Stainless Steel vs Brick Pizza Oven: What's The Difference?

An outdoor pizza oven is a beautiful addition to any backyard. There are so many options and choosing the best pizza oven material, the most popular brick or stainless steel, is the first decision you’ll need to make. When comparing a brick oven vs stainless steel pizza oven you’ll want to consider: heat performance, cooking style, aesthetic, cost and portability.

This guide will give you a good outdoor pizza oven comparison to help you pick the right oven for your needs.

	Brick Oven	Stainless Steel Oven
🔥 Heat Retention	High thermal mass. Absorbs and radiates heat steadily	Can maintain high heat but also work at lower temperatures with ease.
⏱ Preheat Time	Slow to heat up, typically 30 to 60 minutes, sometimes longer.	Fast, approximately 20–30 minutes to get to high heat temperatures.
⚖ Weight & Portability	Designed to be permanent backyard fixtures.	Some models can be portable, easier to move around.
🎨 Aesthetics	Rustic and traditional. More of an artisan, handcrafted look.	More modern look when comparing stainless steel pizza oven vs brick. Comes in a variety of colors and sizes to meet your needs. Works seamlessly with outdoor kitchens.
🍕 Ideal Uses	Perfect for cooking pizzas in bulk, artisan breads, longer cooking sessions.	Great for quick pizzas, weeknight dinners, casual gatherings and more.
💵 Price Range (Installation & Maintenance)	High upfront installation costs to build-in and lay the bricks. Plus occasional brick repair and weather protection.	Moderate cost, easier to put together, requires minimal maintenance.

Stainless Steel Pizza Oven Pros and Cons

Pros: A stainless steel outdoor pizza oven is a great choice for faster pre-heat times and cool down times. Our stainless steel ovens reach temperatures of 900 degrees and can reach 750 degrees in around 30 minutes. Stainless steel ovens are also easier to clean and have the option to be portable as well. So it’s a pro if convenience is a factor.

Cons: Although stainless steel pizza ovens heat up faster, when you look at stainless steel pizza oven vs brick, it doesn’t retain heat for as long as a brick oven does.

Brick Pizza Oven Pros and Cons

Pros: A brick pizza oven looks authentic and can serve as a permanent standout feature in your yard. It also retains heat very well making it perfect for long baking projects and is often bigger than stainless steel ovens making it ideal for large cooking projects or restaurants.

Cons: Brick ovens require a lot of maintenance and care and can’t be moved around due to its size and weight. It also takes longer to preheat and cool down than a stainless steel oven. You generally need to cure a brick pizza oven before you use it, which means starting small fires to remove moisture and prevent cracks.

Difference in Cooking Experience and Flavor

The cooking experience and flavor of a stainless steel vs brick pizza oven depends a lot on what you are making and also the type of fuel you are using (stainless steel wood-fired pizza oven or gas). Because brick ovens can get to super high heats you’ll most often see the traditional Neapolitan pizzas made in them, something you can prepare in your stainless steel oven as well, especially with our Saputo stones. Brick ovens can sometimes have a chewier crust because of the moisture and high temperatures, but again there are many factors to consider including the dough you use and the temperature you cook at.

Stainless Steel vs. Brick Ovens: Which is Best for You?

Choosing the best pizza oven for you depends on what you are looking for in an oven. Brick ovens are often more permanent fixtures in the backyard, beautiful, but not easy to transport. They are often larger so are well suited for restaurants or producing large amounts of food and they retain heat for a long period of time. A stainless steel oven heats up and cools down faster and is easier to transport, especially with something like a pizza cart or desk.

You’ll also want to consider maintenance. A brick oven generally requires when directly comparing a stainless steel vs brick pizza oven. The general daily maintenance is the same, burning off any food debris and using your brush to wipe away the ash. With brick pizza ovens it's important to consistently check the bricks for any cracks or holes. It’s a small maintenance issue if you repair them swiftly but can become a much bigger issue if moisture starts to seep in or the oven isn’t retaining heat in the same way.

Stainless steel ovens require minimal maintenance aside from burning off any food stains. If you are looking for something with less upkeep, a stainless steel oven is the right pick.

FAQs

Q: What type of pizza oven is best for beginners?

A: Any pizza oven will take a few tries to master. A stainless steel pizza oven is easier to maintain and a gas oven is the easiest when it comes to temperature control. Our Fontana Academy will help you get started with instructions, recipes and more.

Q: Are stainless steel pizza ovens durable for long-term outdoor use?

A: Stainless steel pizza ovens are made for all weather long-term outdoor use, even in places that get snowy or cold. We recommend a cover for those that live near salt water as salt water can erode stainless steel, but our stainless steel ovens are built to withstand the elements.

Q: Can you use a stainless steel pizza oven in the winter?

A: Absolutely! Our pizza ovens are designed for use year-round no matter where you live. As long as you don’t mind the cold (or brushing snow off of your oven), the oven is perfect for cooking pizza, roasts, roasted vegetables and more.

Q: What is the best material for an outdoor pizza oven?

A: Stainless steel is the best material for an outdoor pizza oven if you are looking for something easy to use and maintain. Our stainless steel outdoor pizza ovens are perfect for cooking everything from great pizza to roasted vegetables, meats and more.

About Fontana Forni Stainless Steel Pizza Ovens

Fontana Forni outdoor pizza ovens offer you the best of both worlds; all of our hybrid, gas and wood-fired pizza ovens feature modern materials and 100% Italian construction. Discover the benefits of our pizza ovens online or call 877-223-8056.

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