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If you’ve ever wondered whether your pizza oven can handle more than just pizzas, the answer is a resounding yes. One of the most delicious things you can cook in an outdoor wood fired pizza oven is a perfectly seared steak. The high temperatures, smoky flavor, and even heat distribution make it an ideal cooking environment for meat lovers. Let’s explore how to cook a steak in a pizza oven, what tools you’ll need, and why it might become your new favorite way to grill.
Why Cook Steak in a Pizza Oven?
A pizza oven, especially a wood-fired or hybrid one, can reach temperatures up to 900°F, far higher than a typical kitchen oven or grill. That kind of intense, even heat is perfect for creating a crispy crust while locking in the steak’s juices.
Benefits of cooking steak in a pizza oven include:
- Fast cooking time and even searing
- Smoky, restaurant-style flavour
- Less mess compared to traditional grilling
- The ability to cook multiple items- vegetables, bread, or desserts at the same time
Whether you own one of Chicago Brick Oven residential pizza ovens or operate commercial pizza ovens for your restaurant, you can achieve that same professional finish for your steak right in your backyard or business kitchen.
What Type of Pizza Oven Works Best?
Both gas and outdoor wood-fired pizza ovens can cook steak beautifully. However, a wood-burning pizza oven adds that authentic, smoky taste that’s hard to match.
If you’re using a residential pizza oven like the CBO 750 or CBO 500 models, you’ll love how easy it is to control the temperature. For professional settings, commercial pizza ovens are designed for consistent performance even through heavy use, maintaining heat for extended periods, a huge bonus when cooking for crowds.
When shopping for pizza ovens for sale, look for features like:
- Thick, heat-retaining construction
- Flame roll technology for even heating
- Dual fuel options (gas and wood) for flexible cooking
These factors ensure your oven doesn’t just bake perfect pizzas, it becomes a complete outdoor kitchen tool.
The Best Cuts of Steak for Pizza Oven Cooking
Steak night deserves premium cuts that stand up to high heat. Choose cuts with good marbling and thickness, such as:
- Ribeye
- New York strip
- T-bone
- Filet mignon
Thicker cuts can handle the intense heat of an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven without drying out. A good rule is to aim for at least 1 inch of thickness.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Steak in a Pizza Oven
1. Preheat the oven
Heat your outdoor wood-burning pizza oven to around 700–900°F. Allow the stone or cooking surface to reach temperature for even searing.
2. Choose your cookware
Use a cast-iron pan, grill grate, or pizza steel. These tools withstand high temperatures and help develop a flavorful crust.
3. Prepare the steak
Season generously with salt, pepper, and olive oil. If you prefer, marinate your steak ahead of time with herbs, garlic, and butter for added flavour.
4. Sear and cook
Place the steak close to the flame, but not directly inside it. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes for rare to medium doneness, or longer for a deeper crust. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. 130–135°F is ideal for medium-rare.
5. Let it rest
Resting the steak for 5–10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute. Top with herb butter or a squeeze of lemon to finish.
Tips for the Perfect Wood-Fired Steak
- Use quality fuel: Hardwood logs like oak or hickory burn evenly and give a rich flavour.
- Keep an eye on the flame: Consistent flame size ensures steady heat and even searing.
- Add aromatic herbs: Toss rosemary or thyme into the fire while cooking for extra aroma.
- Experiment with sides: While your steak rests, use the leftover heat to roast veggies, bake potatoes, or warm bread inside the oven.
Cooking Beyond Pizzas
One of the best parts about owning a pizza oven is its versatility. It’s not limited to pizza; you can cook chicken, seafood, vegetables, and even desserts. A residential pizza oven transforms your patio into a culinary retreat, while commercial pizza ovens boost any restaurant menu with flavour-packed, flame-cooked dishes.
For homeowners, installing an outdoor wood-burning pizza oven creates the perfect space for weekend get-togethers and family dinners. For chefs, it adds efficiency, performance, and an eye-catching centrepiece to any open kitchen setup.
Choosing the Right Oven for You
Whether you’re a home chef or a restaurant owner, having the right equipment makes all the difference. Chicago Brick Oven offers a wide range of pizza ovens for sale, from DIY kits to fully assembled models, all made in the USA with durable refractory materials and advanced heating technology. Their residential pizza ovens are ideal for patios, while commercial pizza ovens handle high-volume cooking with ease.
Each model is designed to withstand extreme climates and deliver authentic, wood-fired flavour every time. Choosing a durable, American-made oven means more than great food it means investing in craftsmanship that lasts for years.
Final Thoughts
So yes, you can absolutely cook a steak in a pizza oven, and once you do, you may never go back to the grill. The combination of high heat, live flame, and rich smoky flavour takes your steak experience to another level. With the right outdoor wood-fired pizza oven, every dinner becomes an opportunity to create, experiment, and share the joy of wood‑fired cooking.
Whether you’re using a home model or one of the commercial pizza ovens trusted by chefs nationwide, a pizza oven isn’t just for pizza; it’s the heart of every unforgettable meal.
