When it comes to enhancing your backyard living experience, a pizza oven might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but for those in the know, it’s an absolute game-changer. For consumers interested in turning their outdoor spaces into something extraordinary, a pizza oven is about much more than delicious, freshly baked pizza. It’s about creating a sense of community and transforming your backyard into a gathering space that will leave a lasting impression on your guests and family.
The Pizza Oven Phenomenon
Jason Joswick, owner of Valley Hot Spring Spas and BBQ Islands in California, is no stranger to the magic of pizza ovens. He has been offering pizza ovens for several years, and recently, he added the Alfa Forni brand. Joswick’s decision to carry Alfa Forni pizza ovens came as a response to the growing demand from his customers. “They have an incredible reputation and are a recognizable product on social media with their amazing colors and unique design,” he says.
These ovens come in both wood-burning and gas variants, with a wide range of sizes and price points, making them accessible to a broad audience. However, Joswick wanted to ensure that these ovens had the “wow” factor he was looking for before promoting them in his stores. So, he and his wife decided to take matters into their own hands and test one in their own backyard. After experiencing it, they were convinced that this product belonged in their inventory.
Joswick explains that today’s consumers aren’t just envisioning hamburgers or hot dogs at their outdoor BBQ parties. They are looking for unique and gourmet options to impress their guests, and pizza ovens are the perfect way to achieve that.
Pizza Ovens in the Age of Backyard Living
The pandemic brought about a surge in the popularity of backyard improvement products, including pizza ovens. While sales have stabilized, the way pizza ovens are purchased has evolved. “The buying pattern of pizza ovens is now included with BBQ islands as something customers will bring up because they think of pizza ovens as part of their outdoor kitchen unit,” Joswick says.
Jeff Bassemier, president of Bassemier’s Fireplace Patio & Spas in Indiana, emphasizes that many of his pizza oven sales have been part of other installations for outdoor kitchens. “Outdoor cooking is a lifestyle,” he says. “If somebody is buying a pizza oven, outdoor cooking is part of their identity.”
The Tried-and-True Option
Dean’s Stove & Spa in Connecticut has been offering pizza ovens since 2015 and added Italian pizza ovens from Clementi Sri and RossoFuoco Sri in 2018. They’ve seen a surge in popularity over the last five years as consumers increasingly focus on home improvement and spending more time outdoors with friends and family.
“Customers were blown away when they came into our shop and we were cooking pizzas on them as well as steak and chicken,” says Bruno Ferreira, operations director at Dean’s Stove & Spa. “You can bake in these ovens. Anything you can do in a smoker, you can do in these ovens.”
Dean Michanczyk, owner of Dean’s Stove & Spa, says the popularity of pizza ovens has grown like wildfire, and word-of-mouth has played a significant role in this success. To showcase the versatility of their pizza ovens, they always have something cooking in-store, whether it’s cookies, pies, pineapple or chicken.
With various options and price points available, there’s a pizza oven for every backyard. Take the plunge, fire up the oven and watch your backyard come to life.