When an electric pizza oven enters the kitchen, it may appear intimidating and that it can only be used to make one dish – namely, pizzas. However, there are many other delicious meals you can prepare with your new appliance! If you already own an electric pizza oven or if you’re considering purchasing one soon and want to know more about its versatility in the kitchen, then our guide on ‘What Else Can You Cook In An Electric Pizza Oven?’ is perfect for you. Get ready to explore all of the creative culinary possibilities this kitchen tool has to offer!
What is Electric Pizza Oven?
An electric pizza oven is essentially an appliance that uses electricity to generate heat, allowing it to cook food faster than a conventional oven. Most models tend to feature two heating elements – one on top and one on the bottom – that provide consistently, even heat throughout the cooking chamber. This makes them ideal for cooking pizzas quickly, but can also be used to cook a wide variety of other foods as well.
Electric pizza ovens tend to be relatively compact, making them great for small kitchens or apartments. Plus, many models come with features like temperature control and settings for different types of doughs and crusts – perfect for creating restaurant-quality pizzas at home!
Types of Electric Pizza Ovens
There are various types of electric pizza ovens available in the market. Here are some of the most common types:
Countertop pizza ovens
These small ovens are designed to sit on a countertop, making them a great option for home kitchens, any kitchen countertop, or small restaurants. They are compact and easy to use, more affordable, and less powerful, with simple controls that allow you to adjust the temperature and cooking time.
Conveyor pizza ovens
These ovens are commonly used in commercial settings, such as pizzerias or fast-food chains. They feature a conveyor belt that moves the pizza through the cooking chamber, ensuring even heating of the crust and toppings from top to bottom. The temperature can also be adjusted depending on what type of dough is being cooked.
Wood-fired pizza ovens
These ovens use wood or charcoal as fuel to generate heat and give pizzas a smoky flavor. The traditional design makes them larger than electric models, but they tend to cook food faster due to their high temperatures. While these ovens tend to be quite expensive and require a lot of maintenance but provide an authentic taste that you won’t find with other types of ovens.
Deck pizza ovens
These ovens have a flat surface made of stone or brick that is heated from below, providing a traditional baking experience. And feature several decks that can cook multiple pizzas at once. So, they are commonly used in pizzerias and high-volume restaurants. They come with adjustable shelves, allowing you to cook multiple sizes of pizza simultaneously. They provide consistent heat throughout the cooking chamber, ensuring evenly cooked pies every time.
Pizza oven kits
These are DIY kits that allow you to build your own outdoor pizza oven. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be made of materials like brick, clay, or metal. The kits usually include all the components required, such as an insulated steel box, control panel, heating elements, and other accessories. So you can assemble in your home. They are designed to be easy to install and use with minimal fuss.
Portable pizza ovens
These ovens are designed for outdoor use and can be easily transported from one place to another, so they are great for camping trips, picnics, or backyard parties. They come with a carrying handle and wheels and feature a waterproof construction that makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Portable pizza ovens usually feature two heating elements – one on top and one on the bottom – to ensure the even cooking of the pizza. They are lightweight and easy to transport and can be powered by electricity or gas.
When choosing an electric pizza oven, consider your specific needs and preferences, such as the size of the oven, cooking capacity, and ease of use.
What Else Can You Cook In An Electric Pizza Oven?
Electric pizza ovens aren’t just for pizza anymore! You can expand your cooking repertoire far beyond the classic pie with the right ingredients and tools. Here are some delicious recipes you can try out:
1. Roasted vegetables
Electric pizza ovens are great for roasting vegetables because they provide even heat distribution and intense temperatures. Load up a baking sheet with veggies like peppers, onions, carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, etc., and toss them with olive oil and herbs. Place the pan in the oven and roast until cooked through.
2. Focaccia
Focaccia is a classic Italian flatbread made with olive oil and herbs. Mix together flour, yeast, salt, and other ingredients to create a dough. Roll out the dough and lightly brush your focaccia dough with olive oil. Then, preheat the oven to 425°F. Top with desired toppings – such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary or garlic – and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. This is crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle.
3. Grilled cheese sandwiches
Electric pizza ovens are perfect for making grilled cheese sandwiches because they provide intense heat that can quickly melt the cheese without burning the bread. Preheat the oven to 400°F, butter two slices of bread on one side, layer your favorite cheese between them and place the sandwich buttered-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy tomato soup for the perfect meal!
