🍕 Introduction — The Best of Both Worlds
Gas or wood? It’s a debate every pizza lover eventually faces. Gas offers speed and control; wood offers soul and smoky character. But what if you didn’t have to choose?
Enter the dual fuel pizza oven — a brilliant hybrid that lets you switch between wood-fired authenticity and gas-powered convenience at the twist of a knob. In this guide, we’ll explore how dual fuel ovens work, why they’re rising in popularity, and which models deserve a spot in your backyard.
🔥 What Is a Dual Fuel Pizza Oven?
A dual fuel oven allows you to cook using either wood or gas, often with separate burners or interchangeable modules.
This flexibility means:
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Quick weeknight dinners on gas.
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Long weekend sessions with wood smoke.
It’s the ultimate setup for pizza enthusiasts who want control and character.
⚙️ Why Dual Fuel Makes Sense
| Advantage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Versatility | Choose speed or flavour depending on the day. |
| Backup Fuel | Out of pellets? Switch to gas instantly. |
| Temperature Control | Gas stabilises heat; wood boosts flavour. |
| Long-Term Value | One oven does it all — fewer upgrades needed. |
🧱 How Dual Fuel Systems Work
Most models feature a main chamber with a removable burner module:
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The gas burner connects to propane or natural gas.
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The wood tray slides in for log or charcoal firing.
Some advanced ovens even let you use both simultaneously, combining gas for base heat and wood for aromatic flames.
🍽️ Top Dual Fuel Pizza Ovens for 2025
1. Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Oven
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Officially “dual fuel” via optional gas attachment.
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Large 16-inch cooking surface.
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ViewFlame window for visibility.
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950 °F max temperature.
Why It’s the Flagship: Ooni’s smartest design yet — stunning results with either fuel.
2. Gozney Dome Dual Fuel
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Premium outdoor oven with both gas & wood integration.
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Massive heat retention and chef-grade precision.
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Optional steam injection for bread baking.
Ideal For: passionate home chefs and entertainers.
3. Bertello Grande 16 Dual Fuel
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Runs on wood, charcoal, or gas.
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Slightly lighter and cheaper than the Dome.
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Excellent crust charring and consistency.
Why It’s Loved: a Shark Tank success story with true hybrid performance.
4. Ooni Karu 12 (Dual Option)
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Compact and portable sibling to the Karu 16.
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Optional gas burner module.
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Great for small patios.
Best For: campers and balcony pizza makers.
🧠 Using Dual Fuel Like a Pro
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Preheat with gas, finish with wood — instant heat, authentic flavour.
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Start with wood for smoke, maintain with gas — consistent temperature for long sessions.
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Mix fuels cautiously — never overload flames.
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Experiment — certain doughs love subtle smoke, others don’t need it.
⚖️ Comparison: Gas vs Wood vs Dual
| Feature | Gas | Wood | Dual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat-Up Time | 15 min | 30 min | 15–20 min |
| Flavour | Clean | Smoky | Both |
| Control | Precise | Manual | Flexible |
| Maintenance | Easy | Messier | Moderate |
| Cost | £300–£600 | £300–£700 | £500–£1,500 |
Dual fuel wins for flexibility, though it’s slightly pricier upfront.
💸 Cost Considerations
While dual-fuel ovens start around £500 ($600), you’re effectively getting two ovens in one.
Fuel costs balance out too: gas for efficiency, wood for special occasions.
Think of it as a long-term investment in pizza freedom.
🧰 Cleaning & Maintenance
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Remove the burner and empty ash tray after wood sessions.
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Wipe the stone after cooling.
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Keep gas ports clean and dry.
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Store with a waterproof cover.
Modern models like the Ooni Karu 16 make swapping burners effortless — no tools required.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use both fuels at once?
Some ovens allow it safely (like the Gozney Dome); others recommend one at a time.
Q: Which fuel gives the best crust?
Wood adds char and depth; gas gives even colour and consistency.
Q: Are dual fuel ovens safe for beginners?
Absolutely — just follow the included setup guides.
🍕 Final Thoughts
Dual fuel pizza ovens are the Swiss Army knives of outdoor cooking.
They deliver the smoky romance of wood and the reliability of gas — a match made in pizza heaven.
If you love flexibility and plan to cook often, a dual fuel oven is 100% worth it.
Whether it’s the mighty Gozney Dome or the adaptable Ooni Karu 16, you’ll never regret having both options at your fingertips.
