🔥 Wood Fired vs Gas Fired Ovens: Choosing the Right Flame for Your Garden
- MP Landscape Design
- Dec 8, 2025
- 2 min read
The Appeal of Wood Fired Ovens
Cooking with wood is about more than food; it’s about atmosphere, ritual, and involvement. A wood fired oven brings a sense of theatre to the back garden, with the crackle of logs and the aroma of smoke creating a unique experience. The heat builds gradually, rewarding patience with pizzas that blister beautifully and roasts that carry a depth of flavour impossible to replicate.
From my own experience, there is a lot more involvement with wood. It takes practice and skill to get things right, but that’s part of the enjoyment. Personally, I like it because you’re more engaged in the cooking process — tending the fire, adjusting the heat, and feeling connected to the food. As I often say, “Man makes fire, yes!” That moment of creating and controlling the flame is as satisfying as the meal itself.
The Convenience of Gas Fired Ovens
Gas fired ovens, by contrast, are all about ease and speed. With the turn of a dial, the oven is ready to cook in minutes, delivering consistent heat without the need to manage flames or fuel. For busy households or those who prefer simplicity, gas brings reliability and convenience. It makes outdoor cooking more accessible, especially when entertaining guests who expect food without delay.
To me, gas seems easy — almost too easy — but each to their own. For some, that simplicity is exactly what makes it appealing. It removes the challenge and ensures consistent results, which can be a real advantage when time is short or when you want to focus on the social side of entertaining rather than the fire itself.
Balancing Tradition and Modern Living
Choosing between wood and gas is ultimately about lifestyle. If you enjoy the ritual, the flavour, and the sense of tradition, a wood fired oven will reward you every time you cook. If you value convenience, speed, and consistency, gas may be the better fit. Both options can be designed into a bespoke outdoor kitchen, tailored to your space and style, ensuring that whichever flame you choose, it enhances the way you live and entertain.
Conclusion
There is no single right answer. Wood fired ovens bring romance, authenticity, and involvement, while gas fired ovens deliver practicality and ease. The White Shire offers the perfect backdrop for either choice, whether you are gathering friends around a roaring fire or serving quick suppers with the turn of a dial. What matters most is that your oven reflects your way of living, turning outdoor cooking into an experience that feels truly your own.
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Wood Fired vs Gas Fired Ovens: Choosing the Right Flame for Your Garden
