Pizza ovens are great for cooking pizza but it’s important to know an oven’s temperature. If you don’t know the temperature of a pizza oven, the result can be a disaster. When a pizza oven is too hot or cold the result can be a poorly cooked pizza. Moreover, a pizza oven that’s too hot can burn the dough before the cheese even melts.
Having a pizza oven thermometer is essential if you want the perfect pizza. It can also help you set the appropriate temperature for wood-fired pizza ovens. Wood-fired pizza ovens are notorious for being wild, so having a thermometer can help you build the perfect flame.
That said, finding the best pizza oven thermometer is easier said than done. To help, we’re going to take you through some of the best products like the Ooni Infrared Thermometer.
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What is a Pizza Oven Thermometer?
A pizza oven thermometer is a tool that’s used to measure the temperature of a pizza oven. These tools are helpful for every pizza oven but work especially well for wood-fired ovens. Without a pizza oven thermometer, it’s hard to determine how hot a pizza oven is.
If you don’t know how hot the oven is, cooking a pizza evenly is almost impossible. Plus, some types of pizza require different temperatures for the best results.
For example, a Sicilian pizza needs to be cooked for longer periods at lower temperatures. This differs from thin-crust pizzas that can be cooked quickly at higher temperatures.
Types of Thermometers for Pizza Ovens
There are several types of pizza oven thermometers. However, some types work better than others. We’ll take you through a few of the most common types of pizza thermometers.
Infrared Thermometers
Infrared thermometers measure infrared radiation to identify the temperature. It works by using a lens to reflect infrared radiation, which is converted to an electric signal. The electric signal then displays the temperature reading on an LCD screen.
Infrared thermometers are also easy to use. All you need to do is point the infrared thermometer at spots in the oven to measure the temperature. In fact, most infrared thermometers come with laser pointers for guidance.
With an infrared thermometer, you can also measure the temperature from a distance. Still, make sure you measure multiple parts of the oven to determine where you should place the pizza.
Probe Thermometers
Probe thermometers are used to measure the radiating temperature of a pizza oven. A probe thermometer is also simpler than an infrared thermometer because it can be mounted inside the oven. When you mount a probe thermometer you don’t need to interact with it as often.
Probe thermometers are also an affordable choice. While they don’t have advanced features found in infrared thermometers, they deliver accurate readings and are easier to use.
Depending on your needs, probe thermometers and infrared thermometers are both viable options.
Important Features To Consider Pizza Oven Thermometers
When shopping for pizza oven thermometers there are many features to consider. Many pizza oven thermometers come with similar features, so it’s important to determine the features that matter most to you. Below are the most important features to consider.
Battery Types
Pizza oven thermometers have a wide range of battery types. Some products require AAA batteries whereas others require AA batteries. There are even some pizza thermometers that can be recharged if needed.
Battery life is also another factor to consider. If you plan on using a pizza oven thermometer in a commercial setting you want it to last for long periods. However, Battery life is less important if you only plan on making pizzas occasionally.
A good rule of thumb to follow is that AA batteries last longer than AAA batteries.
Temperature Range
The temperature range is another factor to consider. Pizza ovens can reach high temperatures, so having a thermometer that can measure hot ovens is important.
While smaller pizza ovens reach temperatures between 400 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit, commercial ovens get even hotter. In fact, some commercial pizza ovens reach temperatures between 800 and 900 degrees Fahrenheit.
Therefore, having a pizza oven thermometer that can measure a wide range offers the most value.
Accuracy
What’s the point in using a thermometer if it’s not accurate? Being able to make accurate temperature measurements can be the difference between melted cheese and burnt cheese. Luckily, most pizza oven thermometers are accurate and have built-in emissivity calibrations from blackbody sources.
Emissivity is rated from 0 to 1 and most infrared thermometers have a rating that’s as close to 1 as possible. The closer a rating is to 1 the better and some thermometers can be adjusted. Emissivity calibrations are important to ensure that reflective surfaces don’t mess with temperature readings.
Additional Features To Consider
When looking for a pizza oven thermometer there are some other features to keep an eye on. Be on the lookout for the following.
