Frequently Asked Questions

Wood fired ovens were traditionally in the center of a village and everyone would use them. You can make anything. From vegetables to meats to great bread. Use a wood-fired oven to get a great wood-smokey flavor. Check out our FAQ to see if a wood-fired pizza is a right fit for you!

Where do you build ovens?

North Idaho for the spring, summer and fall; and west Texas for the winter.

What style ovens do you build?

We build a circular dome style oven. This is typically a southern European design. We can build a northern European barrel style oven but we prefer the dome style as it is more efficient.

If I can’t afford to hire you will you help me build an oven?

Yes, we will help you manage a budget, plan, and be creative with your project.
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How long do wood fired ovens last?

Well constructed wood fired ovens are known to last generations.

What kind of wood can I burn in my oven?

The best woods to burn in an oven are clean burning woods like oak, maple, beech, birch, and ash. Some people don’t like burning pine because of the tar from the pitch. In the Baltic countries they smoke meats with Aspen and it’s delicious. Mesquite is always a favorite for smoking as well.

How do you maintain/clean a wood fired oven?

Heating an oven to pizza temperatures will burn off any soot. Cleaning out the ash should be done with an oven shovel. Before you cook on the surface you should take a wet rag, wrap it around your oven brush and clean the brick floor.

Can I use the same cooking material that I do in my regular oven?

We recommend typically using cast iron for cooking in wood fired ovens. However, you can also use oven pans for veggies, bread pans, and pyrex.

How long does it take to cook a pizza or bread in a wood-fired oven?

Pizza should be made in 90 seconds once the oven is at the correct temperature. One side at 45 seconds and the other once it's rotated. You can cook bread at normal temperatures according to the recipe you’re working from.

What temperatures do wood-fired ovens get to?

Your desired cooking temperature for pizza and cleaning is between 800-900 degrees. You can use an infrared thermometer to monitor the temperature for whatever food you’re cooking.

How much space do you need for having a wood fired oven built?

You can build a backyard wood-fired ovens virtually anywhere. Typically they do not require a large amount of space.
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Western Ovens builds custom wood fired ovens and helps you build yours. Currently located in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Western Ovens serves homes and residences in North Idaho and West Texas. Plans are to expand into Western Montana.