Are you dreaming of crispy, perfectly charred pizzas without the hefty price tag of a professional oven? The Piezano 14-inch pizza oven might be your answer. This budget-friendly appliance delivers surprisingly high performance, hitting temperatures up to 800°F for authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas. This review dives deep into the Piezano's features, ease of use, and overall cooking experience, helping you decide if this compact oven is the right addition to your kitchen. We'll explore its build quality, included accessories, and the crucial burn-in process, detailing the entire journey from unboxing to perfectly cooked pies.From initial setup and burn-in to the actual pizza-making process, we'll cover every aspect of using the Piezano. We'll examine the effectiveness of the separate top and bottom heating elements, the clarity of the viewing window, and the ease of using the provided pizza peels. Discover if the Piezano's performance lives up to the hype and whether its budget-friendly price point compromises quality. This comprehensive review will equip you with all the information needed to determine if the Piezano 14-inch pizza oven is the perfect addition to your home cooking arsenal.
Pros And Cons
- Reaches up to 800°
- Makes thicker crust
- Has a viewing window
- Includes a scraper and two peels
- Clamshell design for easy access
- Separate upper and lower temperature controls
- Includes a thermometer
- Slow close mechanism
- Has venting
- Comes with a recipe book and instructions
- Includes an instructional video
- Has rubberized feet for stability
- Relatively compact
- Thermometer may not always accurately reflect the internal temperature.
- Initial burn-off smell from metal components.
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Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon receiving the Piezano 14-inch pizza oven, I was immediately struck by its size and packaging. The box clearly displays all specifications, including the impressive 800° temperature capability. Inside, I found the oven itself, along with two surprisingly large pizza peels and a dough cutter. The pizza stone was also included, securely attached to its metallic outer rim.
The viewing window is a thoughtful addition, allowing you to monitor the cooking process. Although it includes a scraper, I opted for my own preferred one for handling the clamshell design. The overall build quality seemed quite solid, exceeding expectations given the budget-friendly price point.
The package also contained a recipe book and instruction manual, along with a QR code for an instructional video. These resources prove helpful for both first-time users and those familiar with pizza ovens.
Setup and Initial Burn-In
Before the first use, the instructions recommend a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth. A 10-minute burn-in at 800° on both upper and lower elements is crucial for seasoning the oven. The initial burn-off emits a standard metallic scent, but it eventually fades.
The oven features separate temperature controls for the top and bottom elements, allowing for precise temperature adjustments. The included thermometer provides a clear reading during preheating. During the burn-in process, I noticed the oven’s slow-close mechanism, which prevents jarring.
The oven's temperature ramp-up was quite rapid. Though it didn't immediately reach 800°, I noticed the heating elements glowing, and the ceramic cooking area also started releasing its own distinct odor.
Cooking Performance and Results
After reaching 800°, I proceeded with making pizzas using a Chad GPT recipe, allowing the dough to ferment in the fridge for a few days. The large cooking surface allowed for generous pizza size without crowding. I initially used a smaller peel, but later switched to a larger one for ease of handling.
Cooking time was relatively quick, and the even heat distribution from both top and bottom elements resulted in perfectly cooked pizzas. The viewing window allowed for real-time observation of the cooking process. The pizzas had a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
The adjustable temperature settings allow for customization, ensuring the perfect cooking outcome. There was minimal smoke during cooking, indicating efficient heat control. Overall, the cooking performance of the Piezano exceeded my expectations.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
The Piezano 14-inch pizza oven offers excellent value for its price. It delivers exceptional cooking performance, achieving the high temperatures needed for authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas. The build quality is surprisingly robust, and the features, such as the viewing window and separate temperature controls, are thoughtful additions.
Although the initial burn-in process requires some patience, it's a necessary step for optimal performance. The included accessories, like the peels and dough cutter, are practical and convenient. The compact size and portability make this a great option for those with limited kitchen space.
Overall, the Piezano 14-inch pizza oven is a highly recommended budget-friendly option for anyone looking for a great at-home pizza experience. Its ease of use and excellent cooking capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for pizza lovers.