Bertello Pizza Oven Review 2026: Worth Your Money?

So you’ve been scrolling through outdoor pizza ovens and the Bertello keeps popping up. You’re not alone. This oven has been a fan favorite ever since it appeared on Shark Tank back in 2020.

Brothers Andy and Eric Bert pitched their dual fuel pizza oven and walked away with a deal from Kevin O’Leary. Since then, Bertello has sold millions of dollars worth of ovens to backyard pizza lovers across the country.

But here’s the real question. Does it actually make great pizza in 2026? With so many new pizza ovens flooding the market, is the Bertello still a solid pick?

Key Takeaways:

• The Bertello pizza oven uses patented SimulFIRE technology, which lets you burn gas and wood at the same time. This is a feature no other oven in its class offers. You get the convenience of gas and the smoky flavor of wood in a single cook session.
• It reaches temperatures over 900°F and can cook a Neapolitan style pizza in about 2 minutes. The HeatTrap design keeps heat circulating inside the oven for even cooking on toppings and crust.
• The 12 inch model comes as an Everything Bundle that includes the oven, gas burner, pizza peel, wood tray, weatherproof cover, and infrared thermometer. The 16 inch model adds a rotating pizza stone for hands free cooking.
• Bertello appeared on Shark Tank Season 11 and secured a deal with Kevin O’Leary. The company has generated over $6.3 million in sales since the show aired.
• The oven body uses carbon and stainless steel construction with a powder coated finish. It’s built to last but does weigh around 42 pounds, so keep that in mind for portability.
• Pricing starts around $399 for the 12 inch bundle and about $499 for the 16 inch rotating model. Both sit in a competitive price range against brands like Ooni and Gozney.

Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bertello SimulFIRE Outdoor Pizza Oven Bundle

The Bertello SimulFIRE Outdoor Pizza Oven Bundle is the flagship 12 inch model that put this brand on the map. It comes as a complete kit. You get the oven, a premium gas burner, a wood tray, a perforated pizza peel, a weatherproof cover, and an infrared thermometer. That means you’re ready to cook right out of the box.

The standout feature here is the SimulFIRE technology. Most pizza ovens force you to pick between gas or wood. Bertello lets you run both fuels at the same time. The gas burner heats the oven fast, and the wood tray sits on top of the burner. You add wood chips, pellets, or lump charcoal through a top door. The gas flame ignites the wood automatically.

This combo produces authentic wood fired flavor with gas powered convenience. The oven reaches over 900°F in less than 20 minutes using the gas burner. The cordierite pizza stone is 0.6 inches thick and sits on four raised posts. This lets heat circulate beneath the stone for a crispy bottom crust every time.

The cooking surface measures 13.39 x 12.36 inches. That’s enough room for a standard 12 inch pizza. The oven body weighs about 41.9 pounds. It’s portable enough to move around your patio, but you probably won’t want to haul it to a park.

What Makes Bertello Different From Other Pizza Ovens

Bertello stands apart from the competition for one clear reason. It’s the only portable pizza oven that burns gas and wood at the same time. Other ovens like the Ooni Karu 12 offer multi fuel options, but you switch between gas and wood. You don’t use both together. Bertello’s SimulFIRE system changes that.

This dual fuel approach solves a common frustration for pizza makers. Gas ovens heat fast and stay consistent. But they lack the smoky flavor that wood adds to the crust. Wood fired ovens taste amazing. But they take longer to heat up and need constant attention. Bertello gives you the best of both in one cook session.

The HeatTrap design is another key difference. Bertello engineered the oven shape to circulate hot air inside and prevent heat from escaping through the open front. This means the toppings on your pizza cook evenly alongside the crust. Many budget pizza ovens struggle with this. They char the crust while leaving toppings undercooked.

Bertello also offers a lifetime warranty on their ovens. That’s a strong commitment that most competitors don’t match. The powder coated carbon steel body resists discoloration and denting better than thinner stainless steel alternatives.

