Pizza Oven Accessories: What You Actually Need

By the FireCrust editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

A few well-chosen accessories make a big difference to pizza-oven results, while others are easy to skip. This guide covers what you actually need, what is nice to have, and what to leave on the shelf.

The essentials

Three things earn their place for almost everyone: a pizza peel to launch and retrieve, an infrared thermometer to read the stone temperature, and a weatherproof cover to protect an outdoor oven. With those, plus the oven and fuel, you have everything you need to cook well and keep the oven in good shape. Everything else is optional.

The pizza peel

A peel is non-negotiable for getting pizzas in and out of fierce heat. A lightweight launching peel (often perforated metal) helps the pizza slide cleanly, while a smaller turning peel makes it easy to rotate the pizza for an even bake. If you buy one thing beyond the oven, make it a good peel - a poor launch ruins an otherwise perfect pizza.

The infrared thermometer

An infrared thermometer lets you point and read the actual stone temperature, which is what cooks the base. Built-in gauges often read the air or dome instead, so they can mislead you. Knowing the stone is genuinely at 450-500C before you launch is the difference between a crisp base and a pale, soggy one, especially while you learn.

Cover and storage

A fitted weatherproof cover is the cheapest way to extend the life of an outdoor oven, keeping out the moisture that causes rust and cracked stones. Use it only once the oven is fully cool. For portable ovens, a carry bag or case helps if you move or store the oven between uses or take it away with you.

Nice-to-haves

These improve the experience without being essential to good pizza.

What to skip

You can usually skip gimmicky gadgets, branded ingredient kits at a premium, and oversized accessory bundles that pad the price. A spare stone is rarely needed unless yours cracks. Spend on the peel, thermometer and cover first; add the rest only if you find you genuinely want it once you are cooking regularly.

Our top picks

Frequently asked questions

What accessories do you need for a pizza oven?

The essentials are a pizza peel for launching and turning, an infrared thermometer to read the stone temperature, and a weatherproof cover for an outdoor oven. Those three, plus flour or semolina, cover almost everyone's needs.

Do I need an infrared thermometer for a pizza oven?

It is one of the most useful accessories, because it reads the actual stone temperature, which is what cooks the base. Built-in gauges often read the air or dome instead, so a thermometer helps you launch at the right heat.

What is the best type of pizza peel?

A lightweight launching peel, often perforated metal, helps the pizza slide on cleanly, while a smaller turning peel makes rotating the pizza easy for an even bake. Many cooks use both, but a good launching peel is the priority.

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..