they have an overpowering flavor.
Low moisture content
Lower moisture content is essential in the wood for an evenly cooked and beautiful crust. Softwoods, which have higher moisture content, are not ideal for a pizza oven. Hardwoods, on the other hand, have a low moisture content that provides a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Types of Wood for Ooni Pizza Oven
The next step is to explore the two types of woods for a pizza oven: hardwood and fruitwood.
Hardwood
Oak
Oak is a mighty hardwood that produces high heat and has a mild flavor, adding a kiss of smokiness to the pizza. Oak is also readily available widely, so it’s a good option to stock up for any pizza party plan.
Maple
Another hardwood that is excellent for the Ooni Pizza Oven is maple. It has a light and delicate flavor that does not overpower the pizza toppings. It smolders well and is easy to light up, which makes it a perfect choice for beginners.
Hickory
Hickory is a hardwood that has a strong flavor that is known to add a bacon-like flavor to the pizza. It is not recommended for the entire cooking process as it may overpower the taste of the toppings. Hickory should be used sparingly, mixed with other woods, and experimented with until you find the right balance for your taste.
Fruitwood
Apple
Applewood is one of the most popular woods for pizza ovens. It produces a sweet and fruity aroma that complements the toppings, and it burns hot and fast. The crust is not as crisp as other woods, but it is still delicious.
Cherry
Cherry is a hardwood that has a sweet and mild flavor. It is similar to applewood but has a slightly darker color. Cherry produces an excellent crust and is suitable for pizzas with delicate flavors, such as margarita or bianca.
Peach
Peachwood is a rare type of fruitwood that has a unique flavor profile. It imparts a sweet and mild flavor and burns hot and fast. It is perfect for cooking pizza with sweet and savory toppings, such as peach pizza with prosciutto.
Comparison of each type of wood
To compare the woods and decide, let’s have a quick overview.
Oak vs Maple vs Hickory
If you like a mild smoky flavor, oak and maple are excellent woods for you. Hickory, on the other hand, provides a stronger smoky flavor that may overpower the toppings.
Apple vs Cherry vs Peach
If you want a sweet fruity aroma, applewood and cherrywood are ideal. Peachwood is a unique option that adds a unique flavor to your pizza.
Best Wood for Ooni Pizza Oven
After testing all the woods mentioned above, I recommend the following three woods as the best for your Ooni Pizza Oven:
Oak
Oak produces a high heat for quick cooking, has a mild flavor, and is readily available. It’s the perfect option for beginners and seasoned pizza makers.
Cherry
If you’re after a sweet and mild flavor, cherrywood is a great option. It provides heat and gives your pizza an appetizing aroma.
Apple
Applewood is suitable for pizzas with sweet toppings such as pineapple, or meats like bacon. It produces a sweet smoky flavor that doesn’t overpower the pizza’s topping.
Where to buy the best wood
Now that you’ve picked your preferred wood type, the last step is finding where to purchase it. You can find the woods in three primary locations:
Online stores
Many stores are selling wood online, like Amazon, Home Depot, and others.
Specialty stores
There are several brick-and-mortar stores with a focus on outdoor cooking that sell a range of wood options.
Local wood suppliers
Local wood suppliers and kiln-drying facilities are also a great option to find high-quality wood at an affordable price.
Conclusion
Using the right wood in your Ooni Pizza Oven is essential to make a perfect pizza. Oak, cherry, and applewood are my top recommendations for their even heat output, mild flavor, and widely available nature. Shop around at local stores, online stores or wood suppliers to find quality wood for your pizza oven. With the right wood and a little practice, you’ll be making delicious pizza in no time!
List of 10 best wood for ooni pizza oven
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker.
- Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly.
- Adjustable Pan: 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and holds up to 4.4 lbs. of coal.
- Temperature Monitor: Lid-mounted thermometer gauge helps check and monitor the cooking temperature and you can cook with great confidence.
- Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distributed.
- Ultra-compact aluminum folding table ideal for camping and outdoor cookouts
- Aluminum slat top and strong steel frame offer ample support and surface area
- Snap-together design assembles and folds up with ease
- Fits into an included lightweight carrying bag for easy carrying and storage
- Offers enough seating room for 4 people
- Produce brick oven pizzas at home
- Stone heats evenly and absorbs moisture
- Produces a crispy, delicious crust
- Perfect for pizzas, calzones, flatbreads and cookies
- GLOBALLY SOURCED
- DUAL STAINLESS STEEL BLADES - Our Bicycle Shaped Pizza Cutter offers effortless cutting on even the thickest of pizza crusts. Both front and back wheels are made from stainless steel with a sharp non-stick edge. Our bicycle pizza cutter is ready for your next pie, whether that be a frozen pizza, a Chicago deep dish or just a classic cheese pizza. One of our best pizza cutters, the tour de pizza cutter is perfect as a fun or unique gift, great for birthday gifts, mothers day gifts & fathers day gifts.
