What is the Best Wood for Pizza Oven Use?
Wood-fired pizza ovens give you the flair of tradition, the wood imparting flavours that are just not possible with regular ovens. And the best part? You don’t have to be a highly skilled chef to operate a wood-fired pizza. You can simply fire one up in your backyard and enjoy some authentic, wood-smoked pizza, right at your home.
The real deal with wood-smoked ovens is choosing the best wood for pizza oven use. In fact, your choice of wood can either make or break your dish.
But, how do you decide which pizza oven wood is best?
Keep reading to find out!
Basics of wood for the pizza oven
Pizza oven wood can be broadly categorised into two kinds; softwood and hardwood.
Softwood
Softwood, though usable, is generally not considered to be ideal for wood pizza ovens. The reason is, it produces more smoke than heat. It does have quick ignition, but it tends to fizzle out just as quickly too.
Softwood is also less dense, therefore burns faster and you will need more wood to feed the fire. This makes it less cost-efficient too. Some softwoods in Australia are hoop pine, celery top pine, and white cypress.
Hardwood
Hardwood on the other hand is generally considered to be the best wood for pizza oven use. It does have a slower ignition, but importantly it lasts longer. The moisture content is low which means it can burn for long without you needing to feed the fire.
In other words, with hardwood, there is less smoke and more fire. Hardwood is cost-efficient too since it produces more fire without burning up too soon. Some examples of hardwood readily available in Australia are red-gum, oak, birch, and beech.
How does moisture content affect wood fired pizza ovens?
Wood moisture content plays a bigger role in pizza ovens than we know. Wood that has a high moisture content will smoke more than it will burn. How? Let’s see.
High moisture is mostly found in freshly cut wood or near-to-fresh wood. This is because the wood still retains its water and sap content from its transport systems. When you burn this smoke, all the heat energy is used up in drying up the moisture from the wood. Hence, your wood, instead of burning, gives out smoke. For the same reasons it also fizzles out fast.
A dried-out wood, or hardwood, on the other hand, does not have moisture content stored. This could either be because the wood has dried out naturally, or has been made to kiln-dry.
Either way, your wood should have a moisture content of less than 20% for it to burn well and long.
Why use a wood-fired pizza oven at all?
As mentioned above, the prime reason why people seem to love wood-fired ovens is the flavour it adds to the food. Choosing the right kind of wood can add a multitude of flavours that is otherwise not possible with our regular ovens.
With a wood-fired oven, you can reach high temperatures that are required for roasting or making a pizza. Lastly, this traditional method for cooking is ideal because the wood fire ensures the pizza is cooked equally from all sides and no part is left cold or uncooked.
How much wood do you need for a wood-fired oven?
There is no set amount for this. But generally, you will need about five to six pieces of wood to cook. Five twelve-inch pieces of wood are enough to get your fire started. How much more would you require will depend on the oven you are using.
If using a brick oven, you will require less wood since it retains heat. However, with stainless ovens, you may need to add wood frequently because they do not retain heat as much.
Using fruitwoods to fire your pizza oven
Fruitwoods are a popular choice of many eateries to fire their pizza ovens. The primary reason is the smell and flavour they impart to their pizzas that is otherwise just not possible. Some common fruitwoods used as pizza oven wood are maple, pecan, plum, and apple.
In fact, many pizzerias deem applewood to be their holy grail. It has a great aroma, imparts amazing flavour, and burns very nicely- all to their liking.
Alder is another fruitwood for pizza oven use. It has a sweet flavour that combines well with the smoke to impart a unique taste. Hickorywood has a strong, slightly sweet aroma that will combine well with beef or chicken flavoured pizzas.
Walnut wood is good for when you are making an all-veg pizza since it partners well with vegetables, especially mushrooms.
Pizza oven wood; What to avoid?
It feels rather good to recycle products, but with firewoods and wood-fired ovens, it is better to sit this one out. Do not use plywoods, particle boards, or wood that has been treated with any chemicals, paints, glue, or anything similar.
You do not want any toxic fumes in your garden and home, nor do you want the fumes to infuse into your food and cause serious health problems.
Don’t use resinous wood that has high sap content. This will leave a lot of residue soot or smoke that may get hard to clean up.
Lastly, never use charcoal as a substitute for firewood. Burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide which is a hazardous gas that has the potential to cause severe health complications.
Where can I buy pizza oven wood pellets?
Most pizza oven stores that sell pellet burning wood fired pizza ovens will stock bags of pellets.
Bags of wood pellets are also available for purchase through Amazon and The Oven Store.
A 15kg bag of NatureHeat wood pellets can be ordered online from The Oven Store for around $55.
The premium pellets are quick to ignite, produce barely any ash, and burn efficiently. NatureHeat oven pellets are a good option amongst hardwood choices to fuel your pizza oven.
Wrapping it up
Each pizza oven wood carries its aroma and flavour that is unique to itself and imparts a distinct taste to the food. Try out different woods to evaluate how they pair up with the pizza you are making and decide which one you like the best.
You might also like
Pizza Tips & Info
Is It Safe To Eat Pizza When Pregnant?
Craving pizza during pregnancy? Learn what types are safe and healthy for you and your baby with our guide to eating pizza when pregnant
Pizza Tips & Info
McCain Pizza – A quick review of frozen BBQ Meatlovers Pizza
We take a look at the size and taste of the frozen family size BBQ Meatlovers McCain Pizza widely available from Australian supermarkets.
Pizza Tips & Info
Coles Frozen Pizza Review
Coles Frozen Pizza Review – We compare the Coles home brand Pizza with the Street Pizza to see which one is the better supermarket pizza.
Pizza Tips & Info
Top Mukbang Pizza Videos
We take a look at the Mukbang phenomenon which is taking the internet by storm and see which Mukbang Pizza videos are worth a look.
Pizza Tips & Info
What is the Best Pizza Oven Temperature?
Wondering what the best pizza oven temperature is? We’ve got you covered with our guide to help cook your pizzas to perfection.
Pizza Tips & Info
How To Remove Pizza Tomato Sauce Stains From Clothes
Don’t let pizza sauce stains ruin your clothes – learn how to remove tomato sauce stains quickly and easily with this guide.