Gas vs Wood Fired Pizza Ovens: Which is Best?

You’re standing in front of your kitchen oven, looking at the pizza you just put in, knowing you want a dedicated pizza oven. You know that there are different types of pizza ovens out there, but you’re not sure which one is best. Should you get a gas oven or a wood oven? What are the differences between them? Which one is better for you? The quick answer!

Gas pizza ovens and wood pizza ovens offer high temperatures; a gas pizza oven heats up quicker, is cleaner to operate, and is generally larger than wood pizza ovens.

Gas ovens are popular because they are easy to use and a ‘clean’ option. However, many prefer the authentic flavor of food cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Let’s look at the differences between these two ovens to help you choose the best pizza oven for home cooks.

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What is a Gas Fired Pizza Oven

A gas fueled oven is an oven that uses propane gas or natural gas to cook pizza. This type of oven is very popular because it is easy to use, heats up quickly, even allowing for preheating time, and the cleanup is a breeze. The best models of gas pizza ovens will be made from stainless steel as it is a great conductor of heat, is adaptable for heat increases and decreases, and helps maintain the perfect temperature during cooking.

What is a Wood Fired Pizza Oven

Wood fired pizza ovens are fueled by wood, wood pellets, and hot coals. The temperature inside the pizza oven will reach between 400 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. They take a while to heat up. The extreme heat from the flames cooks the pizza fast.

Although a wood oven cooks the pizza perfectly and gives it a great flavor, it requires close attention to ensure the heat stays constant.

Differences Between Gas and Wood Fired Pizza Ovens

Here are some key differences between gas and wood fired pizza ovens:

Fuel Source

Fuel options for a wood-fired oven are traditional wood, wood chips, and different types of wood. The wood is burned in the oven, and the radiant heat from the flames cooks the pizza.

Gas fired ovens give more temperature control are fueled by propane or natural gas, and operate much like a conventional oven. The gas is burned in the oven, and the heat from the flames cooks the pizza.

Heating Time and Performance

Wood fired ovens take longer to heat up than gas fired ovens. It can take up to an hour for a wood fired oven to reach cooking temperature, while a gas fired oven can reach cooking temperature in 15 minutes.

Because wood fired ovens reach a higher temperature than gas ovens, they can cook pizzas faster.

Size

Wood fired ovens are large. The depths can be 1.5 meters, and heights vary depending upon the plan or style of the oven, meaning they are not as portable, but they can be moved if necessary.

Gas fired ovens are smaller than wood fired ovens. They are usually portable and can be moved from one place to another.

Weight

Wood fired ovens are heavy and can weigh half a tonne! If you are installing a wood oven, you should engage a contractor to ensure the surface the oven sits on can take its weight.

A gas oven weighs less, and the various sizes and shapes gas ovens come in mean they are somewhat portable. Meaning they can be moved around on a trolley or carried from one countertop to another benchtop.

Cooking Time

The high heat of the flames in a wood fired oven cooks the pizza very quickly, while the lower temperatures in a gas fired oven cook the pizza more slowly.

Gas ovens give you more control over cooking temperatures and are better at evenly cooking the pizza, while wood ovens can create hotspots that can overcook or burn the pizza.

Flavor

Pizza cooked in a wood fired pizza oven has a smoky flavor that gas ovens can’t replicate, and many people prefer.

Pizza cooked in a gas-fired oven does not have the same smoky flavor as cooking, but you can add smoky flavored sauces to the topping, and the pizza will still taste good.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Pizza Ovens

Wood fired pizza ovens require more maintenance than gas fired pizza ovens. The wood-burning process creates ashes that must be cleaned out regularly, and the oven needs to be inspected for cracks or damage.

Natural gas or propane pizza ovens are cleaner to use than coal or wood fired ovens and do not require as much maintenance. The cleaning and maintenance required is generally just a wipe-out unless pizza ingredients adhere to the inside of the oven if they spill over.

The only thing you need to do is keep the gas tank full.

Safety

When using a wood fired pizza oven, you must be careful of the flames and the hot surfaces. It is recommended that you wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin.

Gas fired pizza ovens are not as dangerous as wood fired ovens because there are no open flames. But you still need to be careful when handling the gas tank and be sure to turn off the gas before you start cleaning the oven.

Before using flames outdoors you should always check with your local fire department to see if any restrictions exist.

Cost

Wood fired ovens are more expensive than gas fired ovens. The overall cost will depend on how much space and the type of outdoor oven you choose. Is the outdoor space going to become an outdoor kitchen? Are you building it yourself, or do you need a contractor?

Gas fired ovens are less expensive than wood fired ovens. The cost of the oven and installation will depend on the type and size of the oven you choose.

So, those are some key differences between gas and wood fired pizza ovens!

Which One is Better For You Gas or Wood Fire Pizza Oven?

It comes down to personal preference as there are pros and cons to both gas and wood fired pizza ovens, defining what is important to you when deciding which one is the best option for you.

