Are you deciding whether to buy a woodfire pizza ovens or gas pizza oven? Each one has its own unique advantages and specialty features, both designed to deliver that authentic pizza experience. Let’s compare the two to help you make an informed decision.
WOOD FIRED OVENS
The first thing that comes to mind when we think of a traditional wood fired oven, is the iconic smoky flavour. If you don’t mind spending that extra bit of time getting the fire going, you will not be disappointed with the level of culinary deliciousness waiting for you on the other side. Furthermore, if you consider yourself somewhat of a pizza afficionado and love the idea of creating the ultimate pizza dish, a wood fire pizza oven is as close as you’re going to get to that authentic, traditional pizza experience in the comfort of your own home.
Pros:
Authentic Flavor: The smell of woodfire burning is not only comforting and warming, it also adds a smoky, earthy flavour that’s hard to replicate with other forms of cooking such as electric or gas. A woodfire oven is perfect for giving pizza that traditional, rustic taste that you simply can’t achieve with other conventional cooking appliances.
High Heat: A woodfire pizza oven can easily reach very high temperatures (up to 400 degrees or more), allowing for ultra-fast cooking times (1-2 minutes).
Whether you’re whipping up a quick pizza meal for the family or entertaining last -minute guests, a woodfire oven is a super quick way to prepare a scrumptious pizza dish in less than no time.
Ambiance: Just picture sitting outside on the alfresco deck, enjoying a glass of wine whilst taking in nature and the peaceful serenity. Then add the crackling sound of the fire and the visual appeal of the flames emanating from the outdoor woodfire oven; and you have the perfect outdoor pizza experience that is simply unrivalled by other styles of cooking.
Versatility: Who said wood ovens are for pizza only? There are multiple foods you can cook inside a wood fire oven including roasted veggies, bread and meats. Get creative and use it as your main cooking oven over the summer; whipping up fresh, easy and delicious meals in as little as 15 minutes.
Cons:
Learning Curve: Let’s face it, we’re all pretty time poor these days. Whether it’s working long hours at work or attending after school sports with the kids, cooking with wood is a little more time-consuming than other traditional methods. Not only does it require more skill and attention, managing the fire and temperature can take extra time to master.
Longer Preheat Time: Wood ovens take longer to preheat (around 30-60 minutes) compared to gas ovens. This means you will have to get lunch or dinner organised ahead of time, factoring in the extra time needed for cooking.
Labor-Intensive: You have to chop and store wood, and maintain the fire during cooking. This takes time and can be quite a laborious process, particularly if you’re used to using gas and electric appliances that take up half the time.
Maintenance: Regular cleaning of the ashes and the need to replenish wood can be a tedious element of owning a woodfire oven. Just like anything of value, you want to make sure you maintain it to ensure greater, long-lasting longevity.
GAS PIZZA OVENS
Too busy for a woodfire oven? Gas pizza ovens are ideal if you’re looking for convenience, faster cooking times and less mess with burning timber.
Pros:
Convenience: Who doesn’t love easy? Gas ovens are much easier to operate and with a simple twist of a knob, crank up the temperature and you have a pizza oven that’s ready to cook a yummy meal in less than 20 minutes.
Consistent Temperature: Once you find the right cooking temperature for your crispy oven pizza, you can set and forget. Walk away, do the dishes or answer a call; come back in 20 minutes to a delicious pizza meal. A gas oven offers more predictable results without the fluctuation that can occur with a woodfire oven.
Less Messy: Easy to clean and operate, a gas pizza oven is less messy than woodfire, making it a great option for busy homeowners. You can even choose to use this indoors without the risk of burning, fire or smoke, making it a safer and easier option.
Faster Cooking: While not quite as fast as wood-fired ovens, gas ovens can still cook pizza in a few minutes (often around 7-10 minutes).
Cons:
Flavour: Although super convenient and quick, gas pizza ovens typically do not create that delicious smokey, wood-fired flavour like a traditional wood fired oven.
Lower Temperature: Not as hot as a woodfire oven, your pizza will take a little longer to cook as it takes extra time to reach that higher temperature.
Less Ambience: If functionality is what you want, then the gas pizza oven is for you. However, as functional as it is, gas ovens lack the rustic charm and visual appeal of a wood fire.
In summary, it’s really up to you what you decide. If you’re after a true and authentic Italian pizzeria experience (and you don’t mind the extra work that comes with chopping up timber) – then a wood fire oven is the best choice. If speed and convenience is more your thing, a gas pizza oven will work a treat.
For more information on our range of pizza ovens, call Polito Woodfire Ovens today.
