A wood-fired oven often becomes the centre of your outdoor space, so it's worth planning where it goes. Choose the spot before you order, because the oven must be in its final position before you cure it.
Start with the surface
The oven must stand on a suitable non-combustible and properly insulated surface. This prevents heat transfer, cracking, movement and damage to the materials around it, including countertops, tiles, brickwork and concrete slabs.
The surface must also carry the weight. The Ferno Vera Medium Complete weighs 220 kg, and it measures 1000 mm left to right and 1150 mm front to back. Ask a qualified builder if you're not sure that a counter or slab is strong enough.
Keep it ventilated
A wood-fired oven belongs outside. Never run it in an enclosed space without proper ventilation. Check that the flue pipe has a clear path and that smoke won't drift straight into your house or a neighbour's windows.
Stay clear of anything that burns
Metal flue pipes, doors and surrounding surfaces can get extremely hot. Never use the oven near combustible structures, and keep these well away:
- wooden pergolas, thatch and timber decking
- furniture, curtains and shade cloth
- dry grass, cardboard and garden waste
- fuel, gas bottles and chemicals
If the oven is going under a roof, or near one, get a qualified installer to check the position first. In a thatched lapa, we'd look for a different spot altogether.
Think about wind and weather
- Rain: protect the oven from excessive rain and standing water, and keep it covered when it's not in use.
- Drainage: make sure water runs away from the oven, rather than pooling around it.
- Wind: choose a sheltered spot if you can, and don't use the oven in dangerous wind.
Plan it like a kitchen
- Prep space: leave a counter near the oven for topping pizzas, but keep it clear of the heat.
- Room for the peel: allow space in front of the oven to slide a long peel in and out.
- Wood storage: keep firewood dry and off the ground, at a safe distance from the fire.
- Light: you'll be cooking after dark, so add good lighting nearby.
- Kitchen access: a short walk to the kitchen makes pizza night much easier.
- Safe distance: keep children and pets well away, so choose a spot off the main path through the garden.
Built in, or on a frame?
A Ferno Vera comes with a black steel base frame and can be moved if you change your entertainment area later, so you don't have to commit to a permanent build. Installation is available on request in Gauteng, and is quoted for your area.
Before delivery, measure the route to your chosen spot, including gates, passages and steps. Then read our guide on how to cure your new oven.
Questions, answered
Where should a pizza oven go?
Outdoors, on a solid, non-combustible and properly insulated surface, with good ventilation and well away from anything that can burn.
Can I put a pizza oven on a wooden deck?
No. A wood-fired oven must stand on a suitable non-combustible and properly insulated surface, and should be kept away from combustible structures.
Can I use a pizza oven under a patio roof?
Only if the space is well ventilated and clear of anything that can burn. Get a qualified installer to check the position first.
How heavy is a pizza oven?
The Ferno Vera Medium Complete weighs 220 kg, so the surface must be able to carry that weight.
Can a Ferno Vera be moved later?
Yes. It's a movable oven, so you can reposition it if you change your entertainment area. Allow for its 220 kg weight when you do.