Top Tips for Travelling with your Pizza Oven

1. Choose the Right Pizza Oven

This might sound obvious, but there are many different types of pizza ovens available, and it’s essential to choose one that’s designed with portability in mind. Look for a pizza oven that’s lightweight, compact, and easy to transport. Think how many people you’ll typically be cooking for, and how much you’ll use it at home vs how much you’ll use it on your travels. For example, if you only plan to travel with it once or twice a year to a holiday cottage, and most of the time you’ll use it at home, you’ll be better off opting for the Igneus Bambino. If though you live close to a beach and want to take it with you every time you go, the Igneus Minimo would be an excellent choice. Consider your needs and choose a pizza oven that you’re most comfortable using.

2. Prepare your fuel

You can keep supplies to a minimum by planning how much wood you will need to take with you. Pack a few natural firelighters, a small about of kindling and enough kiln dried wood for the amount of time you’ll use the oven for.

This will help you keep down how much space the oven takes up in your car.

3. Prepare your ingredients before you hit the road

If you don’t have one already, you can invest in a pizza toppings station. This will allow you to prepare exactly how much you need, as well as transport cheese, dough balls and sauces without worrying about damage to ingredients or spillage in the car.

This can keep cleaning time down and avoid swarms of flies in the heat of summer or carrying back sweaty cheese. Remember that if travelling to a hot location your pizza doughs will proof faster in warmer conditions.

For the dough, it’s always best to transport in a cool box or cool bag in order to prevent over proofing.

4. Pack your pizza oven safely

When packing your pizza oven, it’s essential to ensure that it’s secured and protected from damage. If the pizza oven comes with a carry case, use it to transport the oven. If not, wrap the oven in a heavy blanket or bubble wrap.

This is essential, especially for wood fired ovens, as the food debris and soot from previous cooks can stain your upholstery! When you have used the pizza oven make sure you allow it to fully cool down before you use a cover or blanket.

5. Bring the Right Accessories

To ensure that you can make delicious pizza on the go, it’s important to bring the right accessories with you. This might include a pizza peel, heat resistant gloves, a pizza cutter, and any ingredients you’ll need, such as pizza dough, sauce, and toppings. Make a checklist of everything you need and double-check before you leave.

6. Plan Your Cooking Area

When you arrive at your destination, it’s important to plan your cooking area carefully. Make sure that the area is flat, stable, and free of any flammable materials. The extent of this planning of course depends on where you’re taking your pizza oven. For example if it’s a holiday cottage or static caravan, it’s not as important to pre-plan this step as it’s basically a home from home. If though you’re going to the beach or on a camping holiday, it’s more imperative you ensure you have all the planning in place.

An obvious one that a lot of people forget is making sure you have a stand or suitable platform to put the pizza oven on, as they’re not suitable to place directly onto grass or bark etc.

7. Follow Safety Guidelines

When using a portable pizza oven, it’s essential to follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries. Make sure that the oven is placed on a stable surface and that it’s away from any flammable materials.

Always use oven gloves when handling the oven or pizza, and never leave the oven unattended while it’s in use. Also be sure to follow any safety guidelines for cooking depending on your location.