What's the Difference Between Wood, Gas, and Electric Pizza Ovens?

Many believe that the type of fuel directly affects the pizza’s flavor, but in Alfa Forni ovens, the real cooking element is the refractory brick, which absorbs heat and distributes it evenly.

✔ All Alfa ovens reach maximum temperature in about 30 minutes, regardless of the fuel type.
✔ The only exception is the URBE electric oven, which reaches a maximum of 400°C.
✔ The final pizza result is the same in all Alfa ovens.

The only true difference between wood, gas, and electric ovens is noticeable in longer cooking processes (such as roasts or bread), where the fuel may slightly influence the taste with a smoky aroma.

1️⃣ Wood-Fired Pizza 🌲🔥

🔹 Cooking method:
✔ The wood heats the refractory brick, which stores and gradually releases heat for uniform cooking.
✔ The flame contributes to the leoparding effect (black spots on the pizza crust).

🔹 Smoky flavor myth:
❌ Pizza does NOT absorb a smoky flavor just because it’s wood-fired.
❌ Smoking occurs only in long cooking times (e.g., bread, roasts) when food stays in the oven for hours.

✅ Advantages:
✔ Traditional aesthetic & authentic experience.
✔ Fast cooking (60-90 seconds).

❌ Disadvantages:
❌ Requires manual fire management.
❌ More cleaning needed (ash and wood residues).

2️⃣ Gas-Fired Pizza 🔥🔵

🔹 Cooking method:
✔ Gas heats the refractory brick the same way as wood, ensuring stable and uniform temperatures.
✔ No difference in cooking time or pizza quality compared to wood-fired ovens.

🔹 Flavor & final result:
✔ Identical results to a wood-fired pizza.
❌ Gas does not add any specific flavor, just like wood doesn’t in short cooking times.

✅ Advantages:
✔ Easier to ignite and control than wood.
✔ Less maintenance and cleaning.
✔ Ideal for those who want convenience without compromising quality.

❌ Disadvantages:
❌ Requires a gas cylinder or fixed gas connection.
❌ Lacks the traditional wood-fire experience.

3️⃣ Electric Pizza Oven (URBE) ⚡🔌

🔹 Cooking method:
✔ The URBE electric oven reaches 400°C, offering professional performance for home use.
✔ Upper and lower heating elements heat the refractory brick, maintaining an even temperature.

🔹 Differences from wood and gas:
✔ Precise and controlled heating with no need for manual adjustments.
✔ Perfect for indoor use, as it doesn’t require a chimney.

✅ Advantages:
✔ Ideal for those who cannot install a gas or wood oven.
✔ Easy temperature control.
✔ No need to manage fuel.

❌ Disadvantages:
❌ Lacks direct flame, unlike wood or gas ovens.

👉 Discover the URBE Electric Oven: 🔗 www.alfaforni.com/en/product/urbe-electric-pizza-oven

📌 Quick Comparison: Wood, Gas, and Electric Ovens

*Smoky flavor only affects long cooking times (e.g., bread, roasts).

💡 Which Oven Should You Choose?

✔ Wood: Best for authenticity and the traditional fire management experience.
✔ Gas: Perfect for convenience with no compromise on quality.
✔ Electric (URBE): Ideal for high-performance indoor cooking.

🚀 All Alfa ovens guarantee the same final pizza quality! The fuel does not affect the cooking results because heat is stored in the refractory brick. 🔥🍕