Wood Type

Heat Level

Approximate BTU*

Flavor

Ease to Split

Meal Pairings

Alder

Medium

17.5

Mild, with subtle and slightly sweet flavor

Easy

Fish, poultry, lamb, sausage and vegetables

Apple

High

26.6

Mild, subtle sweet, fruity flavor

Not always due to density.

 

Pro tip: split as soon as you can, if you split it dry it’ll be more difficult

Poultry, beef, pork, game birds, lamb and some seafood

Ash

High

23.6

Light, unique flavor

Easy

Fish and red meats

Beech

High

27.5

Light, mild and Nutty

Easy to moderate

Fish, vegetables and seafood

Birch

Medium

20.3

Similar to maple

Easy

Pork and poultry

Cherry

Medium

20.4

Slightly sweet, mild flavor

Difficult

 

Pro tip: wait until it's dried out and use a hydraulic wood splitter if you have one!

Poultry or ham

Hickory

High

27.7

Strong aroma and slightly sweet

Difficult

 

Pro Tip: Allow to dry first before cutting

Bacon, sausage, beef and poultry

Maple (sugar)

High

24

Sweet flavor

Difficult

Pork, poultry and vegetables

Mesquite

High

28

Bold flavor

Easy

Steaks and pork

Oak 

High

White - 25.7

Red - 24

Balanced, not overpowering

Easy

Sausages, beef, lamb, seafood, vegetables and  pizzas

Pecan 

High

28

Sweet and smooth flavor

Difficult

 

Pro Tip: split the wood early, waiting will make it much harder

Larger pieces of meat 

Walnut

Medium

20.2

Strong and bitter

Moderate

 

Pro Tip: Let it dry completely before splitting

Fruits and vegetables

  • Why is the Firewood So Important for the Pizza Oven?

  • Why Do You Need to Season Firewood?

  • What is Seasoned Wood?

  • Why Does Wood Have to be Seasoned for a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven?

  • How Do I Know if I'm Buying Good-Quality, Seasoned Wood?

  • Can I Season Pizza Oven Firewood Myself?

  • Should I Use Kiln-Dried Firewood in a Pizza Oven?

  • What Size Wood Do You Use in a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven?

  • How Do You Store Pizza Oven Wood?

  • Is Sycamore Wood good for pizza ovens?

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