So you’ve just bought your first pizza oven—congratulations! Whether it’s a sleek gas model or a traditional wood-fired oven, there’s nothing quite like baking your pizza with blistered crusts and bubbling cheese. But before you toss in your first dough, there are a few things you need to know.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use a pizza oven for the first time, including setup, safety tips, and cooking techniques. With these pizza oven instructions and first-time pizza oven tips, you’ll go from nervous novice to confident pizzaiolo.
Top Pizza Ovens
Step 1: Understand Your Pizza Oven Type
There are three main types of pizza ovens, and how you use them can vary:
- Gas-powered: Easy to control, fast to heat, and great for beginners.
- Wood-fired: Authentic flavour, but requires more fire management.
- Multi-fuel: Use wood, charcoal, or gas depending on your needs.
Read your user manual to confirm fuel requirements and assembly steps for your specific model.
Step 2: Set It Up on a Safe, Level Surface
Choose a flat, heat-resistant surface outdoors. Ensure plenty of ventilation and no overhanging branches or flammable items nearby.
First-time pizza oven tips:
- Use a heatproof mat or table on wood or composite decking.
- Ensure your oven is stable—especially important for tabletop models.
- If using gas, check for secure hose connections and perform a leak test.
Step 3: Cure the Oven (If Required)
You’ll likely need to cure the oven before your first real cook for wood-fired or clay ovens. This means heating it gradually over several sessions to remove moisture and prevent cracking.
Basic curing instructions:
- Start with a small fire and increase the temperature daily over 3–5 days.
- Avoid sudden high heat on the first use.
- Always check the manufacturer’s guidance for specific curing times.
Gas and steel ovens typically do not require curing.
Step 4: Preheat Your Pizza Oven Properly
One of the biggest rookie mistakes is not preheating long enough. Your oven needs to reach a temperature of around 450–500°C (850–950°F) to cook Neapolitan-style pizzas in 60–90 seconds.
How to preheat:
- Wood-fired: Build a small fire at the centre and feed it gradually. Push the embers to the side once they’re hot.
- Gas-powered: Turn on and let it heat for 15–20 minutes.
- Check stone temperature: Use an infrared thermometer for accuracy—stone temp should hit at least 400°C.
Step 5: Prep Your Pizza Properly
While the oven heats up, prep your pizza base and toppings. Use semolina or fine flour on your pizza peel to prevent sticking.
Tips for first-timers:
- Don’t overload with toppings—this can make the base soggy.
- Stretch your dough evenly and not too thin.
- Keep ingredients dry (avoid watery sauces or wet mozzarella).
Step 6: Launch and Rotate
Launching your pizza into the oven takes practice. Give the peel a little shake before placing the pizza to ensure it slides off easily.
Cook like a pro:
- Rotate the pizza every 20–30 seconds for even charring.
- Use a turning peel if available.
- Keep the flame alive (for wood) or adjust the gas dial to maintain consistent heat.
Step 7: Serve and Celebrate
Once your pizza has puffed, charred, and melted to perfection, slide it out, slice it up, and enjoy your hard work!
Optional final touches:
- Drizzle with olive oil
- Add fresh basil or rocket
- Sprinkle chilli flakes or sea salt for a flavour kick
Bonus First-Time Pizza Oven Tips
- Practice with dough before turning on the oven
- Keep extra flour or semolina nearby
- Don’t walk away from the stove while cooking—pizzas can burn quickly
- Clean the stone only when completely cool (use a brush or scraper)
- Try pre-made dough if you’re nervous about making your own
Final Thoughts
Learning how to use a pizza oven for the first time doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right setup, preparation, and cooking technique, you’ll be making delicious pizzas that rival your favourite restaurant in no time.
From basic pizza oven instructions to pro tips for beginners, this guide has everything you need to kick off your outdoor pizza journey with confidence.
