The prime outdoor entertaining season is basically upon us, and along with ensuring your space looks good for your guests — and for you, too — is ensuring it's functional and versatile, to make hosting easy and enjoyable for all. And if you're serious about outdoor entertaining, there is an equally serious outdoor oven that I've had the pleasure of testing that will elevate both your space and hosting game.
Gozney's Dome XL (Gen 2) pizza oven means business. As the biggest and most powerful outdoor pizza oven available from the design-led, premium pizza oven brand, Gozney, it's the larger of two new models in the Dome Gen 2 series — a reimagining of the original 2021 Dome pizza oven and "the purest expression of Gozney design," according to Gozney's founder and designer, Tom Gozney.
And it's the design of Gozney's pizza ovens that sets them apart — expertly crafted with sleek precision, the quality of the models is reflected in the quality of the pizzas they produce. Having made homemade pizzas with my husband for the last four years and having tested two other Gozney pizza ovens before this one, I was very interested to see how this big model — big in price as much as in size — would compare to my pizza-making experiences at home to date.
Oven external dimensions: W 946mm (37.2") x D 697mm (27.4") x H 997mm (39.3")
Oven internal dimensions: W 724mm (28.5") x D 543mm (21.4") x H 238mm (9.4")
Oven mouth dimensions: W 470mm (18.5") x H 140mm (5.5")
Oven weight: 73kg (161.0 lbs)
Fuel type: Wood, Charcoal, and Gas
Capacity: 1 x 18" / 2 x 12" / 3 x 10"
Also available in Off Black, the Dome XL (Gen 2) is 90% bigger than the original Dome, while the smaller Dome (Gen 2) is still 40% bigger than the original.
First Impressions
This outdoor pizza oven has serious wow-factor — even on arrival, from the meticulously well-presented packaging to the ease of set up, it's the real deal. And while it may look intimidating at first, its ease of use squashes any concerns, plus it makes you feel like even more of a pro when you're using it.
Now, it's a heavy oven — weighing 73kg — and requires a minimum of two people to set it up. But the Dome Gen 2 Series Stand, which you do have to purchase separately, is a game-changer, making it super easy to maneuver around your outdoor space for added flexibility.
The stand also comes equipped with foldable acacia wood side wings, which are ideal for placing tools or for prepping, and they easily fold away to save space when not in use. The stand also has pegs for cookware and room for two gas canisters underneath — plus, most importantly, it makes the pizza oven the perfect height for cooking.
Testing
I was actually very impressed by how easy this outdoor oven is to use. After attaching the gas pipe, it literally is a simple case of turning it on and pushing and twisting the ignition dial, just like you would on a gas hob, with the ability to control the intensity of Gozney's signature lateral rolling flame in the same way.
The display at the front of the oven shows both the ambient oven temperature (the larger reading) and the stone temperature, which you need to pay close attention to when making pizzas. And the battery is easily removable for charging (I haven't had to charge it yet; I just tested how easy it was to remove and replace).
Depending on the outside temperature and where you store the pizza oven, the time it takes to reach temperature will vary, but allow around 40 minutes, and I have to say, that is not long for an oven of this size. It's also worth noting that there is a progress panel on the display, which ensures you know exactly when the oven is ready to go, removing any guesswork — particularly handy when hosting.
It also cooks fast (60 seconds), so you need to keep your eyes on it and be quick with your turning. And because of this, I won't lie, my husband and I have only ever cooked one pizza at a time — the thought of trying to cook more than one pizza at the same time was a stressful thought to me, given how quickly the pizzas cook!
Plus, I also like having ample room to turn the pizzas during the quick-cooking time. However, for the seasoned pros out there, you can cook three 10" pizzas at the same time, or two 12" pizzas, or a super large 18" pizza. This makes it ideal for cooking for a big crowd, if you're an outdoor-dining aficionado.
The Dome XL (Gen 2) also holds its heat really well and is very responsive to the controls — more so than some of the other models I've tested. Ultimately, we cooked some of our tastiest pizzas in this outdoor pizza oven, with the classic, perfectly-crisp base and leoparding on the crust.
This outdoor oven is also designed for more than just pizza — the hybrid fuel model will help you create full-scale family feasts as an all-in-one outdoor kitchen, with the option to bake, roast, and cook multiple dishes at the same time. We tried the kiln-dried hardwood to cook some ribs at a low heat for several hours, and they were honestly delicious.
It was a little more fiddly, particularly when compared to using gas, and required constant checking, so this might not be the best option for when you're entertaining — unless you're happy for your guests to grab a perch close by. But the taste was worth the wait, and the meat probes were incredibly handy for ensuring the meat was properly cooked.
A small downside to the Bone colorway is that you do get discoloration above the opening after cooking, which, for the most part, can be wiped down after use, though some discoloration may remain. This is not noticeable with the Off Black colorway, though, which I have tested in another model, and I personally prefer the look even more in this darker hue.
But if the Bone hue is more to your taste, Gozney recommends Bar Keepers Friend Multi-Surface Cleaner, which is available on Amazon, for cleaning the oven's exterior after use.
Should You Buy Gozney's Dome XL (Gen 2) Pizza Oven?
An outdoor oven like this is not only very large, but it's also expensive, making it a serious investment that requires careful consideration. If you're a serious entertainer, have the budget to spend, and have a suitable-sized outdoor space, then the Dome XL (Gen 2) is worth the expense.
If, on the other hand, you have a small patio or balcony and are looking for something portable and budget-friendly to make pizzas every now and then, this is not the pizza oven for you. For that, I'd recommend Gozney's Arc Lite, which I also tested. Or there are some larger options out there that aren’t as large, including Gozney’s Arc, currently available at John Lewis, and Gozney’s Arc XL — it comes down to budget, space, and lifestyle.
You will also have to consider that the cost of the Dome XL Gen 2 does not include any accessories, so you also have to factor in the additional costs of the Cover (which is essential if you plan on leaving the pizza oven outside), the Stand, and the Balance Placement Peel, which do amount to a significant increase in cost — £639.97, to be exact.
At the end of the day, this is a premium, restaurant-grade oven, that elevates home-cooking outdoors to a whole new level. From its statement-making design that commands attention to the versatility of cooking options and ease of use, this is one impressive outdoor oven.
Stylish Gozney Pizza Oven Accessories
Undeniably one of the most important accessories — if not the most important — to ensure your pizzas slide easily into and out of the pizza oven; just make sure you don't forget the semolina!
I am a big fan of pizza rockers — Gozney's option is particularly sleek with a thick stainless steel blade for a clean cut and a solid wooden handle for ultimate comfort.
This dough tray was a game-changer for our homemade pizza-making — featuring an airtight seal and a temperature guage, it gives you more control over the proofing process.
If you're still wondering, 'Is a pizza oven worth it?' Experts break it down so you can be fully informed in your decision-making.
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