Installing an outdoor pizza oven enables you to make incredible artisanal-style pizzas from the comfort of your own patio or backyard. To allow for proper air flow and safely elevate your oven at comfortable working height, pairing it with the right stand is key. Sturdy oven stands specifically designed for outdoor use keep your oven stable while providing handy storage and workspace.
Here are tips for choosing the perfect stand to get your backyard pizza oven set up for cooking convenience and entertainment all summer long.
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Height and Sturdiness Are Key
A pizza oven stand outdoor needs to securely hold a heavy oven weighing hundreds of pounds while resisting elements like wind and rain. Look for solid metal construction using powder coated steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. Welded frames provide durability and stability. Make sure the stand feels rock solid in place with no wobbling.
Also consider the height of the stand’s oven shelf. Around 32-36 inches off the ground enables safe handling of the hot oven at a comfortable work level. Low stands sacrifice ergonomics while overly tall ones make monitoring the oven difficult. Measure your height and cooking habits to determine the ideal oven shelf elevation for you.
Allow Proper Air Flow and Ventilation
Wood fired ovens require ample oxygen circulation to maintain high temperatures and clean-burning fuel fires. Ensure the stand design allows space underneath and around the oven for air to flow freely to the combustion chamber vent. This prevents smoke backdraft. Open bottom shelves are ideal. Solid metal stands that fully enclose the oven base block needed airflow.
Some oven stands feature built-in ventilation ports at the base which assist airflow to the burning fire while also providing storage space under the oven. Stands with more open and unobstructed construction maximize ventilation for optimal oven performance.
Storage and Workspace Features
The best outdoor pizza oven stands provide more than just a sturdy shelf to place the oven. Convenient workspace and storage options streamline your outdoor cooking tasks. Look for stands with lower and/or side shelves to hold essentials like pizza peels, cooking tools, spices, toppings, wood fuel and more. This saves frequent trips back to the kitchen.
Some models even include handy amenities like cutting boards, utensil hooks, and built-in seasoning trays. For keeping supplies organized, opt for a stand with cabinets or drawers to store items out of sight. Side tables create a useful food prep station right next to the oven. Having ample workspace surrounding the oven makes hosting backyard pizza parties much easier.
Easy Mobility for Placement Flexibility
Certain outdoor pizza oven stands come equipped with smooth rolling casters, allowing the oven to be moved as needed. This feature enables chasing shade on a sunny deck or placing the oven nearer to a dining table temporarily. Locking casters keep the oven fixed in place once positioned. Just be sure to detach any propane line first if relocating a gas fueled oven.
For permanent installation, opt for an outdoor stand with leveling feet that can be adjusted to ensure the oven stays even and stable on uneven surfaces. Stands that can easily roll where you want or be permanently leveled offer the most placement flexibility for your backyard setup.
Material and Finish Suited for Weather Exposure
An outdoor oven stand needs to be made from weather-resistant materials able to withstand sun, rain, and other outdoor elements. Powder coated steel provides a durable and protective finish that prevents rusting and deterioration. Stainless steel also holds up well outside. Ensure the construction uses rust-resistant hardware.
For optimal longevity, look for stands featuring aluminum or stainless steel rather than standard steel. Also check that any integrated storage areas are moisture-sealed to keep contents dry in inclement weather. High quality materials and structural reinforcements ensure your stand survives many seasons of regular outdoor oven use.
Easy Assembly for Quick Installation
Look for an outdoor pizza oven stand designed for straightforward assembly using basic tools like wrenches and screwdrivers. Clear instructions with numbered parts and diagrams ease the process. Pre-attached components and color coding help identify pieces for seamless construction.
Ideally the stand should take 1-2 people no more than 30-60 minutes to fully assemble out of the box. Complicated assembly is frustrating. Save time and hassle with an outdoor oven stand engineered for quick and painless DIY installation.
Conclusion
The right outdoor pizza oven stand provides safe sturdy support, ample workspace, and handy storage to streamline cooking. Height, construction, ventilation, mobility, weather-resistance, and easy assembly are key factors to weigh when choosing your ideal oven stand. Taking the time to select one tailored to your specific backyard space and cooking needs ensures your new outdoor pizza oven becomes a joy to use for many years.
