Brick vs. Precast Pizza Ovens: What’s Right for Your Backyard?

When it comes to creating the ultimate backyard entertaining space, few features make a statement like a wood-fired pizza oven. But once you decide to install one, a common question arises: Brick or precast - what's the difference, and which one is right for you?

At Brisbane Pizza Ovens, we specialise in building both brick and precast ovens using premium kits from The Fire Brick Co. Whether you’re dreaming of a full outdoor kitchen or just the oven itself, understanding the pros and cons of each style will help you make the right decision for your backyard.

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Brick Pizza Oven?

A brick oven is built using individual refractory fire bricks, each cut and laid carefully to create the oven dome. This traditional construction method delivers exceptional thermal mass and a rustic, timeless look.

Pros:

• Superior heat retention: Once heated, the dense fire bricks hold onto heat for hours, perfect for long cooking sessions or baking bread the next day.

• Classic construction: A favourite for those who love traditional methods and aesthetics.

• Traditional inside: The inner dome surface allows you to see each brick, giving it an authentic feel.

Considerations:

• Longer heat up time: Due to their density, brick ovens take longer to get to temperature.

• More space required: The thickness of the bricks means a larger footprint compared to precast options.

• Longer build time: Each brick is placed by hand, making it a more labour intensive option.

What Is a Precast Pizza Oven?

Precast ovens are made using high quality castable refractory materials, engineered for efficiency, and reinforced with stainless steel fibres, giving them strength and performance that mimics a traditional brick oven without the weight or complexity.

Pros:

• Faster heat up time: These ovens reach cooking temperature much faster, making them ideal for weeknight pizza or spontaneous weekend cook ups.

• Easier installation: The kits are designed for straightforward installation and can be built faster than a traditional brick oven.

• Precision performance: Designed to perform consistently, with reliable heat distribution and retention.

Considerations:

• Heat retention: While excellent, precast ovens generally don’t hold heat as long as full brick builds.

• Standardised sizes: You’ll choose from set sizes, which are designed to suit most families and entertaining spaces.

• Same internal & external structure: The oven dome isn’t visible once it’s rendered or cladded, so what matters is how you choose to finish it.

Brick vs. Precast: What to Consider

Here are some key factors to weigh up when deciding between the two:

Feature	Brick Oven	Precast Oven
Heat-up Time	Longer (due to thermal mass)	Faster (efficient heat-up)
Heat Retention	Excellent – ideal for long sessions	Great – ideal for quick use
Space Requirements	Larger footprint	More compact
Installation Time	Longer (cut and lay bricks individually)	Quicker (modular components)
Aesthetics	Rustic, traditional look	Modern and customisable finish options

Which One Should You Choose?

Both styles offer outstanding cooking results, so it comes down to your preferences, space, and how you plan to use the oven.

You might lean toward a brick oven if you:

• Love traditional, hand crafted builds.

• Plan on baking bread, roasting meats, or entertaining over long sessions.

• Have the space and time for a more involved installation.

You might prefer a precast oven if you:

• Want faster heat up times for regular pizza nights.

• Are working within a tighter space or timeline.

• Like the flexibility of rendering, tiling, or cladding to match your outdoor design.

There’s no wrong choice, it's just about finding the right fit for your lifestyle.

See the Difference for Yourself

Want to see both oven types in person? Visit our Geebung showroom to get hands on with our range and chat with the team about what will work best in your backyard.

Let’s Build Something Great

From standalone pizza ovens to complete outdoor kitchens and spaces, we’re here to bring your backyard vision to life. Ready to start? Send us an email to info@brisbanepizzaovens.au