3 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Use Your Igneus Oven For

The first thing that comes to mind when people say, ‘wood-fired oven’, is, of course, pizza. Which, at least as far as Igneus ovens are concerned, is good, because making restaurant-quality pizza is their primary purpose. What a lot of people don’t know, however, is that our ovens are designed and built to be versatile, meaning that not only can they be used to make a whole host of delicious dishes, they also make a true centrepiece for your outdoor cooking space (even if you’re not cooking anything at all!), more on that later…

Grilling & Roasting Meat and Fish

We’re big believers that your Igneus oven can replace the need for a BBQ altogether. The primary reason for such a bold claim is just how brilliant they are at grilling and roasting both meat and fish. And if you’re worried about losing that smoky, charred flavour you get from your BBQ, don’t be! The flames from the wood fire in an Igneus oven make sure that both meat and fish take on that punchy smokiness we all love.

Not just that, but the high, consistent heat of the oven creates the perfect environment for searing meat on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. A far cry from the often burned and dry barbequed meat we’re all familiar with.

The cooking capacity of Igneus ovens, even on the portable Minimo, means that whole roast chicken, slow-cooked pork shoulder, seared steak or lamb chops, or even a Sunday beef joint can be cooked beautifully. For those who prefer seafood, salmon fillets, whole fish with lemon and herbs, or prawns in a sizzling cast iron pan are all great options.

The flexibility of an Igneus oven is what sets it apart, too. For instance, you can cook using roasting trays, cast iron skillets, or a Tuscan grill to achieve different finishes to your meals.

A Variety of Side Dishes

Have you ever had a side dish that completely steals the show from the main event? Well, that’s exactly what sides cooked in a wood-fired oven do! We’re thinking gnarly roasted Mediterranean vegetables, creamy, garlicy potato dauphinoise, and sweet stuffed peppers and tomatoes. The flavour that the wood fire gives all these dishes (and many more!) is truly game-changing. 

If you’re hosting a pizza party or getting the family round for a wood-fired Sunday roast, getting some incredible side dishes on the go is a must to really show off the capabilities of your Igneus oven. 

The larger ovens in the Igneus range, for example, the Classico, Pro 600 and Pro 750, can hold multiple trays and pans at once, which makes things a whole lot easier when cooking for a crowd. You can roast meats while a side dish bubbles away in another pan, meaning less juggling and more time enjoying time with your guests.

Use as a Fire Pit

If you live in the UK like us, you’ll know that we’re not always blessed with warm evenings, even in the height of summer! So, here’s one use that surprises a lot of people: your Igneus oven can double up as a fire pit! When you’re not cooking, pull your Igneus oven over to your outdoor seating area, add a few logs, and enjoy the warmth it gives off and the cosy atmosphere it creates long into the night. The warm glow of the crackling fire creates a focal point for your outdoor space, making it perfect for relaxing evenings with family or friends. This dual-purpose idea not only saves space on your patio, but it also saves money in your pocket! 

And here’s a bonus idea that the kids will love! Pop a few marshmallows on sticks and toast them over the flames. Or go one step further and make gooey s’mores with biscuits and chocolate for the ultimate treat.

Final Thoughts

An Igneus oven is far more than a pizza oven. It can roast and grill meat and fish, bake up amazing side dishes, and even act as an atmospheric fire pit when the cooking is done. By exploring these alternative uses, you’ll get even more value and enjoyment from your oven.

As always, if you have any questions about using your oven or want some tailored advice on getting the most from your Igneus, our friendly team is here to help. Just give us a call on 01423 575885 or browse our full range of ovens and accessories here.