Best Wood for Pizza Ovens
If you’re a pizza-making expert, you may already have a wood-burning pizza oven. Or you may still be considering which one to get but with so many options of ovens out there, how do you make the right choice? From the different oven makers and fuel sources to indoor vs. outdoor placement, there’s a lot to consider.
Stick around as we delve into the nitty-gritty of wood-burning pizza ovens and the types of wood that fuel them…
First, what type of pizza oven do you have or want?
Brand Preference
Oven manufacturers like Vonzoy, Gozney, and Breville have made a name for themselves in the wood-burning pizza oven market. Each offers unique features, but what are your priorities? Is it the brand reputation, or are you more concerned about specific functionalities? Plus many serious pizzamakers actually have their ovens custom-made!
Price vs. Quality
The cost of a wood-burning pizza oven can vary significantly. Are you looking for a budget-friendly option, or are you willing to invest in a high-quality oven that will stand the test of time?
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Some ovens are designed for indoor use, while others are better suited for the great outdoors. Where do you envision setting up your pizza-making paradise?
Additional Considerations
1. Temperature Control: How crucial is it for you to control the oven’s temperature?
2. Portability: Do you need a portable oven, or are you looking for a permanent fixture?
3. Safety Concerns: Have you considered the safety aspects of the wood you plan to use?
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Fuel Your Pizza Oven with the Right Wood
Seasoned vs. Kiln-Dried Firewood
The type of wood used in a pizza oven can significantly affect the flavor and cooking time. Have you considered what type of wood you’d like to use in your pizza oven?
Did you know that different types of wood may require different cooking techniques? Are you open to experimenting with various cooking methods based on the kind of wood used?
Other Things to Consider About Pizza Oven Firewood
1. Speed vs. Cost: Are you willing to invest some money in firewood that’s ready-to-go?
2. Quality of Burn: What’s more important to you, a better burn in your oven or the cost of the wood?
3. DIY vs. Purchase: Do you prefer to dry your own wood or buy it kiln-dried or seasoned from a dealer?
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Air Seasoned (Seasoned) Firewood
Process: Seasoned firewood is wood that has been air-dried for an extended period (usually 6 or more months). This drying process is essential because freshly chopped-down lumber, known as green firewood, contains a high moisture content that makes it unsuitable for burning.
Drawbacks: Burning green firewood can be problematic as it’s hard to ignite, produces a lot of smoke, and the flames often fizzle out quickly. Additionally, green wood can sometimes comes with insect infestations as well as moss and mold, leading to harmful emissions when used for cooking.
Benefits: The air-drying process reduces the moisture content, making the wood more suitable for burning. However, achieving the ideal moisture content below 20% can be challenging and can take multiple years.
Final Takeaways
Pros: cheaper and can be set aside by anyone who has the space.
Cons: It takes longer to dry and can produce more smoke.
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Kiln-Dried Firewood
Process: Kiln-dried firewood starts as green firewood but undergoes a different drying process. Instead of natural air drying, the wood is placed in a large propane-powered kiln that artificially replicates the drying process. The kiln uses large fans to circulate the heat and dry the logs, ensuring a controlled environment. North Carolina requires that wood sold as kiln-dried must be certified.
Benefits: The kiln-drying process can achieve the ideal moisture content below 20% every time, ensuring a fire that lights easily, burns longer, and produces less smoke than seasoned wood. This low moisture content also makes kiln-dried wood excellent for baking, offering hotter burns that cook ingredients more thoroughly and produce better-tasting food due to cleaner smoke.
Convenience: Our kiln-dried firewood is ready to use immediately after the drying process, eliminating the waiting period associated with regular air seasoned wood. This availability reduces risks like moisture exposure or infestations that can compromise the wood quality.
Final Takeaways
Pros: It lights quickly, burns hotter, and is free from mold and insects.
Cons: generally is more expensive.
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While both air seasoned and kiln-dried firewood aim to reduce the moisture content in the wood to make it suitable for burning, kiln-dried firewood offers several advantages.
It dries faster, burns better, and is generally more convenient. Especially for pizza ovens, where consistent heat and minimal smoke are crucial, kiln-dried firewood seems to be the preferred choice.
Make Your Dream Pizza Oven a Reality
Now that you’re armed with all this information, it’s time to take action. As a trusted firewood provider here in Western North Carolina, Natural Timber Firewood offers both kiln-dried and seasoned firewood (limited supplies), perfect for your wood-burning pizza oven.
How to Get Your Pizza Oven Wood
1. Reach out to Richard: Call (828) 230-1165 for a personalized quote or discuss any of your specific firewood needs.
2. Visit Our Online Store: Go to our shop to see our range of seasoned or kiln-dried firewood options.
3. Place Your Order: Once you’ve made your choice, place your order (either online or by phone) and get ready to create pizza masterpieces right in your own oven!
So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today and bring your pizza dreams to life!
