The Igneus Minimo pizza oven promises a portable wood-fired cooking experience, and this review dives deep into whether it lives up to the hype. We unpack the oven's straightforward assembly, its robust construction from 304 stainless steel, and the included accessories, highlighting both strengths and areas for potential improvement, such as the basic pizza peel. From initial setup to achieving optimal cooking temperatures, we detail the process, including fuel management and temperature control tips for achieving consistently delicious results.This review covers everything from the Minimo's impressive heating capabilities, reaching temperatures up to 842°F in just 15 minutes, to its clever design features like the vermiculite stone for even heat distribution and the effective ceramic fiber insulation. We share our first-time pizza-making experience, revealing the ease of use and the final product's quality, along with observations on heat distribution and the importance of mastering temperature control for perfect results. Ultimately, we assess the Igneus Minimo's value, portability, and overall performance for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
Pros And Cons
- Portable (15kg)
- Made from 304 stainless steel
- Made in Portugal
- Includes stone, detachable chimney, ash rake, chimney cap, stainless steel door with wooden handle, air vents, and pizza peel.
- 11mm vermiculite stone retains heat for a crunchy pizza base.
- Large mouth size (34cm x 14.5cm) allows for larger cooking items like roasting trays, whole chicken, steaks, lamb, etc.
- Efficient fuel use due to large mouthpiece allowing for larger logs.
- Ceramic fiber insulation helps retain heat and allows for quicker recharge time between pizzas.
- Heats up to 400-450°C in approximately 15 minutes (manufacturer claim).
- Wood-fired only (no gas option).
- May require getting used to lighting and temperature control.
- Uneven heat distribution may result in dark patches on pizzas (needs practice).
Read more: 5 Best Pizza Stones for Enhancing Your Green Egg Magic
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Igneus Minimo arrived in a compact box, containing everything needed for setup. Inside, I found the oven itself, a detachable chimney, an ash rake, a chimney cap, a stainless steel door with a wooden handle and air vents, and a basic pizza peel.
The oven's construction is solid, using 304 stainless steel. The included pizza peel is functional but a bit basic; I'd recommend upgrading to Igneus's longer, perforated peel for easier pizza handling.
Initial assembly was straightforward. The overall design is sleek and portable, which is a major plus for outdoor cooking enthusiasts with limited space.
Features and Specifications
The Igneus Minimo is a wood-fired oven, reaching temperatures up to 450°C (842°F) within approximately 15 minutes according to the manufacturer. This makes it a truly versatile appliance.
It features an 11mm vermiculite stone for even heat distribution and a crispy crust. The large oven mouth (34cm x 14.5cm) allows for larger cooking items beyond pizza, such as roasts, steaks, or even a whole chicken.
The oven's ceramic fiber insulation helps retain heat, speeding up reheat times between pizzas. Its lightweight design (15kg) and optional carrying bag make it highly portable.
Lighting and Cooking Process
Lighting the oven is simple: start with kindling, firelighters, and then larger kiln-dried oak logs. Build the fire at the front initially to get going. Use the included ash rake to push the coals to the back once they have formed.
Once up to temperature (around 400-450°C), refuel the oven about every 15 minutes to maintain consistent heat. I used a blowtorch to help ignite the kindling and get the process started quickly.
Keep adding fuel as needed, and constantly monitor the temperature using a thermometer for best results.
Cooking the Pizza and Final Thoughts
After reaching temperature, I cooked a pizza. The large mouth allowed for easy placement and removal. Because of the heat being concentrated at the back, I had to rotate the pizza frequently to avoid burning.
The final product showed good charring on the bottom and a satisfactory overall bake, considering it was my first attempt. There were a few dark spots due to the uneven heat distribution.
Overall, the Igneus Minimo is a well-built, portable pizza oven offering excellent value for its price. It requires a bit of a learning curve to master temperature control, but the results are worth the effort.