Think about your last outdoor gathering. You were likely running between the kitchen and the patio, trying to cook and socialize at the same time. A backyard pizza oven changes that dynamic entirely. It becomes the heart of the party, a natural gathering spot where friends and family can create their own custom pizzas. Instead of being a host stuck behind the scenes, you’re part of the action, sharing an interactive and memorable experience. It’s more than just a cooking appliance; it’s a social hub that makes entertaining feel effortless, impressive, and genuinely fun for everyone involved.
Key Takeaways
- Think Beyond the Slice: A backyard pizza oven is a versatile cooking tool that transforms your outdoor space. Its intense heat is the key to making authentic 90-second pizzas, but it's also perfect for searing steaks, roasting vegetables, and baking bread, making it a true culinary workhorse.
- Prioritize Fuel and Function: Your most important decision is choosing a fuel type that fits your lifestyle—wood for flavor, gas for convenience, or a hybrid for flexibility. After that, focus on quality construction and superior heat retention to ensure consistent cooking and long-term durability.
- Invest in the Complete Setup: Your oven is just the starting point. A great experience depends on having the right tools, so be sure to budget for essential accessories like a sturdy stand, a protective cover, and a quality pizza peel to make cooking and maintenance a breeze.
Is a Backyard Pizza Oven Worth It?
If you're thinking about adding a pizza oven to your backyard, you're probably asking one big question: Is it really worth it? It’s a fair question. This isn't just another grill; it's an investment in your home, your cooking, and your social life. The short answer is a resounding yes, but the reasons go far beyond just making a better slice. A backyard pizza oven completely changes the game for home cooking and entertaining.
First, it gives you the power to create truly authentic, restaurant-quality pizza that’s impossible to replicate in a standard kitchen oven. But its value doesn't stop there. It becomes a stunning focal point for your patio or deck, creating a natural gathering spot for friends and family. More than just an appliance, it’s an experience. It encourages interactive, social cooking and turns a simple meal into a memorable event. Plus, its versatility might surprise you. From searing steaks to baking bread, a high-quality pizza oven is a powerful tool for any culinary enthusiast looking to expand their outdoor cooking repertoire. It’s an investment in flavor, fun, and countless great memories.
Craft the Perfect Pizza Every Time
Let's be honest, this is the main reason you're here. A backyard pizza oven delivers something your conventional oven simply can't: extreme heat. While your kitchen oven tops out around 500°F, a quality pizza oven can roar past 900°F. This intense heat is the secret to cooking a Neapolitan-style pizza in as little as 60 to 90 seconds. The result? A perfectly crisp, leopard-spotted crust, bubbling cheese, and toppings that are cooked through but still fresh. It’s the kind of restaurant-quality pizza you dream of making at home, and with the right equipment, like the incredible Alfa Forni™ ovens, it’s completely achievable.
Upgrade Your Outdoor Entertaining
Imagine your backyard as the new favorite neighborhood spot. A pizza oven instantly becomes the heart of any gathering. It’s interactive, fun, and a natural conversation starter. Instead of being stuck in the kitchen, you’re outside with your guests, sliding pizzas in and out of the oven. You can set up a topping bar and let everyone build their own creation, turning dinner into a memorable experience. It transforms a simple get-together into an event and makes outdoor entertaining feel effortless and impressive. It’s not just a cooking appliance; it’s a social hub.
Cook More Than Just Pizza
While "pizza" is in the name, these ovens are incredibly versatile. The same high heat that creates the perfect pizza crust is also fantastic for a wide range of other dishes. Think flame-kissed steaks with a perfect sear, roasted fish that’s flaky and moist, and vegetables that are beautifully charred and tender. You can even bake rustic breads with an unbeatable crust. A good pizza oven is essentially a high-performance outdoor oven, giving you the ability to cook almost anything you’d roast or bake, but with that distinct, delicious flavor that only live fire can provide. It’s a true workhorse for any home chef.
Key Features to Look For
When you start shopping for a backyard pizza oven, you'll notice they come in all shapes and sizes. But beyond aesthetics, a few core features separate a good oven from a great one. Paying attention to these details will ensure you invest in a model that not only makes incredible pizza but also fits your lifestyle and lasts for years of backyard gatherings. From the intensity of the flame to the materials that hold it all together, here’s what you should focus on to find the perfect oven for your home.
