Best Pizza Ovens for Coastal Homes

Best Pizza Ovens for Coastal Homes – What You Need to Know

If you live near the coast and love the idea of having a wood-fired pizza oven, you might be wondering: What’s the best oven for a coastal home? I’ve had this conversation with plenty of people, and the main concern is always the same—rust and longevity. The salty air near the ocean can be brutal on metal ovens, so if you're looking for something that will stand the test of time, here’s what you need to know.

Why Coastal Homes Need a Different Kind of Pizza Oven

Most metal pizza ovens—even high-quality stainless steel ones—will eventually show signs of corrosion when exposed to salty sea air. That’s why I always recommend refractory cement ovens for people who live by the ocean. They are built to last, hold heat better, and don’t have the same rust issues as metal ovens.

But beyond durability, you probably also want an oven that can do more than just pizza. Slow roasts, baking bread, maybe even some overnight cooking? No problem—there are some fantastic options that give you the best of both worlds.

The Best Pizza Ovens for Coastal Homes

After years of testing and working with different ovens, here are my top picks for a coastal environment:

Polito Giotto – Modern, Compact & Easy to Use

The Polito Giotto is a fantastic choice for coastal homes. It’s made with refractory cement on the inside, so it holds heat for long periods, and the exterior is finished with high-temperature paint. While it does have an aluminum shell and stainless steel door, I can tell you from experience (I've had my Giotto for 6-7 years) that it still looks great with minimal maintenance.

✅ Holds heat overnight – Perfect for slow cooking roasts the next day.
✅ Reaches 400°C in 45-60 minutes – Quick heat-up time for pizza nights.
✅ Weighs 150kg – Can be carried by 4-5 strong people, no special equipment needed.

If you’re looking for a stylish, well-built oven that doesn’t need a crane to install, this is a solid choice.

Argheri Forzo 70 & 100 – The Thermal Beast

The Argheri Forzo is a serious oven for those who want a premium cooking experience. It’s made from extra-thick refractory cement and designed to be heavily insulated, meaning once it’s hot, it stays hot for an incredibly long time. This means less wood, better heat retention, and more consistent cooking.

✅ Incredible insulation – Holds heat longer than most ovens on the market.
✅ Custom tile finishes – Choose from a variety of tiles to match your outdoor area.
✅ Made in NSW, Australia – Locally built and designed for Australian conditions.

The main thing to consider with the Forzo is weight. At 400kg, you’ll need a crane, forklift, or mechanical lifting equipment to get it into place. But once it’s in, it’s there for life.

Valoriani Top 100 or FVR80 DIY Kit – Build It In-Situ

If you want a built-in oven but have tricky access to your outdoor space, a DIY kit oven like the Valoriani TOP100 of the Valoriani FVR80 could be the best option. Instead of lifting a fully built oven down to your alfresco area, this one gets delivered in pieces and assembled on-site. It’s an Italian-made oven with exceptional heat retention and longevity.

✅ True Italian craftsmanship – Made by one of Italy’s best oven brands.
✅ Built in place – No cranes or heavy lifting required.
✅ Ideal for long-term durability – Can be customised to match your space.

Just keep in mind that building it in-situ requires a professional installer, which can add $2,000-$3,000 to your total cost. But for some locations, this is the best way to get a high-end oven in place without worrying about access issues.

Installation Considerations for Coastal Homes

The biggest challenge with any oven installation—especially in coastal homes—is getting the oven to its final location. If you’re placing it on a deck or alfresco area that’s down a few flights of stairs, that can limit your options.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Polito Giotto – Best for tricky access since it’s 150kg and can be carried down by 4-5 people.

• Argheri Forzo 70/100 – Heavier (400kg), so will need mechanical lifting (forklift, crane, etc.).

• Valoriani FVR80 or TOP100 DIY Kit – Best for hard-to-reach areas since it’s built in place.

If access is difficult but you still want a heavy-duty oven like the Forzo, we do offer an in-situ build service where our team assembles the oven on-site for you.

Final Thoughts

If you live near the ocean, a refractory cement pizza oven is hands-down the best option. It will last longer, hold heat better, and won’t rust like a traditional metal oven. Whether you want something sleek and modern (Giotto), ultra-insulated with custom finishes (Forzo), or a built-in solution (Valoriani FVR80), there’s a perfect option for your home.

If you’re thinking about getting an oven for your coastal home and aren’t sure which one’s right for you, send us a message or give us a call. I’m always happy to help you find the perfect fit!

Chris
Founder & CEO 
The Pizza Oven Store