About Us
Founded in 1984 in Cape Town, South Africa, Italoven is a proud manufacturer of the original wood-fired Italian pizza oven. While the name suggests pizza alone, our ovens are truly multipurpose cooking solutions, designed for baking, grilling, roasting, and even frying a wide variety of meals.
We specialize in wood-burning ovens, offering a reliable and efficient alternative in light of South Africa’s ongoing electricity challenges. Whether for your home or business, an Italoven ensures you can always prepare hot, delicious meals—no matter the circumstances.
Beyond functionality, our ovens create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Cooking over a wood fire brings people together, making entertaining effortless and enjoyable. With fast cooking times, planning meals and serving guests becomes simple and convenient.
Our restaurant ovens are expertly hand-built, while our domestic models are available as DIY kits. These kits are designed for straightforward installation, complete with detailed instructions and step-by-step photo guides. For those who prefer a hassle-free experience, Italoven also offers professional installation services Countrywide including neighbouring countries Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Zambia, Mauritius and many more.
Our Expertise
THE GIANT PIZZA OVEN OF KLEINE HOPEFIELD
In 2020, during the challenging days of the global pandemic, Burger van den Berg — owner of Kleine Hopefield destination farm — joined forces with a fellow visionary to attempt something extraordinary: building the largest pizza oven in the world.
Together with Italoven, the massive oven was created with an inner diameter of 3.4 meters. The project was launched as a Guinness World Record attempt, not just for the title, but as a way to inspire hope and raise funds for those in need. Sponsors could “buy a brick,” and their names were permanently remembered on a plaque, symbolizing the unity and generosity that fueled the project.
Although the Guinness World Record title itself was never secured, the oven stands tall today as a true West Coast wonder — one of the largest of its kind, and a spectacular sight for all who visit Kleine Hopefield.
Now, the oven has become more than just a monument. It’s a landmark full of potential: from pizza cook-offs and foodie festivals to special pizza days celebrating family and community. While these events are yet to come, the stage is set for unforgettable moments around this one-of-a-kind oven.