Bertello SimulFIRE 16 Inch Rotating Pizza Oven

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The Bertello SimulFIRE 16 inch Rotating Pizza Oven is the bigger, more advanced model. It includes everything the 12 inch version offers plus a motorized rotating pizza stone. This stone spins slowly during cooking so you don’t need to manually turn your pizza. The result is an evenly cooked pie with minimal effort.

This model also uses the exclusive FlameThrower Dual Burner System. It has two separate burners. One heats the stone from below. The other cooks the toppings from above. This dual burner setup creates balanced heat from both directions.

The 16 inch cooking surface fits larger pizzas and gives you more room to work with. The oven reaches over 900°F in under 15 minutes. A pizza cooks in about 90 seconds to 2 minutes. The rotating stone removes the learning curve that frustrates many new pizza oven owners.

Priced around $499, this model competes directly with the Ooni Karu 16 and Gozney Roccbox. The rotating stone and SimulFIRE technology give it a unique edge. If you want the easiest path to great homemade pizza, this 16 inch model is the one to consider.

Top 3 Alternatives for Bertello Pizza Oven

1. Ooni Karu 12 Multi Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven

Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Gozney Roccbox Outdoor Pizza Oven

Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Solo Stove Pi Pizza Oven

Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Shark Tank Story Behind Bertello

Bertello’s origin story adds credibility to the brand. Brothers Andy and Eric Bert from Woodbury, Minnesota created the oven and pitched it on Shark Tank Season 11 in March 2020. They asked for $120,000 in exchange for 10% of the business.

The Sharks tasted the pizza and loved it. Kevin O’Leary (Mr. Wonderful) offered $100,000 for 30%. After some negotiation, the brothers closed a deal at $100,000 for 25%. The Shark Tank appearance supercharged their sales. Bertello did $75,000 in sales in a single day after the episode aired.

Before Shark Tank, the company had about $1 million in total sales. Since the show, sales have grown to over $6.3 million. The company continues to grow in 2026. Bertello’s partnership with Kevin O’Leary gave them the exposure and business guidance to scale quickly.

This Shark Tank backing gives buyers extra confidence. The brand isn’t a random Amazon listing. It’s a legitimate company with a proven track record and celebrity investor support.

Build Quality and Materials

The Bertello pizza oven is built with powder coated carbon steel and stainless steel. This combination gives the oven a sturdy, solid feel. The powder coating protects the exterior from rust, discoloration, and scratches. It holds up well against outdoor weather conditions.

The oven walls are thicker than many competitors in the same price range. Brands like Ooni use thinner stainless steel that can feel “tinny” and may dent with rough handling. Bertello’s construction feels more substantial in comparison.

The cordierite pizza stone is a standout component. At 0.6 inches thick, it absorbs and retains heat effectively. Cordierite handles thermal shock well, so it won’t crack from rapid temperature changes. The stone slides in and out of the oven on four raised posts for easy removal and cleaning.

The gas burner connects with a standard propane regulator and hose. The knob control is simple. The wood tray fits snugly over the gas burner and has an access door on top. Overall, every component feels well made and purposeful.

Heat Performance and Cooking Results

Heat performance is where the Bertello truly shines. The oven reaches over 900°F using the gas burner alone. Add wood to the tray and temperatures climb even higher. This is hot enough for authentic Neapolitan style pizza with a charred, leopard spotted crust.

The HeatTrap design circulates hot air throughout the oven cavity. This solves a common problem with portable ovens. Many affordable pizza ovens cook the bottom crust fast but leave the top and toppings pale and undercooked. Bertello’s airflow design cooks everything evenly.

In real world testing, a pizza cooks in about 60 to 120 seconds at full temperature. The crust puffs up with beautiful charring. The cheese melts and bubbles properly. The toppings cook through without burning.

Preheat time is about 15 to 20 minutes with the gas burner running. If you use wood or charcoal only (without gas), expect about 25 to 30 minutes. The gas burner option saves significant time and effort for weeknight pizza sessions.