- Laser guidance
- The cost
- Low battery indicators
- LCD backlight
- How it fits in your hands (dimensions)
- If it can measure the inside of pizza
These are some additional factors you should consider before choosing a thermometer.
How To Use Pizza Oven Thermometers
Pizza oven thermometers are simple to use. That said, there are a few safety tips you should pay attention to. Because of the high temperatures within pizza ovens, getting too close can be dangerous.
Pizza Oven Thermometer Safety Tips
Below are several safety tips to follow when using a pizza oven and pizza oven thermometer.
- Preheat wood-fired ovens for at least 2 or 3 hours before cooking and measuring the temperature
- Only use hardwood for wood-fire pizza ovens
- If you’re using a laser thermometer (infrared) measure many parts of the oven’s floor to identify cold and weak spots
- Keep your thermometer clean; even probe thermometers need to be wiped down
- Don’t look directly at the laser when using a laser thermometer
- Remove anything from oven surfaces before measuring the temperature
These tips can help you use an infrared thermometer in the best way possible.
Calibrating a Pizza Oven Thermometer
Having a pizza oven thermometer that’s not properly calibrated can lead to inaccurate measurements. Most pizza oven thermometers come calibrated but after many uses, it’s a good idea to check the calibration.
For infrared thermometers, you can calibrate them following the steps below.
- Fill up a bowl of ice and water.
- Stir the ice and water and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Move some ice to the side and create a gap in the middle of the bowl.
- Line up the infrared pizza oven thermometer with the gap in the middle of the bowl. Make sure the lens should be perpendicular to the surface of the ice and water.
- Press the trigger or button to measure the temperature of the water and ice.
When you measure the temperature of the freezing water it provides a new baseline for future readings.
Our List of Best Pizza Oven Thermometers
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The 13 best pizza oven thermometers are listed below.
1). Ooni Infrared Thermometer
The Ooni Infrared Thermometer can measure temperatures up to 1,112 degrees F. While it can measure high temperatures, it’s made from lightweight plastic that makes it easy to hold. It also features an ergonomic handle and laser pointer for your convenience.
Another benefit is that it comes with an LCD display that’s loaded with features. Some examples include low-battery indicators, instant temperature readings, and more.
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2). Gozney Infrared Thermometer
The Gozney Infrared Thermometer is well-made and easy to use. It has a sturdy design that’s comfortable to hold and laser guidance for easy measurements. This thermometer can also measure hot temperatures between -58 and 1,022 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some unique features come with this device. These include an option for continuous temperature readings and an automatic shut-off setting. Furthermore, it has comfortable material for gripping that doesn’t cause hand cramping.
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3). Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 1080
Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 1080 is one of the most advanced devices available. It has a 12 to 1 distance to spot ratio, which makes it safer than other thermometers. There is also an LCD display that shuts off on its own after a few seconds to save battery.
This thermometer also has an emissivity setting that’s close to 1 (.95), which gives it superior accuracy. The Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 1080 also has one of the fastest measurement times, clocking in at half a second. Plus, it can measure temperatures up to 1,022F.
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4). Helect Infrared Thermometer
This thermometer runs on a 9-volt battery that can be used daily for months. It also uses a dynamic trigger system. You can hold the trigger to take live temperature measurements and release the trigger to lock the temperature in. The Helect Infrared Thermometer also can measure temperatures between -58F and 1,022F.
This Helect thermometer is also flexible. You can use it for both indoor and outdoor pizza ovens. Furthermore, it can handle temperature switches between cold and hot better than other thermometers.
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5). Kizen Infrared Thermometer Gun
The Kizen Infrared Thermometer Gun comes with everything you need to make an accurate temperature reading. It comes with a backlit display and a dynamic trigger system to hold readings. Plus, it can even work in the dark.
That said, the most unique feature is its emissivity chart and settings. Unlike other thermometers, it comes with a chart to help you program it for accurate readings. Additionally, it can handle high temperatures of up to 1,112F.
