Charcoal Pizza Ovens: Your Ticket to Restaurant-Quality Pizzas at Home

Are you looking for a charcoal pizza oven?

Do you picture the dough kneaded by hand when making your pizza? 

Maybe it’s the sauce being spread by fingers or the cheese and toppings carefully being placed in just the right places. 

While doing all these things with your hands is possible, why limit yourself when so many kitchen gadgets make cooking easier? 

Using a charcoal pizza oven can be one of the best decisions ever.

Let’s find out why!

What is a Charcoal Pizza Oven? 

A charcoal pizza oven is an appliance often made from stainless steel and built around mostly baking purposes. The smoke and heat from burning charcoal create an excellent environment for baking food, especially pizza. 

These outdoor pizza ovens come in different shapes and sizes and can cost anywhere from $100 to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on how luxurious you want.

Can You Use Charcoal in a Pizza Oven?

Yes! you can use charcoal in a pizza oven. 

Many people have been using charcoal for years with great success. The key is to use a quality hardwood lump charcoal that burns hot and is easy to clean. 

Lump charcoal burns cleaner than briquettes, which contain binders and fillers. It also produces less ash than briquettes. 

This means it’s easier to keep your oven clean between pizzas! 

The higher heat from burning lump charcoal means it will take less time to preheat your oven than if you were using other fuel types (like propane or natural gas).

Burning Charcoal in Pizza Oven
Burning Charcoal in Pizza Oven

What Kind of Charcoal Do You Use for a Pizza Oven?

Generally speaking, anthracite charcoal briquettes are your best bet for pizza oven cooking. 

These hardwood briquettes burn hot and clean and leave little ash behind. They’re also easy to light and produce a steady heat that will cook your pizza evenly.

How Much Charcoal Do You Put in a Pizza Oven?

If you have a charcoal pizza oven, you know it needs a steady fuel supply to maintain an 800 degrees F for an extended period. 

So how much charcoal is adequate? 

Well, you should fill the charcoal drawer to half or three-quarters full. 

You must also add more as you cook, so always have some on hand.

What Does Charcoal Pizza Taste Like?

Adding vegetable charcoal to your pizza oven can add a distinctive smoky flavor to your pizza that you will never get from a gas grill. The good news is that it’s not an overpowering taste but rather a subtle hint of woodsy goodness. 

Vegetable charcoal is entirely natural and won’t affect your food. 

However, if you don’t like a smoky flavor in your food, you might want to skip adding vegetable charcoal to your pizza oven.

Who Should Buy a Charcoal Pizza Oven? 

Charcoal pizza ovens are one of the best pizza ovens and are ideal for people who have a passion for cooking and love to be in their backyard. 

It’s also perfect for entertaining friends and family, especially during the summer when you can enjoy your food outside. 

It is not ideal for those that want an easy setup or quick cook time, as charcoal takes longer than gas or electric ovens.

Kalamazoo-Promo-Dream-Pizza-Oven

Why Do You Need a Charcoal Pizza Oven?

We don’t know about you, but we love cooking with charcoal! 

And if you can get over your fear of burning down your house and take advantage of what a charcoal oven can do for your pizzas, then you’ll be glad to know that these ovens offer plenty of things that a gas grill and electric ones simply can’t. 

But let’s start with why you should consider getting a charcoal pizza oven first. Because here’s something most people don’t realize: 

Using a charcoal pizza oven is fun and can make your food taste better!

Benefits of Charcoal Pizza Ovens

The benefits of charcoal pizza ovens are numerous. For one, they’re much more affordable than wood fired brick ovens. Also, they’re easier to build and maintain than brick ovens. 

And finally, they produce a unique flavor that can’t be replicated by any other cooking method making them one of the best outdoor pizza ovens.

Here are some of our favorite reasons for getting a charcoal pizza oven:

  1. They’re fun!

It doesn’t get much better than cooking pizza in an outdoor fire pit, especially when you have friends over to share in the experience.

  1. The food tastes great!

There is no substitute for real fire-cooked food.

  1. They keep you healthy!

While a traditional indoor gas grill or electric oven might heat an entire house during use, an outdoor pizza oven heats what it needs: you and your food.

  1. They’re easy to maintain!

You don’t need special tools or equipment to keep your charcoal grill in good working order; just a shovel and some elbow grease will do it every time.

