-The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Outdoor Pizza Ovens

What does “wood-fired” mean?

The term "wood-fired" merely refers to the fact that the pizza was cooked in a wood-burning oven. A heat-conductive material such as brick, clay, or even concrete is used to construct a conventional wood-burning oven. The oven is heated by burning wood, which achieves extraordinarily high cooking temperatures of up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit! In terms of making a pizza, this implies that a whole pie may be cooked to crispy, bubbling perfection in only minutes.

Why is wood-fired pizza different?

Let's start with a look at the variances in appearance. The "perfect imperfections" in a wood-fired pizza are common. Because of the quick-cooking and high heat, there may be a few huge bubbles on the crust or in the center of the pie. The bottom of the crust becomes somewhat "charred," while the top and center remain chewy and buoyant in texture. This distinctive texture is due to the high heat: in a standard oven that only reaches around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, the crust will take longer to cook and become more solid and dry.

How is wood-fired different from gas?

Wood-fired ovens are different from gas ovens in several ways:

The char and flavor of the pizza are different: Direct heat is used in gas ovens. The elements warm up, and your meal warms up as well. A wood-fired pizza oven concentrates the heat and heats indirectly at high degrees, resulting in a charred crust and a rustic, smokey flavor that no other method can match.

They allow for flexibility of flavor: Because a pizza oven can function with many types of wood, you can experiment with different flavors by altering the hardwood you use. The flavor of cherry wood will differ from that of applewood or other kinds.

They are more authentic: The AVPN (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana or True Neapolitan Pizza Association) provides guidelines on what defines an authentic Neapolitan pizza. For real Italian pizza produced according to these rules, wood-fired pizza ovens are required.

They result in even heat and a faster cooking time: The pizza takes only minutes to cook in a wood-burning oven, and the heat is evenly distributed thanks to the dome, walls, and tiles. The dough is fried to perfection, with a crunchy exterior and a soft interior.

What are the advantages of a wood-fired pizza oven?

• Because wood-fired ovens may reach temperatures of 500 to 700 degrees Celsius, they cook quickly. In just 90 seconds, your Neopolitan-style pizza will be ready to eat.
• They improve the taste of the food. You might note that pizza prepared in a wood-fired oven has a distinct flavor. They offer a smoky, distinctive flavor to meat, fish, veggies, and other foods that can't be replicated with gas or normal home ovens.
• The wood fire aids in the preservation of the food's nutrition. Cooking is quick because of the intense flame, while antioxidants and nutrients are preserved.
• Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens can also be used for other things. These ovens are multifunctional and can cook a variety of foods. They can roast meat, bake bread and pizza, and do so much more.
• They can be employed as a decorative accent and look excellent in your entertainment room.

What is a gas pizza oven?

Natural gas or propane can be used to power gas pizza ovens. A gas-fired pizza oven is simple to use. All you have to do is switch it on, just like a regular oven. The oven can also be quickly preheated with gas before cooking.

The flame in these ovens is stationary, and the heat is directed to the dome or top of the oven first, then down the sides to the bottom.

Gas provides high temperatures similar to wood ovens, but it eliminates the need for wood and the formation of ash and soot, making it the healthier option. Many gas ovens have a somewhat larger cooking surface than a wood oven.

What are the advantages of using a gas pizza oven?

• It's simple to regulate the temperature of your oven.
• The gas pizza oven is simple to use. They're easy to operate: turn them on, heat them, cook your pizzas, and then turn them off.
• A gas-fired pizza oven's flame may be readily adjusted for pizza shops or cafés, reducing energy expenses and allowing personnel to focus on other tasks.
• It's cleaner and takes less time to clean up.
• It is fairly easy to locate and use a gas supply. They are widely accessible in the market or can be refilled at a hardware store, a servo, or a convenience store near you.
• LPG is also hotter than natural gas, which is a plus.
• Pizzas resemble those made in a wood-fired oven.

Which one do you think you'll go with?

After comparing wood-burning vs. gas pizza ovens, the decision is yours to make. A gas oven may be beneficial if you have a busy family who desires a quick and simple way to prepare their meals. A wood-fired oven may be more beneficial to those who appreciate experimenting with the different flavors supplied by various woods and who desire a more traditional cooking experience. If you would like to buy a pizza oven which uses both gas and wood, you can have a look at this pizza oven.