What’s The Best Wood for Pizza Oven? | 5 Unbeaten Choices

When it comes to outdoor cooking, there’s nothing quite as delightful as a freshly made pizza cooked in your own backyard. With the scent of wood-fired ovens filling the air, you can transform an ordinary evening into something spectacular. But not just any wood is suitable for use with a homemade or store-bought pizza oven – you need the right kind of wood that will create intense heat and flavorful smoke for perfectly cooked pies.

Read on to discover the best wood for pizza oven that is sure to take your home-cooked creations to mouthwatering new heights!

Top 5 Best Wood For Pizza Oven In 2023

There are many types of wood to choose from when selecting the best wood for a pizza oven. However, certain woods have been found to be more suitable than others, as they are able to burn hotter and cleaner while providing natural flavor. Here’s a list of the top 5 recommended woods for pizza ovens.

Best White Oak Wood: Smoak Firewood Cooking Wood With USDA Certified

Take your outdoor cooking and firewood needs to the next level with White Oak Wood from Smoak Firewood! Certified by the USDA for its exceptional quality, its range of sizes and wood types guarantee that you have access to only the finest competition-grade wood.

Superior Firewood wood is made with your safety in mind, it starts with the highest quality logs and heat treats them above 160 degrees for 40-48 hours to eliminate any potential issues that might be present. This ensures that you get an optimal experience every time you use it because it burns cleaner, hotter, and longer than other brands on the market! Plus our in-house kiln drying process makes for easy shipping and storage as well!

You deserve only the best when it comes to firewood and cooking wood products, so let Smoak Firewood show you why they’re trusted by top competitors around the world! Experience the difference with Smoak Firewood White Oak Wood and discover why we’re the best choice for quality firewood products.

Here is one of the review from our research that you may be interested in about this product “We got this solely for making wood-fired pizza, and boy, does it deliver! The aroma of the burning wood is heavenly, and it burns so hot that I worried my pizza oven would melt, but of course, it didn’t. The flavor it creates on the pizza is out of this world.” Read more comment here.

Specification

• The brand is Smoak Firewood
• The material is white oak wood
• The flavor is white oak
• The item weight is 11 lbs
• The item form is 5-6 inches of tiny wood
• It is a perfect size log for small fireplaces or Ooni pizza ovens
• The material is able to get your oven up to 900F with minimal soot
• Feel a sense of accomplishment when you serve up that perfect woodfired pizza!

Pros

• Smoak Firewood kiln-dried wood pieces were of equal size and made fire management incredibly easy, providing flavorful smoke and steady temperatures at 225°, 250°, and 275°
• It gives a great taste to food and was quickly delivered
• The item delivery is fast

Con

• It is a bit expensive compared to other brands

Best Compatible Wood For Oven: HOT BOX Kiln-Dried Oak Wood

Do you love the flavor of wood-fired food but don’t have a permanent oven or smoker? Hot Box has you covered with its Kiln-Dried Oak Cooking Wood! Enjoy delicious, smoky dishes without the hassle of hard-to-source wood logs for your portable ovens. The convenient, resealable Hot Box contains 1300 cubic inches of kiln-dried oak that make a big difference in your cooking.

This cut of wood is designed to fit the most popular brands of portable pizza ovens such as the Cru 30 and 32, Cru Champion, Ooni Karu 16, Gozney Dome, and Alfa One. All Hot Box wood is sustainably sourced and heat-treated so it’s safely transported across the United States. Hot Box wood also burns hotter and longer due to its denser and drier quality – so you get even more bang for your buck!

Plus, it comes in an extra split 8-inch size that fits perfectly into smoke boxes, offset smokers, or backyard campfires. So give your taste buds a treat with some smoky goodness from Hot Box Kiln-Dried Oak Cooking Wood – it’ll make all your dishes taste better!

