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Best Pizza Ovens for More Than Pizza: Complete Brand Guide 2025

Why Pizza Ovens Aren't Just for Pizza Anymore

When most home chefs think about pizza ovens, they envision perfectly charred Neapolitan pizzas with bubbling cheese and crispy crusts. While this is true, modern pizza ovens have evolved into versatile outdoor cooking powerhouses that can transform your entire culinary experience. These high-performance appliances reach temperatures between 700-900°F and maintain consistent heat for hours, making them ideal for roasting vegetables, searing steaks, baking artisan bread, and even preparing desserts (especially cinnamon rolls).

 

The surge in outdoor cooking popularity has driven innovation in pizza oven design, with manufacturers like Alfa, Fontana, and Ooni creating models that serve as complete outdoor kitchens. Whether you take pleasure cooking on the weekends and looking to elevate your backyard gatherings or a serious home chef seeking restaurant-quality results, understanding the versatility of these cooking appliances will help you make an informed investment.

 

At Brama Lifestyles, we've seen firsthand how the right pizza oven can revolutionize home cooking. Our customers consistently report that their pizza ovens become the centerpiece of their outdoor entertaining, handling everything from weeknight dinners to holiday meals.

What to Look for in a Multi-Use Pizza Oven

Heat Retention, Fuel Types, and Cooking Flexibility

When selecting a pizza oven for versatile cooking, several key factors determine performance and usability. Heat retention stands as the most critical feature, as it directly impacts your ability to cook multiple items sequentially and maintain consistent temperatures for extended periods.

 

Heat Retention Technology: Look for ovens with thick insulation layers and dense cooking surfaces. The best models feature ceramic fiber insulation combined with refractory materials that store and release heat evenly. This technology allows you to cook pizza at 800°F, then immediately transition to roasting chicken at 450°F without waiting for temperature adjustments. This may seem complicated but just give us a call at 905-760-9200 and a sales rep will walk you through this. Typically oven thickness increases with price.

Fuel Type Considerations:

Wood-fired ovens provide authentic flavor and reach the highest temperatures but require a learning curve and cleaning maintenance.

Gas-powered models offer convenience and precise temperature control, perfect for beginners

Hybrid options combine wood flavor with gas convenience, providing maximum flexibility

Although the gas powered models are the easiest to use, if you can commit a few cooks to learn how your wood-fired oven works it's totally worth it. Learning to control the fire is so satisfying and you can even use flavoured woods!

Outdoor vs. Indoor Use: What Suits Your Cooking Style?

Your cooking environment significantly influences which pizza oven will best serve your needs. Outdoor models typically offer larger cooking capacities and higher maximum temperatures, making them ideal for entertaining and high-heat cooking techniques. Just make sure you buy a cover for the snowy winters.


Indoor countertop models provide year-round accessibility and easier cleanup but operate at lower temperatures and smaller capacities due to smaller indoor spaces. They are typically gas as they are easier to hook up and have less regulation but wood indoors is possible. Consider your available space, cooking frequency, and budget when making this decision.
 

Alfa Forni Pizza Ovens – Italian Craftsmanship Meets Versatility

Key Features of Alfa Ovens

Alfa Pizza has established itself as a premium brand in the pizza oven market through decades of Italian craftsmanship and innovative design. Their ovens feature patented ForninoxTM technology, which combines stainless steel construction with specialized refractory materials for superior heat retention and durability.


Signature Technologies:

ForninoxTM Heat Technology: Proprietary blend of materials that reaches optimal cooking temperatures 50% faster than traditional brick ovens

Flue System Design: Advanced chimney system ensures proper smoke evacuation and temperature control

Modular Construction: Many models feature interchangeable components for easy maintenance and customization

Build Quality: Alfa ovens are constructed with marine-grade stainless steel exteriors that resist weathering and maintain their appearance over years of outdoor use. The cooking chambers utilize high-grade refractory materials sourced from Italian suppliers, ensuring authentic cooking performance.

What Else Can You Cook in an Alfa Oven?

Alfa's superior heat management makes these ovens exceptional for diverse cooking applications beyond traditional pizza. The precise temperature control and even heat distribution create ideal conditions for:


Bread Baking: The residual heat after pizza cooking (around 400-450°F) provides perfect conditions for artisanal bread baking. The steam retention in the dome creates crispy crusts with tender interiors.
 

Roasted Meats: High initial heat sears meats perfectly, while the gradual temperature decline allows for slow roasting. Whole chickens, roasts, and even large cuts like prime rib achieve restaurant-quality results.
 

Vegetable Roasting: The intense radiant heat caramelizes vegetables beautifully while maintaining their natural moisture and nutrients. Root vegetables, peppers, and seasonal produce develop complex flavors impossible to achieve in conventional ovens.

Best Alfa Models in 2025

Alfa Nano: Compact countertop model perfect for small spaces and beginners. Reaches 950°F in 10 minutes and accommodates 10-inch pizzas.
Alfa Moderno: Mid-range outdoor model with 27-inch cooking surface. Features dual-fuel capability (wood and gas) and built-in thermometer for precise temperature control.
Alfa Allegro: Professional-grade oven with 32-inch cooking chamber. Includes advanced insulation system and weather-resistant construction for year-round outdoor use.

