Solo Stove Pi Pizza Oven (Wood & Gas Burner, Slovakia 37 mBar)

What's the difference between wood and gas cooking modes?

Wood burning creates authentic smoky flavours and reaches higher temperatures naturally, requiring active fire management with small wood pieces every few minutes. Gas mode offers instant temperature control and consistent heat without smoke, perfect for quick weeknight cooking. Both modes reach the same 455°C maximum temperature, so the choice depends on whether you prefer traditional flavour or modern convenience.

How long does it take to heat up and cook a pizza?

The oven heats to cooking temperature in approximately 15-20 minutes with gas or 20-30 minutes with wood. Once heated, pizzas cook in 90 seconds to 2 minutes, requiring rotation every 20-30 seconds for even cooking. The high heat means you can cook multiple pizzas back-to-back with minimal waiting time between each one.

What size pizzas can I cook in this oven?

The 52cm diameter cooking chamber accommodates pizzas up to 30cm (12 inches) comfortably. This size works perfectly for personal pizzas or sharing between 2-3 people. The panoramic opening design makes it easy to manoeuvre larger pizzas and you can cook multiple smaller pizzas simultaneously if needed.

Is the pizza stone dishwasher safe and how do I maintain it?

The cordierite pizza stone should never go in a dishwasher as this can cause cracking. Clean it when completely cool using a plastic scraper to remove food residue, then wipe with a damp cloth. Never use soap on the stone as it absorbs flavours. Light staining is normal and actually improves the stone's non-stick properties over time.

Can I use this oven for cooking other foods besides pizza?

Yes, the high temperature capability makes it excellent for flatbreads, naan, roasted vegetables and even searing meats. The intense heat creates perfect char on vegetables whilst keeping interiors tender. You can also use cast iron pans or Dutch ovens inside for bread baking or slow-cooked dishes using residual heat after the flames die down.

What type of wood should I use and how much fuel does it consume?

Use hardwoods like oak, beech, or fruit woods cut into pieces about 10cm long and 2-3cm thick. Avoid softwoods like pine which create excessive smoke and resin. The oven is very fuel-efficient, typically requiring just 2-3 small pieces every 5-10 minutes once heated. A small bundle of wood will easily cook 6-8 pizzas.

How portable is this oven and can I leave it outside permanently?

Weighing 13.8kg, it's easily portable for camping or moving around your garden. The 304 stainless steel construction handles all weather conditions, so permanent outdoor placement is fine. However, covering it when not in use extends its lifespan and keeps the interior clean. The compact 52cm diameter footprint fits on most outdoor tables or stands.

What's included in the bundle and do I need any additional equipment?

The complete bundle includes the oven, wood burning assembly, gas burner, 13mm cordierite pizza stone, IR thermometer, stainless steel peel and pizza cutter. You'll need a propane gas bottle (not included) for gas operation and your own wood for wood-fired cooking. Everything else needed for immediate pizza making is provided in the box.