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A pizza oven is a versatile addition to any home cooking setup, especially for outdoor cooking enthusiasts across the USA. At Chicago Brick Oven, our American-made wood-fired and hybrid ovens bring authentic Neapolitan flavors, high-performance heat up to 1000°F, and unmatched durability to your backyard. Choosing the right spot to install and use your pizza oven is crucial for safety, performance, and ease of use.
Best Places to Use a Pizza Oven
When installing a pizza oven, focus on airflow, safety, and convenience. Our ovens, whether wood-fired, gas, or hybrid models perform best outdoors, where heat can disperse safely and cooking is comfortable.
1. Outdoor Kitchen or Patio
Patios and outdoor kitchens are ideal for CBO ovens. Placing your oven near prep counters, ingredients, and dining areas ensures:
- Convenient workflow from prep to bake
- Safe, open-air ventilation
- Easy access to tools and accessories
Chicago Brick Oven models like the CBO-750 and CBO-500 fit beautifully into patio layouts, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
2. Garden or Backyard Feature
Many homeowners make their pizza oven a backyard centerpiece. Integrating your oven into a stone wall, courtyard, or BBQ island adds charm while providing ample space for cooking. Our wood-fired ovens create an authentic, rustic culinary atmosphere, perfect for gatherings and entertaining.
3. Indoor Locations (Certified Models Only)
Some indoor ovens exist, but only models certified by UL and NSF should be installed indoors. Professional installation is a must! DO NOT attempt to use standard outdoor ovens indoors, even if purchased online.
What You Can Cook in a Pizza Oven
Beyond pizza, Chicago Brick Oven provides a high-performance cooking environment that rivals professional kitchens. With radiant, convection, and conduction heat, you can bake, roast, grill, and sear with precision.
Breads
- Artisan loaves, focaccia, flatbreads
- High, consistent heat delivers a crispy crust and airy crumb
- Cook directly on the hearth surface
Meats
- Sear steaks, roast chicken, grill fish
- Slow-cook ribs or prepare BBQ-style dishes
- Use cast iron to enhance flavor and retain moisture
- Must cook on grates or cooking vessel of some kind; this applies to all foods outside of breads.
- Always pre-warm any cooking vessel (the Tuscan grill, a cast iron pot, pan etc.) before you put it in the oven. If you place a cold vessel on a hot Hearth, the thermal shock may cause the Hearth to crack. You can also add an Oven Rack so the pot or pan doesn’t sit directly on the Hearth.
Vegetables & Grains
- Roast potatoes, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts
- Bake casseroles, lasagna, or grain-based dishes
- Quick heat locks in flavor and caramelizes edges
Desserts
- Bake brownies, cookies, or fruit crisps
- Short, high-heat baking adds a unique texture
Key Cooking Tips for Pizza Oven Success
- Use High Heat – Preheat your oven fully to reach 700–1000°F for crisp crusts and faster cooking.
- Rotate for Even Cooking – Rotate pizzas and dishes using a turning peel to avoid uneven cooking.
- Maintain Consistent Fuel – For wood or pellet ovens, use seasoned hardwood and steady flames. Gas ovens should be preheated and flame adjusted as needed.
- Use Essential Tools – Pizza peels, cast iron pans, and oven brushes improve safety and cooking efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right location and using your pizza oven properly ensures exceptional results every time. Chicago Brick Oven’s American-made, UL- and NSF-certified ovens are designed to provide safe, high-performance cooking whether on a patio, backyard, or covered outdoor space. With the right setup, your pizza oven becomes a versatile culinary powerhouse, capable of creating everything from artisan breads to gourmet desserts, all with authentic wood-fired flavor.