Temperature Range and Control
The secret to that perfect, puffy, leopard-spotted crust isn't just your dough recipe—it's heat. A lot of it. Your standard kitchen oven typically maxes out around 500°F, which is nowhere near hot enough for a true Neapolitan-style pizza. A quality outdoor pizza oven can reach scorching temperatures of over 900°F. This intense heat cooks pizzas in as little as 60 to 90 seconds, creating a crispy base and a perfectly cooked, bubbly top. Just as important as the maximum temperature is your ability to control it. Precise temperature management allows you to find the perfect heat for different pizza styles and other dishes.
Size and Cooking Space
Before you decide that bigger is better, think about how you plan to use your oven. A larger oven can cook more food at once, which is great for parties, but it will also take longer to preheat and use more fuel. A smaller, more portable oven might be perfect for a small family. Remember to consider the internal cooking surface, not just the oven's exterior dimensions. For example, a 12-inch oven is best suited for 10- to 11-inch pizzas to keep them from touching the flame. Many people also use their pizza ovens to roast steaks, fish, and vegetables, so think about what else you might want to cook when choosing a size.
Quality Construction and Materials
A well-built pizza oven is a long-term investment in your outdoor kitchen. With proper care, a high-quality model can last for a decade or more. Look for ovens constructed from durable, food-grade materials like stainless steel, which resists rust and corrosion. The interior dome and cooking floor are just as important. Many premium ovens use refractory materials, similar to traditional brick ovens, which are designed to withstand and retain extreme heat. The overall build quality, from the welds to the door hinges, will determine how well your oven performs and stands up to frequent use over the years.
Superior Heat Retention
An oven that gets hot quickly is great, but one that stays hot is even better. Superior heat retention is the key to efficiency and consistent cooking. This feature comes down to high-quality insulation within the oven's dome and base. Good insulation means the oven holds its temperature without constantly burning through fuel, allowing you to cook multiple pizzas back-to-back without a significant heat drop. This thermal efficiency not only saves you money on wood or gas but also contributes to the oven's overall lifespan by reducing stress on its materials.
Weather Resistance
Your pizza oven will be living outside, so it needs to be tough enough to handle the elements. Look for models made with weather-resistant materials like 304-grade stainless steel or those with a protective powder-coated finish. While these materials provide a great first line of defense, they aren't invincible. To truly protect your investment from rain, snow, and sun, a high-quality, waterproof cover is essential. Using a cover will prevent rust, fading, and other weather-related damage, keeping your oven looking and performing its best for every pizza night.
Find Your Fuel: Wood, Gas, or Hybrid?
Choosing the right fuel for your pizza oven is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It directly impacts the flavor of your pizza, the convenience of your cooking process, and the overall experience of using your oven. There’s no single "best" option—it all comes down to what you value most. Are you a traditionalist who craves that authentic, smoky flavor and enjoys the ritual of building a fire? Or are you looking for a quick, reliable way to make amazing pizza on a busy weeknight?
Think about how you plan to use your oven. If you envision long, leisurely weekends spent tending the fire and perfecting your craft, a wood-fired oven might be your perfect match. If you want to fire up the oven at a moment's notice for an impromptu pizza party, the ease of gas could be a game-changer. And for those who refuse to compromise, hybrid models offer incredible flexibility. Let’s walk through the unique benefits of each fuel type to help you find the right fit for your backyard setup.
Wood-Fired: The Authentic Choice
For the pizza purist, nothing compares to a wood-fired oven. This is the traditional method, delivering an unmatched smoky flavor and a beautifully blistered crust that’s hard to replicate. Wood-fired ovens can reach incredibly high temperatures—often up to 1000°F—which allows you to cook a Neapolitan-style pizza in as little as 60 to 90 seconds. Managing the fire is a hands-on, rewarding experience that connects you to the cooking process. It’s a craft, and for many, tending the flames is just as enjoyable as eating the final product. If you’re chasing that classic pizzeria taste, a wood-fired oven is the undisputed champion.
