The ideal temperature for cooking pizza in an outdoor pizza oven is typically much higher than what you would use in a conventional home oven. Outdoor pizza ovens are designed to reach very high temperatures quickly, creating the perfect environment for making authentic, Neapolitan-style pizzas with a crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings.
The recommended temperature for an outdoor pizza oven is around 700°F to 900°F (370°C to 480°C). However, some pizza enthusiasts and professional pizzaiolos even aim for temperatures as high as 900°F to 1000°F (480°C to 540°C) for a faster cooking time and that distinct wood-fired flavor.
The intense heat of an outdoor pizza oven allows the pizza to cook rapidly, usually within 1 to 5 minutes, depending on the oven's temperature and the thickness of the pizza.
When using an outdoor pizza oven, it's essential to manage the heat and monitor the cooking process carefully to prevent burning and ensure that the pizza cooks evenly. A pizza peel is typically used to slide the pizza in and out of the oven quickly.
Remember that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the specific design and insulation of your outdoor pizza oven, so it's a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines or seek advice from experienced pizza oven users in your community. Safety precautions should also be followed when dealing with high temperatures, such as using appropriate heat-resistant gloves and keeping children and pets away from the oven during use.