There are a few types of wood that are commonly used in pizza ovens:
- Hardwood: Hardwood, such as oak, maple, and cherry, is a good choice for pizza ovens because it burns hot and consistently, and produces a nice, clean flame.
- Softwood: Softwood, such as pine and spruce, burns more quickly than hardwood, but it can still be used in a pizza oven. It may produce more smoke than hardwood, which can give the pizza a smoky flavor.
- Fruitwood: Fruitwood, such as apple and cherry, is a popular choice for pizza ovens because it imparts a mild, fruity flavor to the pizza.
- Oak: Oak is a popular choice for pizza ovens because it burns hot and produces a consistent flame. It also imparts a mild, smoky flavor to the pizza.
- Hardwood logs: Hardwood logs are a good choice for pizza ovens because they burn hot and consistently, and produce a clean flame. They are also more durable than softer woods, so they will last longer in the oven.
- Wood pellets: Wood pellets are another option for pizza ovens. They are made from compressed sawdust and burn very hot and cleanly, without producing much smoke. Wood pellets are easy to store and transport, and they are a convenient choice if you don’t have access to firewood.
- Dried wood: It’s important to use well-seasoned, dried wood in your pizza oven. Freshly cut wood contains a lot of moisture, which can produce steam in the oven and make it difficult to get the temperature high enough to cook the pizza properly. Dried wood has had time to lose its moisture, so it will burn more efficiently and produce a hotter fire.
- Wood selection: When selecting wood for your pizza oven, look for logs that are straight and have a diameter of about 6-8 inches. Avoid logs with knots or other imperfections, as they can be more difficult to burn and may produce more smoke. It’s also a good idea to choose wood that is free of chemical treatments, as these can produce harmful fumes when burned.
Personal preference always prevails. The wood you choose for the type of pizza you want to make. Just like me, experiment with different types of wood to find the one that works best for you.