Gas-Powered: Convenience and Control
If you want delicious, high-quality pizza without the learning curve of managing a live fire, a gas-powered oven is your best friend. These models offer incredible convenience and precise temperature control with the simple turn of a dial. They heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature, which means you can focus on your pizza-making technique rather than fire management. As noted by culinary experts at Bon Appétit, gas ovens are generally easier to use and are recommended for those who plan to use their oven regularly. Cleanup is also a breeze, making gas a fantastic choice for easy weeknight dinners and spontaneous backyard gatherings.
Hybrid Models: The Best of Both Worlds
Can’t decide between the authentic flavor of wood and the push-button convenience of gas? With a hybrid oven, you don’t have to. These versatile models give you the freedom to choose your fuel based on your mood and your schedule. You can use gas for a quick and easy cook during the week, then switch to wood on the weekend to get that classic, smoky char. A hybrid pizza oven truly offers the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to enjoy the best of both cooking styles in a single unit. It’s the perfect solution for the home chef who wants it all.
Electric Ovens: Compact and Indoor-Friendly
Don’t let a lack of outdoor space stop you from making incredible pizza at home. Modern electric pizza ovens are compact, efficient, and powerful enough to rival their fuel-burning counterparts. Top models can reach temperatures over 800°F, creating a perfectly cooked pizza with a crispy crust in minutes. Because they don’t produce smoke or live flames, many electric ovens are safe for indoor use, making them a fantastic option for apartment dwellers or anyone who wants to make pizza year-round, regardless of the weather. They offer excellent temperature control and are incredibly easy to use, proving that you don’t need a huge backyard to become a master pizzaiolo.
The Best Pizza Oven Brands to Consider
Once you know what fuel type and features you’re looking for, it’s time for the fun part: choosing a brand. The pizza oven market is filled with incredible options, each with its own philosophy on design, performance, and the art of pizza making. Some brands are rooted in centuries of Italian tradition, while others are pushing the boundaries with modern technology and portable designs. Think about what matters most to you. Are you dreaming of an authentic, rustic centerpiece for your patio, or do you need a sleek, high-performance machine that can travel with you? We’ll walk through some of the top names in the game to help you find the perfect match for your backyard setup.
Alfa Forni: Italian Craftsmanship
If you’re looking for true Italian authenticity, Alfa Forni is the gold standard. With decades of experience, Alfa builds ovens that are both beautiful and incredibly powerful. They are masters of combining traditional design with modern technology, resulting in ovens that heat up quickly and cook a perfect Neapolitan-style pizza in as little as 90 seconds. Known for their exceptional performance and flavor, these ovens are crafted in Italy and designed to be the heart of your outdoor kitchen. An Alfa oven isn’t just a cooking appliance; it’s an investment in quality that will last for years of memorable gatherings and delicious meals.
Ooni: Portable and Innovative
Ooni has become a household name by making high-heat pizza ovens accessible to everyone. Their specialty is creating compact, portable ovens that don’t compromise on power. Many Ooni models offer incredible versatility, allowing you to cook with wood, charcoal, or gas in a single unit. They heat up in about 15-20 minutes and can cook a pizza in 60 seconds, delivering that signature leopard-spotted crust right in your backyard. Ooni is a fantastic choice for home chefs who want restaurant-quality results without the footprint or permanence of a larger, more traditional oven. Their innovative designs make them a favorite for beginners and seasoned pizza makers alike.
Gozney: Professional-Grade Performance
For the serious home chef who demands professional-level results, Gozney is a top contender. These ovens are engineered for precision and power, with models like the Gozney Dome reaching temperatures over 950°F. Built with commercial-grade materials, Gozney ovens offer incredible durability and heat retention, ensuring a consistent cooking environment for perfect pizzas every time. They are designed for enthusiasts who want to explore a range of cooking styles, from high-heat pizza to slow-roasting and baking. A Gozney oven makes a bold statement and provides the performance to back it up, making it ideal for those dedicated to mastering the craft.
Other Brands to Know
Beyond the big three, several other brands offer unique features and excellent value. Solo Stove, famous for its smokeless fire pits, has entered the pizza oven space with user-friendly models that are great for those just starting out. Another brand, Halo, offers innovative designs like a rotating pizza stone, which helps you achieve an even cook without constantly turning the pizza yourself. Exploring these other notable brands can reveal specialized features that might be the perfect fit for your specific cooking style and preferences, whether you prioritize budget, convenience, or unique functionality.
