Char-Broil Gas Pizza Oven
A capable pizza oven that gas fuel, best judged on the fuel type and pizza size that suit how you cook.
How to Clean a Pizza Oven (Stone, Body and Burner)
Pizza ovens are largely self-cleaning thanks to their heat, so upkeep is simple. This guide explains how to look after the stone, body and burner, and how to store the oven so it stays in good shape.
The golden rule: let the heat clean it
The high temperature of a pizza oven burns off most food residue on its own. The simplest cleaning method is to run the oven hot after cooking so spills and crumbs on the stone carbonise to ash, which you then brush away once cool. This burn-off does most of the work, so heavy scrubbing is rarely needed.
Cleaning the stone
Never use water, soap or detergent on the cooking stone - it is porous and will absorb them, tainting future pizzas and risking cracks from thermal shock. Instead, let any spills burn off, allow the stone to cool, then brush off the ash with a stiff brush. Stains and darkening are normal and harmless; a well-used stone is not a dirty one.
The body and chimney
Wipe the exterior with a dry or barely damp cloth once the oven is cool. For wood-fired ovens, clear ash from the firebox between uses so airflow stays good, and check the chimney or flue is not blocked. Keep vents and openings clear, as good airflow is what lets the oven reach and hold temperature.
The gas burner
On gas ovens, keep the burner and gas jets clear of debris and grease so the flame stays clean and even. Check the hose and connections for wear and a secure fit before each season, and follow the maker's guidance for the specific model. A blocked or dirty burner gives an uneven flame and slower heat-up.
Storage that keeps it clean
Once the oven is fully cool, fit a weatherproof cover and keep it in a dry spot. Moisture is the main enemy of an outdoor oven, causing rust and, in cold snaps, the risk of a damp stone cracking when next heated. Portable ovens are best brought under shelter over winter where possible.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using water or soap on the cooking stone.
- Cleaning or covering the oven before it has fully cooled.
- Letting ash build up in a wood-fired firebox and choking the airflow.
- Leaving the oven uncovered and exposed to rain.
- Scrubbing hard at normal staining that the heat would burn off anyway.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
SPOTRAVEL Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
A capable pizza oven that multi-fuel (e.g. Wood and gas), best judged on the fuel type and pizza size that suit how you cook.
#3 
Indoor Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
A capable pizza oven, best judged on the fuel type and pizza size that suit how you cook.
#4 
Ooni Karu 12
A capable pizza oven that gas / charcoal fuel and reaches up to 500°C, best judged on the fuel type and pizza size that suit how you cook.
Frequently asked questions
How do you clean a pizza oven stone?
Let any spills burn off by running the oven hot, then allow the stone to cool and brush off the ash with a stiff brush. Never use water, soap or detergent, as the porous stone absorbs them and can crack from thermal shock.
Do pizza ovens clean themselves?
Largely, yes. The high heat burns off most food residue, so a hot burn-off after cooking does most of the work. You then just brush away the ash once cool and wipe the cool exterior.
Can you use water to clean a pizza oven?
Not on the cooking stone, which is porous and can crack or absorb the water and taint food. You can wipe a cool exterior with a barely damp cloth, but keep water away from the hot stone entirely.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Char-Broil Gas Pizza Oven (our score 9.5/10) - A capable pizza oven that gas fuel, best judged on the fuel type and pizza size that suit how you cook..