 

Check out Brama Lifestyles Alfa Collection here.

Who Alfa Is Best For

Alfa ovens suit serious home cooks who value authentic Italian design and superior build quality. These models are ideal for customers who:

Prioritize long-term durability and performance

Enjoy high quality results regardless of cooking method

Appreciate premium aesthetics and craftsmanship

Have moderate to high budgets for kitchen equipment investments

Fontana Pizza Ovens – Heavy-Duty Performance for Serious Cooks

Why Fontana Is a Top Choice for Home Chefs

Fontana Pizza Ovens represents the intersection of professional-grade performance and home kitchen accessibility. This Italian manufacturer focuses on creating ovens that deliver commercial-quality results while remaining user-friendly for home cooks of all skill levels.


Professional-Grade Construction: Fontana ovens feature extra-thick refractory cooking surfaces and advanced insulation systems that maintain consistent temperatures for extended periods. Their ovens are designed to withstand the demanding use patterns of professional kitchens while remaining accessible to home users.
 

Innovative Heating Systems: The company's patented heating technology ensures rapid temperature achievement and superior heat retention. Most models reach cooking temperature within 15-20 minutes and maintain optimal heat for several hours after firing.

Multi-Function Cooking with Fontana

Fontana's engineering excellence shines in multi-use applications. Their ovens excel at temperature management, allowing seamless transitions between different cooking methods:


Sequential Cooking Programs: Start with high-heat pizza making, then utilize declining temperatures for roasting, braising, and slow-cooking applications. The thermal mass stores enough energy for multiple cooking sessions.
 

Baking Applications: Fontana ovens create ideal conditions for bread baking, pastries, and desserts. The even heat distribution and steam retention produce professional bakery results.
 

Grilling and Searing: The intense radiant heat perfectly sears steaks, chops, and seafood while maintaining juicy interiors. Cast iron cookware performs exceptionally well in these high-heat environments.
 

Top Fontana Models for 2025

Fontana Forni Mangiafuoco: Entry-level model with 31-inch cooking surface. Features stainless steel construction and efficient insulation for excellent heat retention.
Fontana Gusto: Mid-range option with advanced temperature control and dual-fuel capability. Includes built-in thermometer and improved chimney design.
Fontana Maestro: Premium model with 35-inch cooking chamber and professional-grade components. Features enhanced insulation and weather-resistant construction.

 

Check out Brama Lifestyles Fontana Collection here.

Ideal Users for Fontana

Fontana ovens appeal to home chefs who demand professional-level performance and reliability. These models are perfect for:

Experienced cooks seeking commercial-quality results

Beautiful design built to last

Customers prioritizing long-term durability and performance

Have moderate to high budgets for kitchen equipment investments

Ooni Pizza Ovens – Portable, Affordable, and Surprisingly Versatile

What Makes Ooni a Fan Favorite

Ooni has revolutionized the home pizza oven market by making high-quality pizza ovens accessible and portable. Their innovative approach combines advanced materials with user-friendly design, creating ovens that deliver impressive results without the complexity or expense of traditional models.


Portability Innovation: Ooni's lightweight construction and compact design make these ovens truly portable. Most models weigh under 30 pounds and can be easily transported for camping, tailgating, or moving between outdoor spaces.
 

Rapid Heating Technology: Despite their compact size, Ooni ovens reach cooking temperatures (up to 950°F) in just 15-20 minutes. This efficiency makes them perfect for spontaneous cooking sessions and quick meal preparation.
 

Fuel Flexibility: Ooni offers models that run on wood pellets, propane, charcoal, or multiple fuel types, providing options for different cooking preferences and fuel availability.

Beyond Pizza: What You Can Make with Ooni

While Ooni ovens are compact, their versatility rivals much larger models. The intense heat and efficient design create excellent conditions for:


Flatbreads and Naan: The high heat creates perfectly puffed flatbreads with characteristic char marks and tender interiors.
 

Roasted Vegetables: Small batches of seasonal vegetables develop incredible flavors in the intense heat environment.
 

Seared Meats: Using cast iron cookware, you can achieve restaurant-quality sears on steaks, chops, and seafood.
 

Baked Goods: Cookies, small breads, and personal-sized desserts bake beautifully using residual heat after pizza cooking.

Best Ooni Models for 2025

Ooni Koda 12: Gas-powered simplicity with 12-inch cooking surface. Perfect for beginners and quick cooking sessions.
Ooni Fyra 12: Wood pellet-powered for authentic smoky flavors. Features innovative pellet hopper design for consistent fuel feed.
Ooni Karu 16: Multi-fuel capability with 16-inch cooking surface. Includes gas burner option and advanced insulation.

 

Check out Brama Lifestyles OONI Collection here.

Is Ooni Right for You?

Ooni ovens are ideal for customers who:

Want to explore pizza oven cooking without major investment

Value portability and storage efficiency

Prefer simple, intuitive operation

Cook for smaller groups (2-6 people typically)

Appreciate modern design and innovative features

What Else Can You Cook in a Pizza Oven?

