Can you use charcoal in a pizza oven?

Which ovens can burn charcoal?

Only use charcoal in ovens whose maker says they are designed for it. Multi-fuel ovens such as the Ooni Karu range and several models in our best multi-fuel pizza ovens guide, like the Mimiuo wood or charcoal oven, have a fuel tray and airflow designed for it.

Do not put charcoal in a gas oven, a pellet oven's burner or an electric oven. Pellet burners rely on a steady feed of small pellets and will not draw properly with lumps of charcoal.

Lumpwood vs briquettes

Lumpwood charcoal is wood that has been charred in a kiln. It is irregular, light, lights quickly and burns hot. It leaves relatively little ash. Briquettes are compressed charcoal dust, often with binders. They burn longer and more evenly, which suits a long BBQ cook, but they produce more ash, take longer to light and do not get as hot as quickly.

For a pizza oven, lumpwood is the better choice. Look for restaurant-grade or large-lump bags, and avoid instant-light bags that are soaked in accelerant.

Why add wood?

Charcoal gives intense heat from the bed but very little flame. In a portable oven, the top of the pizza is cooked mainly by flame rolling across the dome. A charcoal-only fire heats the stone well but can leave toppings underdone.

The common method is to build a hot bed of lumpwood charcoal, then add a small split of kiln-dried hardwood on top just before baking. The wood catches quickly on the hot coals and gives a lively flame. Add another small piece every few pizzas. See what wood to burn in a pizza oven.

How to light charcoal in a pizza oven

Use natural firelighters or a small chimney starter if it fits. Never use lighter fluid, which can taint the oven and the food.

1. 1

   Clear old ash from the fuel tray.

2. 2

   Add a natural firelighter and a small handful of lumpwood.

3. 3

   Light and leave the door or vent open.

4. 4

   Add more charcoal once the first pieces glow.

5. 5

   Wait 20 to 30 minutes for the stone to heat.

6. 6

   Add a small hardwood split for flame before baking.

7. 7

   Read the stone with an infrared thermometer.

Managing heat

Charcoal heat is controlled by airflow. Keep vents open for maximum heat while lighting and baking. Add charcoal little and often; a big load at once can smother the fire and cool the oven. If the stone gets too hot and bases burn, let the fire settle before the next pizza.

Check the stone between pizzas with an infrared gun; see how to use an infrared thermometer. For fire problems, see pizza oven not getting hot enough.

Ash, storage and safety

Let the fire burn out and the oven cool fully, ideally overnight, before emptying ash into a metal bucket. Embers can stay hot for many hours. Store charcoal in a dry place in a sealed bag or bin; damp charcoal spits and is hard to light.

Charcoal produces carbon monoxide as it burns. Only use it in open air, and never bring a smouldering oven or a bucket of warm ash indoors or into a garage.

Note:Never use charcoal indoors, in a garage, tent or under an enclosed gazebo. Carbon monoxide is odourless and can be fatal.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use charcoal in an Ooni? In the Karu multi-fuel ovens, yes. Not in gas Koda, pellet Fyra or electric Volt models.

Is charcoal or wood better for pizza? Wood gives more flame for the top of the pizza. Charcoal gives a hot, steady base. Many cooks combine them.

Can I use BBQ briquettes in a pizza oven? They work in an emergency but light slowly, make more ash and do not get as hot as lumpwood.

How long does charcoal last in a pizza oven? It depends on the oven and airflow. Top up little and often during a session.