Built-in Pizza Oven Vs Portable

Nothing beats the aroma and taste of a freshly baked pizza. Whether you’re a passionate home cook or a professional chef, having the ability to cook pizzas to perfection in your own garden is a game changer. When it comes to pizza ovens, there are two popular options to consider: built-in pizza oven and portable pizza oven. In this article, we’ll delve into the features, benefits, and considerations of each type to help you make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences. So, what are the key differences?

Built-in Pizza Ovens

Built-in pizza ovens are designed to be integrated into your outdoor kitchen or patio area. However, it is important to note that when using the phrase ‘built-in’ pizza ovens this actually refers to two different types of pizza ovens.

There are countertop pizza ovens which can be placed indoors, but these have significantly lower heat retention than its counterpart. The other is built-in brick/clay pizza ovens. Although you could also choose to build into brick, stone or stucco. Here are some key features and benefits of built-in pizza ovens:

• Permanence and aesthetics – Built-in pizza ovens become a focal point of your outdoor space, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your surroundings. They are typically made of durable materials such as, brick, stone or clay, which not only enhance their aesthetic appeal but also ensure longevity.
• Performance and capacity – Built-in ovens often provide excellent heat retention and distribution, resulting in consistent and even cooking. They can reach high temperatures fairly quickly, allowing you to achieve that coveted charred crust. Built-in ovens also tend to have a larger cooking capacity, enabling you to bake multiple pizzas or other dishes simultaneously.
• Customisation and integration – With built-in pizza ovens, you have the opportunity to customise and design your outdoor kitchen according to your specific preferences. You can seamlessly integrate the oven with other elements, such as countertops, sinks, and storage areas, creating a cohesive and functional cooking space. Take our Igneus Ceramiko range for example, which can be painted, tiled or rendered. They also come with an optional render kit to make the process as seamless as possible.

Portable Pizza Ovens

Portable pizza ovens offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to enjoy the art of pizza-making wherever you go. Here are some of their key features and benefits:

• Portability and versatility – Portable pizza ovens are lightweight and designed for easy transportation. They can be used in various settings, from your garden to camping trips, the beach, or even picnics in the park. Their compact size makes them suitable for small spaces and balconies as well. Our smallest, most portable pizza oven is the Igneus Minimo which at just 15kg makes it a fantastic choice if you plan to travel often with your pizza oven, whilst still benefiting from the authentic taste of wood fired pizza.
• Quick to heat and easy to use – Portable ovens are often designed for rapid heating, enabling you to achieve high temperatures within just 20 minutes. They are user-friendly, with features like temperature control, timers, and easy-to-use interfaces, making them accessible to both experienced and novice pizza chefs!
• Affordability and low maintenance – Portable pizza ovens generally come at a lower cost compared to built-in options. They are also easier to clean and maintain, as they typically have removable parts and surfaces that can be easily wiped down or cleaned.
• Considerations: While portable pizza ovens offer convenience, they may have limitations in terms of cooking capacity and heat retention. The smaller cooking space may restrict the number and size of pizzas you can bake at once.

Questions to ask yourself

Which type of pizza oven best suits my lifestyle?

If you enjoy travelling often and would enjoy taking a compact, easily transportable pizza oven then a portable pizza oven would be the perfect choice for you. The Igneus Bambino offers a fantastic middle ground between being fully portable, while being large enough to fit a large pizza in or casserole dishes etc. It can be taken camping, to family or social gatherings, the beach, anywhere! Easy to clean, portable pizza ovens are also compact and will not take up much space in your vehicle. On the other hand, if you don’t think you’d need to travel with your pizza oven, and enjoy hosting gatherings from the comfort of your home, investing in a built-in pizza oven will truly make you the talk of your circle of family and friends, and transform your garden space!

How many people would I be cooking for?

If it helps make the decision easier, then perhaps your choice should boil down to how many people you would be cooking for. If you have a large family or group of friends, then a built-in pizza oven would not only allow you to cook different pizzas simultaneously but also allow you to cook a range of dishes. On the other hand, if you would mainly be cooking for a smaller family or friends, a portable pizza oven would satisfy your pizza hankerings with minimal mess to clean up at the end of your trip.

With all of the benefits of both types of pizza ovens, it is understandable if you are still stuck. Our team is here to help. If you’re local to the Harrogate district, can visit us at your showroom in Knaresborough or contact us today on 01423 575885.