You probably haven’t thought about physics and geometry since high school or college. But—it turns out—you have science to thank for the crispy crust, gooey cheese, tasty toppings, and everything you love about homemade pizza.
By understanding the science behind pizza making, you’ll be able pick the best pizza oven for you.
How Pizza Ovens Work
The science of pizza making starts with heat. Heat is the transfer of energy from one object to another. There are three types of heat used in cooking: Conduction, Convection, and Radiation.
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Conduction: Heat moves by making direct contact with solids. It occurs when heat moves from the cooking surface to the dough. |
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Convection: Heat moves through currents within liquids and gases. It takes place when hot air moves around the oven. |
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Radiant Heat: Heat moves through electromagnetic waves. It occurs when the heat flowing through the oven radiates down. |
The heat being generated (physics) and the shape of the oven that distributes the heat (geometry) are each critical for making pizza – but they’re only one slice of the pie.
High Heat Is Essential For Pizza Making
How hot your pizza oven should be depends on the type of pizza you’re making.
The soft, chewy, leopard spotted crust of a Neapolitan pizza demands cooking at temps of 800°F+ for less than two minutes, while the solid crunch and uniquely foldable NYC-style pie is cooked at 635°F for about six minutes.
Whatever style you prefer, high heat is always necessary for making pizza (versus thawing frozen pizza or reheating leftover pizza). But when it comes to picking the best pizza oven, the name of the game is versatility.
What To Look For When Picking a Pizza Oven
There are multiple types of pizza ovens, but not all are created equal. Here’s what to expect from three types of pizza ovens.
Regular Kitchen Oven
A regular household kitchen oven has an important advantage: you probably already have one. But if you have ever tried to cook pizza in one, you’ll know that it’s better at making regular pies than pizza pies.
Regular ovens tend to top out at 500°F, fine for cooking a roast or casserole for one hour; not so “hot” for cooking a pizza at 800°F in just over one minute. Cooking your pizza in a conventional oven also requires you to par-back just the crust first, then finish it with toppings after the initial bake, slowing down the process even more.
Wood-Fired Pizza
Nothing says “I love pizza” more than a wood-fired pizza oven. But you have to really love pizza, because of their drawbacks.
A wood-fired pizza oven can crack 850°F, but it requires you to maintain a consistent heat all day and monitor your pizza carefully during the cooking process—an art that takes time to master. Plus, their footprint is massive, so it’s a tight-squeeze for most backyards and impossible for balconies. Even “small,” portable wood-fired pizza ovens take up a lot of space you may not have.
Electric Pizza Oven
The Current® Model P Electric Pizza Oven packs power, versatility, and performance in a single package.
Unlike traditional ovens, electric pizza ovens reach up to 850°F for authentic, wood-fired-style pie, but do not take as long to heat as a wood-fire oven—or require as much physical space. The Model P is designed to fit on small patios, counter tops, and under most cabinets.
Depending on which of the eight cooking modes you select, our electric pizza oven uses a combination of conductive (the stone) and radiant (graphite tubes) to deliver the perfect pie, whatever style you prefer. Plus, it cooks lots of delicious meals besides pizza, all while using significantly less energy than a traditional oven.
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Temperature |
Convenience |
Good For |
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Regular Kitchen Oven |
No more than 500°F |
Built into existing kitchen |
Casseroles, roasts, desserts |
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Wood-Fired Pizza Oven |
Up to 850°F |
Must constantly watch during heat-up and cooking process |
Traditional crispy crust pizza |
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Current® Model P Electric Pizza Oven |
Up to 850°F in minutes |
Lightweight and portable for inside or outside use |
Eight modes for different pizzas, plus versatility for other meals |
Experience The Science of Superior Pizza Making
The Current® Model P Electric Pizza Oven uses the science of physics and geometry to deliver the pizza you crave, with the convenience you appreciate. For a superior pie every time, add our electric pizza oven to your cooking lineup.