Your Pizza Oven Shopping Guide
Choosing the right pizza oven is a big decision, and it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed by all the options. Think of it less as a simple purchase and more as an investment in your home, your culinary skills, and countless future gatherings with friends and family. To make sure you choose wisely, it helps to have a clear game plan. This guide will walk you through the key financial aspects of buying a pizza oven, from setting a realistic budget to understanding what features provide the best return over time. We’ll cover the typical price ranges you can expect, how to identify true value beyond the price tag, the essential accessories you’ll need to budget for, and the quality markers that ensure your oven will be a fixture in your backyard for years to come. With this information, you can feel confident you’re not just buying an appliance, but making a smart, long-term addition to your home.
Understanding Price Ranges
First things first, let's talk about budget. Pizza oven prices can vary quite a bit, so it’s helpful to know what to expect. Entry-level models can start around $1,900, while larger, high-end ovens can cost upwards of $5,000. What’s behind the price difference? It usually comes down to size, construction materials, fuel type, and brand reputation. A larger oven made with premium refractory materials will naturally cost more than a smaller, more basic model. Setting a realistic budget from the start helps you narrow down your options and focus on finding the best possible oven within your price range. This way, you can avoid sticker shock and make a choice that feels right for both your backyard and your wallet.
Finding the Best Value
When it comes to a pizza oven, the best value isn’t always the lowest price. A great oven is an investment that pays off every time you use it. The real magic is their ability to reach temperatures over 900°F—something your indoor oven can’t touch. This intense heat is what creates restaurant-quality pizza with a perfectly crisp crust in as little as 60 to 90 seconds. Beyond pizza, this high heat is fantastic for searing steaks, roasting vegetables, and baking bread, making the oven a versatile workhorse for all your outdoor cooking. True value lies in this performance and versatility, turning a simple purchase into an essential part of your culinary toolkit.
Don't Forget the Accessories
Once you’ve picked out your dream oven, your shopping isn’t quite done. To get the most out of your new setup, you’ll need a few key accessories. At a minimum, you’ll want a sturdy stand or table, a protective cover, a set of pizza peels for launching and turning pizzas, and a good brush for cleaning the oven floor. These tools aren't just nice to have; they're essential for a smooth and enjoyable cooking process. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to budget about 50% of the oven's price for these additional items. Factoring this in from the beginning ensures you have everything you need to start making amazing pizza from day one.
Features That Offer Long-Term Value
A high-quality pizza oven is built to last. With the right care, many models can easily last for 10 years or more, making your initial investment incredibly worthwhile. To ensure this kind of longevity, look for features that point to durable construction. Excellent heat retention, often achieved with thick insulation and quality refractory materials, is a key indicator. This not only helps you cook more efficiently but also reduces stress on the oven’s structure. An oven that can maintain scorching temperatures without compromising its integrity is one that will serve you well for countless pizza nights and backyard parties to come.
Set Up Your New Pizza Oven
You’ve chosen the perfect oven, and now it’s time for the most exciting part: bringing your outdoor kitchen to life. Setting up your new pizza oven is straightforward, but a little planning goes a long way. By thinking through location, installation, and the right tools, you’ll create a safe, efficient, and beautiful space for making incredible food and memories. Let’s walk through the key steps to get you firing up your first pizza in no time.
Choose the Right Location (and Stay Safe)
Finding the right spot for your oven is all about safety and convenience. You can place portable pizza ovens on a sturdy, level table on your deck or patio, just make sure there isn't a roof or any flammable structure directly overhead. Most manufacturers recommend keeping your oven at least three feet away from your house or any other buildings. If you're using a wood-fired model, it's a good idea to give it even more space. Think about workflow, too—you’ll want a spot with easy access to your prep area.
A Quick Guide to Installation
Don't let the word "installation" intimidate you. Many modern pizza ovens, especially portable models, are designed for easy setup and can be moved for camping trips or just to a different spot in the backyard. The most important feature is quality insulation. A well-insulated oven not only retains heat for even cooking but also keeps the exterior from getting dangerously hot, which is a crucial safety feature if you have kids or pets around. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions, and you'll be ready to go.
