Creating Perfection with the Gozney Arc Pizza Oven

The Gozney Arc is a dream come true for pizza lovers. Its compact size, stylish design, and user-friendly operation make it a standout choice. I've experimented with various dishes, and every creation turned out flawlessly. However, if you're looking to use fuels beyond gas, you might want to consider alternatives.

Reasons to Consider

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  Compact and space-efficient

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  Sleek aesthetics

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  Simple to operate

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  Highly versatile

Reasons to Hesitate

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  Gas-only operation

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  Additional accessories can be pricey

With over 150,000 pizzas cooked, my experience as a pizzaiolo for six summers has given me a deep appreciation for quality ovens. Naturally, I was thrilled when Gozney introduced the Arc, claiming it to be 'the world's most advanced compact pizza oven.' This intrigued me, especially for those with limited outdoor space.

To rigorously test the Arc, I enlisted the help of Tom, the founder of my former pizza job, who has cooked over a million pizzas in Gozney ovens. Our extensive experience with various ovens gave us a solid framework to evaluate this new model.

Specifications

Ideal User

The Arc suits individuals cooking single pizzas or those with limited space. We set it up on a small deck, and it looked great without overwhelming the area. The straightforward assembly process boosts its appeal, making it an excellent choice for novice cooks.

The gas control and temperature gauge simplify the cooking process, ensuring perfect pizzas every time. Unlike wood-fired models, the Arc heats up quickly but lacks the smoky flavor associated with wood. Yet, it produces beautifully browned cheese.

This oven's 14-inch dome is excellent for small gatherings, but if you're hosting a bigger crowd, its capacity may be limiting. Each pizza must take its turn in the oven.

Unboxing Experience

When a pizza oven arrives at your doorstep, you might expect a cumbersome delivery. Surprisingly, the Arc's compact design makes it easy to handle. Weighing just under 50 lbs with minimal packaging, it's manageable to lift.

The Arc comes ready with essential items, but you'll need a gas tank to get started. Gozney recommends using an LPG patio gas bottle, which you can find at various home improvement stores.

Consider investing in accessories like a placement peel ($70) for transferring pizzas, and a turning peel ($90) for maneuvering inside the oven without burning your hands. I also opted for the Arc stand ($250) to provide a stable base for my oven.

Usage Experience

Setting up the Arc was straightforward; I removed a few tags and connected the gas. It's best to have two people for the installation—one to lift and the other to guide. The setup instructions are thorough, and you'll be cooking within 15 minutes.

After setup, Gozney advises running the gas for 30 minutes to reach optimal cooking temperature. I aimed for 650°F, and the oven met that target perfectly.

Test 1: Pizza

Pizzas come in a variety of styles. I began with a classic cheese pizza to test the oven's capabilities. Using 8 oz of dough, I created a 12-inch base, topped with tomato sauce and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar.

Transferring the pizza to the oven was seamless, thanks to the ample space despite the oven's small opening. After just 30 seconds on the hot stone, the crust began to puff and bubble. I rotated it periodically, resulting in perfectly cooked pizza in only 63 seconds.

The crust was crisp, with a fluffy interior, and the melted cheese was deliciously gooey. The toppings remained vibrant and flavorful. Overall, it was a fantastic pizza experience.

Test 2: Calzone

Calzones can be tricky in pizza ovens, but I was eager to see how the Arc performed. I made a vegetable and cheese calzone, being cautious with the flames to avoid burning it.

After 3 minutes and 46 seconds, we had to remove it as the top was nearing charred. While the inside was cooked perfectly, the exterior was slightly burnt due to the quick cooking nature of the oven.

Test 3: Roasted Vegetables

Next, I moved on to roasting vegetables. I prepared bell peppers and onions with olive oil and seasoning, cooking them at 450°F for about five minutes. They transformed beautifully, with crispy textures and rich flavors.

Test 4: Chicken Breast

I was initially skeptical about cooking chicken, but I followed Gozney's guidance. I seasoned the chicken breasts and cooked them for six minutes at 450°F, ensuring they were perfectly done.

The chicken emerged juicy and tender, with a crispy skin that everyone enjoyed.

Test 5: Brownie

To my surprise, I discovered that brownies could be made in a pizza oven! I followed a recipe for peanut butter brownies, baking them in a brownie pan covered with foil. After some temperature adjustments, they turned out wonderfully gooey and delicious.

Maintenance and Care

After extensive use, the pizza stone showed some wear, which is expected. Allowing the oven to cool makes it easy to sweep out debris, and a cleaning brush can help maintain the stone without using harsh chemicals.

The outer part of the oven remained in great condition, especially when protected with the Gozney Arc cover, which shields it from the elements.

Online Reception

Reviews for the Arc have been overwhelmingly positive. Users appreciate its ideal size for various outdoor spaces, lauding its aesthetic appeal and ease of use.

While my feedback is largely positive, some users expressed a desire for included accessories, as they can add up quickly in price.

Comparative Analysis

The Gozney Arc excels but has limitations. If you seek smoky flavors, consider other models like the Ooni Karu 16, known for its versatility with different fuel types. Alternatively, the Dome S1 offers more space while maintaining the Arc's simplicity.

Should You Purchase?

The Gozney Arc is an excellent option for those new to outdoor cooking. Its user-friendly gas controls and compact size make it perfect for crafting pizzas without overwhelming your space.

Testing Methodology

Testing pizza ovens is a joy for us. We meticulously evaluate every aspect, from unboxing to setup and cooking. We document our findings to provide insights into functionality and maintenance for users.