Meet our Customer of the Month for December 2025!
Every month, we highlight a customer whose passion for wood-fired cooking inspires our entire Authentic Pizza Ovens community.
This month, we’re thrilled to celebrate Joel Miller, whose handcrafted backyard pizza oven setup is one of the most impressive—and thoughtfully designed—projects we've seen yet.
Joel took his Ventura Sierra Premium pizza oven and built an outdoor cooking space that blends craftsmanship, functionality, and authentic old-world charm.
If you’ve been dreaming about building your own wood-fired pizza oven station or transforming your backyard into a true culinary destination, Joel’s story is full of inspiration and smart design ideas.
Joel’s DIY Vision: Building a Custom Outdoor Pizza Oven Oasis
Instead of opting for a simple oven stand, Joel designed and constructed an entire outdoor cooking environment from the ground up. His goal was clear: create a durable, beautiful, and highly functional space that would last for decades and elevate every cooking experience.
He started by pouring a six-inch concrete slab reinforced with rebar, giving his project a strong and stable foundation. After a week of curing, Joel discovered brick left behind by the previous homeowner—an unexpected gift that added character to the build.
Working with a mason, Joel created a structural concrete block base and finished it with a brick veneer that ties seamlessly into the existing brick of his home. This detail gives the entire setup a cohesive, architectural look worthy of a professionally designed outdoor kitchen.
Once the base was complete, Joel installed concrete board, set the Ventura Sierra Premium pizza oven in place, and finished the prep surface with tasteful tile trimmed in aluminum. The result is clean, polished, and designed for everyday use.
Related: Simple Ways to Care for Your Outdoor Wood Fired Pizza Oven
Joel didn’t stop there. He added:
- A narrow stainless steel prep table behind the oven for seamless cooking flow
- A lower shelf for storing wood
- Ample workspace for dough rolling and pizza assembly
- A prefabricated pergola covering the entire station, giving shade and ambiance
The final design is not only functional—it’s stunning. Joel’s attention to detail transformed his backyard into an authentic outdoor cooking oasis.
Why Joel Chose Authentic Pizza Ovens
When selecting the right pizza oven, Joel knew he wanted something truly authentic—an oven built from real brick, properly insulated, and handcrafted for performance. As Joel told us:
“I chose an Authentic Pizza Oven because of what the name says—Authentic.”
He chose the Ventura Sierra Premium for its size, height, and versatility. The oven is large enough to cook up to three pizzas at a time, making it perfect for gatherings.
The height of the dome also allows Joel to use a rotisserie spit, which he plans to put to work soon on whole chickens and a leg of lamb already waiting in his freezer.
Related: The Authentic Pizza Oven Difference: Why Choosing Authentic Matters
Perfecting Pizza Night, One Cook at a Time
Like many new wood-fired oven owners, Joel quickly discovered that the process becomes just as enjoyable as the final result. With each use, he refined his dough, improved his timing, and learned the rhythm of firing and managing heat inside a true brick oven.
The Ventura Sierra Premium’s excellent heat retention, handcrafted dome, and refractory brick interior allow Joel to achieve the authentic, blistered crust and smoky flavor that only real wood-fired ovens can deliver.
Pizza nights at Joel’s house are becoming a beloved tradition—and with his setup, we can see why!
Related: How to Throw the Perfect Pizza Party!
More Than Pizza: Baking Bread and Focaccia in Residual Heat
One of the greatest advantages of a true brick pizza oven is the ability to keep cooking long after the fire cools. Joel has fully embraced this.
After finishing pizza and letting the oven drop to about 205°C (400°F), he moves effortlessly into bread-baking mode.
So far, Joel has baked:
- Rustic sourdough loaves (with the help of a starter from his son-in-law)
- Beautifully golden focaccia
This multi-stage cooking ability is one of the reasons homeowners like Joel choose Authentic Pizza Ovens: you can make pizza, bread, vegetables, meats, desserts, and more using one single fire.
Related: The Versatility of Using a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
An Outdoor Cooking Space Designed for Connection
What we love most about Joel’s project is the heart behind it. This oven isn’t just a cooking tool—it’s a centerpiece for connection.
The pergola, brickwork, and thoughtfully laid-out prep space create an inviting atmosphere where family and friends can gather, linger, and truly enjoy the art of wood-fired cooking.
Joel built a space that elevates everyday moments, turning dinners into experiences and gatherings into memories. His Ventura Sierra Premium isn’t just an appliance—it’s the soul of his outdoor living area.
Joel’s Build: A True Inspiration for Future Pizza Oven Owners
Joel’s story highlights everything we love about our customers: vision, creativity, craftsmanship, and a passion for authentic wood-fired cooking.
His backyard transformation shows what’s possible when you pair a high-quality handcrafted brick oven with smart design and thoughtful execution.
If you’re planning your own outdoor kitchen, pizza oven build, or backyard remodel, Joel’s setup is a shining example of what a well-planned, custom-designed pizza oven area can become.
- Penny Warring
