by Ogelthorpe Q. Sighvatson

Created on: May 01, 2009

The term "Brick Oven Pizza" has become increasingly common on the culinary landscape. In a world where big chain pizza sellers use supposedly efficient and definitely soulless conveyor belt ovens to cook their product, "Brick Oven" has become a badge of honor amongst the smaller independent shops and chains. It is a declaration that they seek to create a better product by using cooking methods which are truer to pizza's rustic origins.

Then again, "Brick Oven Pizza" sounds suspiciously like marketing buzzword, the kind of meaningless label fabricated to move more product. The savvy consumer must ask: is there a benefit to the brick oven pizza?

The short answer is yes. So let's talk about these benefits.

1. Results! A Brick Oven pizza is not necessarily made of brick. They are more commonly made of a variety of ceramic and earthenware substances (as a well a few more modern but similar compounds) which provide certain direct advantages in the cooking of the pizza. The materials' high heat retention allows the oven to cook pizza more consistently and more quickly then conventional ovens.

The pourous surface of a brick oven (as opposed to metal ovens or pans) also provides for a crispier crust. This is due to a slight leaching of moisture during the cooking process. Because the high heat is cooking the crust so quickly, drying out is not an issue. The crust still has an excellent chew to it, but is crispier on the outside. While pan pizza or Chicago deep dish can both boast crispy crusts, this is generally accomplished through the generous use of butter or oil. Brick oven cooking is the way to go for a healthier crispiness.

2. Fuel Diversity. Brick pizza ovens come in a variety of styles from large commercial to small at home ovens. They also have the ability to be fueled by a more diverse variety of options: wood, charcoal, coal, gas, propane, or electricity and call be used on various types of brick pizza ovens. The first three, all impart their own additional characteristics to the pizza giving a more complex and interesting flavor.

3. Ambience. Do not underestimate the power of atmosphere. A brick pizza oven (especially if it's woodburning) does not have to be tucked away in the kitchen. Many restaurants offering brick oven pizza put the cooking front and center for all to see. This adds a certain intimacy to the setting and makes an evening out for pizza into something a little more special. The same goes for the joys of the home brick oven, as you bask in the warm glow of the pizza oven with friends and family awaiting the tasty fruit of your labors.

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