4. Garlic knots
These delicious little snacks are great for parties or as an addition to any meal. Preheat your oven to 425°F and mix together some garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a bowl. Take some ready-made pizza dough and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide. Roll the strips into a knot shape and then dip each knot in the garlic butter mixture. Place the knots on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
5. Calzones
Calzones are like pizza pies but with more filling! Preheat your oven to 425°F, roll out some pizza dough and top with desired fillings such as cooked sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onions, or any other toppings you like. Fold over one side of the dough to cover the filling and press down to seal in all of the delicious ingredients inside. Brush with olive oil or melted butter before baking for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
6. Nachos
Nachos are a great snack that can easily be made in an electric pizza oven. Layer tortilla chips on a baking sheet and top with your favorite ingredients like cheese, black beans, jalapeno peppers, etc. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until everything is melted and bubbly. Serve hot with guacamole or salsa for a tasty treat!
7. Grilled Meats
Electric pizza ovens can also be used to quickly and easily cook all sorts of meats. Preheat the oven to 400°F, season your chosen meat with herbs and spices, and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cooked through. The intense heat will give you perfectly grilled meats in no time!
8. Baked goods
Electric pizza ovens are also great for baking sweet treats like cookies and cakes. Preheat the oven to 350°F and follow your favorite recipes. Baking in an electric pizza oven will give you perfectly browned and evenly cooked goodies every time!
9. Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a popular Mexican dish that can easily be made in an electric pizza oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and layer on some tortillas, cheese, vegetables or other desired ingredients. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with sour cream and guacamole for a delicious meal!
10. Flatbreads
Flatbreads like naan and pita are perfect for adding texture to any meal. Preheat your oven to 425°F and follow your favorite flatbread recipe – mix together flour, salt, yeast, oil, and water until you create a dough. Roll out the dough into thin rounds before baking for 10-15 minutes in the preheated electric pizza oven. Enjoy a warm and delicious flatbread!
11. Pizza rolls
Pizza rolls are a great snack that can easily be made in an electric pizza oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F, roll out some pizza dough and top with desired ingredients like cheese, pepperoni, vegetables or any other toppings you like. Roll up the dough tightly and cut into 1-inch pieces. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy your homemade pizza rolls!
12. Stuffed crust pizzas
Finally, electric pizza ovens are perfect for making stuffed crust pizzas. Preheat the oven to 425°F, spread some cheese along the outer edge of pizza dough before folding it over to form a rim around the edges of the pizza. Top with your favorite ingredients and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy a delicious dish!
13. Breads
Electric pizza ovens are great for baking bread too! Preheat the oven to 375°F and follow your favorite recipes – mix together flour, yeast, salt, oil, and water until you create a dough. Place the dough on a lightly greased baking sheet before baking for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy freshly baked bread at home!
Using an Electric Pizza Oven
Using an electric pizza oven is relatively straightforward, and the process is similar to that of using a conventional oven. Here are some tips for getting the best results with your electric pizza oven:
– Preheat the oven: Most electric pizza ovens require preheating before use. This ensures that you get consistent, evenly cooked pizzas every time.
– Set the temperature: Different types of doughs or crusts require different temperatures for optimal cooking, so make sure to adjust accordingly.
– Monitor cooking times: Electric pizza ovens tend to cook faster than conventional ovens, so keep an eye on your pizzas as they bake. Depending on the type of dough and toppings used, it can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes to cook a single pizza.
– Let it cool: After your pizza is done cooking, allow the oven to cool down before opening the door or turning off the power. This ensures that any remaining heat is dissipated and prevents potential hazards.
– Clean regularly: To ensure optimal performance and prolong the life of your electric pizza oven, make sure to clean it regularly according to manufacturer instructions. This will help keep grease, food particles, and other debris from building up inside the oven and affecting its performance.
Tips for Cooking in an Electric Pizza Oven
When using your electric pizza oven to prepare meals, keep these tips in mind:
– Preheat the oven to the desired temperature before cooking. This will ensure that your food is cooked evenly throughout.
– Use aluminum foil or parchment paper on the bottom of the oven to prevent sticking and burning.
– Use wooden utensils when handling hot foods to avoid burns.
– Monitor your dishes closely while they are cooking so that they don’t get overdone or burned.
– When finished, turn the oven off and allow it to cool down before attempting any cleaning.
Benefits of Cooking in an Electric Pizza Oven
Electric pizza ovens offer several benefits over other types of ovens. Here are some of their most notable advantages:
- Fast cooking time – electric pizza ovens get up to temperature quickly, allowing you to cook food faster than traditional ovens.
- Energy efficient – electric models tend to be more energy-efficient than gas or wood-fired ovens, so you’ll save money on your energy bills.
