Alfa Forni Pizza Ovens - Ultimate Guide

Thinking about adding a pizza oven to your outdoor cooking experience? Alfa Forni Ovens is one brand not to overlook.

What if we told you you can create an authentic Neapolitan pizza right in your backyard? With Alfa Forni Ovens, you can bring a taste of Italy anywhere you go! When it comes to hosting a backyard BBQ, the host and the guests are typically separate, where the host is preparing the meal and the guests are gathered with refreshments. With a pizza oven, you can get everyone involved and host a create your own pizza night, creating a fun experience everyone can enjoy. While this oven was designed to cook pizzas to perfection, with its ability to reach high heat and evenly distribute heat you can cook virtually anything from steaks, veggies, roasts and bread, offering so much cooking versatility. With a wide variety of brands and models on the market, it can be overwhelming and confusing on which one to choose. 

We want to provide you with as much information as possible when it comes to purchasing appliances for your outdoor kitchen. However, we believe there is one brand that stands out from the crowd–Alfa Forni.

Alfa Forni Ovens are made in Italy and specialize in wood and gas fired ovens, fireplaces and refractory bricks. In 1977, two cousins from the south of Italy decided to build a wood fired oven for their backyard get-togethers and wanted an appliance that looked as good as it cooked. Fast forward to today, they now have a variety of domestic and commercial appliances that combine both quality and performance so you can cook high-quality, authentic tasting pizza that's worth sharing with the whole family.

What sets Alfa Ovens apart from the rest? Alfa Ovens guarantee precise cooking with maximum thermal efficiency due to the application of state-of-the-art technology and take innovation to the next level with their Forninox technology patent, the patented Compact Flame system and the patented Flue system (more details below).

In this review, we are breaking down the various products of Alfa Forni’s domestic line, which offer a variety of compact pizza ovens that fit perfectly into your outdoor kitchen. There are three different domestic lines offered–Classico, Moderno and Futuro.

Before getting into each model, let's talk about some of the similarities you can find across all domestic Alfa Forni Pizza ovens.

Key features of Alfa Forni pizza ovens:

• Made in Italy by skilled artisans
• Alfa Heat Genius Technology for optimal heat retention and distribution
• Forninox technology for high heat resistance and quick heating
• Stainless steel body for weather resistance and durability
• Dome shape for improved heat circulation and even cooking
• Multiple fuel options
• Easy assembly
• 2-year warranty

All Alfa Forni Ovens are made in Italy and manufactured by some of the best artisans in barbecues, fireplaces, stoves, ovens and firebricks. Alfa ovens blend elegance with performance, offering a variety of lines designed with a different aesthetic that best represents you and all characterized by the same Alfa Heat Genius Technology. With the use of high quality materials and being constructed with a stainless steel body, these ovens are made to last and built to withstand the most adverse weather conditions. At the front of the appliance is an arched stainless steel door that is designed to retain heat and enhances airflow within the oven, improving cooking efficiency. 

You will notice all Alfa Ovens are constructed in a dome, semi-sphere shape. This shape is an integral part of its performance and gives the oven the capability of maximizing circulation and heat flow so it can heat up quickly and maintain a constant temperature to provide uniform cooking.

The secret to producing pizza that tastes like it's from your favorite restaurant? Alfa’s innovative Heat Genius Technology—the combination of Heat Keeper Refractory brick, DoubleDown Superwool Ceramic Insulation and the patented Full Effect Full Circulation Flue System. 

Only Alfa ovens have Heat Genius Technology that combines these 3 unique, high performance technologies which allow you to cook the base of the pizza and toppings at different temperatures, just as professional wood burning ovens do. The cooking floor is made from Authentic HeatKeeper Refractory Firebrick which is a material that can withstand high temperatures, absorbing and storing heat to distribute heat uniformly to the dough, ensuring the bottom of your pizza is perfectly crisp. The cooking chamber is lined with DoubleDown Ceramic Superwool insulation which is a material that offers twice as much heat resistance compared to the materials used in traditional pizza ovens and reduces fuel consumption. The ceramic fiber also prevents the side surfaces from overheating which allows you to consistently bake perfect pizzas. When the heat is slowly released from the refractory brick, it is spread evenly throughout the ovens curved walls. 

