Spring is here and it’s time to prepare for cooking alfresco. Cooking pizza outdoors is so straightforward when you have the right equipment and a bit of preparation in place. This guide covers what you need to get started, from choosing an oven to setting up your space and stocking essential supplies. 

Choosing a Garden-Friendly Pizza Oven 

For most home setups, a compact oven is the most practical option. It offers high performance without taking up too much space. 

The Zio Ciro ovens available on our website are designed specifically for this kind of use. They are: 

• Compact enough for patios and gardens 

• Quick to heat up 

• Capable of reaching the high temperatures needed for proper pizza cooking 

These ovens are a good fit whether you're cooking occasionally or hosting small gatherings. 

Zio Ciro Lightweight ovens are ideal for garden use 

The Nano is a lightweight, ready to use, gas oven from Zio Ciro. Ideal for outdoor use with professional performance and with top and dome entirely made of high-quality refractory concrete. 

The oven can reach a cooking temperature of 450 ° C (850 ° F) in just 15 minutes. It can hold one large single pizza. 

Ideal for cooking pizza, it is also suitable for cooking other foods such as meat, fish, vegetables and desserts. 

Do you choose Wood fired or gas? 

The Italian made Zio Ciro Subito Cotto is a portable wood-fired or gas oven ideal for residential use (wood or gas is available on all models except the mini which is gas only). The largest Subito Cotto will hold 4 to 5 pizzas at a time. 

Gas pizza ovens offer convenience, fast heating, and easy temperature control. Wood-fired ovens offer a traditional experience, ambiance, and authentic flavour, but the ovens just require a little more time to heat up and require a bit more practice to master. 

A separate stand can be purchased for these ovens, making it ideal for a garden setting, as it can be moved into place easily.   

DIY kits allow you to customise to suit your taste

Zio Ciro also offer a DIY oven kit that is easy to assemble and comes with all the components needed to create your own pizza kitchen at home. The Amalfi 100 Model & Napoli 80 is a compact wood-fired oven, that once assembled can be fully customised (see main picture)

You can incorporate it into a stone housing or add a personal touch with tile decorations. 

Essential Pizza Equipment and Accessories 

Using the right tools makes a noticeable difference in both ease and results. Key items to consider include: 

• Pizza peel: For placing and turning pizzas in the oven 

• Oven thermometer: Ensures you’re cooking at the correct temperature 

• Dough tools: Such as cutters, scrapers, and proofing boxes 

• Serving boards: For preparing and presenting pizzas 

For wood-fired ovens, you’ll also need: 

• Firewood and kindling 

•  Fire management tools 

• Heat-resistant gloves 

These accessories are available on our website and are selected to work well with outdoor pizza ovens. 

Preparing Your Existing Garden Setup 

If you already have a garden or patio area, a few simple checks will help ensure everything runs smoothly. 

Clean Your Oven and Equipment 

Before using your oven, remove any ash or debris from previous use. A clean oven performs better and avoids unwanted flavours. 

We supply dedicated pizza oven brushes and cleaning tools to make this process easier. 

Set Up a Prep Area 

You’ll need a clean, flat surface for: 

• Stretching dough

• Adding toppings 

• Organising ingredients 

A sturdy outdoor table is usually sufficient and a quality pizza board. 

Plan Your Layout 

Arrange your space so that everything is within reach: 

• Prep area near the oven 

• Tools stored safely but accessible 

• Serving area close by 

This reduces unnecessary movement while cooking. 

Fuel: What You Need for Wood-Fired Cooking 

If you’re using a wood-fired oven, fuel quality is important. 

Use properly seasoned hardwood to: 

• Maintain consistent heat 

• Reduce smoke 

• Improve cooking efficiency 

We offer suitable wood and related accessories on our website, so you can be confident you're using the correct fuel. 

Make sure you have enough wood ready before you start cooking, as the oven needs to stay hot throughout. 

Final Checks Before You Start 

Before lighting your oven, run through a quick checklist:

• Oven is clean and ready 

• Tools are in place 

• Ingredients are prepared 

• Firewood is stocked 

• Prep and serving areas are organised 

With these steps completed, you’ll be ready to cook efficiently and enjoy consistent results. 

Summary 

Preparing for outdoor pizza cooking doesn’t require a complex setup, but having the right oven, tools, and preparation makes a big difference. 

Our website offers: 

• Zio Ciro ovens suited for garden use 

• A full range of pizza-making accessories 

• Wood and supplies for wood-fired cooking 

Getting these basics right ensures your outdoor pizza setup is reliable, easy to use, and ready whenever you are.