It’s the season of outdoor cooking and wood-fired pizzas, so you’re thinking of upgrading to a dedicated outdoor pizza oven for your backyard. You know that the right type of wood can make all the difference in your pizza’s flavor, but with so many options available it can be hard to decide which one is best.
Depending on what characteristics are most important to you, you’ll find pros and cons for each type of wood. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the qualities of popular woods like apple, ash, beech, hickory, and maple so you can find the one that best suits your outdoor pizza oven!
Apple
The Pros:
Applewood has a long burn time, a sweet flavor, and it’s great for salmon, pork, and poultry. It’s a great choice for cooking pizzas because it produces consistent heat, so you won’t have to worry about having to add more wood throughout the cooking process.
The Cons:
Unfortunately, applewood can be expensive and hard to find in some areas, as well as difficult to split into smaller pieces for use in a pizza oven. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, then applewood might not be the best option for your outdoor pizza.
Ash
The Pros:
Ash burns long and consistently, and it splits easily so it’s ideal for outdoor pizza ovens. It’s also easy to find, making it a popular choice for many people. In addition, ash wood also imparts a nice smoky flavor to your pizzas, so it adds an extra layer of flavor.
The Cons:
While ash is great for cooking pizza, if you don’t store it properly and keep it dry, it can rot easily. This means that you’ll need to make sure your outdoor pizza oven is protected from the elements and moisture to avoid any issues with rot.
Beech
The Pros:
Beech is an affordable option and has a high heat capacity, making it perfect for cooking pizzas in an outdoor pizza oven. It also produces a light smoke flavor that pairs well with your favorite vegetables and cheeses.
The Cons:
Beech takes a long time to season, so you’ll need to plan ahead when using it. Additionally, it’s not as dense as some other types of wood, which means you’ll have to use more of it to get the same amount of heat.
Hickory
The Pros:
Hickory burns hot and has a flavor that’s similar to bacon (yum!). This makes it ideal for many pizza recipes since its flavor complements many ingredients. Plus, it’s relatively easy to find in your local stores.
The Cons:
Hickory can be difficult to split, so you’ll need a sturdy axe or maul if you want to use this type of wood in your outdoor pizza oven. Additionally, hickory has the potential to go bitter if it is not properly seasoned and stored.
Maple
The Pros:
Maple burns hot and has a sweet and mild flavor. This type of wood is perfect for making pizzas with sweet toppings or those that require longer cooking times, so you can ensure your pizzas come out perfectly cooked every time.
The Cons:
Maple is more difficult to split than some other types of wood, and it isn’t as dense so you’ll need to use more to get the desired heat for your outdoor pizza oven. It also takes longer to season, so be sure to plan if you’re looking to use maple in your pizza oven.
Find Your Perfect Outdoor Pizza Oven With Round Grove Products
No matter which wood you choose to use in your outdoor pizza oven, Round Grove Products has everything you need to get started. From pizza stones and tools to wood-fired grills and accessories, they have all the essentials to make sure your pizzas come out perfect every time.
Our products are designed to last and can be used with any type of wood, so you don’t have to worry about finding the perfect kind for your outdoor pizza oven. Round Grove is proud to offer top-notch quality products that are sure to make your outdoor cooking experience a breeze!
If you’re looking to get started on your outdoor pizza-making journey, trust Round Grove Products to provide you with the best in wood-fired grilling and cooking supplies. Contact us today to request a free quote!