The patented Full Effect Full Circulation Flue System optimizes the circulation of hot air inside the cooking chamber, increasing the heat of the refractory brick. The heat is distributed "around and down” to ensure that the oven consistency stays at the right temperature to optimally cook both the base and toppings of the pizza. With the cooking surface being made of interchangeable refractory brick which absorbs and stores heat, the ceramic fiber insulation that keeps heat inside the oven and the stainless steel vault that allows the oven to quickly reach and maintain the working temperature, Alfa ovens can reach 1000 degrees in just 30 minutes.

The patented Forninox technology is known as the “crown jewel”, which enabled Alfa to manufacture high octane stainless steel wood fired ovens. In order to withstand high temperatures, the Foninox cooking chamber is built with two different types of steel that have high thermal resistance. This technology combines physical and thermal properties of steel and refractory brick, which gives Alfa ovens the ability to retain heat and reach the same temperature as traditional wood fired ovens but in a shorter amount of time.

As we mentioned earlier, these ovens aren't just for making pizza, The different fuel options, the ability to reach and maintain high heat and its even heat distribution creates endless opportunities for the dishes you can make ranging from first courses to desserts. Alfa Forni Ovens are offered in gas, wood or hybrid fueled ovens, but not all models are offered in all three fuel types (details below). The gas-powered version offers easier precise temperature control, convenience and faster cooking times due to the direct heat from gas burners. To light just turn the knob, push the ignition button and adjust the flame. You can easily adjust the heat with the manual gas dial, allowing you to set the temperature according to your cooking needs. It also has a thermometer built into the door, so you can monitor the temperature inside. The wood-fired version, on the other hand, offers a more traditional experience and unique flavor but requires more maintenance and attention to the fire. To light the wood-fired oven, build a fire in the center of the oven using sticks of dry kindling, add pieces of hardwood as the fire gets started, then add logs 5-10 cm in diameter to form enough embers. It is recommended to use dry, seasoned hardwoods to avoid dense, black smoke that could ruin your dishes. The Alfa Kit Hybrid is needed if you want to get the best of two fuels—transforming your gas oven into a wood-burning oven. It converts your gas-fired oven fueled by firewood, can withstand high temperatures of over 2000°, is made of AISI 441 stainless steel and includes a burner lid and wood holder.

All Alfa Ovens are also fairly simple to assemble. It requires just a few simple steps—screw on the 4 feet at the base corners, screw the handle into the stainless steel arched door, insert the chimney cowl into the flue, put the chimney cowl and the flue into the dome of the oven and your oven is ready for use! Keep in mind, if you purchase a larger oven it will be heavier in weight and might require some assistance to move if you did not assemble the oven in its designated spot in your outdoor kitchen. If you have got a wood-fired oven you can immediately start using it, while if you have a gas or hybrid model you will have to make sure to connect it to the gas main or to the LPG cylinder using the supplied hose and fixing it with a clamp. It is recommended to have a professional installer handle the gas connection for safety and to ensure compliance with local codes.

All Alfa Ovens are covered by a two (2) year warranty which covers all types of failure due to malfunctioning parts, manufacturing problems or premature wear.

Now that you have an idea of what you can expect from all Alfa pizza ovens, let's dive into the various domestic lines offered and the key differences between them.

CLASSICO LINE

If you're one who typically opts for the finer things in life, the Alfa Classico Line brings a timeless design for those in search of elegance, offering the most traditional shape of wood-burning ovens integrated with the latest technology innovations. Alfa Classico Ovens are high-performance, professional-grade ovens that combine sophistication with culinary excellence offering advanced technology, high-quality construction, and efficient design to deliver exceptional results. The rounded, stainless steel front and grey powder coated steel distinguishes the Classico models and integrates perfectly into any outdoor space. The two sizes offered in the Classico line are the Classico 2 Pizze and the Classico 4 Pizze.

The Alfa Classico 2 Pizze is a more practical and compact stainless steel oven, ideal for those who have little space. It is offered in ardesia grey and available in wood, gas and hybrid. The size of the cooking chamber (24” x 20”) allows you to cook 2 pizzas at a time and with its ability to reach 1000 degrees F in just 30 minutes, you can cook 2 perfectly crisp pizzas in 90 seconds! The total size of the Alfa Classico 2 Pizze is 37.4” W x 42.9” H x 29.5”D and weighs 160 lbs (72.5kg) without a base.