Protect Your Oven from the Elements
Your pizza oven is an investment you’ll want to enjoy for years to come. With proper care, a high-quality oven can easily last a decade or more. The single best thing you can do to protect it is to use a weather-resistant cover, especially if your oven will live outside permanently. A good cover shields it from rain, snow, and sun, preventing rust and other damage that can occur over time. This simple step is key to ensuring your oven stays in top condition season after season.
Gather Your Essential Tools
To truly complete your setup, you’ll need a few key items. Beyond the oven itself, plan on getting a dedicated stand or table, a cover, and a good set of pizza oven accessories. This includes at least one pizza peel for launching and turning pizzas, and an oven brush for cleaning the cooking surface. As a general rule, it’s smart to budget about 50% of the oven's price for these essential extras. Having the right tools on hand makes the entire cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Keep Your Pizza Oven in Top Shape
Your pizza oven is an investment in incredible food and memorable gatherings. To make sure it performs beautifully for years, a little routine care is all it takes. Just like a favorite cast-iron pan, your oven gets better with age when you treat it right. Proper maintenance not only extends its life but also ensures every pizza tastes as amazing as the first. From simple post-cook cleanups to seasonal prep, these straightforward habits will protect your oven from the elements and keep it ready for your next pizza night. Think of it as part of the ritual of crafting the perfect pizza—a few simple steps to guarantee a reliable, high-performing centerpiece for your outdoor kitchen.
Simple Cleaning and Upkeep
The best time to think about cleaning is right after you’re done cooking. Once the oven has completely cooled down, your first step is to brush off any leftover cheese, toppings, or flour from the pizza stone and the oven floor. A good-quality brush with stiff bristles is the perfect tool for this. This simple act prevents old food from burning during your next cook, which can create bitter flavors and unwanted smoke. For the exterior, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all you need to keep it looking sharp. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage the oven's finish and potentially affect the cooking surface.
Prepare Your Oven for the Season
Protecting your oven from the weather is one of the most important things you can do to ensure its longevity. If your oven lives outside, a high-quality, waterproof pizza oven cover is a must-have. A good cover shields it from rain, snow, and harsh sun, which can cause cosmetic damage and degrade materials over time. Before covering your oven for an extended period, like at the end of the summer, make sure it's completely clean and dry inside and out. This prevents any moisture from getting trapped, which could lead to mildew or rust on certain components. Taking this small step ensures your oven will be in perfect condition when you're ready to fire it up again.
Manage Your Oven's Temperature
How you heat your oven plays a big role in its structural health, especially for wood-fired models. While these ovens are built to handle incredibly high temperatures, they perform best when heated gradually. Avoid shocking the system by building a massive fire right away. Instead, start with a small fire and slowly add wood, allowing the dome and floor to heat up evenly. This gradual process helps protect the oven's internal parts and prevents the refractory materials from cracking due to thermal shock. Proper heat management not only protects your investment but also gives you more consistent and predictable cooking results.
Proper Storage Tips
Beyond daily cleaning and seasonal covering, it’s a great habit to give your oven a quick inspection every so often. Take a moment to look for any small cracks or signs of wear, paying close attention to the pizza stone and the interior dome. Finding and addressing small issues early can prevent them from turning into bigger problems down the road. If you plan to store your oven for the winter, find a dry, sheltered spot if possible, like a garage or covered patio. After a final, thorough cleaning, make sure it's covered securely. This routine check-up is a simple way to stay ahead of maintenance and keep your oven in prime condition.
Master Your Pizza Oven
Your new pizza oven is more than just an appliance; it’s a centerpiece for your backyard and a gateway to incredible food. While it’s designed to make phenomenal pizza, its true potential is unlocked when you start to experiment. Getting comfortable with your oven is the first step. This means understanding its heat, learning its quirks, and seeing it as a versatile tool for all kinds of cooking. Think of it like learning to drive a sports car—it’s powerful and precise, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll never want to go back.
The journey from a good home cook to a great pizza oven chef is all about practice. Don’t be afraid to burn a few crusts or slightly overcook a steak. Every session is a learning opportunity that teaches you how to manage the flame, find the perfect spot on the cooking floor, and time everything just right. Soon, you’ll be turning out perfect pizzas and so much more, making your outdoor kitchen the envy of the neighborhood. The following tips will help you get comfortable with your oven and start exploring everything it can do.
