Pizza is undoubtedly amongst the most popular dishes in the USA. It is really tasty, easy enough to make and high profitability. Even though you can definitely make pizzas with a convection and combi oven, the most widely known oven being used is a commercial pizza oven.
This guide will help you choose which of the pizza ovens would be the right oven for your needs if ever you are thinking of introducing pizza to your menu.
Types of Pizza Ovens
1. Deck Oven
- A deck oven generally features a stone or brick platform that contributes to the distinct crispiness to a pizza base when it is heated up. The toppings are usually cooked through the use of convection in electric versions, signifying that fans disseminate heat all through the oven to make sure that the entire pizza is cooked evenly. Gas versions prominently feature burners that are installed on top or at the rear of the oven which is used for cooking the toppings.
- They are ideal for pizzerias, restaurants and pubs.
- They also came in various sizes – they have single countertop ovens to a standing multiple deck pizza ovens that can simultaneously cook dozens of pizzas.
- Deck ovens are known to produce the authentic pizza crispy base.
- They are usually stackable so you can just simply purchase another one when the demand goes up. It also does not take up a lot of kitchen space since it can be horizontally stacked.
- It can be used with gas or can also be electric.
2. Conveyor Pizza Ovens
- Conveyor ovens make pizzas through a heated room, ensuring that with consistent results, several pizzas can be properly cooked every time. These are largely considered as being the pizza oven with the highest production.
- This type of pizza oven is ideal for fast food restaurants, food courts and other sites with high demand.
- It is very easy to use – meaning you could save a lot on training costs.
- The conveyor oven keeps the same temperature all throughout the cooking process since there is no door to open.
- It can be used with gas or can also be electric.
- Conveyor pizza ovens are large in size, so they are not appropriate for sites which have a limited space.
3. Barbeque (BBQ) Pizza Ovens
- BBQ pizza ovens are intended to be used for outdoors and are using either propane gas as well as solid fuels like wood or charcoal to achieve authentic unique flavours. Smaller versions which are free standing are usually sold for house use.
- BBQ pizza ovens are best for outdoor catering, pub beer gardens and domestic gardens.
- Incredibly stylish styles make BBQ pizza ovens perfect when it comes to showcasing the pizza offer and greatly increasing takings when the weather is good.
- This type of pizza oven is known for its versatility. It can cook, not just pizza alone, but are also great for cooking burgers, chickens and even vegetables.
- It generally has castors that make them easy to place and store away.
- BBQ pizza ovens only uses gas or solid fuels so it is only recommend to be used outdoors.
4. Rapid Cook Ovens
- Also known as the accelerated cooking oven. This is the newest and maybe even the fastest way to cook a delectably crispy, hot pizza. If you are receiving orders for take out, it can lessen your queue times significantly and improve your intake.
- This pizza oven is perfect for bakeries, service stations and cafes.
- It is incredibly fast. These pizza ovens can cook up to a full 14 “pizza in a little under 90 seconds – depending on ingredients – with the use of a combined effect of convection, microwave and impingement cooking.
- Rapid cook ovens are relatively compact compared to the larger deck or conveyor ovens – ideal for smaller cafés and kiosks.
- Most designs are far more capable of cooking than just pizza. This type of oven is also widely used for other to-go treats like pies, pastries and toasted sandwiches.
- Can even cook pizzas which are frozen.
- While these cook incredibly fast the limited capacity typically means you cannot cook at once for large groups. Additionally, this is electric only.
Things to Check before Purchasing Pizza Ovens
1. The type of pizza
If you are looking for a particular finish with your pizzas, it is vital to double check whether it can be produced by your oven. Deck ovens, for instance, can produce tasty Chicago-style with heavy toppings deep-pan pizzas, while conveyor ovens are ideally suited for pizza with a thin base and light toppings.
2. The type of power
Whether you would be using gas or electric types, make absolutely sure that your pizza oven is appropriate for your kitchen set-up.
3. Size
Pizza ovens can be very big and there are also other types which are small. There is a variety available and it is important that you check the measurements before buying to make sure it fits in the kitchen. Do not forget to also check the height.
4. Capacity or Output
All pizza ovens show the pizza capacity – make sure that the oven matches your expected demand. Capacity refers also to the full pizza size that can be cooked.
5. Efficiency
The higher-powered pizza ovens typically hit higher temperatures and cook more rapidly. You might want to compare this with the cost of operating the machine throughout the year, though. Ovens that use less energy can save you significant running costs in the long run.
6. Weight
If you are engaged in catering for events, you may need to transfer the oven from time to time. Commercial pizza ovens can really be large and heavy, so in view of transportation costs and placement, weight can be a crucial purchasing factor.
7. Warranty
Most commercial pizza ovens come with a warranty of at least one year covering the business use. Still, the duration of the warranty should be checked as some ovens may have longer warranties than others.
