Yes—you can cook meat in a pizza oven, and it can be excellent when done correctly. Pizza ovens reach very high temperatures and provide intense radiant heat, which is ideal for many types of meat. However, success depends on temperature control, placement, and technique.

Why Pizza Ovens Work Well for Meat

Pizza ovens are designed to:

• Reach 400–500°C (750–900°F) or higher

• Deliver strong radiant heat from the dome

• Maintain heat with stone or refractory walls

This makes them similar to a high-heat grill or broiler, with added versatility for roasting.

Types of Meat You Can Cook

1. Steaks and Chops

• Beef steaks

• Lamb chops

• Pork chops

How

• Cook near the oven mouth or side, not directly in the hottest center

• Sear quickly, then rest

• Ideal for thin to medium cuts

2. Chicken

• Whole chicken

• Thighs, wings, drumsticks

How

• Best cooked at moderate oven temperatures

• Use a pan or skillet

• Turn regularly to avoid burning the skin

3. Roasts

• Beef roasts

• Pork loin

• Lamb leg

How

• Push embers to one side

• Roast with indirect heat

• Much like a traditional oven, but faster

4. Sausages and Skewers

• Fresh sausages

• Kebabs

How

• Cook near the opening

• Rotate frequently

• Great balance of browning and moisture

Temperature Management Is Critical

Pizza ovens are hotter than standard ovens, so temperature control matters more than timing.

If the oven is at full pizza temperature, let it cool slightly before cooking meat.

Best Cooking Methods in a Pizza Oven

Direct Cooking

• For thin cuts and quick searing

• Place meat on a cast-iron pan or grill grate

Indirect Cooking

• For thicker cuts or poultry

• Move fire to the side

• Use residual heat and convection

Pan Roasting

• Helps control fat flare-ups

• Reduces burning in very hot ovens

What to Watch Out For

• Burning outside, raw inside if heat is too high

• Flare-ups from dripping fat

• Uneven cooking if meat is too close to flame

• Over-smoking with fatty cuts

Using pans and positioning meat away from direct flame solves most issues.

Safety Tips

• Always use a thermometer for thicker cuts

• Let meat rest after cooking

• Keep raw meat separate from pizza tools

• Clean the oven floor if switching between meat and pizza

Summary

✔ Yes, you can cook meat in a pizza oven
✔ Works especially well for steaks, chicken, roasts, and sausages
✔ Requires heat management and correct placement
✔ Best results come from indirect heat for thicker cuts