Introduction
It’s time to put your Ooni pizza oven away after you’ve used it to make delectable wood-fired pizzas and other dishes. To guarantee the durability and functionality of your oven, knowing how to store your Ooni pizza oven properly is essential.
It’s critical to take specific precautions to safeguard your Ooni pizza oven from the elements and preserve its quality, whether you’re storing it over the winter, for a lengthy period of inactivity, or simply when it’s not in use. We will walk you through the process of safely storing your Ooni pizza oven in this article.
Before we get into the specifics, it’s important to note that while these instructions are primarily for the Ooni pizza oven, they can also be used with other comparable outdoor pizza ovens. Let’s begin!
How should I store my Ooni pizza oven?
Ooni Pizza Ovens should be dry and completely cooled before being stored. When not in use, we advise keeping them indoors and covered with an Ooni protection cover.
All Ooni protection covers have elastic edges for a tight fit and are completely weatherproof. Some covers have movable handles and straps. A detachable chimney and hopper bag are included with the Fyra protection cover.
Ooni can she be left outside?
Ooni themselves advise that to keep your Ooni pizza oven looking fantastic you should ideally store the oven indoors, but we frequently get asked if it can be left outside. Particularly during periods of intense rain, snow, or UV heat.
It’s also important to note that the Ooni oven is not made with marine grade stainless steel, so if you live in an area where there is a lot of salt air, you might want to think twice about leaving your Ooni outside. Keeping your Ooni pizza oven indoors and protected from the salt is what we advise in this case.
In order to achieve optimal performance, Ooni actually advises that the stone baking board be kept in a dry environment. Even if it’s not raining, the stone’s porous nature will allow it to absorb any moisture in the air. The stone should be kept as dry as possible to reduce the risk of the stone cracking because Ooni ovens heat up so quickly.
If you want to leave your Ooni pizza oven outside in the elements, you can do so thanks to the high-quality, waterproof, snug-fitting covers that Ooni makes. But as they say, keeping your oven indoors will ensure it stays in the best condition.
The covers’ strength and durability make them ideal for carrying to and from storage, around friends, or on your upcoming camping trip.
Check out the range of covers for each model below:
How to Take Care of Your Ooni Pizza Oven in the Winter
Ooni is well-versed in cold climates thanks to its Scottish headquarters and Finnish co-founder. Ooni ovens are designed and tested during Scottish winters, so we are confident that they perform well all year long.
However, if you’re a intrepid pizza maker who uses their oven regardless of the weather, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Protection is essential
Although Ooni ovens are sturdy, snow, sleet, rain, and hail can still be a threat. Use a cover to shield your oven if you’re using and storing it outside. To protect your oven from the elements, each oven has a unique cover that has undergone rigorous testing.
Occasionally, indoor storage is preferable
While your oven will typically be fine outside, you should think about bringing your Ooni oven inside for the duration of a significant storm if you know one is coming. This will prevent it from absorbing too much moisture or being severely damaged by hail.
Brush it off
Before cooking, brush off your Ooni if it became engulfed in a snowdrift. If not, the water from melting snow will pour into your fuel basket.
Expect a prolonged pre-heat
The time it takes for your oven to reach its maximum temperature may be extended by wind and cold. Be careful not to overfill the fuel basket or pellet hopper out of impatience. Simply have faith and set up and light your scene as you would in the warmer months… and be ready to wait an additional minute or two.
Be courageous
We enjoy bringing our Ooni ovens to locations where we never anticipated being able to make pizza. We can’t think of many more ambitious places to enjoy a slice of pizza, but Kristian and his mother cooked pizza while ice swimming in Finland, if you need some motivation.
Nothing more dramatic or delicious than a steaming hot pizza emerging from your Ooni on a cold winter day, so put on a hat and a warm coat and get outside.
Four simple tips about how to store Ooni pizza oven
Outside with the cover on
The pizza ovens from Ooni are made to last. They are built to withstand even the worst weather conditions and are made of premium materials. So there is no need to be concerned about snow or rain damaging your Ooni. As long as you cover it with a protective cover, you may leave it outside. To protect my Koda 16, I use a specially made cover.
Heavy-duty polyester was used to make it, and an aluminum buckle and loop were added to keep the gas regulator in place while being transported.
You don’t need to purchase an Ooni cover right away if you don’t want to. To protect your Ooni pizza oven, you can simply use a plastic tarp. To ensure that it won’t deteriorate over time, I advise using one that is waterproof and UV-resistant.
On a cart made of stainless steel
If you want to use your Ooni outside but your backyard is too small, consider setting it up on a stainless steel cart.
The oven can be moved around with ease by pulling it with one hand. Consider putting the oven on the bottom shelf with the cover on if the cart was specially made and it’s freezing outside to maximize protection.
In the cellar or garage
If you have enough room in the garage or basement, you can roll a cart there without any trouble. To prevent damaging the floor, just be sure to lay down a tarp or other type of surface protector first. It can also be kept flat, with or without a cover, on a garage shelf.
Here are some suggestions to take into account if you intend to keep an outdoor oven in your garage or basement:
Before transferring the oven, make sure it is tidy and cool. Clean the oven if required, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and let it cool completely before continuing.
Locate a convenient spot in your garage to keep the oven. This area needs to be dry, well-ventilated, and away from heat sources like the sun.
Place the oven on a stable, level surface like a shelf, a cart, or an outdoor table.
Below the Overhang
If you reside in a region with a lot of rain or snow, covering the oven while it is under the overhang is a good way to keep it protected from the elements.
Birds and insects can be deterred from landing in your oven with the aid of this. In order to prevent water from entering the oven if you choose this method, make sure the cover is not collecting any on it.
Conclusion
Ooni pizza ovens are made to last, so you can usually leave yours outside in its current state. However, it is wiser to store it in a protected area, like your garage, basement, or under the overhang, if the weather is bad. To shield the metal from the elements and stop rusting, use a cover.
Ooni pizza ovens are a fantastic investment and, with proper maintenance, will last for many years.
FAQs about how to store Ooni pizza oven
Can I Leave My Ooni Pizza Oven Outdoors All Year?
Leaving your Ooni Pizza Oven outdoors all year is not recommended. Extreme weather conditions can damage the oven. It’s best to store it in a sheltered location and cover it when not in use.
What’s the Best Way to Clean My Ooni Pizza Oven?
Cleaning your Ooni Pizza Oven involves removing ash and food residue. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for detailed cleaning instructions. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.
Do I Need to Remove the Burner Before Storage?
Yes, it’s advisable to remove the burner from your Ooni Pizza Oven before storing it. This prevents any potential damage during storage and ensures it stays in good condition.
Can I Use a Tarp to Cover My Ooni Pizza Oven?
While a tarp can provide some protection, it’s not the best choice. Invest in a weather-resistant cover designed for your specific oven model to ensure proper protection.
Should I Store My Ooni Pizza Oven in the Garage?
Storing your Ooni Pizza Oven in the garage is a good option if it’s well-ventilated and protected from extreme temperatures. Make sure it’s clean and dry before storage.