If you are looking for a faster oven that doesn’t require as much maintenance, then a gas fired oven would be a better choice. But if you are looking for an authentic pizza flavor, then a wood fired oven would be better for you.

Are Wood Fired Pizza Ovens Worth it?

Classic wood fired pizza ovens are a great investment for those who love to cook and want to create authentic pizzas. Not only are they great for pizza, but they can also be used for baking bread, roasting meats, and other dishes.

Brick ovens are durable and will last for many years. They are also reasonably easy to use, and a little bit of maintenance is required. It mainly involves cleaning the oven floor. Plus, they could add value to your home.

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Pizza Oven

Now that you know some of the key differences between gas and wood fired wood fired pizza ovens, here are some things to consider when choosing the right outdoor pizza oven.

Size

The first thing to consider is the size of the oven you need. If you only cook for a few people, then a small oven would be fine. But if you require larger pizzas, then you will need a larger oven; the sizes of gas pizza ovens are extensive.

Budget

It is very important to consider your budget. Wood fired ovens are more expensive than gas fired ovens, so if you are on a tight budget, a gas oven would be a better choice.

Location

You need space so where you will be placing the oven is important. If you have a large outdoor space, you can choose any size or type of oven you want. But if you have a small outdoor space, then you will need to choose a smaller oven.

Heat Source

The next thing to consider is the fuel you want to use. If you want to use wood, you will need a wood fired oven. But if you want to use gas, you will need a gas fired oven.

Time

If cooking time is important to you, a gas oven may be the better choice. Gas pizza ovens heat up faster than wood fired ovens. 

Taste

A wood fire oven is a great option for those who want to create authentic pizzas with a crispy, thin pizza crust. They do require more maintenance to keep the heat constant and maintenance to keep the heat constant.

So there you have the answer to this question depends on your needs and preferences. If you want an authentic wood fired pizza, you need a wood fired oven. But if you’re looking for an easy-to-use oven that heats up quickly and cooks evenly, then a gas fired oven is the better choice.

Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens

Three examples of pizza ovens include gas, wood, and pellet. Click through to see the excellent reviews from satisfied customers.

Pizza Oven	Pizza Oven Features
Ooni Pizza Oven	Although this pizza oven is not a commercial pizza oven, as far as a portable pizza oven goes, it is one of the best. The Ooni Koda 16 runs on gas fuel, and temperatures will reach 500 degrees after heating. Up you will be sitting down to pizza in minutes. The oven is made from a carbon steel shell and is extremely energy efficient. Check out the features of this Ooni pizza oven and those of the Ooni Karu, Ooni Pro, and Ooni Fyra.
Forno Piombo Santino	The Pellethead is a portable outdoor wood-fired pizza oven made from stainless steel. It has foldaway legs for easy storage. It arrives with all the necessary accessories to start cooking homemade pizza immediately.
Pellet Wood Fired Pizza	The Pellethead is a portable outdoor wood-fired pizza oven made from stainless steel. It has foldaway legs for easy storage. Arrives with all the accessories you need to start cooking homemade pizza immediately.

>>>>> Discover more about pizza ovens at Ooni, the brand I use!

FAQs

Quick answers to questions about the differences between gas and wood fired pizza ovens.

How long does it take to cook a pizza in a wood-fired oven?

It usually takes about 1-4 minutes to cook a pizza in a wood fired oven if the temperature is even.

Learn how long frozen pizza can last and how to store frozen pizza correctly…

Can you use a gas pizza oven outdoors?

Yes, you can use a gas pizza oven outdoors. There are now gas/wood fire pizza combination units available.

What temperature do pizza ovens cook at?

• Commercial pizza ovens 700 and 800º F
• Wood fired pizza ovens reach temperatures between 850 and 900º F
• Gas pizza ovens will reach temperatures of 450 and 500º F

How much does a wood fired pizza oven cost?

The price point for wood fired pizza ovens is vast. They can range in price from $500 to $5000 for a custom-made pizza oven.

What is the difference between coal fired and wood fired pizza?

Coal-fired pizzas are larger than wood-fired pizzas and will usually need to cook longer than wood-fired pizzas.

Learn how to reheat your pizza in a toaster oven!

Wrapping Up Gas vs Wood Fired Pizza Oven

There is nothing like having the right pizza oven in your backyard! When deciding whether a gas or wood fired pizza oven is the right choice for you, it is important to consider all the factors involved. Both have their pros and cons, so it depends on what is important to you.

If cooking time is important, then a gas oven would be the better choice as the pizzas cook in less time. But if you are looking for an authentic taste flavor, a wood-fired oven would be a perfect choice.

But if you’re looking for an oven for easy cleaning and low maintenance, then a gas type pizza oven might be a better option for you.

Consider all the factors involved before deciding so you can choose the right oven for your needs. Remember, there are countertop models and electric pizza ovens if you want a pizza stone cooking area to invent your perfect pizza.

Whichever type of oven you choose, be aware that there will be a learning curve involved; also, follow the safety instructions carefully to avoid any accidents. Most importantly, enjoy your homemade pizzas!

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!