Looking to make wood-fired pizzas at home without the hassle of building a brick oven or investing a large $20k+ landscaping your backyard? Good news! Wood-fired and outdoor ovens have evolved significantly, and I'll be reviewing various options in the portable and semi-portable pizza oven categories, to help you find the perfect one for your needs.
First off the bat is none other than the Gozney Dome. Now there is most definitely some heavy bias in this review as I am the proud owner of one these bad boys, but its probably the best place to start due to my intimate knowledge of its capabilities.
The Gozney Dome truly is the Ferrari of Pizza Ovens. It can go from 0 to 500°C in just 30 to 40 minutes, a feat that would take a traditional brick oven hours to achieve. So whether you are doing a bunch of pizzas for a gathering, or just want to fire it up quickly to use some left over dough in the fridge for dinner during the week, the Gozney Dome has you covered. Very few ovens can offer you this level of accessibility to Neapolitan Pizza bliss, in fact until recently this concept was fantasy, what a time to be alive!
Equally impressive is its versatility, its is capable of baking a proper crispy yet chewy sourdough, thanks to its integrated steam port, something normally only available in commercial or high end spec'd home kitchens. It will hold low temps for hours on end, enabling you to cook low and slow cuts. I cooked a brisket point last week and it held 130c (266f) for 8 hours, producing a result equal to that I'd previously only been able to achieve in my Kamado.
In my opinion, it is by far the most beautiful semi permanent oven you can buy on the market. Its sleek design will enhance the aesthetic of your outdoor setup, becoming a centerpiece that sparks conversations with family and friends. Owning this extraordinary pizza oven has brought me immense joy, and actually was one of the catalysts for the creation of Patio Chef. However, we have yet to discuss price...
While the Gozney Dome is undoubtedly a top-of-the-line option, it's important to note that it comes with a higher price tag compared to other pizza ovens in its category. The retail price for the Gozney Dome alone is $2999, and this does not include the stand or any accessories. Additional items, such as the official stand, are sold separately at a premium price. For example, the stand itself retails for an additional $399, which is equivalent to the cost of some of the more affordable ovens available. However, it's worth mentioning that the official stand is of high quality and designed with casters for easy manoeuvrability into the ideal cooking position, something worth considering vs a fixed position that may require a bespoke flue solution.
Furthermore, the cover for the Gozney Dome also comes at a premium, priced at $139. Although it may seem like an extravagant expense for a cover, it's worth considering the quality and appearance of the cover. Since the Gozney Dome may be a permanent fixture on your patio, it's important to have a cover that not only provides protection but also enhances the overall aesthetic. The marine-grade, high-quality cover not only ensures durability but also adds a touch of premium style to your outdoor setup, avoiding the typical eyesore that some barbecue covers can become.
There are a few other add on features that all come again, at a premium, but depending on how you intend to use the oven that will be something you will need to assess personally. If you want to cook breads, roasts or smoking, you'll need the door, another $159, and the steam injector another $49 When it comes to standard pizza tools like peels, paddles, IR Guns, etc, you will definitely get much better value elsewhere, as you are basically just paying to for the Gozney brand with these.
It's unsurprising that some of the industries most iconic/respected/legendary Pizzaiolos are right behind this bit of kit, as seen with the following YouTube clips from Vito Iacopelli, Chris Bianco and Matty Matheson. While the cost of accessories and the cover should be taken into account, it's essential to weigh them against the overall value, performance, and aesthetic appeal that the Gozney Dome offers. Ultimately, the decision to invest in these additional items will depend on your budget, preferences, and the level of premium quality you desire for your patio. It has changed the way we cook at home, and we use it about three times a week, for Pizzas, roasts, breads, slow cooked meats and many other savoury treats. Are you ready to level up the way you cook and entertain at home?
Pros:
- Epic dual duel performance, with both wood and gas
- Super quick and easy fire up
- Gets to temp about as quick as anything else in the market
- Looks amazing, and will be the centre piece of any patio and conversation had around it.
- Ultimate all rounder, from 500c Vesuvian level Neapolitan highs, to Texas low and slow, its got you covered.
Cons:
- Expensive
- Long list of expensive ad ons
- Moveable within your home areas, but by no means portable beyond that