  1. They look great!

 A cast-iron pizza oven is a beautiful addition to any yard or patio.

Factors to consider when buying a charcoal pizza oven

When shopping around for a coal fired oven, you’ll want to consider the following:

  • Warranty

This is important because it protects you if anything goes wrong with your oven. Also, it shows that you’re getting something of quality and craftsmanship. 

It also shows that they stand behind its product and are confident in its ability to last.

  • Quality

Regarding charcoal outdoor pizza oven, you’ll want to look for features to help keep your product in tip-top shape. 

This includes double-walled insulation and a cordierite stone floor or pizza stone. It also includes how easy it is to use and clean, how durable it is, and how long it will last.

  • Capacity

When looking at charcoal pizza oven capacity, you’ll want to consider how many pizzas it can hold; a larger model or charcoal grill have a larger cooking surface that can bake more than one pie at a time. Plus you can cook other foods like bread, steak or chicken in the same oven.

Most of these outdoor pizza ovens can hold up to 4 personal pizzas. Some larger models can hold up to 8 or 10 pies! A large capacity will be helpful if you plan on having big parties or hosting many people.

  • Price Range

The price may be a significant concern if you’re on a budget or have limited resources. 

If that’s the case, it may be worth looking at cheaper models and sacrificing some of their features or functions to save money. 

It’s always possible to upgrade later if your needs require something better.

  • Design

Before making your final decision, it’s wise to consider how your oven will look in your backyard. 

The design will be a significant factor if you’re trying to build a nice outdoor kitchen or entertaining area. 

You’ll want something that looks great and can work with your home decor. Size and shape can help you make a more informed decision when choosing an oven that fits well with your landscape.

  • Cooking Temperature and Time

The average cooking temperature should be about 500 degrees F. It would be better to get high heat, up to 800 degrees F. 

However, many variables are important to know about cooking temperature and time. 

To ensure your pizza cooks evenly, you must learn how to use your oven and adjust accordingly. 

The best way to do that is by taking temperature readings inside your oven while you cook, so choose a pizza oven with a built-in thermometer.

It might seem a little obsessive, but it becomes second nature once you get used to checking things out.

  • Assembly & Installation 

Coal fired pizza ovens are relatively easy to assemble and install. The average DIYer can assemble one daily, while professional contractors can have it up and running in a few hours. 

Most models come with installation instructions, though you may want to hire an expert if you’re inexperienced or unsure of your abilities. You’ll also need to find a location for your oven-ideally, it should be placed where it won’t get too much sun or rain.

Common Product Features

Charcoal pizza ovens have the following features:

  1. Use charcoal

As the name goes, charcoal pizza ovens use charcoal to heat up and cook your pizzas. 

They’re an alternative to gas-powered models, which are more expensive and harder to maintain. 

Plus, charcoal burns hotter and gives you a smoky flavor, making your pies taste like they were cooked in a brick oven. You don’t get this from other ovens.

  1. Cook pizzas in minutes.

Due to the higher temperatures, you can cook a pizza in just a few minutes, which is way faster than other pizza ovens, which take up to an hour to heat up and cook your pies. 

This makes them perfect for parties or gatherings where you want to serve fresh pizzas quickly.

  1. Easy to clean and maintain

Most charcoal pizza ovens are easy to clean and maintain, requiring little more than a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use. 

The best part is that most models even come with a carry bag, which makes it easy to store and move them around.

  1. Versatile

These ovens are great for chefs who want to cook more than just pizzas. Most products come with a grilling grate that allows you to cook other foods besides pizza, such as steaks, burgers, or vegetables.

  1. Convenient

Because they’re portable, most models quickly move around and store away when not in use. You can even take them with you on camping trips or set them up in your backyard for an impromptu pizza party or pizza night. 

Some ovens even have extra features like venting systems that make it easier to cook outdoors.

  1. Durable and long-lasting

Most charcoal pizza ovens are made from high-quality materials that can withstand years of abuse without showing wear and tear. 

And because they’re so durable, many products come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects-which means that if anything goes wrong, you won’t have to worry about replacing it!

The Differences Between Cheap vs. Expensive Options

If you’re shopping for a new charcoal pizza oven, you may notice some significant price differences among different models. 

Price and quality are generally correlated (as with most things in life), but there are still good reasons to buy a less expensive model. 

