If you’re aiming for that smoky, blistered crust and perfectly charred base, choosing the best wood for your pizza oven is just as important as your dough or toppings. The right firewood delivers consistent heat, burns cleanly, and adds a rich, authentic flavour to your pizzas.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best wood for pizza ovens in the UK, whether you’re using a traditional wood-fired oven, a compact model like the Ooni Karu, or looking to upgrade your fuel for tastier, more efficient cooks. From hardwood for pizza ovens to kiln-dried options, we’ll help you make the right choice.
Top Wood For Pizza Ovens
Why Wood Choice Matters in Pizza Ovens
Not all wood is created equal, especially when cooking at high temperatures. The wrong kind of wood can:
- Create excessive smoke or soot
- Leave behind residue on your pizza stone
- Smell unpleasant or burn too fast
- Fail to reach the optimal cooking temperature
You need seasoned hardwood, ideally kiln-dried for low moisture content to get the best results.
Best Types of Wood for Pizza Ovens in the UK
1. Oak – The Go-To Hardwood
Oak is widely considered the best wood for pizza ovens. It burns hot and slow, produces little smoke, and offers a pleasant aroma.
- Excellent heat retention
- Available in kiln-dried logs and chunks
- Great for both Neapolitan pizzas and slow-cooked dishes
Best for: Traditional wood-fired and larger pizza ovens like the Gozney Dome or Delivita.
2. Ash – Clean and Consistent
Ash is another top choice among UK wood-fired pizza oven users. It lights easily, burns evenly, and doesn’t leave too much ash behind.
- Medium-high heat output
- Minimal smoke and sparks
- Great for beginners using wood-fired ovens
Best for: Small to medium ovens where control and consistency matter.
3. Beech – Hot, Clean, Aromatic
Beech is a fantastic wood for pizza cooking. It burns clean and gives a slightly sweet, smoky flavour that works well with pizza toppings.
- High heat with low moisture
- Adds a mild aroma without overpowering the food
- Perfect for short, hot bakes like Neapolitan pizza
Best for: Authentic wood-fired pizza ovens or to blend with oak for extra flavour.
4. Silver Birch – Fast & Flavourful
Silver birch burns hotter and faster than oak but gives off a lovely scent. While not ideal as the only fuel source for long cooking sessions, it’s great for starting fires or mixing with slower-burning hardwoods.
- Lights quickly, burns fast
- Fragrant and clean-burning
- Ideal as kindling or mixed fuel
Best for: Quick pre-heats or combining with denser woods for flavour variety.
Wood for Ooni Pizza Ovens
Choosing the right wood is even more important due to their compact design if you’re using a portable pizza oven like the Ooni Karu 12 or 16.
Recommended Ooni Wood:
- Hardwood chunks or splits (oak, ash, beech)
- Kiln-dried, low-moisture wood only
- Avoid softwoods, treated wood, or overly large logs
Ooni even sells their hardwood kindling and pellets, which are sized perfectly and burn efficiently in small ovens.
Pro tip: Use an infrared thermometer to check that your stone reaches 450–500°C before launching your pizza.
Why Kiln-Dried Wood Is Best
Kiln-dried wood is dried in a controlled environment to reduce moisture content below 20%. This means:
- Faster lighting
- Hotter, cleaner burns
- Less smoke and soot
- Reduced ash build-up
Whether buying logs, chunks, or kindling, always look for kiln-dried on the label for the best cooking results.
Where to Buy Quality Pizza Oven Wood in the UK
Trusted UK suppliers include:
- Certainly Wood – Specialises in kiln-dried hardwood logs
- Big K – Offers hardwood and Ooni-compatible wood
- Logs Online – Delivers beech, oak, and ash in various sizes
- Ooni UK – Sells custom-sized hardwood and pellets
Always check your oven’s manual for fuel size and type recommendations.
Final Thoughts
The right wood can make or break your pizza night. Whether you’re firing up a traditional dome oven or loading fuel into an Ooni, choosing the best wood for pizza ovens in the UK ensures hotter temps, better flavour, and a more enjoyable cooking experience.
Stick to hardwood like oak, ash, and beech, and make sure it’s kiln-dried for the cleanest and most efficient burn. If you’re using an Ooni, opt for the brand’s recommended wood or similar-sized alternatives.