Master Temperature Control
The secret to that perfect, puffy, restaurant-quality crust is heat—and lots of it. Your outdoor pizza oven can reach temperatures over 900°F, which is worlds away from the 500°F max of your indoor oven. This intense heat cooks a Neapolitan-style pizza in as little as 60 to 90 seconds. To get there, you need to properly preheat not just the oven dome but the cooking floor itself. This ensures your pizza base cooks instantly, creating that signature crispy-yet-tender texture. An infrared thermometer is your best friend here, helping you find the perfect temperature before you launch your first pie.
Explore Different Cooking Styles
Once you’ve nailed the classic Neapolitan, you can start playing with different pizza styles. Want a crispier, New York-style slice? Lower the oven temperature a bit and let it cook for a few more minutes. You can also experiment with where you place the pizza inside the oven. Placing it closer to the flame will cook it faster with more char, while a spot further away allows for a slower, more even bake. Using a good turning peel will help you rotate the pizza for a perfect cook every time, giving you complete control over the final result.
Use Your Oven All Year Round
Don’t let your pizza oven gather dust once summer ends. It’s a fantastic year-round cooking tool that can make any season feel special. Imagine pulling a hot, bubbly pizza from the oven on a crisp autumn evening or serving up wood-fired appetizers for a winter gathering. Many modern ovens, like the Alfa Forni™ models, are built to withstand the elements and retain heat efficiently, even in cooler weather. Their performance makes it easy to fire up a delicious meal whenever the craving strikes, turning any day into a pizza party.
Think Beyond Pizza: What Else to Cook
Your pizza oven is essentially a high-performance outdoor oven, perfect for anything that benefits from intense, radiant heat. You can achieve an incredible sear on steaks and fish that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. Toss vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and broccoli with a bit of oil and seasoning, and roast them in a cast-iron skillet for a smoky, charred flavor. You can even bake crusty, artisan-style bread or roast a whole chicken. The key is to use the right oven-safe cookware and learn to manage the heat for different types of food.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it actually take to get a pizza oven ready for cooking? This really depends on your fuel source. A gas-powered oven is incredibly convenient and can be ready to go in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. For a wood-fired oven, you’ll want to plan for a bit more time, usually around 45 to 60 minutes. The goal isn't just to get the air inside hot, but to thoroughly heat the cooking floor. Using an infrared thermometer to check the stone's temperature is the best way to know for sure when you're ready to launch your first pizza.
I'm a beginner. Is it difficult to learn how to cook in a pizza oven? Not at all! While there's a small learning curve, it's more about practice than difficulty. The biggest adjustment is getting used to the high heat and fast cooking times. Your first few pizzas might not be perfect, and that's completely okay. Start with a simple Margherita and focus on managing your flame and rotating the pizza. You'll get the hang of it quickly, and the hands-on process is a huge part of the fun.
Besides pizza, what are some other dishes that really shine in a high-heat oven? This is where you can get creative. The intense, dry heat is fantastic for getting an incredible crust on other foods. Think of searing thick-cut steaks or pork chops in a cast-iron skillet to get a perfect, edge-to-edge crust in minutes. It's also amazing for roasting vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, and bell peppers, which get beautifully charred and tender without becoming soggy. You can even bake rustic, crusty bread.
Do I need to bring my pizza oven inside during the winter? Most high-quality outdoor pizza ovens are built with durable, weather-resistant materials like stainless steel, so they are designed to live outside year-round. However, protecting your investment with a heavy-duty, waterproof cover is absolutely essential. A good cover will shield it from rain, snow, and sun, preventing damage and keeping it in top shape for years. If you have a sheltered space like a garage or covered patio, storing it there is even better, but a quality cover is the most important step.
What is the single most important accessory I should get with my new oven? If you can only choose one, make it a good pizza peel. Actually, I'd recommend getting two: a wooden or composite peel for launching the uncooked pizza and a smaller, metal turning peel for rotating it inside the oven. A quality peel makes the whole process smoother and safer, helping you get your pizza in and out of the intense heat without any mishaps. It's a tool you'll use every single time, so it's worth investing in a good one.