Brand names also affect the pricing. You’ll find that most of these cheaper models are imported from overseas, as most outdoor pizza oven manufacturers in America focus on wood-fired ovens rather than charcoal options. 

While these imported models may look like their more expensive American counterparts, they often don’t have specific features you may need for your setup.

Pitfalls to watch out for:

Setup: A charcoal pizza oven takes at least an hour to heat up and cool down to get it to a usable temperature. 

Timing: If you’re planning on serving pizza right away, you may find a room full of cranky, hungry guests while your oven slowly gets up to temperature.

Temperature: Sometimes, that heat can’t escape. You can dial up or down on a thermostat to control your oven temperature if you have an ordinary oven. 

You don’t have that option with a charcoal pizza oven because it doesn’t use electricity; you must manually adjust vents to regulate airflow and temperature. 

If you aren’t paying attention, your pizza will cook too fast (or worse: burn) without warning. So getting an oven with a built-in thermometer is a must!

Some models are also challenging to clean. 

If you don’t want to spend hours scraping off charred bits of crust, you must invest in a pizza peel with a long handle and/or a special scraper. 

And if you clean it, there’s no guarantee that your next pizza won’t leave blackened bits all over again.

Things to Avoid when Buying a Charcoal Pizza Oven

Knowing how pizza can be made in a charcoal oven makes you understand just how demanding it can be to get a perfect piece. 

However, there are still some things that you should avoid when buying a charcoal pizza oven. These include poor-quality steel, poor ventilation, and inadequate insulation.

  1. Poor-quality steel is an issue because it could rust your oven quickly and conduct heat less efficiently.
  1. Poor ventilation means you won’t get as much heat from your charcoal as possible.
  1. Inadequate insulation means more fuel will be used by heating your oven rather than cooking your food!

Instead, avoid these pitfalls and use high-quality materials like stainless steel, solid wood doors, and thick walls for sound insulation.

Charcoal pizza ovens are great for those who want a high-heat option to make delicious pizzas. Unlike other ovens, they are designed to burn hotter, reaching high temperatures that are ideal for cooking large pizzas to perfection.

Personal preferences for good pizza, fuel type, and cooking methods may vary, but one thing is for sure – a charcoal outdoor pizza oven is sure to bring the heat for a delicious and memorable meal.

The construction makes these ovens durable and easy to clean, making them a great addition to any family gathering.

Charcoal Pizza Ovens


  1. Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
    4.0

    The Ooni Karu 16 is the perfect tool for aspiring pizzaiolos and backyard chefs. Its powerful wood-fired oven can cook delicious stone-baked pizzas in just 60 seconds, unlocking flavors that are impossible to achieve cooking with an electric oven. The insulated design means the exterior stays cool while reducing fuel consumption, meaning more bang for your buck!


    It is the first and only pizza oven to be ‘Recommended for Domestic Use’ by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, the acclaimed international authority on true Neapolitan pizza.


    Take your outdoor cooking to the next level with the Ooni Karu 16. Its compact design makes it easy to take on the go, whether camping, tailgating, or simply relaxing in your own backyard.


    So why wait? Embrace the art of wood-fired cooking and elevate your culinary skills with the Ooni Karu 16. The only limit is your imagination!


    Pros:
    • Multi-fuel capability, with options for wood, charcoal, and gas.
    • Portable design for easy outdoor cooking.
    • Large 16" cooking surface for large pizzas.
    • Quick heating with a high temperature of up to 932°F.
    Cons:
    • Gas options must be purchased separately.
    • Limited size – The small cooking surface makes it difficult to cook more than one dish at a time, or large meals that require multiple trays in the oven simultaneously.
    • Low heat control – The temperature range is limited, so it can be difficult to maintain precise temperatures while cooking different foods in succession.
    • Expensive
    Check it Out

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you!

  2. Ooni Karu 12 Outdoor Pizza Oven
    3.5

    The Ooni Karu 12 pizza oven is a portable and versatile outdoor oven that uses wood and charcoal as its fuel source. The oven can reach up to 932°F in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for cooking up crispy and delicious pizzas in minutes. 


    Ooni Karu’s custom-designed fuel tray maximizes airflow and delivers a powerful blast of searing flame - load it up with real wood or charcoal with no excess ash to clean. Gas option with additional burner.

