How to Use a Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven

So, you’re interested in investing in a top-quality outdoor portable pizza oven. But, how do you go about using one?

Contrary to popular belief, buying an all-singing and all-dancing outdoor portable pizza oven doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s hard to use. In fact, a good quality model will be specially designed for ease of use!

Of course, like any piece of outdoor cookware equipment, there are safety guidelines that you must follow – but don’t panic! We’ll be filling you in on everything you need to know below.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about using a portable outdoor pizza oven…

Portable outdoor pizza oven best practices

It doesn’t matter which model or brand you go for, you’ll be provided with a manual that’ll outline the safety information which you must follow to ensure that the portable pizza oven is used safely and responsibly.

We’ve provided several best practices for those who aren’t seasoned pizza oven users! See below for more information.

Always make sure that the portable pizza oven is assembled correctly.
Never place an outdoor portable oven on a flimsy surface. Ensure that it’s used on a durable surface, such as stone.
Always make sure that the portable pizza oven is spaced out and away from anything potentially flammable.
Check the weather forecast before using a portable pizza oven. For example, using some outdoor pizza oven types in extremely windy conditions can be a safety hazard!
It’s very likely that once you’ve finished using your portable pizza oven, it’ll be hot to the touch. You must let it cool down before trying to put it away to avoid any potential accidents.

Are portable outdoor pizza ovens safe to use?

Yes, outdoor portable pizza ovens are incredibly safe to use – as long as you follow the instructions provided by the specific manufacturer.

For example, it wouldn’t be safe to use an outdoor portable pizza oven indoors, because they are not made for that. This can be for a variety of reasons, (e.g. carbon monoxide) it all depends on the particular model.

So, as long as you use it the way it’s designed to be used – out in the open air – there will be no problems!

Are portable outdoor pizza ovens safe to use?
Yes, outdoor portable pizza ovens are incredibly safe to use – as long as you follow the instructions provided by the specific manufacturer.
For example, it wouldn’t be safe to use an outdoor portable pizza oven indoors, because they are not made for that. This can be for a variety of reasons, (e.g. carbon monoxide) it all depends on the particular model.
So, as long as you use it the way it’s designed to be used – out in the open air – there will be no problems!

Who makes the best portable outdoor pizza ovens?

It’s no secret that there are plenty of great outdoor pizza ovens out there, however, the best outdoor portable pizza oven manufacturer is (by far) Ooni.

The brand stands undefeated, standing out from all the rest when it comes to creating the most incredible outdoor portable pizza oven models and accessories – with each option offering its own unique benefits and key features.

Ooni is also particularly great at creating outdoor portable pizza ovens that are sculpted for different types of foodies. For example, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of pizza oven types and accessories when you shop Ooni at Winfields.

The tools you need to make cooking with a portable outdoor pizza oven easier

The best tools to use when cooking with a portable pizza oven are infrared thermometers, a pizza peel and a skillet. We’ll tell you why below.

Infrared thermometers – allows you to read the temperature of the portable pizza oven by simply aiming at it from a distance! Perfect for determining when it’s ready to use or cooking different dishes and/or pizzas that require a certain heat.
Pizza peels – a superb cookware accessory that’s designed to provide you with a tool to launch and serve pizzas like a pro, straight from the pizza oven.
Skillets – these pans can be used in the oven to cook a variety of delicious dishes, and similar to a pizza peel, they can be used to serve food (whilst it remains in the skillet) straight from the oven, piping hot.

The tools you need to make cooking with a portable outdoor pizza oven easier
The best tools to use when cooking with a portable pizza oven are infrared thermometers, a pizza peel and a skillet. We’ll tell you why below.

Infrared thermometers – allows you to read the temperature of the portable pizza oven by simply aiming at it from a distance! Perfect for determining when it’s ready to use or cooking different dishes and/or pizzas that require a certain heat.
Pizza peels – a superb cookware accessory that’s designed to provide you with a tool to launch and serve pizzas like a pro, straight from the pizza oven.
Skillets – these pans can be used in the oven to cook a variety of delicious dishes, and similar to a pizza peel, they can be used to serve food (whilst it remains in the skillet) straight from the oven, piping hot.

How to use different types of portable outdoor pizza ovens

As we mentioned earlier, there are so many different models out there. So, to make things a little easier – we’re basing our guide on how to use the best portable pizza ovens – Ooni pizza ovens!

See below for more information on how to use the different types of Ooni portable pizza ovens that we have available at Winfields Outdoors.

How to use an Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven

It’s worth mentioning that all Ooni pizza ovens are made to be really easy to use, so it doesn’t take much to get any of them up and running!