Specification

• The brand is Hot Box
• The material is oak wood
• The flavor is oak
• The item form is stick
• The item weight is 21.2 lbs
• The item has the perfect temperature for pizza making
• Longer-lasting wood for cooking
• Ideal size for a pizza oven

Pros

• Hotbox wood is perfect for Ooni Karu pizza ovens, burning clean and quickly to deliver an elevated pizza-cooking experience
• The Hotbox wood is a great way to quickly and cleanly give great flavor to your food, making it perfect for pizza ovens
• This product is an easy and convenient way to fire up a pizza oven quickly

Con

• The product is high cost, but this product works well but does not make as many pizzas as advertised

Best Package Wood For Oven: Carolina Cookwood Pizza Oven

Explore a lifetime of culinary and grilling joy with Carolina Cookwood! The premium Hardwood Splits are specifically designed to provide optimum heat generation for your outdoor wood-fired pizza oven.

Carolina Cookwood is locally harvested from white oak hardwood, guaranteeing a clean burning smoky aroma that takes you to the outdoors. Each piece of Carolina Cookwood has precise dimensions of 12 inches in length, with varied thicknesses from 1 to 1.75 inches. Every box contains 1 cubic foot of wood, weighing 20-25 lbs which makes storage and packing easy. Enjoy a steady, long-lasting burn that provides ample heat needed for outdoor baking, grilling, and cooking!

Specification

• The brand is Carolina Cookwood
• The heating method is conduction
• The finish type is wood
• The item color is natural
• The wood size is 12 x 1-2 inches
• The wood type is white oak
• The weight is 20-25 lbs
• Wood resists splitting and cracking
• Natural oils protect against mold, rot, UV rays, and extreme temperatures

Pros

• Perfect for Ooni Karu 12 pizza oven and other brands
• Pre-cut pieces are easy to fit and use
• No waste – all wood burns down to ash

Con

• This wood burns quickly and tastes great, but is expensive due to its quick burn time

Best Wood For Weather Resistance: Double Tree Forest Products Fatwood

Are you looking for the perfect combination of eco-friendly and natural fire starters? We have just the solution for you – Double Tree Forest’s Fatwood and Kindling Combo Pack! The pack contains Incense-Cedar Fire Starter Kindling and Double Tree Fire Starter Fatwood, with three fatwood fire starter tinder pouches. All of the products are harvested from dead-standing or downed cedar and pine trees.

For a pleasant aroma that enhances your fire-starting experience, use our Incense – Cedar Fire Starter Kindling – it will not disappoint! We concentrate on quality when it comes to our wood products, which is why we kiln-dry them to maintain squeaky-clean dryness. This process pledges a great start to your campfire or BBQ as the sticks are easy to light up.

Perhaps best of all, all of Double Tree Forestwood’s products have exceptionally high resin content – meaning they ignite effectively even in wet weather conditions such as snowfall or heavy rain. So don’t let whatever Mother Nature throws at you prevent you from enjoying a cozy campfire; simply start with the 100% natural Double Tree Forest’s Fatwood and Kindling Combo Pack!

Specification

• The brand is Double Tree Forest
• The material is fatwood
• The flavor is natural wood
• The item form is stick
• The wood ignites quickly and easily
• It burns effectively in any weather conditions
• The product is non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets

Pros

• The product is 100% natural and biodegradable
• Freshly cut cedar with a strong scent
• It reduces the time spent starting the fire
• Soft wood that lights well and is easily cut or broken in half
• The product enhances the atmosphere you create in your home with the timeless scent of cedar

Con

• The delivery time may take a few business days

Best Affordable Wood For Oven: OOFT 6 Inch Mini Pizza Oven Wood

Calling all pizza fans! For the delicious wood-fired flavor look no further than Ooft sticks! Ooft is designed for use in all popular portable pizza ovens, providing you with a convenient and effective method to fuel your flame. Your pizza is sure to come out tasting just like a professional wood oven with our 100% natural oak hardwood.

The kiln-dried oak burns slower than other woods and quickly builds up the required heat so you can enjoy perfect pizzas in no time flat. Plus, our recyclable packaging gets your pizza oven fuel delivered straight to your door with Amazon Prime – we make it easy and fast for you to get cooking! So come on folks, try Ooft for a quality wood-fired flavor that will make any pizza night unforgettable!

