Since snow is a common occurrence when it’s winter, some people wonder if they can still use an Ooni during the cold weather. If you plan on stepping outside in the cold to make a pizza, you’ll want to know that you are going to be successful.
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Can An Ooni Be Used In The Winter?
Yes, an Ooni pizza oven can be used in the winter. These ovens are insulated particularly well, and will keep the inside nice and toasty warm. However, if you are going to be using it in a really cold climate, remember that it will take longer to preheat the oven.
How To Use Your Ooni In Cold Weather
Are you craving a delicious pizza in the winter? Maybe you’re entertaining a few friends. Either way, you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen or patio for too long. You want stay warm and enjoy the party, and your guests too.
Using your pizza oven in the winter is the same as using it in the summer – just a few things to do ahead of time to make it as successful as possible.
Start Your Preheat Early
Since it is cold outside, it is going to take longer for your Ooni to heat up to the right temperature, so you want to jump the gun and preheat it early. That is going to warm up your pizza stone well before it is time to top off your pizza.
If it is windy out, remember that this is going to cause the heating time to increase as well. Try to have your oven in a place with the least amount of wind possible.
Clear Any Snow Away
If you have been storing your Ooni outside during the winter (which I don’t recommend) , then there might be snow on it. It is best to clear off your oven before you put your pizza in there.
If you are storing it outside, get a cover to help keep it in top shape longer.
Get Your Pizza Ready Inside
I live in Canada and the winters can get very cold. I hate the cold but love wood-fired pizza so braving the cold is necessary. However, you can reduce the time outside in the cold by preparing your pizza on your pizza peel inside first.
This gives me time inside to enjoy the pizza preparations without worrying about frozen fingers, or feeling windblown.
Dress For The Weather
When making pizza in the winter, dressing warmly and keeping yourself well insulated is important. Wrap up in layers while you cook your pizza outside so that you don’t feel cold while standing around waiting for it to be heated up.
Luckily, these pizza ovens will cook a pizza in just a minute or so. You won’t have to be outside too long.
Bring The Cooked Pizza Inside Immediately
Once the pizza is fully cooked, bring it inside and eat it!
Caring For Your Ooni In The Winter
Over the winter season, there are some other things to keep in mind when you take your pizza oven outside to cook during the winter.
Store It Away From Cold And Snow
Your Ooni pizza ovens are made of stainless steel, so they don’t rust or corrode when exposed to snow or cold. However, to keep it in top shape, I would recommend covering it or storing it in your garage during cold months.
If your Ooni is the Karu 16 with the glass door, I have heard of other people having issues with it cracking while using it in the winter. Something to keep in mind. The glass door is fine with hot temperatures, but if it has any moisture on it and you start using it outside in cold weather, it can crack. Make sure that glass door is completely dry and has no snow on it before starting the oven.
Store It Soon After It Cools Down
Once the pizza has finished cooking process and completely cooled down, wipe down the outside to clean off any excess flour or grease that may have ended up on it. Store it inside in a place where it is safe from kids or pets until you’re ready to use it.
If storing it inside an area like a garage or shed is not possible, at least get a cover for it to help insulate it from the elements.
Final Words
Using an Ooni pizza oven in the winter is about the same as using it in the summer, just with some slight adjustments – depending on where you live. It’s a good idea to think about storing it somewhere safe and protected and insulating it if you live somewhere that is exposed to cold temperatures. (like a garage or shed).
You should also make sure it has been completely cooled down before storing it, and wiping it off to prevent condensation from building up on it from forming.