So you know you're interested in buying a pizza oven, but which one is right for you? We hear this question all the time, and for good reason—with a wide array of options available, it's an exciting journey to find the perfect one. To guide you through this process, we've created a comprehensive pizza oven buyer's guide.
Below, we discuss some of the most important factors to consider, the questions you need to ask yourself, and how to tailor your choice to best suit your unique needs.
Personal vs. Professional Use
First, Will you use your pizza oven at home or in your business? You may need a different size or product line depending on your answer
Home
If you plan on using your pizza oven at home for friends and family, you won't need one of our larger commercial models. For those serving just a couple of people, our Largo may suit you, or a mini Roma or Mini Fiamma Rosa. If you're going to be serving more people than that — or if you plan on making full meals that require multiple cast-iron skillets in the oven at once — you'll likely need something a little bigger, such as a media or grande Roma, Elite , Fiamma Rosa , or Milano model.
Businesses
If you plan on using your pizza oven in a business setting, you'll want to ensure it's big enough to keep up with customer demand. Our Commercial Pizza Oven series can cook 5 to 8 pizzas at once, depending on the model, so you won't have to worry about keeping your customers waiting.
Look
The pizza oven buyer's guide would only be complete by mentioning the importance of aesthetics. Whether you prefer a modern or traditional look, you're sure to find an oven from our collection that suits your style.
Modern
When buying a pizza oven, you'll want to make sure it blends in seamlessly with its setting — so finding a style that suits your existing decor is essential. If you prefer a more modern look, you can choose from one of the many sleek, stainless steel models we carry, like the Largo , Fiamma Rosa, and Professional. For an extra modern touch, Fiamma Rosa ovens have an octagonal dome.
Other models—Roma, Elite, and Grande—can have a powder—coated black top.
Traditional
Would you prefer a more classic look? You can't get any more authentic than our Napolicento line, a series of brick-and-tile ovens with a Pompeii-style dome based on the same ovens found in Naples, Italy—the birthplace of the Neapolitan pizza. Another great option is the Milano series , whose traditional Pompeii-style dome is castable clay.
Fuel Type: Wood, Gas or Hybrid?
One of the most common questions we hear is, "Which fuel type is best?" But the answer depends on whether you value authenticity, convenience, or both.
Wood
Wood-burning pizza ovens offer an unparalleled, authentic experience. The crackling sound, the smell of burning wood, and the traditional ambiance they create are unmatched. This option is perfect for those who enjoy the ritual of building a fire and the aesthetic charm it provides.
Gas
Gas pizza ovens, known for their ease of use, offer instant heat and flames with a flip of a switch or a push of a button. They require minimal maintenance, making them a practical choice for those with busy lifestyles.
Hybrid (Multi-Fuel)
A hybrid pizza oven offers the best of both worlds, combining the benefits of both wood and gas. It provides the flexibility to burn wood when you want the authentic experience and switch to gas for convenience. ilFornino offers a multi-fuel oven in both wood and gas for those who don't want to compromise on either authenticity or ease of use.
ilFornino Wood Fired Pizza Oven
Wood-fired pizza ovens offer a timeless appeal for those who appreciate tradition. The mesmerizing crackle of the fire, the tantalizing aroma, and the subtle smoky flavour combine to create an authentic culinary experience that can elevate your outdoor gatherings and leisure moments. Choose the style that best appeals to you and enhances your outdoor spaces.
ilFornino Gas Fired Pizza Oven
Our gas ovens are multi-fuel and can be used with wood and gas for added convenience. With these ovens, you can enjoy using gas without the hassle of gathering firewood or cleaning up soot and ash. Flip a switch, and you'll have a quick, easy, and reliable fuel source. Allow yourself to cook dishes according to your current inspiration.
Setting
Our pizza ovens are well-suited for a variety of settings. With the right accessories, they can even be used indoors, in humid areas, and on the move.
Outdoors
Are you planning on putting your pizza oven outdoors? If you've got an existing outdoor kitchen or barbecue island, you can place the oven right on top of it. If you don't, you'll likely want to purchase a stand (don't worry — all of our models can be paired with stands). Live in a humid area or near a body of water? Add our ilFoShield™ protective coating to buffer against rusting and weathering. And if you plan to bring your pizza oven to tailgates, weddings, or other events, our concession trailer models make it a breeze.
Indoors
Are you looking for an oven you can put right inside your home or business? Several models—like our Roma, Elite, Grande, Milano, and Commercial series—can be placed indoors with a double-wall chimney and an exhaust fan.
Find the Right Pizza Oven for You
Still trying to decide which pizza oven is right for you. The best models balance the size of the cooking chamber with the available space in your garden, terrace, or balcony.
Opting for the giant oven is only sometimes the best choice, as more giant ovens require more time and fuel to reach and maintain the desired temperature. To choose the right oven size, consider these factors:
- The intended use of the oven
- The number of people you typically cook for
- The available space for the oven
Our pizza oven buyer's guide includes a handy chart so you can get a personalized recommendation.
| How Many People Will You Be Serving? | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 People | 3-4 People | 5+ People | |||
| Wood | Gas | Wood | Gas | Wood | Gas |
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Accessories
While this is primarily a pizza oven buyer's guide, it's also worth mentioning the different accessories available. We've covered you whether you want just the basics or something more advanced.
Commercial-grade accessories
Ready to get up and running as soon as possible? Whether you're a business owner or a home cook, add our commercial-grade accessories package to your purchase for everything you need to get started—from pizza peels to trays, boxes, and more.
À la carte accessories
Do you already own some accessories, or do you want to go beyond the basics? Check out our accessories. Whether you're looking for oven brushes, dough mixers, covers, or more, you'll find a range of items that will help you take your operation to the next level.
Accessories can significantly enhance the usability of your outdoor oven and expand the variety of dishes you can prepare.
iLFornino offers a wide range of pizza oven accessories crafted in New York to help you get the most out of your garden oven.
NOT SURE WHICH OVEN IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation with one of our ilFornino experts.
