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What is a Pizza Oven?
A pizza oven is a type of oven specifically designed to cook pizza. It is typically a dome-shaped oven that is heated with either gas or wood.
If you don’t have one, don’t fret. You can purchase a pizza oven for your backyard or patio.
When and What is National Pizza Day?
National Pizza Day is celebrated every year on February 9 and is dedicated to one of the most popular and universally loved foods in the United States. While it is not an official federal holiday, it has become widely recognized by restaurants, brands, and consumers who use the day as an excuse to indulge, celebrate, and take advantage of special pizza deals.
The date itself does not stem from a single historical event, but rather from the rise of food-focused national days that gained traction through media, marketing, and social sharing.
The popularity of National Pizza Day is closely tied to pizza’s unique place in American culture. Pizza is affordable, customizable, and shared across generations, making it a go-to food for gatherings, game days, and casual meals.
Its versatility, ranging from classic pepperoni to gourmet wood-fired creations, allows nearly everyone to participate in the celebration regardless of taste preferences or dietary choices. As a result, the day resonates with families, college students, and food enthusiasts alike.
From a commercial perspective, National Pizza Day has grown into a major promotional moment for pizzerias, grocery brands, and kitchen appliance companies. Restaurants often offer discounts, limited-time flavors, or bundled deals, while home cooks use the occasion to experiment with pizza stones, outdoor pizza ovens, and homemade dough recipes.
Social media has amplified its reach, turning February 9 into a high-engagement day filled with pizza photos, polls, and brand campaigns.
National Pizza Day remains popular because it combines nostalgia, comfort food, and accessibility with a sense of celebration that requires no formal planning. It is an easy holiday to participate in, whether by ordering delivery, dining out, or making pizza at home, which continues to cement its place as one of the most widely embraced food holidays of the year.
What to Look for Before You Buy a Pizza Oven
Beyond the fuel source, the build quality of the oven dictates how easy it is to use and how long it will last.
1. Insulation and Materials
Look for ovens with double-walled stainless steel and thick ceramic fiber insulation. This keeps the heat inside the oven (where the pizza is) rather than letting it escape into the air. A thick cordierite baking stone or fire brick floor is essential for retaining the "floor heat" needed to crisp the bottom of the dough.
2. Temperature and Recovery Time
A great oven doesn't just get hot once; it stays hot. "Recovery time" refers to how quickly the stone returns to temperature after a cold pizza has been placed on it. High-end models recover in minutes, allowing you to feed a crowd without the last person's pizza being soggy.
3. Essential Accessories
The oven is only half the battle. To succeed, you’ll need:
- A Pizza Peel: For launching and retrieving.
- An Infrared Thermometer: To ensure the stone (not just the air) is at the target temp.
- A Weatherproof Cover: To protect your investment from the elements.
Favorite Pizza Oven
Empava Outdoor Propane Convertible Wood Fired Pizza Oven in Stainless Steel (PG03)
The Empava Outdoor Propane Convertible Wood Fired Pizza Oven in Stainless Steel (PG03) earns its spot as our favorite pizza oven for National Pizza Day thanks to its rare combination of speed, flexibility, and authentic results. Designed by Empava, this outdoor oven gives you the freedom to cook with propane, wood, charcoal, pellets, or wood chips, letting you switch between convenience and traditional wood-fired flavor whenever the occasion calls for it. With the ability to preheat to up to 750 °F in as little as 5 to 10 minutes, it delivers the hallmark characteristics of great pizza: a crisp, leopard-spotted crust with a light, airy, and chewy interior.
Empava Outdoor Propane Convertible Wood Fired Pizza Oven in Stainless Steel (PG03)
$2,069.99
The Empava Outdoor Propane Convertible Wood Fired Pizza Oven in Stainless Steel (PG03) uses charcoal, wood chips, pellets, or LPG/propane to make an authentic and delicious pizza. This LPG/propane pizza oven can preheat to a max 750 °F in just… Read More
Durability and heat retention are where this oven truly stands out. Built from high-quality 430 Stainless Steel and mounted on sturdy wheels, it is engineered for long-term outdoor use, whether you are hosting backyard parties or cooking near the beach. Inside, thick fire brick insulation helps the oven reach extreme temperatures quickly while maintaining consistent heat, which is essential for fast bakes and professional-level results. This efficient insulation is what allows the oven to achieve that blistered crust without drying out the dough.
Beyond pizza, the generous 25.1 by 29.5 inch cooking zone makes this oven a versatile outdoor cooking tool. It can handle pizzas up to 24 inches, along with breads, vegetables, casseroles, and even roasted meats. Easy disassembly for cleaning and storage adds to its practicality, making the Empava PG03 a standout choice for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor cooking setup during National Pizza Day.
How to cook pizza with a pizza oven?
Here are 5 easy steps to cook a pizza using a pizza oven:
Fire up the oven.
Check the oven temperature. The best oven temperature for pizza is between 450-500°F, whereas pizza ovens cook at temperatures between 800-900°F.
Prep and top your pizza dough.
Transfer your pizza to the hot oven.
Bake until the crust is evenly browned.
What is the difference between a pizza oven and a regular oven?
