How do you use a pizza oven as a fireplace?

Can you use a pizza oven as a fireplace?

Yes, you can use a pizza oven as a fireplace if the oven is designed to reach high enough temperatures. Most modern pizza ovens are capable of reaching over 700°F, which is hot enough to effectively heat a room as a fireplace would. The key factors that determine if a pizza oven can work as a fireplace are:

• Temperature – The oven needs to reach at least 500°F to produce enough radiant heat to warm a room.
• Ventilation – There needs to be a way for smoke and fumes to vent outside. Many pizza ovens are designed for outdoor use and already have a chimney.
• Fuel – You’ll need wood/pellets if the oven doesn’t run on gas. Look for ovens designed for wood fuel.
• Placement – Put the oven in a spot safe for a fireplace, away from combustibles with proper clearances.

With the right type of pizza oven, some minor modifications can convert it into an efficient, high-heat fireplace for heating an outdoor area or giving a room some extra warmth and ambiance. The basic operation is the same as running it for cooking pizza.

What types of pizza ovens work best?

Certain kinds of pizza ovens are better suited for also functioning as a fireplace:

Wood-fired ovens

Wood-fired brick ovens are the classic style pizza oven that doubles great as a fireplace. They are designed specifically for heating up to extremely high temps with hardwood fuel. Wood-fired ovens feature an oven dome, entrance, and chimney vent and are meant for use with full-size logs. A large wood-fired oven can heat an outdoor area or interior space up to 400 sq ft.

Pellet ovens

Pellet pizza ovens offer convenience with the ability to thermostatically control the temperature. Instead of wood logs, they burn small wood pellets fed from an attached hopper. The temperature can be adjusted with a dial or digital controller. Pellet ovens work well for fireplace use if you want more precise control over the heat output.

Multi-fuel ovens

Some pizza ovens are designed to burn both wood and gas, giving you flexibility. You can use wood for quick high heat or gas to maintain a stable temperature. Multi-fuel ovens allow you to use the heat source that is most convenient.

Portable ovens

Smaller portable pizza ovens are also an option if you want a fireplace that can be moved around. Tabletop gas-fired ovens reach 500°F+ and have ventilation. Just check clearances since portable ovens sit closer to combustibles.

Tips for modifying a pizza oven for fireplace use

To convert a pizza oven into an effective fireplace, keep these tips in mind:

• Add clearances – Be sure to leave proper clearances to combustibles for fireplace installation. For wood-burning ovens, recommended clearances are often 48 inches minimum.
• Direct smoke outside – You’ll need a chimney or venting to direct smoke outside. Many outdoor pizza ovens are built with an existing chimney. For indoor use, add chimney piping.
• Move it against a non-combustible wall – Wood-fired ovens work best placed flush against a non-flammable wall, like brick or stone. This allows for heat radiation while protecting combustibles.
• Install a hearth – Build or install a non-combustible hearth extending out 16-20 inches in front of the oven to protect the floor from sparks.
• Add glass doors – Installing glass doors over the oven opening helps retain heat. This improves efficiency and prevents excess smoke release indoors.

Proper placement and ventilation are the most important factors for a safe and effective pizza oven fireplace. Always follow building codes and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Steps to Operating a Pizza Oven as a Fireplace

Here are the basic steps to follow when using a pizza oven as a fireplace:

1. Load fuel – For wood ovens, add hardwood logs. Use smaller splits for faster heat and larger logs for extended burn time. For pellet ovens, ensure the hopper is full.
2. Light the fire – Light kindling or pellets using fire starters or an automatic igniter if the oven has one. Allow the fire to establish.
3. Set oven temp – For pellet ovens, set your target temp on the digital controller, usually 350-450°F for fireplace use. With wood ovens, control temperature with the amount and size of logs.
4. Let the oven heat up – It takes 15-30 minutes for the dense oven walls to heat soak and radiate heat into the room.
5. Add more fuel occasionally – Add additional logs or pellets as needed to maintain the fire. Remove ashes if they build up.
6. Adjust air flow – Control the burn rate and heat by adjusting air intake vents on the oven.
7. Check the chimney – Make sure the vent or chimney doesn’t get obstructed, blocking smoke.

