When choosing a pizza oven, one major decision is whether to go for a brick or metal design. Both have their strengths, and the right one for you depends on your cooking style, space, and how authentic you want your pizza to taste.
Let’s compare brick and metal pizza ovens so you can decide which one belongs in your backyard (or on your patio).
Key Takeaways
- Brick ovens excel in flavour and heat retention but require space, money, and time.
- Metal ovens are portable, quick, and user-friendly, great for everyday use.
- Choose based on your cooking frequency, space, and how authentic you want your pizza.
Brick Pizza Ovens: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Superior heat retention: Once hot, brick ovens maintain high temperatures for hours.
- Authentic flavour: Produces smoky, wood-fired flavour ideal for Neapolitan-style pizzas.
- Even heat distribution: Perfect for baking bread, roasting meats, and cooking multiple pizzas.
- Long lifespan: Durable, permanent installations that can last decades.
- Visual appeal: A beautiful centrepiece for any outdoor kitchen or garden.
Cons:
- Expensive: Installation can cost thousands of pounds.
- Bulky: Requires significant outdoor space and often a foundation.
- Slow to heat: May take 1–2 hours to reach cooking temperature.
- Permanent: Not portable, once installed, it stays put.
Metal Pizza Ovens: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Quick heat-up time: Ready to cook in 15-30 minutes.
- Portability: Lightweight and easy to store or take on trips.
- Affordable: Prices range from £200 to £700 for quality options.
- Easy to maintain: Stainless steel bodies resist rust and clean easily.
- Great for beginners: Consistent results without needing expert skill.
Cons:
- Less heat retention: Cools down faster once the fuel is removed.
- Lighter construction: Can be affected by wind and weather.
- Limited capacity: Often built for one pizza at a time.
- Less traditional flavour: Harder to achieve the smoky taste of a brick oven (unless wood-fired).
Brick vs Metal: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Brick Oven | Metal Oven |
| Heat Retention | Excellent | Moderate |
| Heat-Up Time | 60–120 mins | 15–30 mins |
| Cooking Capacity | High | Low (1 pizza at a time) |
| Flavour | Smoky, traditional | Clean, less smoky |
| Ease of Use | Requires skill | Beginner-friendly |
| Installation | Permanent, costly | Portable, easy |
| Cost | £1,500+ | £200–£700 |
| Lifespan | 10–30+ years | 5–10 years |
| Ideal For | Pizza purists, entertainers | Casual cooks, outdoor hobbyists |
Which One Should You Choose?
Go for a Brick Oven if:
- You want an authentic wood-fired experience
- You entertain large groups regularly
- You have the budget and space for a permanent setup
- You value long-term investment and aesthetics
Choose a Metal Oven if:
- You’re new to pizza making or want a low-maintenance option
- You need a portable, affordable, and fast-heating solution
- You have limited outdoor space
- You prefer versatility and ease over tradition
Final Thoughts
Brick and metal pizza ovens both have their place in home cooking. While brick ovens offer a traditional feel and flavour that’s hard to beat, metal ovens provide speed, flexibility, and excellent results, without the time or cost commitment.
Whichever you choose, both will bring you closer to making incredible pizzas at home.