There are a few key differences between pizza ovens and regular ovens. For one, pizza ovens are specifically designed to cook pizza, while regular ovens can be used to cook a variety of different foods. Additionally, they typically have a higher temperature than regular ovens, which allows for a crisper crust on the pizza.
More Than Just a Pizza Maker
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a pizza oven is a "unitasker." On the contrary, these are incredibly versatile cooking vessels. Once the high-intensity flame dies down, the residual heat is perfect for:
Searing Steaks: Achieving a steakhouse-quality crust in a cast-iron skillet.
Roasted Vegetables: Blistering peppers and charring broccoli in seconds.
Artisan Bread: Using the declining heat to bake sourdough with a perfect crust.
Desserts: Fruit crumbles or giant skillet cookies.
Conclusion
Investing in a pizza oven is about more than just food; it’s about the experience of gathering around a fire and the satisfaction of mastering a craft. Whether you prioritize the convenience of gas or the ritual of a wood fire, the right oven transforms your backyard into a culinary destination.
If you're looking to celebrate National Pizza Day, be sure to check out The Range Hood Store and craft your perfect pizza to celebrate!
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FAQs
What is National Pizza Day and when is it celebrated?
National Pizza Day is celebrated every year on February 9. While it is not an official federal holiday, it has become widely recognized across the United States as a day to celebrate one of the country’s most popular and versatile foods.
What is a pizza oven?
A pizza oven is a specialized oven designed to cook pizzas at much higher temperatures than standard home ovens. Most pizza ovens feature a domed or enclosed cooking chamber that allows intense, even heat to surround the pizza, producing a crisp crust and properly cooked toppings in a short amount of time.
How is a pizza oven different from a regular oven?
Pizza ovens reach significantly higher temperatures than traditional ovens, often exceeding 700°F. This intense heat allows pizzas to cook in minutes rather than tens of minutes, creating a crisp exterior while maintaining a light, airy interior. Regular ovens are more versatile but lack the heat and recovery speed needed for authentic pizza results.
Do I need an outdoor space to own a pizza oven?
Most high-performance pizza ovens are designed for outdoor use due to their high heat output and fuel requirements. A backyard, patio, or outdoor kitchen is typically recommended to safely operate a pizza oven.
What fuel types are available for pizza ovens?
Pizza ovens are commonly powered by propane, natural gas, wood, charcoal, pellets, or a combination of fuels. Convertible models allow users to switch between fuel types, offering flexibility between convenience and traditional wood-fired flavor.
What should I look for when buying a pizza oven?
Key considerations include insulation quality, construction materials, maximum temperature, recovery time, and cooking surface size. Thick insulation and durable stainless steel construction help maintain consistent heat, while a high-quality baking stone ensures a crisp pizza crust.
Why is insulation important in a pizza oven?
Proper insulation keeps heat inside the cooking chamber, allowing the oven to reach and maintain extremely high temperatures. Good insulation also improves recovery time, meaning the oven returns to optimal temperature quickly after each pizza is cooked.
How hot does a pizza oven need to be?
Most pizza ovens operate best between 700°F and 900°F. While home ovens typically max out around 500°F, pizza ovens are engineered to sustain much higher temperatures for fast, even cooking.
How long does it take to cook pizza in a pizza oven?
At optimal temperatures, most pizzas cook in 90 seconds to 3 minutes. This rapid cooking is what creates the signature blistered crust and balanced texture associated with restaurant-quality pizza.
What accessories are essential for using a pizza oven?
Common essentials include a pizza peel for launching and retrieving pizzas, an infrared thermometer to measure stone temperature, and a weatherproof cover to protect the oven when not in use.
Is a pizza oven only useful for making pizza?
No. Pizza ovens are highly versatile and can be used to cook bread, roasted vegetables, steaks, seafood, casseroles, and even desserts. The retained heat makes them ideal for a wide range of high-heat and residual-heat cooking techniques.
Why is the Empava pizza oven featured as a favorite?
The featured Empava pizza oven stands out for its fuel flexibility, fast preheat time, high maximum temperature, and durable stainless steel construction. Its large cooking surface and strong heat retention make it suitable for both pizza and a variety of other outdoor cooking applications.
Is a pizza oven worth it for home cooks?
For anyone who enjoys cooking, entertaining, or experimenting with authentic pizza and high-heat recipes, a pizza oven offers a unique experience that traditional ovens cannot replicate. It combines performance, versatility, and the social appeal of outdoor cooking.
Why is National Pizza Day a good time to consider a pizza oven?
National Pizza Day highlights the joy and tradition of pizza making, making it an ideal occasion to explore tools that elevate the experience. A pizza oven allows home cooks to recreate restaurant-quality results while turning pizza night into a memorable event.
Can beginners use a pizza oven successfully?
Yes. While there is a learning curve, modern pizza ovens are designed to be user-friendly. With basic tools and temperature awareness, even beginners can achieve excellent results quickly.
How does a pizza oven enhance outdoor entertaining?
A pizza oven becomes a focal point for gatherings, encouraging interaction, customization, and shared experiences. Guests can watch pizzas cook in real time, creating an engaging and memorable cooking environment.