The Alfa Classico 4 Pizze has a larger cooking surface (31” x 24”), and is designed to cook up to 4 pizzas at once, perfect for when you host larger gatherings. It is offered in ardesia grey and available in wood, gas and hybrid. With the ability to reach 1000 degrees F (500 degrees C) in 30 minutes and thanks to its spacious cooking chamber, you can cook 4 pizzas in 90 seconds! The total size of the Alfa Classico 4 Pizze is 42.5” W x 45.6” H x 35.8”D and weighs 260 lbs (118kg) without a base.

With all Classico ovens, you have the option to purchase just the oven, the oven + a base or the oven + a table. On the optional base the oven sits on a moving cart, allowing you to work more comfortably and help reduce the amount of space it takes up in your outdoor kitchen. The base also contains a shelf for wood or gas cylinder storage.

MODERNO LINE

Designed with soft, rounded curved details, quality materials and choice of color that best suits your aesthetic, the Moderno Line is perfect for those who want to add a modern flair to their outdoor kitchen. Its stainless steel design combined with colored powder coated steel, makes this oven stand out above the rest and integrates perfectly into any young and dynamic outdoor space. These ovens combine high quality construction with advanced technology and are the largest of the lines offering 5 different sizes–Portable, 1 Pizza, 2 Pizze, 3 Pizze and 5 Pizze.

The Moderno Portable is a portable gas pizza oven that brings the pizza party wherever you go. Its lightweight design is just 77lbs (35kg), making it easy to carry around but that doesn't take away from its ability to perform. With the Portable oven being constructed with the Forninox steel chamber and HeatGenius technology, it can reach 1000 degrees F (500 degrees C) in 30 minutes, allowing you to cook a real Neapolitan pizza in just 90 seconds. It is offered in two colors antique red and ardesia grey and only available with LPG (liquid propane) gas. The total size of the Moderno Portable is 21.7”W x 35.9” H x 20.4”D and size of the cooking chamber (16” x 16”) allowing you to cook 1 pizza at a time. Thanks to its small size, the portable pizza oven can be assembled quickly. Being compact, easy to use and easy to assemble, your new transportable companion is ready to bring the fun wherever you go.

The Moderno 1 Pizza is slightly larger but light and compact at 119 lbs (54 kg) without a base. This model is ideal for anyone who wants high cooking performance and the possibility to cook multiple dishes, with little space available for placement. It is offered in antique red and ardesia grey and available in both wood, gas and hybrid. We do not recommend the Hybrid kit in the 1 Pizze due to the space it takes in the oven.The total size of the Moderno 1 is 29.1” W x 41.3” H x 21.6” D and size of the cooking chamber depends on the fuel type–the wood model (24” x 16”) and the gas model (20” x 16”). With the Moderno 1 Pizza oven being constructed with the Forninox steel chamber and HeatGenius technology, it can reach 1000 degrees F (500 degrees C) in 30 minutes, allowing you to cook a real Neapolitan pizza in just 90 seconds.

The Moderno 2 Pizze, one of the most popular of the Moderno models, is compact at 174 lbs (79 kg) without a base. This easy to use oven is ideal if you have little space but love cooking outdoors. It is offered in two colors, antique red and ardesia grey and available in wood, gas or hybrid. The total size of the Moderno 2 is 37.4”W x 41.5” H x 27.5” D and the size of the cooking chamber depends on the fuel type–the wood model (28” x 20”) and the gas model (24” x 20”). With the Moderno 2 Pizza oven being constructed with the Forninox steel chamber and HeatGenius technology, it can reach 1000 degrees F (500 degrees C) in 30 minutes, allowing you to cook up to 2 pizzas in just 90 seconds.

The Moderno 3 Pizze is another best selling oven with an even larger cooking chamber that can cook up to 3 pizzas at a time. It is offered in three colors, antique red, ardesia grey, fire yellow and is available in either wood, gas or hybrid. The total size of the Moderno 3 is 42.5” W x 44.9” H x 28.7” D and weighs 214 lbs (97.5 kg) without a base. The size of the cooking surface varies based on the fuel type––wood model (35” x 20”) and gas model (31” x 20”). With the Moderno 3 oven being constructed with the Forninox steel chamber and HeatGenius technology, it can reach 1000 degrees F (500 degrees C) in 30 minutes, allowing you to cook up to 3 pizzas in just 90 seconds.