Setting Up the Bertello Pizza Oven

Setting up the Bertello is straightforward. The Everything Bundle comes mostly assembled. You need to attach the gas burner to the oven and connect it to a propane tank using the included hose and regulator. This takes about 5 minutes.

Slide the cordierite pizza stone into the oven. It rests on four built in posts. No tools needed. Place the wood tray on top of the gas burner if you plan to use wood. Close the top door and connect the propane.

Turn the gas knob to ignite the burner. Let the oven preheat for 15 to 20 minutes. Use the included infrared thermometer to check the stone temperature. Once the stone reads above 800°F, you’re ready to cook.

If you want to add wood flavor, drop wood chips, pellets, or small chunks through the top door. The gas flame ignites the wood automatically. This is much easier than starting a separate wood fire from scratch. The whole setup process from unboxing to first pizza takes about 30 minutes.

Portability and Size Considerations

The Bertello 12 inch model weighs about 41.9 pounds with the gas burner attached. The dimensions are 30.6 x 14 x 13.9 inches. It’s portable in the sense that one person can carry it, but it’s not exactly lightweight.

The included weatherproof cover makes storage easy. You can leave the oven on your patio table and cover it between uses. If you want to bring it to a tailgate, camping trip, or friend’s house, it will fit in most car trunks.

The 16 inch model is larger and heavier. It’s better suited as a semi permanent patio fixture than a travel oven. If portability is your top priority, the 12 inch model is the better choice.

Compared to competitors, the Bertello is heavier than the Ooni Karu 12 (which weighs about 26 pounds). The trade off is a thicker, more durable build. If you plan to keep the oven in one spot most of the time, the extra weight is not an issue.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Cleaning the Bertello is simple thanks to the slide in, slide out pizza stone. After the oven cools completely, pull out the stone and brush off any food residue with a stiff brush. Avoid using soap or water on a hot stone. Let it cool fully first.

For the oven interior, wipe down the inside with a damp rag. Remove the wood tray and dump out any leftover ash. Wait at least one full day after cooking before handling ash. This ensures everything has cooled completely and prevents fire hazards.

The gas burner needs periodic checks. Make sure the burner ports are clear of debris. A blocked port can cause uneven heating. Use a toothpick or small brush to clear any buildup.

For the exterior, the powder coating resists most stains. A damp cloth handles routine cleaning. For tougher spots, a mild soap and water solution works fine. Never use abrasive cleaners on the coated surface. Store the oven with the weatherproof cover on when not in use to extend its lifespan.

Who Should Buy the Bertello Pizza Oven

The Bertello is a great fit for home cooks who want restaurant quality pizza without spending thousands on a built in brick oven. It’s also ideal for people who can’t decide between gas and wood fuel. Bertello removes that decision by offering both.

If you host outdoor gatherings often, this oven makes a fantastic conversation piece and party centerpiece. Cooking pizza in front of guests is fun and impressive. Each pie takes about 2 minutes, so you can feed a crowd quickly.

First time pizza oven buyers will appreciate the Everything Bundle. It includes all the accessories you need. There’s no guessing about which peel, thermometer, or cover to buy separately. The setup is easy and the learning curve is short.

However, if you need the lightest possible oven for frequent travel, the Bertello may feel heavy at 42 pounds. And if you only want gas (no wood at all), a simpler gas only oven like the Ooni Koda might be a better value. The Bertello’s real strength is its dual fuel flexibility.

Bertello vs Ooni: Which Is Better

This is the comparison most buyers want to see. Ooni is the biggest name in portable pizza ovens. Bertello is the scrappy Shark Tank competitor. Both make great pizza, but they differ in key areas.

The Ooni Karu 12 supports gas and wood, but not at the same time. You choose one fuel per cooking session. Bertello’s SimulFIRE lets you use gas and wood together. This gives Bertello an edge for flavor.

In terms of temperature, both ovens reach about 900 to 950°F. Cook times are similar at 60 to 120 seconds per pizza. The Ooni Karu 12 is lighter at about 26 pounds versus Bertello’s 42 pounds. Ooni wins on portability.

