Take Your Culinary Skills Outside with an Outdoor Pizza Oven Kitchen
There's nothing quite like the taste of a homemade wood-fired pizza fresh from an outdoor oven. Building your own outdoor kitchen with a built-in pizza oven allows you to become the pizza chef you've always dreamed of being. Cooking pizza and other meals alfresco surrounded by family and friends is an amazing way to entertain at home.
From choosing the right oven to picking appliances and finishes, we'll cover everything you need to know to create a space perfect for pizza parties and outdoor dining all year long.
Choosing the Right Pizza Oven for Outdoor Cooking
The pizza oven is the star of your outdoor kitchen. Selecting the right oven ensures you can cook authentic wood-fired pizza and more in your backyard. Here are the main options:
Types of Outdoor Pizza Ovens
Brick ovens made from stone or clay retain heat beautifully but come with a high price tag. Prefabricated steel ovens are more affordable while still offering excellent cooking performance. Some are modular units designed as inserts for outdoor kitchen islands. You'll also find gas-fired, wood-burning, and electric oven models.
Key Considerations
Look at temperature range, fuel type and efficiency, size and interior dimensions. Permanent built-in ovens work better than portable units. Compare warranty coverage too.
Top Pizza Oven Brands and Models
Leading outdoor pizza oven companies include Forno Bravo, Alfa Refrattari, Mugnaini, and Mont Alpi. Look for double-insulated Italian or Portuguese models that reach 700°F+ for authentic pizza napoletana. Quality brands to evaluate include ilFornino, Californo, BakerStone, and Pizzacraft.
Essential Components of an Outdoor Kitchen
In addition to the pizza oven, an outdoor kitchen needs the right appliances and amenities for cooking, prep, and entertaining.
Cooktop and Grilling Appliances
Add a built-in gas, charcoal, or pellet grill alongside the pizza oven to handle steaks, chops, vegetables and other foods. Side burners give you extra cooking zones. You can also incorporate flat top griddles, teppanyaki grills, and other elements.
Ventilation and Temperature Control
Proper ventilation keeps smoke and heat under control. Hood vents work best. Chimneys and built-in fans can also be effective solutions. Look for variable speed fans to handle everything from a hot pizza oven to a sizzling steak.
Prepping and Serving Areas
Your outdoor kitchen needs ample counter space for pizza prep, serving dishes, and more. Durable countertop materials include tile, natural stone, stainless steel, and high-heat plastics like Corian. Include a deep sink with an outdoor-rated faucet. Incorporate lighting, trash and recycling bins, storage cabinets, and drawers.
Seating and Dining Areas
Comfortable seating expands the entertaining potential. Built-in banquettes, bar-height counters, and freestanding patio furniture work nicely. A pergola offers weather protection. You can also add curtains, umbrellas, and outdoor heaters to enjoy the space year-round.
Designing Your Outdoor Pizza Oven Kitchen
Careful planning ensures your outdoor kitchen has an efficient layout and looks amazing. Focus on both form and function.
Layout Considerations
Map out the workflow from cooking surface to prep space and serving areas. Make sure you can conveniently access electricity, gas, and water. Allow room to move around safely.
Materials for Durability and Weather Resistance
Select aluminum or weatherproof wood for cabinets. Choose tile, natural stone, or stainless steel for the countertops. Look for sinks, faucets and hardware designed to withstand freezing temps and UV rays.
Personalizing with Style and Finishes
Make the space your own with tile backsplashes, accent lighting, and decorative features. Use weather-resistant furnishings like colorful ceramic planters. Let your style shine.
Bringing It All Together: Budget and Installation
You can DIY your outdoor kitchen or hire a professional. Either way, careful planning ensures success.
Hiring a Contractor vs DIY Install
A general contractor or landscape pro takes care of permits and construction. But a DIY project costs less and lets you customize all details. Weigh the benefits of both routes.
Developing a Budget
Outdoor kitchen projects range widely in cost. Allow $5,000-$20,000+ for a built-in pizza oven setup. Take time to map out costs for appliances, labor, permits, and materials.
Opening the Outdoor Kitchen for Enjoyment
Once construction dust settles, it's time to fire up the pizza oven! Host a party to christen your new space. Refer back to our original tips for making delicious pizzas. Maintain your investment with proper care and cleaning.
Cooking pizza in your own backyard is an amazing experience. Building an outdoor kitchen and pizza oven creates a space to make delicious wood-fired pizzas and other meals while entertaining family and friends.
This guide covered how to design the ideal outdoor cooking area with a pizza oven. Start planning your dream kitchen today and take your culinary skills outside!