- Even cooking – electric pizza ovens provide even heat distribution throughout the cooking chamber, ensuring perfectly cooked food every time.
- Easy to use – electric models are easy to use and come with adjustable controls that allow you to customize the temperature and cooking time for different types of doughs and crusts.
- Versatile – electric pizza ovens can be used to cook a wide variety of other foods as well.
- Compact size – many models come in compact sizes that make them great for small kitchens or apartments.
What’s the best way to clean an electric pizza oven?
Cleaning an electric pizza oven is important to maintain its performance and prevent any buildup of grime or debris. Here are some steps to clean an electric pizza oven:
1. Turn off the oven and unplug it from the power source.
2. Wait for the oven to cool down completely. This will prevent any accidents or burns while cleaning.
3. Remove any loose debris or food particles from inside the oven with a soft brush or cloth.
4. Mix a solution of warm water and mild soap in a bowl.
5. Dip a soft cloth or sponge in the solution and gently wipe down the interior and exterior of the oven. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, which can damage the oven’s surface.
6. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any soap residue from the oven.
7. Dry the oven completely with a clean, dry cloth.
8. If the oven has a removable pizza stone, clean it separately with warm water and a soft brush or sponge. Avoid using soap, as it can be absorbed by the stone and affect the taste of your food.
How often should I clean my electric pizza oven?
The frequency of cleaning your electric pizza oven will depend on how often you use it. If you use your oven frequently, then it’s recommended to clean it at least once a week. However, if you use it less often, then you can clean it once a month.
It’s important to note that if you notice any buildup of grime or debris in your oven, then you should clean it immediately to prevent any damage to the oven’s surface or affect the taste of your food.
Cleaning your electric pizza oven regularly not only keeps it in good condition but also ensures that it performs optimally and remains safe to use.
What is the best way to store my electric pizza oven when not in use?
The best way to store your electric pizza oven when not in use is by covering it with a cloth or other material that will keep dust away from it. You should also make sure that all components of the oven are dry before storing them away. Additionally, if you have removable parts such as racks or trays, you should store them separately to avoid damage.
Conclusion
Overall, electric pizza ovens are an incredibly versatile kitchen tool that can be used to cook a variety of dishes beyond just pizzas. They can be used to bake sweet treats such as cupcakes, muffins, and even pies. Meat-based dishes such as grilled beef and chicken are easy to make in these ovens due to the adjustable temperatures.
Vegetables are also simple, as the hot circulating air inside the oven easily chars the vegetables, giving them a nice smoky flavor. This type of cooking appliance has revolutionized home cooking for many years and will continue to do so for decades, making it easier than ever before for people to enjoy their favorite homemade meals without worrying about time or effort.
FAQs
Is an electric pizza oven worth it?
Yes, electric pizza ovens are definitely worth the investment. They offer fast cooking times, energy efficiency, even heating distribution and they’re easy to use. Plus, many models come in compact sizes that make them great for small kitchens or apartments.
Do electric pizza ovens cook faster than gas ovens?
Yes, electric pizza ovens get up to temperature much faster than gas or wood-fired ovens so you can cook your food faster.
Can I use my electric pizza oven for other types of food?
Yes, most electric pizza ovens can be used to cook a variety of dishes such as meats, vegetables, and pastries. Just keep in mind that some foods may require different temperatures and cooking times.
Can you bake in an electric pizza oven?
Yes, you can definitely bake in an electric pizza oven. Just make sure to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly for the best results.
Do electric pizza ovens need special cleaning products?
No, you don’t need any special cleaning products for your electric pizza oven. It’s best to use warm water and mild soap or detergent with a soft cloth or sponge for cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals as they can damage the surface of the oven.
What should you not put in an electric oven?
It’s important to avoid putting any metal objects onto the pizza stone or into the oven itself. This includes aluminum foil, baking sheets, and pans as they can reflect heat and cause damage to the oven. Additionally, never place flammable materials near the oven or its heating elements as this could be a fire hazard.
Do you need exhaust for an electric pizza oven?
No, you don’t need an exhaust for electric pizza ovens as they are typically ventless and operate without producing any smoke or fumes. However, it’s still important to ensure that the area is well-ventilated while the oven is in use.
Can you broil in an electric oven?
Yes, you can definitely broil in an electric oven. Make sure to set the temperature to the appropriate level and check that your food is cooked thoroughly before serving.
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John Battaini
Hi, my name is John Battaini and I am the founder of Wonder Pizza USA. We are the world’s foremost authority on pizza vending machines, with many years of experience and knowledge in the industry. In addition, we are also a collection of pizza enthusiasts with a lot of knowledge about PIZZA.