Which pizza oven can I retrofit?

Which Pizza Oven Can I Retrofit?

We receive many questions on the topic "Can I retrofit my pizza oven?" In times of steadily rising energy prices and gas shortages, this is a legitimate question. Which type of fuel is suitable naturally depends on many factors, especially the location of the restaurant, the site of the oven, and the technical conditions. Gas has so far been a good mix of space-saving fuel type, low odor nuisance to the surroundings, and flexibility for the kitchen. But currently, switching to wood is advisable for several reasons. It is sustainable and offers some independence from gas and electricity prices. Those who have enough storage space for wood and no smell-sensitive neighbors, as well as a functional chimney, will be well served with a wood-fired oven. Also, electric pizza ovens have become significantly more expensive in operation, as electricity prices have risen considerably, just like gas prices.

Retrofitting from Gas to Wood

Most pizza ovens that we operate with gas can also be operated with wood. The prerequisites are similar, the dome shape of Valoriani pizza ovens is suitable for both gas and wood firing. Usually, the commercial pizza ovens are also large enough to accommodate a bit of space for the wood fire. All ovens from the Valoriani Forni manufactory can always be supplemented or aesthetically enhanced with wood. Switching is therefore easy. For the gas burner, the manufacturer offers secure covers for the burner. However, the most important point is the infrastructure in the kitchen. Anyone wishing to operate a wood-fired oven indoors needs a suitable chimney for the exhaust. Here, a conversation with the responsible chimney sweep is worthwhile.

Retrofitting from Wood to Gas

Despite rising gas prices, it may be necessary to switch from a wood-fired oven to a gas oven. The reasons are varied: kitchen renovation, chimney problems, neighbor complaints, etc. Valoriani ovens can always be retrofitted with a Milberg gas burner. A little craftsmanship is required to drill the hole for the burner in the oven floor. The gas burner can be operated with both LPG and natural gas. The connection must be made by a gas technician. Depending on the oven size, different gas burners with varying functions are available.

Retrofitting an electric oven to wood or gas is not possible. But there are alternatives.

The Alternative: Wood-Fired Oven as a Second Oven

If the reason for retrofitting is mainly to save on energy costs that a wood-fired oven provides, there is another alternative. We mainly offer a high-performance wood-fired oven, which is an excellent solution as a supplement or support in the kitchen: the Valoriani Baby. It is a completely professional wood-fired oven. It reaches temperatures of up to 500 degrees. This results in very short cooking times for pizza, with it being ready after 90 seconds. While it may be smaller than the existing gas pizza oven, it can potentially deliver the same output per hour. Thus, it is in any case an alternative to the gas pizza oven. And the existing gas pizza oven can be added during high demand, increasing kitchen capacity while still reducing energy costs.

Whatever idea comes to mind, we are happy to advise you. Call us and schedule a consultation.