A good door is what turns a clay or brick oven into a real cooking tool: it holds the heat for bread and slow roasts, protects the oven from rain and wind, and lets you control the fire. But a door only works if it fits your oven and is made of a material that suits how and where you cook. This guide explains how to measure your oven step by step and how to choose between cast iron, sheet metal, cast aluminum and stainless steel doors.
Step 1: Measure your oven mouth
You need three measurements, taken on the outside face of the oven, where the door will sit:
- Mouth width — measure the opening at its widest point, from side to side.
- Mouth height — for an arched mouth, measure at the center of the arch (the highest point). For a rectangular mouth, measure at the sides.
- Free space around the mouth — measure how much flat wall you have on each side and above the opening. The door frame is always larger than the mouth and needs room to rest on the brick or plaster.
Tip: measure twice, in both centimeters and inches if you can, and take a photo of the mouth with a tape measure in the shot.
Step 2: Match the mouth to the door
Every door has two sets of measurements:
- Internal opening (mouth) — the passage the door leaves open when it swings. It should be equal to or slightly larger than your oven mouth, so you can still slide in a pizza peel or a roasting pan.
- External size — the full size of the frame. It must fit inside the flat area around your mouth.
If your oven mouth is larger than the door opening, the door will not cover it. If it is much smaller, you will lose part of the frame's grip on the wall. When in doubt, send us your measurements and a photo and we will tell you which door fits.
Step 3: Choose the material
| Material | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Cast iron | Classic look, decorative designs (fleur-de-lis, carved relief, porthole), very solid feel | Heavy. Outdoors it benefits from occasional high-temperature paint or oil to prevent surface rust. |
| Sheet metal (3.2 mm steel) | Great value, lighter weight, models with a viewing window | Finished with high-temperature paint; touch it up over the years if it is exposed to weather. |
| Cast aluminum | Lightweight doors that do not rust | A good option if you want low maintenance and an easier installation. |
| Stainless steel | Premium polished look, outdoor kitchens and humid climates | Highest price. Corrosion-resistant and easy to keep clean. |
Step 4: Pick the features you need
- Thermometer (pyrometer) — lets you read the oven temperature without opening the door and losing heat. Essential for baking bread. See our guide to the best pizza oven doors with thermometer.
- Air regulator — a vent that controls how much air feeds the fire, to raise or hold the temperature.
- Viewing window — lets you watch the food without opening the door.
- Handle — wooden handles stay cooler to the touch than all-metal ones.
Step 5: Plan the installation
Most of our doors come with a frame designed to be set into the oven wall with refractory cement or traditional mortar. Rear-mount frames are embedded behind the face of the wall for a cleaner look, so check that your wall is thick enough. If your oven is already built and finished, a frame that sits on the front face may be easier. Let the mortar cure fully before lighting a strong fire.
Size reference: some of our handmade doors
Approximate measurements. Always check the product page before ordering.
| Door | External size (W × H) | Internal opening (W × H) |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel, Rear-Mount | 55.5 × 36 cm (21.85 × 14.17 in) | 50 × 31 cm (19.68 × 12.20 in) |
| Cast Iron Fleur-de-Lis | 53 × 42 cm (20.86 × 16.54 in) | 46 × 34 cm (18.11 × 13.38 in) |
| Cast Iron Classic Arch | 52 × 42 cm (20.47 × 16.54 in) | 44 × 35 cm (17.32 × 13.78 in) |
| Cast Iron Butterfly | 61 × 44 cm (24 × 17.3 in) | 47.5 × 32 cm (18.7 × 12.6 in) |
| Sheet Metal with Window – Small | 53 × 38 cm (20.8 × 15 in) | 45 × 31 cm (17.7 × 12.2 in) |
| Sheet Metal with Window – Large | 64 × 46 cm (25.2 × 18.1 in) | 54 × 38 cm (21.3 × 15 in) |
| Cast Iron Porthole | 58 × 45 cm (22.8 × 17.7 in) | Ask us |
| Carved Cast Iron Floral Relief | 46 × 32 cm (18.1 × 12.6 in) | Ask us |
See all models in our Pizza Oven Doors collection.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a pizza oven door on an oven that is already built?
Yes. The frame is fixed to the face of the mouth with refractory cement or mortar. Check that you have enough flat wall around the opening for the frame.
My oven mouth is between two sizes. Which door should I choose?
Choose the door whose internal opening is equal to or slightly larger than your mouth, and make sure its external frame fits the wall around it. If you are unsure, send us your measurements.
Is a cast iron door better than a sheet metal door?
Neither is better for everyone. Cast iron offers classic decorative designs and a very solid feel; sheet metal is lighter, more affordable and can include a viewing window. Stainless steel is the premium, low-maintenance option for outdoor kitchens.
Where are your doors made?
Our pizza oven doors are handmade by artisan workshops in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and shipped with tracking. Shipping to the USA is free.