    Pros:
    • Quick heating time and high temperature for fast cooking
    • Versatile cooking options, not limited to just pizzas
    • Portable and compact design, perfect for outdoor cooking
    • Wood and charcoal fuel source provides an authentic and smoky flavor
    Cons:
    • Limited to outdoor use only
    • Requirement for manual fuel management and ash removal
    • Potential for inconsistent temperature control without proper technique
    • Initial setup and maintenance may require time and effort.
    Check it Out

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you!

  3. WPPO Stand Alone Wood Fired Eco Oven with Pizza Stone

    Bake more than just pizza with the WPPO Eco outdoor wood-fired oven. The Eco outdoor oven features a dual-chamber design with separate doors for the upper cooking chamber and lower furnace chamber, as well as a pullout ash bin for easy cleanup.

    Cook with indirect heat using the included pizza stone or cooking directly on the grates. Includes a freestanding cart with a storage shelf and wheels. Enjoy authentic wood-fired oven baking in your own backyard

    • Powder-coated steel oven exterior with stainless steel doors
    • Stainless steel cooking grates
    • Move easily on the included cart with wheels and wood storage


    Check it Out

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you!

  4. WPPO Le Peppe Portable Wood Fired Pizza Oven with Peel
    3.0

    Tantalize your taste buds with the WPPO Le Peppe Portable Wood-Fired Pizza Oven with Peel!


    Take this classic Italian cooking style with you and enjoy a delicious, wood-fired pizza wherever your journey takes you. The oven's large 19" diameter brick hearth allows for pizzas of various sizes to be cooked quickly and efficiently while its top vent ensures proper heat flow and ventilation.

    Pros:
    • Portable and lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up anywhere.
    • Versatile cooking capabilities with a removable pizza peel and adjustable heat setting.
    • Quick heating time, allowing pizzas to cook in just two minutes or less.
    • Sustainable design with no electricity required, making it eco-friendly.
    • Affordable price point, making it an economical choice for home pizza enthusiasts.
    Cons:
    • Small oven size limits pizzas to 12 inches in diameter or smaller.
    • Limited temperature range of up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit may not be suitable for some recipes or cooking styles.
    • No digital temperature readout, requiring an external thermometer for monitoring conditions inside the oven during cooking sessions.
    • Unprotected flame leaves the unit vulnerable to wind gusts that can reduce heat output and affect cooking times negatively.
    • Warranty terms are unclear.
    Check it Out

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you!

  5. KettlePizza Pro 22 Kit

    This kit offers the basic KettlePizza unit plus the popular ProGrate/Tombstone Combo. This kit has a Tombstone which is stone is 15.7 inches x 14.5 inches with a rounded edge.

    Since it is thicker, it retains more heat and makes pizza placement and removal easier. This combination allows higher dome temperatures for quicker bakes and side access openings for easier refueling.

    This kit includes a FREE Aluminum Pro Pizza peel. (Made in the USA)

    Check it Out

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you!

How to Choose the Best Charcoal Pizza Oven for You

When you’re looking for a charcoal pizza oven, you have a few considerations:

  1. Cooking style

One of your most significant considerations is the cooking style when choosing a charcoal pizza oven. 

If you only plan on making pizzas and other Italian dishes, then a smaller oven will do just fine. 

However, if you want to cook more than just pizza, it’s best to invest in a larger model or take a look at charcoal grills.

KettlePizza oven kit is a genius consideration for charcoal grill users. It’s a stainless steel insert that instantly transforms ordinary charcoal grills into a grill-top outdoor pizza oven. It plops on a grill grate and then seamlessly maintains and circulates heat from a combination of charcoal and wood fuel sources. Crispy pizzas are ready in five minutes or less.

  1. Next, you’ll want to consider the oven size.

A smaller oven will be fine if you only plan to cook for yourself and your family. 

However, if you plan to cook for parties or larger groups of people, it’s best to invest in a larger model that can cook more pizzas.

  1. Your budget is a significant factor in choosing a charcoal pizza oven.

While you can find some models for under $500, most are over $1,000 and can go up to $10,000 or more. 

If you’re on a tight budget, choose an inexpensive model that still meets your needs rather than splurging on something expensive that won’t get used often enough to justify its cost.

Some models include a pizza peel, making it a good deal.

  1. What is your cooking environment like?

Depending on your climate, you may want to invest in a model with a cover to protect it from rain and snow. Other considerations include accessibility and storage space. 