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6). Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 774
In 2022, Etekcity was rated the number 1 thermometer company in the United States. The brand has several thermometers with different temperature ranges. This particular model can measure temperatures between -58F and 774F.
The Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 774 also has an impressive range (14.7 inches). The 9-volt battery is strong and it comes with the technology needed to store data. It also has low-battery settings to ensure that the battery doesn’t die during use.
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7). Erickhill Infrared Thermometer
The Erickhill Infrared Thermometer can read temperatures up to 752F. While the temperature is not its best feature, Erickhill makes up for this with its advanced features. The biggest examples of this are the temperature alarm and emissivity chart.
Erickhill is also a reputable company. This device is backed by a 30-day guarantee and has a class 2 safety rating. The Erickhill Infrared Thermometer also comes with a unique LCD eye protection on the screen.
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8). Inkbird Infrared Thermometer Gun
The Inkbird Infrared Thermometer Gun handles high temperatures and has lenient storage needs. It can even be stored in warm areas that are close to pizza ovens for easy access. The Inkbird Infrared Thermometer Gun is also great for cars, trucks, and HVAC systems.
This pizza oven thermometer also has a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 12 months. You can also customize the emissivity settings on this device (between 0 and 1. These features are a step-up compared to similar thermometers.
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9). Sovarcate Infrared Thermometer
This Sovarcate Infrared Thermometer is accurate and flexible. You can use it for most home appliances and it is accurate up to +2%. This product also comes with a laser and LCD screen that can be used in any lighting condition.
Sovarcate also gives you more items out of the box. It comes with an additional probe thermometer. You can use the probe thermometer to measure the internal temperature of pizza dough, toppings, and cheese.
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10). ThermoPro TP30
ThermoPro TP30 measures temperatures up to 1,022F and has customizable emissivity settings for accuracy. The device also features a laser that can make readings in most conditions. This thermometer also provides you with temperature readings in less than 5 seconds.
ThermPro also includes some unique features in this device. Primarily, it runs on AAA batteries but only two of them. For long-term use, this makes the device more affordable.
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11). CDN ProAccurate High Heat Oven Thermometer
The CDN ProAccurate High Heat Oven Thermometer is one of the most affordable options. It’s less expensive than most pizza oven thermometers that can be mounted right in the oven. Furthermore, its lack of advanced features conserves battery life.
This pizza oven thermometer is also made with premium stainless steel that can withstand up to 750F. It also has a hook you can use to store it inside the oven. Moreover, it has a large dial that’s not hard to read from a distance.
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12). Lavatools Element Digital Oven Thermometer
Lavatools created one of the most advanced probe thermometers on the market. While it’s not an infrared thermometer, its features come close to them and surpass them in some areas. For example, it has countdowns and provides estimations for when food will be done.
The Lavatools Element Digital Oven Thermometer also comes with a magnet. The magnet makes it easy to keep in ovens, BBQs, and other appliances. You can also stick the probe directly into the dough to check the temperature of the pizza.
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13). ThermPro TP-16
The ThermPro TP-16 is not like other pizza oven thermometers. It’s a probe thermometer with an LCD display. Therefore, the probe needs to enter the oven to get a temperature reading.
While it doesn’t have the range of infrared thermometers, it can handle high temperatures (716F). The probe can also be inserted into pizza, which is perfect for thicker pizzas like Sicilian pies. The ThermPro TP-16 also comes with timer settings for added convenience.
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Final Words
Pizza oven thermometers add a lot of value to your cooking experience. Knowing the temperature of a pizza oven and the pizza can help you get a more evenly cooked pizza. Identifying hot or cold spots in an oven can also help you cook pizza faster. We also consider a pizza oven thermometer a necessity for wood-fired ovens. Their flames can be hard to control, so a pizza thermometer is the perfect tool to help you make adjustments.
Feel free to try one or more of the best pizza oven thermometers until you find one you like!
Need more tools for your pizza oven? Need help getting started? Check out some of our other articles below:
- Best Pizza Oven Accessories for Great Pizza
- Top Outdoor Pizza Oven Tables
- How Do Pizza Ovens Work? Complete Guide
