The best height for a pizza oven is one that allows the user to easily see what’s going on inside and comfortably place pies without having to crouch over. In general, that means the opening should be between 36 and 48 inches off the ground. By contrast, the height of the dome is totally up to your preference, because different heights create different results. Shorter domes are better for creating Neapolitan-style pies, whereas taller domes are ideal for NY-style recipes.
Older research tells us that adding an outdoor pizza oven is unlikely to increase ROI. But thanks to an uptick in interest in this feature, it’s becoming increasingly likely that installing one will boost your home’s value by a small amount.
The decision to make or buy your outdoor pizza oven depends on your personal preferences, budget, and time. If you pay a professional to build a custom pizza oven, the cost will likely be higher than retail costs. If you purchase materials to create an oven, you can typically build an elaborate one for less money, but there’s a risk that you’ll injure yourself or make a costly building error.
If you plan to have a refrigerator or other appliances that require electricity, you will need an electrical outlet in your outdoor kitchen. Be sure to comply with all National Electrical Code® (NEC®) codes for electrical wiring and outlets in kitchens. If you do not plan to install a refrigerator or any other appliances that require electricity as part of your outdoor kitchen features, then you do not need to install electrical outlets. However, it is a good idea to install at least one electrical outlet should you decide to use any appliances that require electricity.
Whether or not it’s cheaper to build a pizza oven depends largely on what style you opt for and which tools and materials you already have. For example, having a surplus of leftover fire bricks from another DIY project will reduce the amount you need to build a new pizza oven and cut costs to boot. On the flip side, if you don’t have any of the required materials, buying a pre-made option will be cheaper and require far less work to set up—between just $300 and $1,000 for the best versions.
The Mcleod, MT homeowners’ guide to outdoor kitchen services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover the cost to build an outdoor kitchen, including average prices, cost factors, and tips to help you plan your project and maximize your investment.
Discover the cost to build an outdoor pizza oven, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to help you budget your backyard pizza oven project.