How do you start a fire in an outdoor pizza oven?

Igniting a fire in an outdoor pizza oven not only marks the beginning of an enticing culinary adventure but also the moment when flavors and friends come together. Let’s spark up not just the flames but also your passion for outdoor cooking. 

Overview of using an outdoor pizza oven

The outdoor pizza oven has evolved from a traditional cooking apparatus to a modern culinary icon, offering a unique flavor and experience. Unlike conventional ovens, the high temperatures and wood-fired ambiance introduce a distinct taste and texture to pizzas and other dishes, making every meal a special occasion and unique visual experience during and after your meal.

Essential tools and materials

Before you ignite the flames, ensure you have the right tools. A long-handled pizza oven brush, a durable pizza peel, an ash-hook and high-quality firewood are indispensable. Preferably, choose hardwoods like white oak or maple for a longer, hotter burn that’s ideal for pizza making.

Additionally, having a fire starter or natural kindling is crucial. Avoid using lighter fluids or chemicals that can impart unwanted flavors into your food.

Preparing your outdoor pizza oven

Before firing a new oven for cooking, complete the curing process. With the oven cool, remove debris from previous cooking sessions and prepare dry kindling and seasoned hardwood. Follow the instructions for your model; the steps below follow the CBO wood-burning oven manual.

Step-by-step guide to lighting the fire

1. Start with dry kindling placed 10 inches from the front of the oven. Never use chemicals or starter fluids.
2. Light the kindling, then add small pieces of wood as the fire becomes established. Raise the temperature gradually; avoid building a huge fire that pours out of the oven mouth.
3. Once the fire is going strongly, add larger pieces of wood and begin moving the fire toward the back of the oven, about 20 minutes after it is established.
4. The dome initially turns black. As it heats, it turns whitish grey; work toward heating the entire dome evenly to that color.

This is the firing process for an already cured oven, not a substitute for curing. Choose cooking temperatures for the food you are preparing and follow your model’s operating instructions.

Managing the fire for optimal cooking

Manage the fire’s intensity and position using appropriate long-handled fire-tending tools. Keep the cooking area clear of embers, and follow your model’s guidance for positioning the fire.

Control the fire by adding wood as necessary to maintain the temperature. Too much can overheat the oven, while too little can cause the temperature to drop, affecting the cooking process.

Safety tips

Safety should never be overlooked. Wear heat-resistant gloves, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and ensure children and pets are kept at a safe distance. Always monitor the fire and never leave it unattended.

Allow the wood fire to burn down naturally. Follow your model’s shutdown instructions; do not use a decorative door to extinguish a fire or close the doorway while gas burners operate. For CBO-500/750 wood models, the manual permits closing the decorative door only after the oven cools below 200°F. Never use water to extinguish the fire. See our oven FAQs for more guidance.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you’re encountering trouble with getting the fire started, reconsider the moisture content of your wood—ideally, it should be below 20%. Also, adjust the amount of kindling and the air flow.

If the fire smolders, check that your wood is dry and follow your model’s airflow and fire-building instructions. Do not attempt to regulate the fire by closing a decorative door.

Wrapping Up the Fiery Feast

Mastering the art of igniting a fire in your outdoor pizza oven can transform your backyard into a culinary haven. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a weekend warrior, the ability to control flames paves the way for endless gastronomic explorations. Embrace the warmth, savor each slice, and let the shared moments around your outdoor pizza oven become your favorite memories.