The Moderno 5 Pizze is a semi-professional pizza and is the largest oven in the Moderno line. It can cook up to 5 pizzas at a time, making it perfect for larger families or hosting large groups. It is offered in three colors, antique red, ardesia grey and fire yellow and is available in either wood, gas or hybrid. The total size of the Moderno 5 is 46.6” W x 58.7” H x 40.2” D and weighs 386 lbs (175 kg) without a base. The size of the cooking surface is the largest out of all ovens in the Moderno line and varies based on the fuel type––wood model (40” x 28”) and gas model (34” x 28”). With the Moderno 5 oven being constructed with the Forninox steel chamber and HeatGenius technology, it can reach 1000 degrees F (500 degrees C) in 30 minutes, allowing you to cook up to 5 pizzas in just 90 seconds.

With all Moderno ovens, you have the option to purchase just the oven, the oven + a base or the oven + a table. The Moderno 1, 2 and 3 Pizze ovens give you the option to purchase a base equipped with a shelf and wheels so you can easily optimize space in your outdoor kitchen. The Moderno 5 Pizze has an optional upgraded base equipped with wheels, large retractable shelves on the sides of the base, a storage shelf for wood or the gas cylinder and beneath the cooking chamber base is a food warmer compartment, perfect for letting dishes rest or to keep dishes warm before serving.

FUTURO LINE

The Futuro line of Alfa Forni Pizza ovens are a true work of art that combine minimalism, functionality and elegance with its handcrafted stainless steel design, sharp lines and a contemporary look that blends perfectly with premium grills and other outdoor kitchen appliances. A key characteristic of this oven is the large glass door at the front of the oven so you can keep an eye on what is cooking. There are two models in the Futuro line—The Forno Futuro 2 Pizze and the Forno Futuro 4 Pizze.

The Futuro 2 Pizze offers a large semi-professional cooking surface (27.5” x 15.7”), which allows you to cook up to 2 pizzas at the same time. It is offered in silver black and available in gas or hybrid. The total size of the Futuro 2 Pizze is 39.3”W x 48.5” H x 29.6” D and weighs 242 lbs (110 kg) without a base. With the Futuro 2 Pizza oven being constructed with the Forninox steel chamber and HeatGenius technology, it can reach 1000 degrees F (500 degrees C) in 30 minutes, allowing you to cook up to 2 pizzas in just 90 seconds.

The Futuro 4 Pizze offers semi-professional performance with a larger cooking surface (31.5” x 23.6”), which allows you to cook up to 4 pizzas at a time, making it ideal for larger groups. It is offered in silver Black and available in gas or hybrid. The total size of the Futuro 4 Pizze is 43.4”W x 59.4” H x 37.4” D and weighs 312 lbs (141 kg) without a base. With the Futuro 4 Pizza oven being constructed with the Forninox steel chamber and HeatGenius technology, it can reach 1000 degrees F (500 degrees C) in 30 minutes, allowing you to cook up to 4 pizzas in just 90 seconds.

The Futuro line does not offer the option to add on a base. It is designed solely to sit on a countertop but you have the option to purchase an Alfa prep table for it to sit on if you would like.

As you can see, the variety of Alfa Forni pizza ovens allow you to customize to your cooking needs and offer endless cooking possibilities with its innovative Forninox technology and Heat Genius technology. The main differences between each line and model comes down to the aesthetic/color options, fuel type, size of the oven and size of the cooking surface. 

To help simplify all the information provided, let’s break down the key differences of each model:

Note *: Gas Units can be Hybrid with required kit. Kits are an additional cost. 

If you’re one who loves to host, who has a larger family or wants to bring cooking versatility to your home, a pizza oven is sure to do the trick. With Alfa Forni ovens, you can bring a taste of Italy right to your backyard in the shortest amount of time. Being that all of these ovens are high performance and quality appliances, you can't go wrong. Your decision will ultimately come down to your personal needs, how much you want to cook, your outdoor space and what fuel type you prefer. 

