Differences between a Wood-fired Oven and a Regular Oven

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Wood-fired ovens have been in existence for the longest time now and have been traditionally used for cooking. During ancient times, Italians used it to prepare pizzas. People have widely embraced that even though there are regular ovens in the current market, some still opt to use oven-fired ones. If you are looking to purchase an oven, choosing the right one might be challenging, as the choice is split between a wood-fired or regular ovens. It is for this reason that this article mentions some of the differences between the two ovens. Use the distinguishing features discussed below as a basis for selecting the right oven.

The differences the ovens offer

  • The flavour it offers

Since pizza is the typical food made in the oven, let’s use it as a standard to determine the difference in the flavours of foods made from a wood-fired oven and a regular one. The taste the two ovens offer is easily noticeable. Even using the same ingredients, quantities, and procedures, you will still notice a difference in taste between the two options. A wood-fired oven uses a heating mechanism that offers even heat distribution on the pizza hence a consistent and wholesome texture. Due to the even heat distribution cooks with a crispy feeling on the outside while soft and chewy on the inside. This can also be attributed to the high retention of yummy juices inside the pizza. Regular oven pizza cannot match this. Also, using wood, gives a unique rustic smoky flavour on the pizza that is impossible to replicate with a regular oven. Additionally, the high temperature causes caramelisation of the sugars used, giving a dark colour that adds a kick to its flavour. 

  • Cooking time

A wood-fired oven cooks faster than the regular one. The oven heats up to 500 to 700°c hence drastically reducing the cooking time. It is estimated that a wood-fired oven can cook pizza in approximately five minutes. On the other hand, the regular oven takes roughly half an hour to pre-heat, followed by twenty minutes of baking time. This is as a result of relatively low temperatures of about 400 degrees Celsius.

  • Health benefits

In most cases, pizzas are topped with vegetables and fruits to add their nutritional value and make them tastier. This, therefore, makes a wood-fired oven the right cooking option. As mentioned earlier, the oven uses less cooking time than the regular one making it possible to retain more nutrients. The regular oven cooks for a longer time, hence degrading the nutrients of the food.

  • Environmental friendliness

In this modern age, more people are becoming conscious of the environment and being environmentally conscious means using processes that minimise energy wastage and the production of harmful pollutants to the environment. In such cases, using a wood-fired oven is a viable option as it effectively utilises the heat from firewood. While regular oven depends on gas or electricity for operation. At the same time, a wood-fired oven emits smoke from its combustion. Therefore, be keen to emit tiny amounts of smoke within the permissible limits stated by the relevant governing authorities. 

  • Outdoor vs. indoor

A wood-fired oven can be used in both indoor and outdoor spaces. In the outdoor setting, it serves as a centrepiece for attraction. It adds to the aesthetics of the outdoor space by adding an ancient look. Additionally, placing the oven outside prevents overheating of the house, which can be uncomfortable. If used inside the house, the wood-fired oven creates a great ambience with the view of radiating fire accompanied by the aroma of the pizza. 

  • Controlling the temperature

In a wood-fired oven, there is little control over the temperature getting to the pizza, therefore, risking overcooking the pizza. As a result, it needs constant manipulate of the wood supply, which puts you at risk of getting burnt. On the other hand, a regular oven offers control when baking the pizza. By adjusting a knob, it provides the pizza with a consistent range of temperature through it cooking time. The ability to control the amount of heat dissipated makes regular ovens more energy efficient. Additionally, the regular oven has a bottom heat control that helps to remove moisture from the dough, giving the pizza a consistent crunchy base. 

Final thoughts on Wood-fired oven vs Regular oven

A wood-fired oven offers more advantages than the regular one. It adds taste to the pizza flavour while cooking it to perfection with a crisp finish. Additionally, the shorter cooking time maintains the nutritional value of the pizza toppings. The pro list does not stop there; a wood-fired oven improves the aesthetic of the outdoor landscape by giving it an ancient look. Therefore, a wood-fired oven would be the preferable cooking solution over the regular one.

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