Pizza Ovens

Types Of Pizza Ovens

Whether you prefer to dine in or order delivery, it's likely you have a go-to pizzeria when you need a pizza fix. Maybe you're just curious about what type of commercial pizza oven is responsible for producing pies with the melty cheese and crispy crust you crave, or maybe you're thinking of starting a pizza venture of your own. We want to help you understand which type of pizza oven your favorite pizzeria uses to bake the pies you love.

1) Conveyor Pizza Ovens

Quick-service & fast-casual chains: The quick-service pizza chains we're all familiar with build their businesses on consistency and speed, which they achieve with a specific type of pizza oven: a conveyor oven.

What is a Conveyor Pizza Oven?

As you may have inferred from its name, the conveyor oven utilizes a conveyor belt that carries pizza through its baking chamber. This type of oven offers several advantages that make it particularly suited for quick-service chains and independent pizzerias needing simple, speedy solutions.

Advantages of Conveyor Pizza Ovens

  • Speed and Efficiency: Along with the oven's temperature, the speed of a conveyor oven's belt determines the cook time. That speed can be adjusted to hone the perfect cooking procedure. Once set, staff simply place pizzas on the belt and wait for them to come out perfectly cooked moments later.
  • Ease of Use: Conveyor ovens are incredibly easy to operate, as employees need only place assembled pizzas on the conveyor belt. This simplicity allows staff to focus on other tasks while the pizza cooks.
  • Consistency: Conveyor ovens excel at producing high volumes of consistent pizzas due to their stable, dependable cooking environment.
  • Versatility: In addition to pizza, conveyor ovens can cook a variety of other foods, including:
    • Chicken wings
    • Fries
    • Cheese bread
    • Baked subs
    • Mozzarella sticks

Overall, conveyor ovens are ideal for businesses needing to produce large quantities of food quickly and efficiently without sacrificing consistency.

Shopping for a Conveyor Pizza Oven

Here's what to consider when choosing a conveyor oven:

  • Belt Size: Wider belts (15-32 inches) allow you to cook more pizzas simultaneously.
  • Split Belts: Offer two independently controlled sections for simultaneously baking different products.
  • Stackable Models: Save space by stacking ovens vertically to increase capacity.
  • Reversible Belts: Provide flexibility to adapt to changes in your kitchen layout.
  • Heating Method: Traditional electric or impinger ovens, which use high-velocity air jets for faster cooking.

2) Deck Pizza Oven

Authentic, full-service pizzerias: Favored by full-service pizzerias specializing in traditional, hearth-baked crusts, deck ovens bake pizzas on a heated stone deck, mimicking the effects of a traditional stone oven.

Benefits of A Heated Stone Deck:

  • Even heat transfer for a consistently baked crust
  • Porous structure removes moisture for a crispy texture.

Key Considerations:

Size and Installation: Deck ovens are large and require significant kitchen space.

  • Typically measure 3–4 feet deep and several feet wide.
  • Require significant kitchen space for installation.
  • Available in natural gas and propane versions.
  • Adding casters is recommended for easy movement during maintenance.

Deck Material:

  • Traditional Stone: Offers authentic heat conduction and moisture elimination.
  • Synthetic Minerals: More durable and easier to maintain than natural stone.
  • Steel Decks: Economical option but prone to uneven heat distribution, causing hot spots.

Custom Design Features:

Learn about the different pizza deck oven sizes and specialty options available to ensure you purchase the best deck oven for your needs.

3) Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens

Show kitchens & outdoor patios: For an authentic pizzeria experience where the oven is a showpiece, consider a wood-fired pizza oven.

Why Choose Wood Fired?

  • Authenticity: As close as you can get to traditional pizza ovens.
  • Ambiance: Creates a captivating atmosphere with enticing aromas, smoky flavors, and visual appeal.

Fuel Options:

  • Gas-assisted with Wood: Offers the convenience of gas with the flavor and visual benefits of wood.
  • Wood-only: The most authentic option, ideal for purists seeking traditional wood-fired flavor.

Installation:

  • Outdoor: Popular for patio dining.
  • Indoor: Requires proper ventilation systems to handle smoke.

4) Countertop Pizza Ovens

Perfect for small businesses: Even small-scale food purveyors can enter the pizza market without investing in large, expensive ovens. Countertop pizza ovens are a great option for:

  • Pubs
  • Concession stands
  • Kiosks
  • Bowling alleys
  • Bars
  • Country clubs

Types of Countertop Pizza Ovens:

  • Economy Models:
    • Designed for reheating frozen pizzas.
    • Simple electric heating elements.
    • May have fixed temperatures for easy operation.
  • Countertop Deck Pizza Ovens:
    • Bake fresh pizzas from scratch.
    • Utilize stone or metal decks for authentic results.
    • Compact size (15-20 inch interior capacity).
    • Typically include two decks.
  • High-Speed Countertop Pizza Ovens:
    • Utilize impingement heating or convection fans for faster cooking.
    • Heat from above and below for even cooking and crispy crusts.

Choosing the Right Countertop Oven:

  • Reheating frozen pizzas: Economy models are sufficient.
  • Baking fresh pizzas: Countertop deck ovens offer quality and versatility.
  • Fast baking times: High-speed countertop ovens are the best option.

Choosing the Right Countertop Oven:

  • Reheating frozen pizzas: Economy models are sufficient.
  • Baking fresh pizzas: Countertop deck ovens offer quality and versatility.
  • Fast baking times: High-speed countertop ovens are the best option.