If you love to gather with friends and want to take the pizza party with you wherever you go, the Moderno Portable pizza oven is for you! If you have a larger family, host larger groups on a regular occasion, and opt for a more elegant style in your outdoor kitchen, the Futuro 4 is the way to go. 

If you want to add a pop of color to your outdoor kitchen, the Moderno line would be best for you with its variety of color options. 

We hope that you were able to get all the information you needed from what we’ve provided and are even more excited about bringing in a new addition to your outdoor kitchen space. 

At the BBQ Depot, our team of experts are waiting to answer any additional questions you might have about Alfa Forni ovens. Contact us today to learn more about our product offerings, shipping times, and product availability.

FAQ:

1. Can I cook other foods besides pizza in the Alfa Forni Pizza Ovens? YES! This oven can cook virtually anything, from steak to bread to roasts. The high heat and even heat distribution of this appliance makes it suitable for different types of cooking offering so much versatility!
2. Are Alfa Forni Ovens easy to install? Yes, the oven is relatively easy to install. It requires just a few simple steps—place the base of the structure, insert the chimney cowl into the flue, and put the chimney cowl and the flue into the dome of the oven. If you have got a wood-fired oven you can immediately start using it, while if you have a gas-fired (or hybrid) model you will have to make sure to connect it to the gas main or to the LPG cylinder using the supplied hose and fixing it with a clamp. It is recommended to have a professional installer handle the gas connection for safety and to ensure compliance with local codes.
3. What are the benefits of the gas version over the wood-fired version? The gas-powered version offers easier precise temperature control, convenience and faster cooking times due to the direct heat from gas burners. To light just turn the knob, push the ignition button and adjust the flame. You can easily adjust the heat with the manual gas dial, allowing you to set the temperature according to your cooking needs. It also has a thermometer built into the door, so you can monitor the temperature inside. The wood-fired version, on the other hand, offers a more traditional experience and unique flavor but requires more maintenance and attention to the fire. To light the wood-fired oven, build a fire in the center of the oven using sticks of dry kindling, add pieces of hardwood as the fire gets started, then add logs 5-10 cm in diameter to form enough embers. It is recommended to use dry, seasoned hardwoods to avoid dense, black smoke that could ruin your dishes.
4. What exactly does the Hybrid Kit oven offer? The Alfa Kit Hybrid is needed if you want to get the best of two fuels—transforming your gas oven into a wood-burning oven. It converts your gas-fired oven fueled by firewood, can withstand high temperatures of over 2000°, is made of AISI 441 stainless steel and includes burner lid and wood holder.
5. What is the warranty on all Alfa Forni Pizza ovens? This oven comes with a 2-year warranty covering all types of failure due to malfunctioning parts, manufacturing problems or premature wear.
6. How do I switch between gas and wood when using the Hybrid Kit? The Hybrid kit gives you the ability to use gas or wood as fuel for the oven and doubles your cooking possibilities. You can use a wood fire for recipes that require longer cooking times or gas for convenience and for recipes that don’t require a long cooking time. The hybrid kit is quick and easy to install when opting to use wood. To start, you will want to make sure to close any gas inlet to the oven, disconnect the gas bottle and remove the gas hose from the oven. Once the oven is cold, cover the gas burner with the burner lid (included in the hybrid kit). To position the lid, push the peel into the slit on the lid and put the lid onto the gas burner, sliding the lid until it touches the combustion chamber. To light the wood, place the wood on the wood rack (included in the hybrid kit) in the center of the floor and once the wood is lit, move the fire to the opposite side of the cooking chamber (away from the gas burner).
7. How long does it take Alfa Forni ovens to preheat? Thanks to Alfas innovative Forninox technology and Heat Genius technology, Alfa ovens are designed to heat up rapidly and can reach 1000 degrees F (500 degrees C) in just 30 minutes, compared to standard ovens which could take up to 2 hours. For the initial burn, its suggested to preheat the oven on high (about 900 degrees F) for 45 minutes to burn off any residual material. While it is capable of reaching a maximum temperature 1000 degrees F (500 degrees C) quickly, its not the optimal temperature for cooking pizzas. To reach the optimal cooking temperature for cooking pizzas (700-800 degrees F), it will take anywhere from 15-20 minutes to preheat the oven floor.