Price wise, the Bertello 12 inch Everything Bundle sits around $399. The Ooni Karu 12 retails for a similar price range. The Bertello bundle includes more accessories (thermometer, cover, wood tray) in the box.

Build quality slightly favors Bertello with its thicker powder coated steel. Ooni ovens can feel thinner and more prone to denting. Both brands offer solid customer support. The right choice depends on your priorities. Want dual fuel at the same time? Go Bertello. Want a lighter oven with a huge accessory ecosystem? Go Ooni.

Pros and Cons of the Bertello Pizza Oven

The pros are significant. The SimulFIRE technology is genuinely unique. No other portable oven burns gas and wood simultaneously. The Everything Bundle is a great value with all accessories included. The build quality feels premium with thick carbon steel and stainless steel construction. Temperatures above 900°F produce authentic Neapolitan pizza. The lifetime warranty adds peace of mind.

The cons are worth noting too. The oven weighs nearly 42 pounds, which makes it heavier than most competitors. The 12 inch cooking surface limits you to smaller pizzas. The gas burner adds width to the overall footprint. Some users on Reddit have reported a learning curve with wood management inside the tray.

The 16 inch rotating model fixes several cons of the 12 inch version. It offers more cooking space and the rotating stone eliminates the need for manual turning. But it costs about $100 more and is even heavier.

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons for most buyers. The dual fuel capability, solid build, and complete bundle make the Bertello a strong contender in 2026.

Is the Bertello Pizza Oven Worth It in 2026

The short answer is yes, the Bertello pizza oven is still worth buying in 2026. The SimulFIRE technology remains unique in the market. No major competitor has replicated the ability to burn gas and wood at the same time. This alone makes the Bertello stand out.

The brand has matured since its Shark Tank debut. Product quality has improved. Customer support is responsive. The lifetime warranty shows the company backs its product.

At around $399 to $499, the Bertello sits in the sweet spot between budget and premium. You get more features and accessories than most ovens at this price point. The cooking results speak for themselves with crispy, charred, authentic pizza in under 2 minutes.

If you value flavor, versatility, and a complete out of the box experience, the Bertello is a smart buy. It’s one of the best outdoor pizza ovens you can get without spending $700 or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Bertello pizza oven take to heat up?

The Bertello heats up to over 900°F in about 15 to 20 minutes using the gas burner. If you use wood or charcoal only, expect about 25 to 30 minutes. Using both fuels together speeds up the process slightly.

Can you use the Bertello pizza oven with just gas and no wood?

Yes, absolutely. The gas burner alone reaches over 900°F and cooks great pizza. The wood tray is optional. Many users run gas only for convenience and add wood only when they want extra smoky flavor.

What fuels work with the Bertello pizza oven?

The Bertello supports propane gas, wood chips, wood pellets, wood chunks, and lump charcoal. You can use any of these fuels individually or combine gas with wood using the SimulFIRE system.

How do you clean the Bertello pizza stone?

Let the stone cool fully. Then brush off food residue with a stiff brush. You can also heat the oven on high with the gas burner running. This burns off stuck on food. Avoid soaking the stone in water as cordierite absorbs moisture.

Does the Bertello come with a warranty?

Yes, Bertello offers a lifetime warranty on their pizza ovens. This covers manufacturing defects and material failures. It’s one of the most generous warranty policies in the outdoor pizza oven market.

Is the Bertello pizza oven good for beginners?

Yes, the Everything Bundle is beginner friendly. It includes every accessory you need. The gas burner makes heating the oven simple. The infrared thermometer helps you track temperature. Most beginners produce excellent pizza within their first few cooking sessions.

Can you cook things other than pizza in the Bertello?

Yes, you can cook flatbreads, steaks, fish, vegetables, and even desserts in the Bertello. Any food that benefits from high heat cooks well in this oven. The cordierite stone works great for bread and the open flame sears meat beautifully.