The versatility of modern pizza ovens extends far beyond their namesake dish. Understanding the full range of cooking possibilities helps justify the investment and maximizes your enjoyment of these powerful appliances.
 

Roasted Vegetables: The intense radiant heat caramelizes vegetables while maintaining their natural moisture. Root vegetables, peppers, eggplant, and seasonal produce develop complex flavors and perfect textures. Try roasting whole heads of cauliflower or colorful bell pepper medleys for impressive side dishes.
 

Perfectly Seared Steaks: Using cast iron cookware in a pizza oven creates ideal conditions for restaurant-quality steak preparation. The combination of radiant heat and conductive cooking surface produces perfect sears while maintaining juicy interiors.
 

Artisanal Bread Baking: The declining heat after pizza cooking creates perfect conditions for bread baking. The residual heat (around 400-450°F) and steam retention produce crispy crusts with tender, airy interiors that rival professional bakeries.
 

Slow-Cooked Braises: As temperatures drop to 300-350°F, pizza ovens become excellent braising vessels. Dutch ovens and covered cast iron cookware create perfect conditions for tender pot roasts, stews, and braised short ribs.
 

Desserts and Pastries: The gentle, even heat of a cooling pizza oven produces exceptional baked desserts. Fruit cobblers, cookies, and even delicate pastries benefit from the unique heat characteristics of these ovens.

Essential Cookware for Pizza Oven Versatility

To maximize your pizza oven's potential, investing in quality cookware designed for high-heat applications is crucial. The right tools transform your oven from a single-purpose appliance into a complete outdoor cooking system.
 

Cast Iron Essentials: A 12-15 inch cast iron skillet serves as the foundation for versatile pizza oven cooking. The superior heat retention and even heating make cast iron ideal for searing, roasting, and one-pan meals. Lodge cast iron offers excellent value and performance for pizza oven applications.
 

Dutch Oven Benefits: A 5-7 quart cast iron Dutch oven enables bread baking, braising, and slow-cooking applications. The tight-fitting lid creates ideal conditions for steam retention and even heat distribution.
 

Pizza Stones and Peels: Quality pizza stones improve heat distribution and create better crusts for both pizza and bread. Wooden or aluminum peels facilitate safe transfer of foods in and out of the high-heat environment.

 

See Brama Lifestyles' collection of pizza peels!
 

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Pizza Oven for Your Lifestyle

Go with Alfa

If you're looking for a beautifully designed, high-performance oven that heats fast, retains heat exceptionally well, and becomes a permanent fixture in your backyard kitchen — Alfa is a fantastic choice. Ideal for serious home cooks and entertainers.
💰 Expect to spend $2,000–$4,000+ depending on the model.

 

Go with Fontana

If you want commercial-grade performance (and still beautiful) with an old-school Italian build, Fontana is for you. These ovens are all about durability, firepower, and elegance built to impress.
💰 Also in the $2,000–$5,000 range, depending on size and fuel type.

 

Go with Ooni

If you’re just starting out, live in a smaller space, or want something more portable and budget-friendly, Ooni is a perfect introduction. You’ll still hit pro-level pizza temps — just with a more compact, entry-level setup.
💰 Most models range from $400–$800.

FAQ + Final Thoughts

Can I bake bread in a pizza oven?

Yes, pizza ovens are excellent for bread baking. After cooking pizza at high temperatures, the declining heat (around 400-450°F) creates ideal conditions for artisanal bread. The residual heat and steam retention produce crispy crusts with tender, airy interiors that rival professional bakeries.

Which oven is best for both pizza and meat?

All three brands excel at cooking both pizza and meat, but Fontana and Alfa ovens offer the best performance for serious meat cooking due to their superior heat retention and larger cooking chambers. Their ability to maintain consistent temperatures makes them ideal for searing steaks and roasting large cuts.

How do I clean a pizza oven after non-pizza use?

Allow the oven to cool completely, then remove any food debris with a stiff brush or scraper. Most cooking should be done in a pan but for stuck-on residue, heat the oven briefly to loosen debris, then brush clean. Avoid using soap or chemicals in the cooking chamber, as they can affect flavor and damage refractory materials.

What's the learning curve for using pizza ovens for different foods?

Most users master basic pizza cooking within a few sessions. Cooking other foods requires understanding heat management and timing, which typically develops over several months of regular use. Start with simple recipes and gradually experiment with more complex dishes as your confidence grows.

Do I need special cookware for pizza oven cooking?

While not essential, quality cast iron cookware significantly improves results and expands cooking possibilities. Cast iron's superior heat retention and even heating make it ideal for high-temperature pizza oven applications. Standard cookware may not perform well in the intense heat environment.

Want Better BBQ Tools?

Ready to transform your outdoor cooking experience? Visit Brama Lifestyles to explore our complete selection of pizza ovens and accessories. Our team of cooking equipment experts can help you choose the perfect pizza oven for your lifestyle and cooking goals.

Address: 175 Romina Dr. U1, Concord, ON L4K 4V3 | Phone: (905) 760-9200

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