5) Rotating Rack Ovens

Rotating rack ovens utilize a rotating rack system to ensure even cooking. These are often found in commercial bakeries and pizzerias, but some models are suitable for smaller businesses as well.

Benefits of Rotating Rack Pizza Ovens:

  • Even Heat Distribution: The rotating racks ensure all items in the oven are exposed to consistent heat, resulting in even cooking and browning.
  • Increased Capacity: Rotating rack ovens can typically hold more items than traditional ovens, making them ideal for high-volume baking.
  • Versatility: These ovens can be used to bake a variety of items, including pizzas, breads, pastries, and roasted meats.

Considerations:

  • Space: Rotating rack ovens can be larger than other types of ovens, so ensure you have adequate space in your kitchen.
  • Cost: These ovens can be more expensive than traditional ovens.
  • Maintenance: Rotating rack ovens may require more maintenance than other types of ovens because of the number of moving parts.

Ideal Applications:

  • High-volume pizzerias
  • Bakeries
  • Restaurants with diverse menus
  • Catering businesses

6) Outdoor Pizza Ovens

Outdoor pizza ovens are a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor dining experience and offer customers a unique, memorable culinary experience. They are especially popular in restaurants, bars, and pizzerias with patios or gardens.

Types of Commercial Outdoor Pizza Ovens:

  • Wood Fired: These ovens use wood as the primary fuel source, imparting a distinct smoky flavor and aroma to pizzas. They create a rustic, authentic atmosphere.
  • Gas Fired: Gas-fired ovens offer convenience and precise temperature control. They heat up quickly and are easier to operate than wood-fired ovens.
  • Hybrid: Hybrid ovens combine the benefits of both wood and gas, allowing you to switch between fuel sources depending on your needs.

Benefits of Commercial Outdoor Pizza Ovens:

  • Enhanced Ambiance: Create a focal point and gathering spot for customers.
  • Unique Flavor: Wood-fired ovens impart a unique smoky flavor.
  • Increased Capacity: Expand your cooking capacity, especially during peak seasons or events.
  • Versatility: Many outdoor ovens can also be used for roasting meats, vegetables, and baking bread.

Considerations:

  • Installation: Proper installation is crucial, including a stable base and adequate ventilation (especially for wood-fired ovens).
  • Weatherproofing: Choose an oven with weather-resistant materials and consider a cover to protect it from the elements.
  • Fuel Storage: Ensure safe and convenient storage for wood or propane tanks.
  • Local Regulations: Check local regulations regarding outdoor cooking and fire safety.

By carefully considering your needs and options, you can choose the perfect commercial outdoor pizza oven to elevate your business and delight your customers.

7) Impinger Ovens

Impinger ovens utilize high-velocity jets of hot air to cook food rapidly and evenly. They are a popular choice for pizzerias and other foodservice operations that need to quickly cook large quantities of food.

How Impinger Ovens Work:

  • Forced Convection: Impinger ovens use powerful fans to circulate heated air within the cooking chamber.
  • Targeted Heat: Jets of hot air are directed towards the food, penetrating the "cold air halo" that surrounds cooking food and speeding up the cooking process.
  • Even Cooking: The combination of forced convection and targeted heat results in rapid and even cooking, minimizing hot spots and ensuring consistent results.

Benefits of Impinger Ovens:

  • Speed: Cook food significantly faster than traditional ovens.
  • Efficiency: Reduced cooking times translate to lower energy consumption.
  • Versatility: Can be used to cook a wide range of foods, including pizzas, chicken, fish, vegetables, and baked goods.
  • Reduced Shrinkage: The rapid cooking process helps to minimize moisture loss, resulting in juicier and more flavorful food.

Considerations:

  • Cost: Impinger ovens can be more expensive than traditional ovens.
  • Noise: The powerful fans can generate some noise.
  • Training: Staff may require training to properly operate and maintain impinger ovens.

Ideal Applications:

  • High-volume pizzerias
  • Fast-casual restaurants
  • Cafeterias
  • Catering businesses
  • Any operation where speed and efficiency are critical

Additional Pizza Oven Considerations

Here are some extra factors to keep in mind when selecting a pizza oven:

Brick-Lined Ovens

  • Benefits:
    • Simulate traditional stone ovens for even cooking.
    • Absorb and radiate heat for efficient cooking and browning.
    • Often more energy efficient because of its insulation.

Oven Opening Height

  • Consider Versatility: Ensure the opening is tall enough to accommodate other items you might bake, like bread loaves or pasta dishes.
  • Allow for Air Circulation: Leave clearance on either side of items for proper airflow.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza Ovens

What factors should I consider when choosing a pizza oven for my business?

Several factors influence which pizza oven is right for you:

  • Volume: How many pizzas do you need to produce per hour?
  • Space: How much kitchen space do you have available?
  • Style: What type of pizza do you specialize in?
  • Budget: How much are you willing to invest in a pizza oven?
  • Fuel Source: Do you have access to natural gas, propane, or wood?

Are there pizza ovens that can also be used to cook other foods?

Yes, many pizza ovens can also be used to cook other items like bread, pasta dishes, appetizers, and even meats. When considering an oven for multiple uses, pay attention to the oven's opening height to ensure it can accommodate larger items.

Where can I find more information about specific pizza oven models and brands?

You can explore a wide selection of pizza ovens and consult with equipment experts at KaTom Restaurant Supply.