Installing a pizza oven in your backyard can be a great addition to your outdoor living space. It allows you to bake authentic wood-fired pizzas and can be used to make various other dishes. It can also become a focal point for gatherings in your backyard with your family and friends. However, these ovens aren’t without dangers, so it’s essential to consider certain safety issues before installing them. To this end, you must closely consider the oven’s materials, placement, ventilation, and installation.
Because they form the oven dome and floor, the materials used to build the oven must adequately withstand extreme heat. Brick, clay, and concrete are some popular materials. Clay bricks are great because they can withstand high temperatures. They are also commonly used for DIY construction. Concrete blocks are customizable, affordable, and durable, but aren’t a good choice due to their poor heat retention and insulation. Choosing the wrong materials can cause a DIY oven to collapse during or after use, resulting in a massive risk for those standing nearby.
Installation safety tips
Before installing an outdoor pizza oven in your backyard, applying for any necessary permits is essential. Also, check with your local authorities and your homeowner’s association. Your local fire department can also be relied upon for information about reducing fire risk. If you’re installing an outdoor pizza oven as a DIY project, ensure you do so on level, solid ground without anything above it, like tree branches, clotheslines, or power lines. To prevent fire hazards, there should also be adequate distance around the oven from walls, fences, and other objects. Aim for at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides.
Also, choose an area surrounded by fire-resistant materials like concrete or stone. Avoid placing it near flammable siding types like wood and plastic. Getting a DIY kit might be easier because it is faster to set up and comes with instructions. While following the manufacturer’s instructions, it’s wise to consult a professional if you’re ever unsure about any aspect of the installation.
(We may receive a commission on purchases made from links)
Ventilation safety tips
Some other factors to consider before installing an outdoor pizza oven are ensuring optimal ventilation and determining which accessories will keep you protected. Outdoor ovens, like other appliances placed outdoors, need proper ventilation. If your oven has a chimney or a stovepipe, that will allow smoke and hot air to escape so cold air can come in through the oven door. If you’re in an area closer to sea level, you might need to increase the height of your chimney to work better.
The most crucial safety accessory you’ll require is a pair of heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from burns. Additionally, keep a fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies and ensure it is suitable for extinguishing wood and grease fires. If you have children or pets, prepare to keep the area heavily supervised whenever it’s in use. Finally, educate yourself on the proper operation and maintenance of the pizza oven so you know what to expect before you get one.
