Cook Pizza In Any Weather

Owning an Ooni pizza oven means pizza can be on the menu 24/7, 365 days a year. That’s right – hot, fresh, restaurant-quality pizza at home (or wherever), all year ‘round.

Sound good to you? We thought so.

Over the last decade, pizzaiolos around the world have been using Ooni ovens in all sorts of climates and locations – even the arctic circle and Scotland (where rain is the default, and where Ooni headquarters are) – and compiled some top tips for cooking in all kinds of weather. So gather your friends and family around your Ooni for dinner parties, pizza nights or just because, and use these tips to feel confident you can bake up tasty, authentic pizza regardless of the elements. 

Tips for Cooking in Any Weather

While we don’t recommend using your Ooni in severe weather, you can still cook with your Ooni oven in autumn or winter – or any time of year – just fine, as light rain, cold temperatures and snow won’t impact your oven’s performance whatsoever.  It’s just as simple as it sounds: light your oven, let it heat up and cook your pizza – because we’re pretty sure that no one has melted from a little rain or snow in 60 seconds (you just might need to dress for the elements). So shovel the snow off your oven or bring it out of storage and get ready to cook great pizzas. 

Using Your Ooni In Cold Weather

As summer comes to a close, here are some tips to keep your pizza nights going in cold, snowy or rainy weather. 

Plan Ahead
Even if your oven is buried under a pile of snow, it will still work great – you just need a little more time to let it preheat to reach your desired cooking temperature. 

Check Your Fuel Sources
Both wood and gas fuel options will work great in rain or snow. If you’re using wood make sure to store it in a dry environment and out of humidity, as dry wood is key for optimal heat.

Allow Time For Preheating
While an infrared thermometer is the only way to be sure you’ve reached the right temperature, if you don’t have one, a rough guide is to pre-heat for at least 15 minutes, and at most 25 to 30, although it can vary depending on your fuel type.

Keep Your Pizza Stone Dry
The biggest timesaving tip for using your Ooni in cold weather is to store your pizza stone inside at home (between cooks and after it’s fully cooled, of course), as starting with a dry, warm pizza stone will help you get better results in any weather.

Can I Use My Ooni In Hot Weather?
Yes! Fortunately, your Ooni will work just fine in hot weather – if you’re cooking on a hot day, just keep an eye on the temps to make sure they don't exceed 932˚F (500˚C).

Storing Your Ooni
While your Ooni is pretty tough against the elements, show your oven the love and care it deserves by storing it properly. Store it indoors when possible (especially when storing for longer periods of time) and out of direct sunlight and be sure to keep it out of harsh weather conditions like snow, heavy rain and strong winds. 

Oven Covers are Key
Whether you’re storing your oven indoors or outside, we highly recommend covering your oven when not in use. Weather-resistant with a snug fit, all of our Ooni oven covers are custom-designed for each oven to provide maximum protection from the elements.

Recipes to Keep You Warm
Cozy up around a skillet pan of Camembert, Brie and White Beer Fondue. This shareable, indulgent dish is the perfect appetiser to get the party started. Although good year-round, the warm richness of the melted cheese pairs perfectly with colder evenings.

Next up, pizza (of course)! This Chanterelle and Sweet Potato Pizza with Sour Tomato Sauce and Pumpkin Seed Butter combines layers of sweetness, creaminess, and nuttiness for a surprising depth of flavour while celebrating some of our favourite cold weather ingredients.

And of course, no dinner party is complete without dessert. Impress your guests with this gooey, soft-baked Easy Salted Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie. Plus, for an added bonus, this recipe can be baked in the residual heat of your oven as it cools.

Whether you’re cooking on a perfect day, or the weather’s less than ideal, you don’t have to let the elements rain on your pizza parade. Use our tips to cook amazing, restaurant-quality pizza from anywhere, no matter the weather.