23 Jul Things to Consider when Buying a Brick Oven

Contact Us if you need help deciding which style is best for you.

Things to Consider when Buying a Brick Oven

Thinking about buying a brick oven? Traditional fire-roasting offers an authentic experience. It creates a captivating ambiance and incredible flavors. You might want to recreate the magic of Italy in your backyard. Or, you might want to elevate your restaurant’s menu. Either way, investing in a high-quality oven is an exciting milestone.

We craft our ovens one at a time. Because of this, we know that no two spaces are exactly alike. No two chefs are alike, either. We want to ensure you get the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Here are the top 10 things to consider when buying a brick oven.

1. What’s your style?

Your oven will be a striking focal point. Its aesthetic should seamlessly match your space. Do you prefer a classic, rounded dome? If so, look at a traditional Napoli style. Perhaps you lean toward something more minimalist and rustic. Our Rustico line is perfect for that. Maybe you want the undeniable grandeur of a Vesuvio design. Take a look at your current architecture and landscaping. The right oven won’t just cook your food. It will act as a stunning centerpiece for your home or business.

2. How large is your family or business?

Capacity is a critical factor when buying a brick oven. Are you a homeowner hosting intimate family dinners? A smaller residential oven is perfectly sufficient. An oven that fits one or two pizzas will heat up quickly.

Do you regularly host large backyard parties? Are you outfitting a busy commercial kitchen? You will need a larger internal diameter. This extra space accommodates multiple pizzas, skillets, or large roasting pans simultaneously.

3. Do you want it inside or outside?

Many people picture a brick oven on a lush outdoor patio. However, indoor installations are also incredibly popular.

• Outdoor Ovens: These are great for entertaining. They require less complex ventilation. However, you must consider weatherproofing and protection from the elements.

• Indoor Ovens: Cooking inside lets you bake artisan bread year-round. You can roast meats regardless of the weather. However, indoor installations require strict adherence to local building codes. You must also install a specialized, heavy-duty ventilation system.

4. Do you want only wood-burning, or a gas option added?

Purists argue that true artisan cooking requires 100% hardwood. Cooking with wood infuses your food with signature smoky flavors. It also provides a highly engaging cooking experience.

However, convenience is key for many busy families and operators. Adding a gas burner option gives you the best of both worlds. You can use gas for quick, consistent heating on weeknights. Then, switch to wood when you have time to entertain on weekends.

5. What kinds of food do you plan to cook in it?

It’s called a pizza oven, but it does so much more! Is your sole goal 90-second Neapolitan pizzas? You need an oven designed to hold temperatures near 900°F.

Do you want to bake crusty sourdough bread or slow-roast a turkey? Do you plan to grill steaks or char vegetables? You want an oven with excellent heat retention. A high-mass brick oven lets you cook pizza at night. Then, you can use the retained heat the next morning to bake bread.

6. What’s your budget?

When buying a brick oven, view it as a long-term investment. There are cheap, mass-produced metal alternatives on the market. However, they often lack insulation, durability, and heat retention.

Determine your budget early on. Be sure to factor in the longevity of a hand-crafted oven. Remember to also budget for shipping and installation. You may also need surrounding hardscaping.

7. And where will it fit?

Space planning is absolutely essential. These ovens are substantial pieces of equipment. You need an adequate footprint for the oven itself. The chef also needs room to maneuver comfortably with a peel.

Consider clearance from combustible materials like wooden fences. Check the structural integrity of your patio or deck. Also, consider how a delivery team will move the oven into place.

8. What color? And finish: tile or stucco?

Your oven is a visual centerpiece. Customizing the finish is one of the best parts of the process.

• Stucco: A stucco finish offers a beautiful Mediterranean look. It is elegant, clean, and can be painted to match your home.

• Tile: A tile finish provides a highly customized, premium look. You can use sleek glass tiles or intricate, colorful patterns. A tiled dome turns your oven into a true work of art.

9. Do you need a stand or base? Or a complete outdoor kitchen?

How will your oven be supported? You might be building a custom outdoor kitchen from scratch. If so, a masonry contractor can build a custom block base.

Are you looking for a simpler solution? You might want to purchase a pre-built metal stand. Alternatively, consider a complete turnkey unit that arrives fully assembled.

10. Who do you ask?

Making all these choices can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone, though. The most important step is partnering with experts. You need someone who understands fire-roasting, masonry, and installation.

At Forno Nardona, we have all your answers. We craft our ovens one at a time with unparalleled attention. We are here to guide you through every step of the process.

Contact Us today if you need help deciding which style, size, and finish is best for you!