Ah, pizza… The revered Italian dish that has been tantalizing the taste buds of foodies for centuries. Just the thought of it can put a drool-worthy smile on anyone’s face. But what’s the difference between the various ovens available for baking pizza?
Wood-fired ovens have been around for centuries and have been used to make some of the best pizzas in the world.
Cement or brick ovens heated with gas or electricity have been gaining popularity in recent years, offering a different pizza-making experience. And what about the preferred toppings, techniques, and recipes used to create a truly perfect pizza?
Today, we’re going to examine the pros and cons of two popular pizza ovens—wood- fired and gas-fired—and discuss some of the factors you may want to consider when choosing an oven for your home.
We’ll go beyond the basics and share insider tips, recipes, and helpful advice to guide your next pizza-making journey.
Let’s dive in and explore the art of pizza…
Comparison of Wood-Fired and Gas-Fired Pizza Ovens
It’s hard to argue with the beauty of a wood-fired pizza oven—the golden-brown dough crisped on the outside, the smoky aroma of roasting wood wafting from the flame, and the bubbling cheese, tomatoes, and other toppings within.
Wood-fired ovens are the traditional choice for home pizza makers, offering a hot and hearty pizza.
Gas-fired pizza ovens, on the other hand, offer a more high-tech approach to producing a perfect pizza.
Sometimes called positive-resource ovens, these ovens are designed to cook the pizza at relatively low temperatures, under 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but with a much quicker baking time of just minutes.
It’s also possible to produce crispier, chewier pizzas with gas-fired ovens, thanks to their ability to maintain precise temperature control.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Type of Pizza Oven
Wood-fired ovens offer many advantages. For starters, they’re typically larger than gas-fired ovens and can accommodate large pizzas.
The high temperatures generated by wood-fired ovens create a unique flavor, often reminiscent of the smoky char of campfire-cooked pizza. This smoky flavor is impossible to replicate in gas-fired ovens.
The precise temperature control offered by gas-fired ovens can produce pies that are golden- brown and evenly cooked—plus, with gas-fired ovens, cooks have the option of controlling the humidity within the oven (something wood-fired ovens can’t do).
Unfortunately, wood-fired ovens tend to be more expensive and take a lot longer to heat up than gas-fired ovens.
When carelessly managed, wood-fired ovens can also create a lot of smoke in your kitchen, too. On the other hand, gas-fired ovens tend to be more versatile and can be used to make other types of food, beyond pizza.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Oven for Your Home
When choosing an oven for your home, consider factors like convenience, cooking time, and your budget. If you’re looking for something more convenient, a gas-fired pizza oven may be the best option.
These ovens don’t require any fuel and heat up quickly, so you won’t have to wait hours for your pizza. Plus, gas-fired ovens are more versatile and can be used to cook more than just pizza.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an authentic wood-fired flavor, a wood-fired oven may be more suitable.
Wood-fired ovens take longer to heat up but offer a unique flavor, smoky aroma, and intense heat that can’t be replicated with gas-fired ovens. Depending on the type of wood you use, you may also be able to customize your pizza’s flavor and aroma.
Tips and Recipes for Making the Perfect Pizza at Home
No matter which oven you choose, making the perfect pizza at home still requires a bit of practice and patience. Here are a few tips and recipes to help you along your way.
1. Make sure to use the best pizza dough. The key to a great pizza is the dough, and it should be perfectly soft and chewy without being too dry. We recommend measuring your ingredients by weight instead of volume for the most accurate results.
2. Pre-bake your crust. Pre-baking your crust ensures it’s cooked evenly before adding and baking the toppings (which often don’t need the same amount of cooking time as the crust). Pre-bake the dough in the oven for a few minutes before adding your toppings.
3. Try out different pizza styles. From classic Neapolitan and New York-style pies to Chicago deep-dish and Detroit-style pizza, there are all sorts of pizza styles that you can try. Experiment with them all and find your favorite.
4. Don’t skimp on the toppings. For a great-tasting pizza, you need to use the best ingredients. Purchase your toppings from local, quality sources and don’t be afraid to experiment.
5. Use the right baking temperatures. The baking temperature of your oven and the baking time for your pizza will vary, depending on which type of dough and toppings you use. It’s best to research the temperatures and times that work with the ingredients you’ve chosen.
6. Make sure to use a pizza stone or steel. This will help to cook the pizza more evenly and prevent it from sticking to the oven.
We’ll leave you with one of our favorite recipes for a classic Neapolitan pizza, which you can make with either a wood-fired or gas-fired oven:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of high-quality pizza dough
- 1/2 cup of your favorite pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil
Instructions:
- Pre-heat your oven to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Stretch and roll out the pizza dough to fit a 12-inch round pizza pan.
- Spread the sauce on the pizza dough and top with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the cheese.
- Place the pan in the pre-heated oven. Cook for 10 minutes and then reduce the heat to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden-brown.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top and enjoy.
The Bottom Line: Finding the Right Oven for You
When it comes to making pizza at home, many factors should be taken into consideration. For pizza lovers looking for an authentic wood-fired flavor, a wood-fired oven may be the best choice.
Gas-fired ovens, on the other hand, are highly efficient, heat up quickly, and offer precise temperature control that can easily be adjusted.
Whichever type of oven you choose, remember that it will take some practice and patience to perfect your home pizza-making technique.
With the right ingredients, instructions, and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating mouth-watering pizza pies in no time. Happy cooking!