- LIFELIKE DESIGN - Our bike pizza cutter is a 1/10th scale of a real life road bike right down to the finest details including frame, wheels, seat and handle bars. The bicycle pizza cutter is the perfect cyclist gift or bike accessory for the cycling enthusiast in your life.
- EASY TO CLEAN - The Tour de Pizza Bicycle Pizza Cutter has minimal parts and non-stick surface for easy cleaning. Simply wash with warm water and soap and your Bicycle Pizza Slicer will be ready for another ride. The Tour de Pizza Cutter is also Dishwasher Safe (top shelf recommended).
- FUN MOTHERS DAY GIFT - The Tour de Pizza Bicycle Pizza Cutter is a fun and practical gift which is perfect for pizza lovers, pizza gifts, cyclists or anyone who wants a little fun with their next pizza. Perfect as a fathers day gift for dads, mothers day gifts for mom or a fun and unique valentines day gift for him or her. Also makes the perfect gift for Peloton Enthusiasts. Great for kids birthday parties and pizza parties as well. Comes with a stand for easy display and storage.
- BICYCLE PIZZA CUTTER - The Tour de Pizza bicycle pizza cutter is one of our most popular products for a reason. It is a fun and unique kitchen gadget and a great idea for gifts under 20 dollars.
- A BEAUTIFUL GIFT WITH A SUPRISE TWIST - This amazing reusable VELVET jewelry bag and specially designed high end personalizable gift tag create a unique and unparalleled look and feel. NO CHEAP BURLAP in this product! The velvet bag can be used for your jewelry after the fun and laughter have stopped.
- NOTHING FAKE! - REAL AMERICAN COAL - 1.5 to 3 ounces (1-4 pieces) of pure hand picked and hand washed coal by Santa's helpers, NO GUM, NO FAKE PLASTIC COAL, NO ERASERS, only authentic coal for this awesome gag gift. Don't settle for artificial when fooling your naughty friends, family, coworkers and boss.
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- GREAT FOR SECRET SANTA OR WHITE ELEPHANT GIFTS -This is perfect for that special naughty someone. Looks like expensive jewelry, but ....not so much. Only Christmas coal from Santa's secret stash.
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- This Is My Pizza Making is a fun graphic design for a chef with pizza, shrimp, pepper cap and a humorous saying and quote, a great idea for a birthday gift, Christmas, Thanksgiving or any holiday.
- Fast-food design for pizza pepperoni lovers, with cheese, meat, seafood or any other. A great idea for a Christmas gift for the cook daddy, mom, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, grandparent, grandmother, uncle, aunt or nephew.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- This Pizza Making design is perfect for everyone who loves to make Pizza as a Hobby or as profession. You are an expert in making Pizza and love to decorate with some ingredients and pizza sauce made out of tomatoes. Your a enthusiast for making your dough
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- beautiful high quality HD graphics
- intuitive, easy to use interface
- infinite gameplay with unlimited combinations
- animated scenes for making, baking and eating pizza
- different pizza shapes, sauces and cheese types
People also ask
FAQs – Best Wood for Ooni Pizza Oven
Q: Which type of wood is best for Ooni Pizza Oven?
A: Hardwood or kiln-dried, untreated softwood that is free from chemicals or additives is the best choice for Ooni Pizza Oven. Some popular choices include oak, birch or beech for hardwood and spruce or pine for softwood.
Q: How do I prepare the wood for Ooni Pizza Oven?
A: You should cut or split the wood into small pieces, no thicker than 3 inches. The pieces should be dry and stored in a dry place to avoid dampness or mold. You can also use kiln-dried logs or wood pellets, which are easier to handle and store.
Q: Can I use any type of wood for Ooni Pizza Oven?
A: No, you should avoid using softwood that is treated or coated with chemicals, as they can release toxic fumes when burned. You should also avoid using wet or damp wood, as it can produce excess smoke and affect the flavor of the pizza.
Q: How much wood should I use for Ooni Pizza Oven?
A: You should use about 1-2 logs or a handful of wood pellets for each pizza. The amount depends on the size of your oven and the temperature you want to achieve. It’s better to start with a small amount and add more as needed.
Q: Can I mix different types of wood for Ooni Pizza Oven?
A: Yes, you can mix different types of wood for a more complex flavor. However, make sure that the wood is of similar size and species, and avoid using wood with a strong flavor that can overpower the pizza.
Q: How do I light the wood for Ooni Pizza Oven?
A: You can use kindling, newspaper or a fire starter to light the wood. Make sure that the wood is arranged in a pyramid shape and that there is enough airflow to keep the fire going. Avoid using lighter fluid, as it can affect the flavor and produce toxic fumes.