Struggling to achieve a crisp base or a bubbly top in your conventional oven? You’re not the only one. Whether you're a home cook or running a busy kitchen, it’s hard to cook properly using standard electric ovens. The crust goes soggy, the pizza dough doesn’t rise right, and the toppings stay uneven.
That’s where pizza ovens shine. They’re designed to handle high heat, giving you more precise control and that perfect smoky flavour or crispy finish—whether it’s a new pizza you’re testing or your best-seller. From wood-fired to gas and electric pizza ovens, they help you make delicious homemade pizza or serve up hundreds in a pizzeria.
In The Ultimate Guide: How Do Pizza Ovens Work? (Wood-Fired, Gas & Electric) by Industry Kitchens, we explain how each oven works and which one fits your space, style, and cooking needs.
Let’s dive in and find your perfect pizza-making match.
How Do Pizza Ovens Work? The Core Principles
All pizza ovens create a closed cooking space using three essential heat transfer methods:
Conduction – Direct heat transfer from the hot surface to the pizza base
Convection – Hot air circulates the pizza, cooking toppings evenly
Radiation – Infrared heat from the dome and walls quickly melts cheese and crisps toppings
Unlike regular ovens, specialised pizza ovens reach temperatures of 400°C (750°F) or higher, allowing pizzas to cook in just 60–90 seconds.
They maintain these high temperatures using:
Thick, insulated walls that trap heat
Heat-retaining materials like brick, stone, or ceramic
A dome shape that reflects heat down
A small opening that reduces heat loss
This creates the ideal conditions for authentic, high-quality pizza.
Types of Pizza Ovens: Finding Your Perfect Match
Let's explore the most common types: wood-fired ovens, deck ovens, and conveyor ovens, plus the benefits of gas and electric pizza ovens.
Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens: The Traditional Choice
Wood-fired pizza ovens are loved for their rich, smoky flavour and authentic cooking style. Used for centuries in Italy, they remain a favourite for artisan pizzas.
How They Work:
These ovens burn hardwoods (like oak or maple) to heat the dome and floor. The shape of the dome circulates hot air while the stone base holds intense heat.
Why They Stand Out:
Heats up to 370–480°C
Retains heat for hours after firing
Natural convection from a dome shape
Adds smoky flavour to every pizza
Best For:
Neapolitan-style pizzas
Outdoor entertaining
Artisan pizza restaurants
Pizza lovers who enjoy the theatre of cooking with fire
Keep in Mind:
Takes 1–2 hours to fully heat
Requires fire management skills
Needs space and ventilation (ideal for outdoors)
For restaurants looking to make the most of a wood-fired oven in a commercial kitchen, check out our guide on how to optimise your kitchen layout to accommodate a commercial pizza oven.
Gas Pizza Ovens: Convenience Meets Performance
Gas pizza ovens offer a modern twist on traditional methods. You get the high heat of a wood oven with much less effort.
How They Work:
These ovens use natural gas or propane burners to heat the cooking chamber. Many include ceramic floors and multiple burners for even cooking.
Why They Stand Out:
Heat-up time of just 15–30 minutes
Precise temperature control
Clean, ash-free cooking
Available in portable and built-in models
Best For:
Home cooks who want ease and speed
Restaurants needing fast turnaround
Outdoor cooking without the hassle of wood
Pizza enthusiasts who want flavour and control
Electric Pizza Ovens: Modern Convenience
Electric pizza ovens are a great choice for beginners, small spaces, and indoor cooking. No fuel, no fuss—just plug in and start cooking.
How They Work:
Electric elements above and below the cooking surface heat the oven. Most models include ceramic stones to mimic traditional stone baking.
Why They Stand Out:
Reaches 370–400°C
Simple plug-and-play operation
Compact and easy to store
Low maintenance with easy cleaning
Best For:
Apartment living or tight spaces
Newcomers to pizza making
Indoor use with limited ventilation
Anyone wanting consistent results with no learning curve
Want to master your pizza oven setup at home or in a commercial setting? Learn more in our blog on how to master the art of pizza making with a commercial pizza oven.
Conveyor Pizza Ovens: Commercial Excellence
Conveyor pizza ovens are the go-to for high-volume pizza production. They're all about speed and consistency with minimal effort.
How They Work:
A motorised belt moves pizzas through a heated tunnel. The speed and temperature can be adjusted depending on the style of pizza.
Why They Stand Out:
Consistent top and bottom heating
Adjustable conveyor speed
Handles 200+ pizzas per hour
“Set and forget” operation – no need to rotate
Best For:
Busy restaurants and pizza chains
Teams with limited kitchen training
Fast-paced operations need consistency
Mass production of a single pizza style
Want to learn more about conveyor pizza ovens? Discover everything you need to know in our detailed blog:What is a Conveyor Pizza Oven?
Deck Pizza Ovens: Professional Performance
Deck ovens are common in professional kitchens thanks to their versatility and consistent results across multiple pizza styles.
How They Work:
Pizzas are cooked directly on stone or ceramic decks, which are stacked vertically. Each deck can be independently controlled.
Why They Stand Out:
Cook multiple pizzas at once
Great thermal mass for even cooking
Flexible for different pizza types
Easy to clean and operate
Best For:
Traditional pizzerias with varied menus
Restaurants needing medium-to-high output
Commercial kitchens with limited space
Locations with gas or wood-burning restrictions
Ready to elevate your pizza-making with a deck oven? Explore our range of Deck Pizza Ovens and find the perfect fit for your commercial kitchen!
