As a home pizzaiolo myself, I’m thrilled to see the new Gozney Arc XL has been released in perfect time for Pi Day! This new model looks to transform your (and my) backyard into the ultimate pizza-making paradise!
The Gozney Arc and Arc XL
Home pizza-making is ready for a (more) affordable offering from Gozney. The Gozney Arc and Gozney Arc XL have been released at less than half the price point of the excellent Gozney Dome and Dome S1 models.
The new Arc series models are both compact, propane-powered oven that look to slice their way into the market, offering a perfect blend of quality, convenience, and affordability.
What’s Special About the Gozney Arc XL (and Arc)?
To understand what makes the Arc stand out, we need to look at their other models first:
Gozney Dome Dual Fuel Pizza Oven
Possibly (and arguably) the best dual-fuel home pizza oven on the market is the Gozney Dome dual fuel pizza oven. This really is a best-in-class oven that’s got everything I’d want. It looks gorgeous and professional and will cook the perfect pizza with digital thermometer, controllable airflow that allows you to dial it all the way up past 950°F, amazing heat retention (especially with an optional door), temperature probe, and even a steam injector (homemade bread anyone?).
BUT…
Gozney Dome Size
The Gozney Dome size is rather massive…in dimensions, weight, and price. At 128 lbs., this isn’t something you’re likely to want to move. It’s also 26″ high x 24.8″ deep x 28.8″ wide. That’s a big pizza oven taking up a lot of outdoor counter top (although you can buy a $250 stand).
And, at $1,999 (at time of writing), this is priced well beyond what most would call it’s competition (i.e. the Ooni models (like the Ooni Karu 2 Pro), Solo Stove pizza ovens, and Stoke Stove pizza ovens).
And while the wood-fired option is great, unfortunately you can’t use both fuels at the same time. Therefore, you’ll quickly find the gas option to be far more convenient – in which case you might want to check out the:
Gozney Dome S1
Per Gozney’s website, “Dome S1 packs the iconic performance and intuitive design of the award-winning Dome into a streamlined, propane gas-fueled package to elevate any backyard. Dome S1 makes it easier than ever to get straight to making restaurant-quality pizza. It works effortlessly for both beginners and chefs, reaching temperatures in excess of 950F so you can cook pizza in 60 seconds.”
But this model isn’t much smaller, isn’t much lighter, but is a good $500 cheaper than the dual-fuel Dome (at time of writing).
So What About the Gozney Arc XL?!?
For starters, the Gozney Arc XL (and regular Arc) have a more compact design and a price tag that’s much more approachable ($799 at launch – the same price as the Ooni Karu 16). Think of the Arc XL as the Gozney Dome S1’s more approachable sibling, offering the same high-quality craftsmanship and cooking precision at about half the cost.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty details that make the Gozney Arc XL a game-changer.
First off, despite a more compact size (Width: 20.9″ x Depth: 24.8″ x Height: 13.5″), the Arc XL will still cook a 16″ pizza. In my mind, this is a key feature because I can think of only one other pizza oven under $800 that can fit such a big pizza (again the Ooni Karu Pro 2. And it’s worth mentioning that not far behind the pair, the Stoke Stove 16 will cook at 15″ pizza…for even less money).
Even the Gozney Arc (Width 18.9″ x Depth 22.2″ x Height 13.5″) will cook a 14″ pizza, which is still quite big compared to most competitor models in this price range. Both Gozney models are also much lighter than their siblings: 58.5 lbs. and 47.5 lbs. respectively.
And the more compact size doesn’t just mean it’ll fit more snugly into your outdoor space; it also signifies a quicker heat-up time, meaning you can go from 0 to pizza in record time. The propane fuel and precision temperature controls ensure you can get a consistent cooking temperature, which is essential for that perfect crust. And trust me, this is a huge advantage when compared to some other competitor designs.
Gozney Arc and Gozney Arc XL Features
The info below is all available on Gozney’s website, but I’m going to paraphrase and capture the things I believe set this series apart from the competition and therefore worth investigating for yourself:
Precision Temperature Control
The ability to control the oven’s temperature with a precision digital temperature gauge and “thoughtfully designed controls” are truly important in being able to precisely and consistently cook your pizza.
Gas Burner
Per Gozney, the Arc XL has a lateral gas burner that recreates the rolling-flame found in a traditional wood-fired pizza oven. The gas-powered rolling flame is key to precision control of the temperature of both the top and bottom of the oven.
Oven Size
As mentioned, I think the Arc XL’s advantage is that it can cook a 16″ pizza. Do you always need a 16″ pizza? Definitely not (we usually cook a 10″ to 12″ pizza to feed the two of us – and even the AVPN “doesn’t allow” Neapolitan pizzas to be that big). But beyond the ability to cook a larger pizza can be really helpful when you’re having a pizza party. It also just means you have a ton more room to maneuver a smaller pizza within the oven.
“Unbeatable” Heat Retention
Well, I don’t have every model of pizza oven to compare, so I guess we have to take Tom Gozney at his word. But apparently the dense 2-layer insulation is instrumental in the Gozney Arc XL in reaching higher temperatures faster and staying hotter longer.
Gozney Arc & Arc XL – Conclusion
I believe the better affordability and slightly more compact design of the Gozney Arc and Gozney Arc XL combined with great temperature controls further open up the world of gourmet pizza-making to a broader audience. Gozney’s new offerings are going to really help hobbyist pizza chefs craft restaurant-quality pizzas at home.
So as you (and I) prepare for summer days and backyard gatherings, I encourage you to check out the Gozney Arc and Arc XL to elevate your pizza game. I think the Arc promises an experience that’s going to be immensely rewarding and deliciously fun.
Special Edition?
Gozney is currently doing 3 special edition versions (and several special edition accessories) with Hedley & Bennett, a company well known for making chef accessories (in particular, aprons).
Their 3 special edition colors are worth checking out for just $50 more than the regular price!
Okay, I’ve Ordered the Gozney Arc XL – Now What?
If you’ve taken the plunge with this new oven and your hungry for more tips, recipes, and pizza-making adventures, check out our pizza recipes here to explore further! Whether you’re perfecting your dough recipe, experimenting with toppings, or mastering the art of the perfect bake in the Gozney Arc, each pizza is a step towards culinary brilliance. Share your creations, successes, and learning moments on social media; after all, every pizza tells a story.
The world of pizza is vast and varied, and there’s always something new to discover – and I believe the Gozney Arc XL in particular is going to be there to help you find it!
Todd’s cooking skills have revolved around the grill since about age 12, when he developed a love for grilling and took over for Mom at the BBQ. He worked at Wendy’s and at Earl’s Tin Palace (a restaurant chain in Canada) but never really did any sort of baking…until he and Heather started making pizza together! Now he’s often making dough in the mornings and pizza in the evenings.