If you have limited space or mobility issues, it’s best to choose an oven that can be wheeled out for use when needed and then wheeled back into storage quickly.

  1. How often do you plan on using your pizza oven?

If you don’t plan to use your oven more than once or twice a month, investing in a cheaper model that isn’t made of high-quality materials is best. 

On the other hand, if you plan to cook at least a few times per week and want something that will last for years, you should invest in a higher-end model.

Charcoal Pizza Oven FAQs

Does charcoal burn longer than wood?

The answer is yes; charcoal burns longer than wood, making it useful for specific applications. 

Several factors determine how long fuel will burn, including its chemical makeup. 

Regarding charcoal vs. wood, briquettes have more energy per pound than logs. 

This means they’ll burn hotter and longer when they’re burned in an oven or grill.

Can you mix charcoal and wood in a pizza oven?

Of course, Yes! 

When used together, charcoal and wood can produce a delicious smoky flavor for your food. The key is not to use too much wood in your oven; otherwise, you’ll burn it up without achieving any lovely smokey flavor. The best wood to use with charcoal is usually wood pellets. 

The Ooni Karu 16 is a great option for a dual fuel oven; you can use charcoal and wood fire. The glass door gives you access and a view of how the pizza is cooking, so it doesn’t get burned. In addition, the powder coated steel exterior makes it super easy to clean.

Tips for Using a Charcoal Pizza Oven

Using a charcoal pizza oven is easy and can give you the best pizza! But it can be a little intimidating if you’ve never cooked with charcoal. Follow these tips to get started.

  1. Use a pizza stone or steel to help cook your pizza evenly. You can also use a baking sheet, but it won’t give you that nice crisp crust you’re looking for in a wood-fired oven.
  2. Keep an eye on your coals! They will burn out quickly if you don’t keep an eye on them and add more as needed throughout cooking.
  3. Make sure your oven is fully heated before adding your pizza! Charcoal-fired ovens take a while to heat up, so be patient and wait until you see some flames before adding your pizza. 
  4. You don’t want to risk burning it!
  5. Don’t overload your oven with too many pizzas at once! It may seem like a good idea, but it will lower your cooking temperature and result in an unevenly cooked pizza.
  6. Have fun! Cooking with charcoal is a blast, and once you get used to using your oven, you’ll never want to go back to cooking on a regular stovetop again!

Here’s How to Set Up an Ooni Charcoal Pizza Oven

The Last Slice

Charcoal pizza ovens have developed a distinct culture surrounding them. They’re not just a way to cook pizzas. They’re an experience you can share with friends and family. 

If you want to get involved in a charcoal pizza oven, then it’s essential to research before buying any. 

Hopefully, our guide helped you understand how they work, what features are essential when purchasing, and the details you need to know about this outdoor pizza oven. 

Grab yours today and start enjoying those tasty pizzas!

Check Out Our Favorite Pizza Oven Brands


Press on the logo to learn more

Kalamazoo-Logo
Chicago Brick Oven Logo

Still Not Sure About Which Fuel Source to Choose?

Check These Other Alternatives

You Can Also Check by Configuration

Don’t Forget to Get a Pizza Oven Cover

Protect your investment and keep your pizza oven looking brand new with a durable, weather-resistant pizza oven cover. Designed to fit snugly over your oven, this cover will shield it from the elements, extending the life of your oven and ensuring that it’s always ready for your next pizza party.

Enjoy!

Not a PRO? Not a Problem!

Take a pizza class to bring your pizza skills to the next level,

so you can be a PRO!

Costco Pizza Delivery

Costco Pizza Delivery: Find How You Can Get It Now!

the PROs

People go to Costco’s food court for many different reasons, but the cheesy slice of pizza they serve is among …

Pizza for Beginners: Don’t Buy Pizza, Make It! Here’s How to Get Started!

the PROs

You have this idea that you want to make pizza at home as opposed to ordering it, but where do you start? Don’t worry! Here you will find answers and directions to all your questions.

Pizza toppings under cheese or over

Pizza Toppings Under Cheese or Over Cheese? [Why the Order Matters]

the PROs

Is Pizza Cheese on Top or Bottom? Hey pizza lovers, are you wondering if you should layer pizza toppings under …

let's make pizza image

Newsletter

Subscribe to our Recipe of the Week newsletter and receive our partners’ latest recipes, tips, and discount offers.

Keep in Touch!

info@homemadepizzapro.com