Essential Pizza Accessories: The Complete Kit
While a great pizza oven is essential, the right accessories make a big difference. Whether you’re running a commercial kitchen or cooking at home, these tools will help streamline your process and improve your results.
Dough Management:
Dough Boxes: Keep dough proofing and prevent drying out.
Dough Mixers: Save time and ensure consistent results with the right pizza dough mixer.
Preparation Tools:
Pizza Rollers: Get even thickness and faster prep.
Pizza Kit: Includes cutters, scrapers, peels, and temperature guns for accuracy.
Service & Storage:
Transport Warmers: Keep deliveries hot and fresh.
Pizza Refrigeration: Keep toppings fresh with refrigerated prep tables.
Investing in these accessories helps you make consistently delicious pizza with less hassle. At Industry Kitchens, we offer professional-grade tools that perfectly complement your pizza oven and boost your kitchen’s efficiency.
Choosing the Right Pizza Oven: Key Considerations
When selecting the perfect pizza oven for your needs, consider these important factors:
Location: Indoor or outdoor? Permanent installation or portable pizza oven that can travel with you?
Fuel type: Do you prefer the flavour of wood, the convenience of gas, or the simplicity of electric?
Volume needs: How many pizzas will you cook per session?
Pizza style: Neapolitan, New York, Chicago, or something else?
Budget: Quality pizza ovens range from $300 for portable models to $5,000+ for built-in options
Learning curve: Are you willing to master temperature management or prefer automation?
The best oven for you depends on balancing these factors against your specific needs and pizza goals.
For a deeper dive into setting up your space for success, check out our blog:Equipping Your Pizza Restaurant for Success: The Must-Have Equipment for Pizza.
Final Thought
All pizza ovens heat up fast and hold a steady internal temperature. This helps your dough rise properly and gives every pizza that crisp, golden finish.
You also get more control compared to a regular oven. That means better results every time—whether you're baking one or fifty.
Wood-fired, gas, or electric pizza ovens are made for both home cooks and busy commercial kitchens. From weekend pizza nights to full-day service in a pizzeria, they deliver consistent, mouth-watering results.
Just grab your pizza peel, slide it in, and enjoy that fresh, authentic pizza flavour—anywhere.
If you run a pizzeria, café, or restaurant, having the right pizza oven is a must. It saves time, handles volume with ease, and keeps customers coming back.
Ready to level up your kitchen? Discover Industry Kitchens’ powerful range of commercial pizza ovens—built for speed, flavour, and performance. Your next best-selling pizza starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cook a pizza in a pizza oven?
To cook a pizza in a pizza oven, place it directly on the hot oven floor using a pizza peel. The oven reaches high temperatures, which helps cook the base fast and evenly. This gives you delicious pizza with crispy crusts in just a few minutes.
Is it worth getting a pizza oven?
Yes, it’s worth it if you love making pizza at home or running a food business. Pizza ovens reach higher temperatures than a regular oven, giving you better cooking results. They're also great for cooking more than one pizza at a time.
Do you need fire bricks for a pizza oven?
Fire bricks help your pizza oven retain heat and cook pizza evenly. They line the oven floor and make wood-fired cooking more efficient. While not always required, they boost cooking performance in traditional pizza oven setups. Oven's interior, regular oven, other dishes
Do you close the door on a wood-fired pizza oven?
Yes, once your wood-fired oven or gas pizza oven reaches the right temperature, closing the door helps lock in the heat for even cooking. Unlike standard ovens, an outdoor pizza oven maintains high, stable temperatures, which give you a delicious pizza with a crisp crust and bubbly toppings. Whether you're using wood-fired ovens or gas, this step is key to perfect results every time.
Can I cook other foods in a pizza oven?
Pizza ovens aren’t limited to just pizza— you can roast meats, bake bread, or cook other dishes like veggies and desserts. With higher heat than a standard oven, they help food cook properly and develop amazing flavour. It’s a versatile upgrade from cooking just pizza at home or in a commercial kitchen.
What's the difference between a conveyor and deck pizza oven?
A conveyor oven moves pizzas through on a belt, giving fast and consistent results. A deck oven has a hot oven floor where pizzas cook directly. Deck ovens allow more control, while conveyors are great for busy shops.
How do wood-fired ovens work?
Wood-fired pizza ovens work by burning wood inside the oven chamber. The flames and heat surround the pizza, cooking it with radiant heat and convection. They reach high temperatures quickly and give that classic wood-fired cooking flavour.
How do I maintain an electric or gas pizza oven?
Clean the oven floor regularly and remove crumbs or spills. For electric pizza ovens and gas ovens, check burners and elements for wear. Regular care helps them retain heat and keeps your cooking consistent.
What are the best ovens for pizza in commercial kitchens and pizzerias?
The best pizza ovens for commercial use are electric pizza ovens, gas ovens, and large pizza oven setups. They cook multiple pizzas at once and maintain a consistent temperature. Choose one based on space, speed, and how much pizza you're making.
How does heat retention affect cooking pizza?
Good heat retention helps the oven stay hot for longer, giving evenly cooked pizzas. It keeps the cooking process smooth, even when you open the oven door. This is key for perfectly cooked pizzas with crispy crusts every time.
READ MORE:
How to Maintain and Clean Your Commercial Pizza Oven for Optimal Performance
How to Enhance Your Restaurant's Menu with a Versatile Commercial Pizza Oven
How to Choose the Right Commercial Pizza Oven for Your Pizzeria
Discover the Best Commercial Pizza Oven for Your Restaurant Today!
Why are pizza ovens better than regular ovens: Top 10 Reasons
