Calculate Heatup Time
Understanding Heatup Times
Thermal Mass: Heavy materials (brick, clay, thick stone) absorb and retain heat longer, requiring more time to heat up but maintaining temperature better. Light materials (thin steel, ceramic) heat quickly but cool faster. Brick ovens take 45-60 min but stay hot for hours.
Fuel Type Impact: Gas provides instant, controllable heat (fastest heatup). Pellets auto-feed but take time to establish flame. Wood requires building fire, waiting for flames to die to coals, then heating oven mass. Electric is slow but ultra-consistent.
Ambient Temperature: Cold outdoor temps (winter) dramatically slow heatup - metal contracts, air is denser, heat escapes faster. A 40°F day can add 30% to heatup time vs 70°F. Indoor/sheltered ovens heat faster. Wind also steals heat.
Target Temperature: Higher temps = longer heatup (non-linear). Getting from 700°F to 800°F takes disproportionately longer than 600°F to 700°F due to heat loss. Electric ovens max at 500-550°F. Wood-fired can reach 900-1000°F for true Neapolitan style.