Specification

• The brand is Ooft
• The material is wood
• The flavor is natural wood
• The item form is stick
• The item weight is 9lbs
• The product dimension is 12.4 x 9.06 x 6.18 inches
• The heating method is conduction

Pros

• The product takes less time spent refueling ovens.
• It provides more heat from each log due to its denser composition
• The easy-to-burn, reasonably-priced wood pellets are a perfect size for the Ooni pizza oven
• This product is excellent with quick shipping, providing a wonderful smoky flavor for pizzas when using

Con

• You may need to chop the wood in order to fit with a smaller oven

How To Select The Best Wood For Your Pizza Oven?

When selecting the best wood for your pizza oven, you should consider a few factors such as the type of wood used, the size/shape of logs, and its relative heat output.

Types Of Woods

Different types of wood have different sizes and burn at various temperatures. Hardwoods like oak and hickory are denser and take longer to burn but produce more heat, while softwoods such as cedar and pine are easier to light, burn faster and provide less heat.

Oak Wood

Oak wood is the best choice for pizza ovens as it burns hotter and longer than other woods. As oak wood creates consistent heat, your pizza will be cooked evenly with a crispy inside and a golden-brown exterior. The intense smoke from oak also adds an incredible smoky flavor to your pizzas!

Maple And Cherry Woods

Maple wood and cherry wood are also great options for cooking pizzas in your pizza oven, as they create a well-balanced heat output and delicious smoky flavor. If you are making pizzas with delicate toppings such as seafood and vegetables, we recommend using maple or cherry wood to prevent the toppings from burning.

Apple Wood

Applewood is a softer option that burns hotter and faster than oak wood. This type of wood produces a mild smoke flavor, making it the perfect choice for lighter pizza toppings like cheese or vegetables.

Plum Wood

Plum wood is a medium-hardness wood that has a sweet aroma. It produces a mellow smoke flavor, making it suitable for all types of pizza toppings.

Alder Wood

Alder is the perfect wood for pizza ovens as it produces a moderate level of heat and has a sweet, smoky flavor. It’s ideal for pizzas with delicate toppings like seafood or vegetables. However, if you are cooking in moisture-rich environments like a beach or lake, we recommend using heavier wood like oak as it will burn hotter and longer.

Peach Wood

Peach wood is relatively lightweight and burns hotter than other woods. This type of wood produces a sweet, fruity flavor that brings out the flavors of your pizza toppings perfectly. It’s excellent for pizzas with delicious fruit or vegetable toppings!

Pear Wood

Pear wood is a heavy hardwood that produces intense heat and has a sweet smoky flavor. This wood type is perfect for pizzas with meat toppings, as it will quickly cook the meat while still keeping it moist. The pear’s unique smell also adds another layer of flavor to your meals!

Walnut Wood

Walnut is a medium hardwood that produces moderate heat and has a mild smoky flavor. It’s excellent for pizzas with cheese or vegetable toppings as it will cook them evenly without burning them. The unique smell of walnut adds even more complexity to your pizzas!

The Size Of the Log Matters

Another factor to consider when selecting wood for your pizza oven is the size and shape of the logs. Smaller logs will burn faster, while larger pieces may take longer but create more heat. We recommend using mid-sized hardwood logs that are easy to break down into smaller pieces if needed.

Windy or rainy weather can also affect the performance of your pizza oven, so choose a wood that burns slower and produces more heat to keep your pizzas cooking evenly. For instance, oak is a great choice as it will continue to burn even in windy conditions. You also need to make sure to buy wood from a reputable supplier with sustainable sources. This way, you can be sure that your wood is of the highest quality and won’t contain any harmful chemicals or pests.

Heat Consistency

Heat consistency is also important when selecting wood for your pizza oven. Hardwoods like oak and hickory are denser and take longer to burn, but they produce more consistent heat. Softwoods such as cedar and pine are easier to light, burn faster, and provide less heat, so you may want to use a combination of both types of wood for the best results.