The basic operation is similar to using a wood-burning stove or fireplace insert. Let the oven come completely up to temperature before using it as a heat source. The retaining walls will radiate warmth for a long time after the fire dies down.

Maintenance When Using a Pizza Oven for a Fireplace

To keep your pizza oven functioning properly as a fireplace, follow these maintenance practices:

• Remove ashes – Remove excess ash buildup from the oven floor before it accumulates. Let ash completely cool before disposal.
• Check for creosote – Wood-burning ovens need yearly chimney inspections and cleaning to prevent creosote deposits.
• Replace oven parts – Replace any damaged bricks, elements, or oven parts to keep the oven in good working order.
• Clean the viewing glass – Keep glass oven doors clean using cleaner made for wood stove glass.
• Inspect the chimney – Check the chimney cap and flue yearly and clean if needed.
• Check gaskets – Replace any worn out oven door or opening gaskets to maintain efficiency.

Proper care and maintenance will keep a pizza oven working safely for years of use as both an oven and fireplace. Always inspect for any damage after a heating season. Have a professional service the oven as needed.

Safety Tips

Observe these important safety precautions when using a pizza oven as a fireplace:

• Keep combustibles away – Maintain proper clearance to furniture, fabrics, firewood, and other combustibles.
• Don’t leave unattended – Stay nearby when a fire is burning in the oven.
• Watch the smoke – Smoke escaping from the oven vent indicates a flue blockage or issue.
• Ensure proper ventilation – Always run the oven with the chimney venting externally. Don’t block vents.
• Check for stability – Ensure the oven is stable and not at risk of shifting or falling. Use earthquake straps if needed.
• Have safe floors – Protect combustible floors in front of the oven with non-combustible hearth pads.
• Look for leaks – Check that fuel, gas, and water connections are tight with no leaks.
• Be aware of carbon monoxide – Install CO detectors as an added safety precaution.

By following all manufacturer guidelines and allowing for proper clearances, your pizza oven can provide warmth and ambiance as an amazing fireplace for your outdoor or indoor living space. Always prioritize safety and have the oven professionally installed if at all possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about using pizza ovens as fireplaces:

What temperature does the pizza oven need to reach for fireplace use?

The oven should reach 450-700°F, which is typical pizza cooking temperature. This allows enough radiant heat output to effectively heat a space up to 400 square feet as a fireplace would.

Can you put a glass door on a pizza oven to use as a fireplace?

Yes, adding a glass door helps retain heat and improves efficiency, as long it’s a door designed for use with that oven. Just check that combustion has enough oxygen.

How long can you safely run a pizza oven as a fireplace?

There are no strict time limits. Most ovens are designed to run continuously for 6-12 hours safely. Just periodically refuel and check the venting while running.

Does smoke come out when using a pizza oven as a fireplace?

A properly installed pizza oven vents all smoke outside through the chimney. Little to no smoke should escape back into the room when running. Smoke indicates a venting issue.

Can you install a pizza oven indoors as a fireplace?

Yes, wood-fired pizza ovens can be installed safely indoors given proper clearances to combustibles, ventilation through an existing chimney, and fireproof hearth. Always consult local building codes first.

Do you need to clean out ashes after using a pizza oven as a fireplace?

Yes, periodically remove excess ash just as you would from a wood-burning stove or fireplace. Let ashes completely cool before disposing.

Conclusion

A properly designed pizza oven can serve wonderfully as a radiant fireplace providing comfortable warmth to an outdoor living space or inside room. Certain kinds of ovens are better suited for this dual function, like wood-fired brick ovens, pellet ovens, and multi-fuel models. With some minor modifications for venting, clearance, and hearth, plus following the proper operating and safety steps, you can enjoy your pizza oven all year round as both an efficient oven and cozy fireplace. Just be sure to follow all codes and manufacturer guidelines whenever installing or modifying the oven. With the satisfying ambiance and heat only a real wood-burning fire can provide, a pizza oven fireplace is the perfect way to upgrade how you cook, entertain, and heat your home.