So, with an Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven, there’s virtually no assembly required. In other words, it’s pretty much ready to use straight out of the box! All you have to do is follow the simple steps below:

Start by removing the Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven from its packaging.
Unfold the legs and insert the stone baking board that’s provided into the portable pizza oven.
Place your new pizza oven on a durable surface (stone, metal and wood are the recommended surfaces).
Using the gas regulator and hose provided, connect your portable pizza oven to a propane tank. This portable pizza oven is not compatible with natural gas.
Once you’re all linked up, go to the control knob at the back of the pizza oven. You’ll want to push and slowly turn it counterclockwise.
You’ll know when your burner has ignited once you hear a click sound. Keep pushing the control knob for around 5 seconds and then release.
Allow around 15 minutes for the portable pizza oven to fully heat up – and you’re good to go.

How to use an Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven
It’s worth mentioning that all Ooni pizza ovens are made to be really easy to use, so it doesn’t take much to get any of them up and running!
So, with an Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven, there’s virtually no assembly required. In other words, it’s pretty much ready to use straight out of the box! All you have to do is follow the simple steps below:

Start by removing the Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven from its packaging.
Unfold the legs and insert the stone baking board that’s provided into the portable pizza oven.
Place your new pizza oven on a durable surface (stone, metal and wood are the recommended surfaces).
Using the gas regulator and hose provided, connect your portable pizza oven to a propane tank. This portable pizza oven is not compatible with natural gas.
Once you’re all linked up, go to the control knob at the back of the pizza oven. You’ll want to push and slowly turn it counterclockwise.
You’ll know when your burner has ignited once you hear a click sound. Keep pushing the control knob for around 5 seconds and then release.
Allow around 15 minutes for the portable pizza oven to fully heat up – and you’re good to go.

How to use an Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven

How to use an Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven will depend on what fuel type you’re using.

You’ll need to start by following the first few steps mentioned above – remove the packaging, unfold the legs and inset the stone baking board. Also, make sure that it’s placed on a durable surface (such as stone) and has enough space, clear from anything else on all sides.

With the Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven, you’ll also receive a chimney which you’ll also need to attach at this stage.

How to use an Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
How to use an Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven will depend on what fuel type you’re using.
You’ll need to start by following the first few steps mentioned above – remove the packaging, unfold the legs and inset the stone baking board. Also, make sure that it’s placed on a durable surface (such as stone) and has enough space, clear from anything else on all sides.
With the Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven, you’ll also receive a chimney which you’ll also need to attach at this stage.

If you’re working with the gas option available with this superb pizza oven – simply follow the instructions we provided above! However, if you’re wanting to use either real wood or charcoal to achieve that lovely authentic pizza taste – follow the steps below.

Make sure the chimney cap is removed before you do anything else! Also, ensure that the chimney baffle is open.
Using the hatch door, add a layer of charcoal straight into the fuel tray.
Then, add 4 to 5 pieces of real wood. You cannot use wood pellets with this pizza oven!
Depending on what you’re more comfortable with, either ignite the pizza oven by using either Ooni’s natural firestarters (click here to shop), matches or a blowtorch.
Allow around 15 minutes for the oven to fully heat up – and you’re ready to start making the best pizzas you’ve ever tasted in just a minute!

How to use an Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven

Now, on to the incredible Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven. See below for the steps to follow when using this outdoor portable pizza oven.

Just like the other Ooni models, start by removing the Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven from all of its packaging.
Make sure it’s all set up by unfolding the legs, inserting the stone baking board and attaching the chimney that’s provided to the portable pizza oven.
Also attach the fuel tray, flame keeper, pellet hopper and door.
Next, you must place your outdoor pizza oven on a durable surface and make sure the area is clear.
Now, make sure the chimney cap is removed and open up the chimney baffle.
Remove the fuel tray by taking it out from the back of the oven and fill it with two full scoops of wood pellets.

How to use an Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven
Now, on to the incredible Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven. See below for the steps to follow when using this outdoor portable pizza oven.

Just like the other Ooni models, start by removing the Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven from all of its packaging.
Make sure it’s all set up by unfolding the legs, inserting the stone baking board and attaching the chimney that’s provided to the portable pizza oven.
Also attach the fuel tray, flame keeper, pellet hopper and door.
Next, you must place your outdoor pizza oven on a durable surface and make sure the area is clear.
Now, make sure the chimney cap is removed and open up the chimney baffle.
Remove the fuel tray by taking it out from the back of the oven and fill it with two full scoops of wood pellets.

Place a firestarter over the top of the wood pellets and then light it.
Slide the fuel tray back into the pizza oven and make sure to close the back door securely.
Next, slide down the viewing hole (located on the oven door) and check the wood pellets are fully lit.
Once you’re confident that the wood pellets are lit, add a little more! A small layer over the top will suffice.
Then allow the pizza oven to fully heat up for approximately 15 minutes.
After you’ve followed the instructions above, you’re ready to start making incredible pizza.

Please note that whilst you’re showcasing your incredible cooking skills using the Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven, you’ll need to keep topping up the wood pellets every so often, depending on how long you’re using the pizza oven. As a rough estimate, a full hopper of wood pellets should allow for around 15 minutes of cooking time.