If you are making thick-crust pizzas, you should opt for harder woods as they will provide more consistent heat for a longer period of time. On the other hand, if you are making thin-crust pizzas, then softer woods are more suitable as they will burn faster and provide less heat. Using the right wood for your pizza oven is essential to get that perfect, mouthwatering crust every time.

What Types Of Wood Should You Avoid?

When selecting wood for your pizza oven, you should always avoid woods with a high sap content as they can create excessive smoke that will ruin the flavor of your pizzas. Sap also has a tendency to clog the airways of your oven, which can cause it to overheat and create flare-ups.

Woods like pine and fir also contain tars that can leave an unpleasant taste in your food. Additionally, be sure to avoid any treated or chemically-treated wood, as these may release toxins into the air which could be harmful to your health.

Too dry or wet wood can also cause problems with your oven because dry wood will burn too quickly and wet wood won’t burn as hot. To avoid this, make sure to select well-seasoned wood with the right moisture content.

How To Clean Ash After Using?

Once your pizza-making session is over, it’s important to clean out the ash in your oven. Ash can clog up the airways of your oven and create flare-ups so it should always be removed after every use. To do this, simply scrape out any remaining ash with a brush or broom, then vacuum the area with an industrial vacuum cleaner. Once you have finished cleaning out the ash, make sure to store it away from your pizza oven as too much moisture can cause rusting and damage.

Choosing the right wood for your pizza oven will ensure that you get delicious results each time. Whether you opt for hardwoods like oak or lighter options like maple and cherry, selecting the right type of wood can make all the difference in your pizza-making experience. With a little bit of experimentation, you will soon become an expert in selecting the perfect wood for your pizzas!

Why Doesn’t Your Pizza Have a Taste Of Wood?

In order to get the full flavor of wood in your pizza, you need to use fresh and dry wood that is properly seasoned. Improper seasoning can lead to a bitter taste in the pizza crust. Additionally, using too much wood or burning it at too high of a temperature can cause smoky flavors to overpower the other tastes in your pizza.

You should also be aware that not all types of wood will produce the same flavor in your pizza. Hardwoods like oak or hickory will usually give you a stronger smoky taste than softer woods such as maple or cherry. Depending on how close your oven door is when you are cooking, some of the smoke can escape without imparting any flavor to your pizzas.

How To Store Wood For Later Use?

Wood that is not being used should be kept in a dry environment, such as a shed. This will preserve the wood and prevent it from decaying or getting infested with bugs. You should check your wood regularly to make sure there are no problem signs of decay or pests. If you plan on storing your wood for an extended period, using a wood preservative is best to ensure its longevity. The best way to store firewood is by stacking it off the ground in a well-ventilated area and covering it with plastic or tarpaulin.

Also, make sure to stack your wood so that the bark side is facing upwards. This will allow air to circulate better and prevent moisture from accumulating on the wood. Finally, be sure to store different types of wood separately as certain woods can have an adverse effect when combined.

FAQs

What Types Of Woods Are Good For Ovens?

Hardwoods like oak and hickory are denser and take longer to burn, but they produce more consistent heat. Softwoods such as cedar and pine are easier to light, burn faster, and provide less heat, so you may want to use a combination of both types of wood for the best results. Walnut is also popular as it will cook them evenly without burning them.

What Is The Best Wood For Smoking Pizza?

Oak is an excellent wood for smoking pizza as it produces a mild smokey flavor that won’t overpower the other flavors in your dish. Hickory is another popular option as it burns slowly and can provide a strong smoky aroma if desired. Maple and cherry are also good options for smoking pizzas as they offer a more subtle flavor.

Is Red Oak Better Than White?

Both red oak and white oak are great for pizza ovens as they both burn at lower temperatures, making them ideal for cooking pizzas. Red oak is slightly denser than white oak so it will produce more heat, while white oak has less of a smoky flavor. Ultimately, the choice between red and white oak comes down to personal preference.

Is Hard Or Softer Wood Better?

