One of the most common questions is: are outdoor pizza ovens worth it? The answer depends on how often clients will use it, how much outdoor cooking they enjoy, and the space they have. For clients who regularly entertain, value high-quality food experiences, and have a dedicated outdoor area, an oven can add serious value, both in delight and functionality. On the other hand, if they only make pizza occasionally and don’t have the space or storage, the cost and effort may outweigh the benefit.

What is the best type of outdoor pizza oven?

There are several styles of pizza ovens, and choosing the right one comes down to use-case, installation complexity and fuel type.

Wood-fired pizza ovens

These are the classic option. They deliver high heat (often 400°C +) that can cook a pizza in just a couple of minutes and give that authentic smoky crust. The Fireplace options include the Hearthstone Genio Pizza Oven, or the Jetmaster Quadro Fire with Pizza Oven. The benefits? Maximum flavour, a talking point for guests, and versatility (you can roast bread, vegetables, even meats). The trade-offs are that they take time to heat up, need quality dry wood, and require more attention.

Gas or dual-fuel pizza ovens

If convenience is key, gas or dual-fuel ovens bring ease of use, quicker setup and more control. The Fireplace's collection includes models like the Solo Stove Pi Dual Fuel Pizza Oven. Gas and dual-fuel pizza ovens are less labour-intensive and heat up faster, which is ideal for clients who will use it often but want minimal fuss. The flavour may differ from purely wood-fired, but they offer high performance and flexibility.

Built-in vs portable

A built-in masonry style fire and oven (a permanent fixture) or a portable oven you can move around or take camping? Built-in versions like the Jetmaster Quadro fire, provides both a stunning fire and the ability to cook but need proper space planning. Portable ones are more flexible but may lack some of the heat output or visual impact of a full installation. The Fireplace offers a range of Jetmaster models, which combine fire, pizza oven and BBQ capabilities.

Can I use a pizza oven in winter?

Yes! Many people assume pizza ovens are only for summer, but the opposite can be true: cooler evenings make the heat of the oven even more appealing. Ensure the oven is sheltered from wind, has an adequate cover or roof space, and you have dry wood if using a wood-fired version. With the right setup, it becomes a year-round feature, perfect for winter gatherings, slow roasting, and rustic outdoor dining.

Space, installation and practical considerations

When incorporating a pizza oven into an outdoor design, consider a few practicalities:

• Location: Allocate sufficient clearance from structures, walls and combustible materials. Ensure safe chimney/flue if required.
• Foundation & base: Built-in ovens often require a solid concrete pad or brick base.
• Ventilation & heat exposure: Good airflow and heat shielding are crucial, especially for built-in wood-fired ovens.
• Fuel storage: If using wood, clients will need space to store dry, seasoned timber.
• Access & use: Ensure the oven is easily accessible, has cooking workflow (prep area, tool storage) and doesn’t interfere with other outdoor living functions.
• Budget: Building from scratch (masonry oven) may cost more and take more time than a ready-to-install unit. But building gives you full control of design.

Are outdoor pizza ovens worth the investment?

This comes down to how your clients use their outdoor space. If they love hosting, enjoy cooking outdoors with friends or family, and want their backyard to be a memorable place, then yes, they can be worth it. Outdoor pizza ovens are a feature that delivers style, functionality and a cooking experience that ordinary BBQs can’t match. If clients only make pizza rarely and primarily use their BBQ for quick weeknight meals, they might want a simpler, more portable option or to invest in a high-quality BBQ instead.

From backyard to bistro: Elevate outdoor dining with The Fireplace NZ

An outdoor pizza oven can be a game-changer for outdoor entertaining. Whether you go for the authentic wood-fired experience, a convenient gas option or a hybrid system, the key is to match it to your clients' lifestyle, space and cooking habits. With products available from The Fireplace NZ like the Hearthstone Genio and Jetmaster ranges, you’re looking at real possibilities to upgrade backyards.