It depends on what type of pizza you are making. If you are making thick-crust pizzas, you should opt for harder woods as they will provide more consistent heat for a longer period of time. On the other hand, if you are making thin-crust pizzas, then softer woods are more suitable as they will burn faster and provide less heat.

Is Wood Pallet Better?

Wood pallets are not recommended for making pizza as they can contain chemicals and other contaminants that could be harmful. Additionally, wood pallets can lack the proper air circulation needed to properly cook pizzas, resulting in an unevenly cooked dish. Using natural wood from a trusted source is always best when making pizzas.

Where Should You Store Your Wood?

Wood that is not being used should be kept in a dry environment, such as a shed. This will preserve the wood and prevent it from decaying or getting infested with bugs. You should check your wood regularly to make sure there are no problem signs of decay or pests. If you plan on storing your wood for an extended period, using a wood preservative is best to ensure its longevity. The best way to store firewood is by stacking it off the ground in a well-ventilated area and covering it with plastic or tarpaulin.

What Is Sap And Why Should You Avoid It?

Sap is the sticky substance found inside trees that helps them transport nutrients throughout their bodies. Wood with high sap content can produce excessive smoke when burned, ruining your pizzas’ flavor. Sap also tends to clog up the airways of your oven, which can cause it to overheat and create flare-ups. Therefore, you should always avoid woods with high sap.

How Many Wood Clogs Should You Use For Ovens?

The amount of wood you need for your pizza oven will depend on the size and type of oven you use. Generally, starting with 3-4 wood clogs is best and then adding more if needed. If you find that the fire is burning too hot or producing too much smoke, simply reduce the number of clogs until you reach your desired temperature. This way, you can be sure that your pizzas come out perfectly cooked every time!

How To Dry Wet Wood?

If you find yourself with wet wood, it’s important to dry it before using it in your pizza oven. The easiest way to do this is by laying the logs out in a single layer on a flat surface and allowing them to air-dry for at least 24 hours. You can also use a fan or hair dryer to speed up the process. Once your wood is completely dry, it should be ready to use in your oven!

Which Size Of Wood Is Good For Pizza Ovens?

The size of the wood you use for your pizza oven will depend on the type of oven and the desired heat level. Generally speaking, it is best to use small pieces that are about 3-4 inches in diameter as these will burn faster and provide a consistent temperature. However, if you want more heat for cooking thicker pizzas, then larger pieces of wood can be used. Make sure to experiment with different sizes to find what works best for your oven!

How To Chop Wood Correctly?

Chopping wood correctly is important for a few reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the logs are cut into pieces of uniform sizes. This makes stacking them easier and allows for more efficient burning as the air can circulate evenly throughout the firewood. Secondly, properly chopping wood helps to reduce the risk of injury as you should always use sharp tools when cutting your logs. Lastly, using a wedge in conjunction with an ax will help to create smoother cuts and reduce splintering. Before beginning any wood-chopping project, make sure you wear protective gear such as goggles or gloves!

How To Take Hot Wood Out Of Ovens?

When you are finished cooking your pizzas, it is important to remove the wood from your oven carefully. You can use a pair of long-handled tongs or an insulated glove to take the hot logs out. Once removed, make sure to place them in a safe area away from any flammable materials such as paper or fabrics. It’s also important to give the logs time to cool before disposing of them properly. Taking proper care when removing hot wood will help keep you and your oven safe!

Conclusion

Choosing the best wood for pizza oven can be difficult, but with knowledge of your needs and the features of each of these five unbeatable kinds of wood, it is possible to discover one that’s ideal for you. Each type of wood has its own unique burning qualities and properties, which can determine the overall flavor and temperature of your pizza. No matter which type you decide to go with, make sure it’s well-seasoned and dry before use – this will ensure great quality in each batch of pizzas you bake. With good fuel comes heightened performance and delicious results! Finally, safety must always come first, so make sure to store logs in an area away from flames or sparks as they should never be treated as firewood. What kind of wood will you choose for your pizza oven?