Bertello Grande Review

Introduction

Bertello is a renowned name in the realm of outdoor cooking appliances, particularly known for their premium-quality pizza ovens. The brand’s inception came out of a passionate pursuit for authentic, wood-fired pizza taste that could be achieved within the comfort of one’s own backyard.

Today, I’m excited to share my Bertello Grande 16-inch pizza oven review, my newest kitchen gadget. If you’re anything like me and believe that the best pizza is the one you make yourself, then you’ll understand why I was so thrilled to get my hands on this beauty.

The Bertello Grande isn’t just a pizza oven—it’s the gateway to endless culinary adventures, perfect for pizzas, roasting meats, grilling veggies, and so much more. I was sold by its whopping 16-inch size, which is just perfect for those big family gatherings or even when you’re in the mood for some serious pizza feasting (hey, we’ve all been there).

One of the reasons I chose this model was its promise of reaching sizzling temperatures of up to 930 degrees Fahrenheit. The thought of a beautifully charred crust and perfectly melted cheese was just too tempting to resist.

Sure, every rose has its thorn and the Bertello Grande is no different. But we’ll get to the pros and cons later. As for the price, let’s just say it wasn’t the cheapest option out there. But, hey, who can put a price on delicious, homemade pizza, right?

So, buckle up, folks. We’re about to dive deep into the world of the Bertello Grande 16-inch pizza oven. Stay tuned!

Specification

Dimensions	30 x 22 x 17 inches
Weight	62.9 pounds
Indoor/Outdoor	Outdoor
Fuel	Propane Gas and Wood
Temperature	950F
Preheat time	15 minutes

Opening The Box

Let’s see what we’ve got inside the box of a Bertello Grande 16″ Outdoor Pizza Oven.

1. Main Oven Body: First off, you’ll see the star of the show – the main oven body. Made from some pretty sturdy stainless steel and featuring an insulated door, this beauty is all set to handle super high temperatures and cook up some amazing pizzas.
2. Cooking Stone: Next up, we’ve got a lovely large 16-inch cooking stone. This is your pizza’s best friend – it makes sure your pizza gets an even cook all over.
3. Wood/Charcoal Tray: This little tray is where you’ll put your wood or charcoal, depending on what kind of fire you’re in the mood for. The best part? It’s super easy to take out and clean.
4. Gas Burner Attachment: Now, if you’re more of a propane fan, don’t worry! They’ve included a special attachment just for you.
5. Assembly and User Manual: To make things nice and easy, there’s a detailed manual that walks you through assembly, usage, and how to keep everything looking and working great.
6. Various Assembly Parts: Last but not least, you’ll find a bunch of screws, washers, and all those other little bits and pieces you’ll need to put your pizza oven together.

Every part is packed super securely to make sure nothing gets damaged during shipping, and all the components are individually wrapped to keep them looking shiny and new.

All in all, opening up the Bertello Grande 16″ Outdoor Pizza Oven is like unwrapping a pizza lover’s dream!

Design and Appearance

Okay, let’s talk about this oven’s looks and design, because, let’s face it, we all want our outdoor cooking gear to not only work great but look great too. Right out of the box, the Bertello Grande has a certain charm to it. It’s sleek and modern, with a beautiful brushed stainless steel exterior that screams quality. You can tell just by looking at it that it’s built to last.

Now, onto the size. The Bertello Grande isn’t called ‘Grande’ for no reason! This hefty oven measures 16 inches, providing ample cooking space. It’s perfect for those 16-inch family-sized pizzas, or even a couple of smaller ones side by side. But, be warned, with grand size comes grand weight. This isn’t your lightweight, portable pizza oven. It’s got some serious heft to it, but that’s what you want in a durable, outdoor oven.

The fuel options are another thing I adore about this oven. It’s compatible with both wood and gas, so you’ve got the freedom to choose. Want that authentic, smoky, wood-fired flavor? Go for it. Need the convenience and consistency of gas? It’s got you covered.

One thing to note though, the Bertello Grande you see in the pictures online is exactly what you get. There were no surprises when I unboxed mine. It’s as beautiful in my backyard as it was in the online photos.

So, in terms of design and appearance, I’d say the Bertello Grande 16-inch pizza oven definitely hits the mark. It’s a big, beautiful beast of an oven that’s as versatile as it is stylish.

How To Assemble

Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide on how to assemble the Bertello Grande 16″ Outdoor Pizza Oven:

1. Unbox All the Components First, take everything out of the box and lay it all out so you can see what you’ve got. Make sure you’ve got all the parts you need: the main oven body, the cooking stone, the wood/charcoal tray, the gas burner attachment (if you plan to use propane), and any included assembly tools.
2. Install the Cooking Stone Place the main oven body on a secure, stable surface. Then, gently put the cooking stone inside the oven, making sure it sits evenly on the bottom.
3. Install the Wood/Charcoal Tray Take the wood/charcoal tray and place it in the compartment at the bottom of the oven. It should slide in easily.
4. Assemble the Gas Burner Attachment (If Using Propane) If you’re using propane, you’ll need to assemble the gas burner attachment. Follow the instructions provided in the manual to connect the propane tank to the oven. Make sure all connections are secure and leak-free. If you’re not using propane, you can skip this step.
5. Attach the Door Attach the door to the oven by aligning the hinges and securing them with the provided screws. Make sure the door swings open and closed smoothly.
6. Final Check Once everything is assembled, give your oven a thorough check. Make sure all parts are securely installed and the oven is stable.
7. Initial Burn-In Before you start cooking, it’s recommended to do an initial burn-in. This involves heating the oven (without any food inside) to burn off any manufacturing residues. Follow the instructions in your manual for this process.

Ease of Use

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty—how well does the Bertello Grande actually perform? Let me tell you, this oven is as functional as it is gorgeous.

The first thing that blew me away was how quickly it heats up. With the gas attachment, it takes only about 15-20 minutes to reach that sweet spot of around 930 degrees Fahrenheit. Using wood, it took a bit longer, but the wait was totally worth it for that unique, smoky flavor. And the best part? You can actually use both fuel sources together for the best of both worlds.

But a quick heat-up time isn’t worth much if the oven can’t cook pizzas evenly, right? Well, I’m happy to report that the Bertello Grande does not disappoint. My pizzas have consistently come out with an evenly baked crust and beautifully melted cheese. The high temperature and excellent heat distribution mean you get that perfect, slightly charred crust every time.

As for capacity, this oven can easily handle a 16-inch pizza, or even a couple of smaller ones simultaneously. However, cooking multiple pizzas does mean you might need a little extra time to get the oven back up to the optimal temperature. I found it took about 10-15 minutes to reheat between pizzas, which isn’t too bad considering the quality of the pies it produces.

If I were to nitpick, I’d say that controlling the temperature can be a bit tricky at first, especially when using wood as the fuel source. It takes some getting used to, and you’ll need to keep a close eye on the thermometer. But once you get the hang of it, it’s all part of the fun of making your own pizzas.

So, is it easy to use? I’d say yes, but with a small learning curve. This isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ kind of oven. It requires a bit of attention and finesse, but in return, it gives you mouthwatering pizzas that are well worth the effort.

Features

Let’s switch gears and dive into some of the standout features of the Bertello Grande. This oven is more than just a pretty face—it’s packed with functionality that makes it a true powerhouse in your outdoor kitchen.

Controlling the flame intensity is a great feature of the Bertello Grande. You have the option to adjust the flame to your liking, which comes in handy when you’re looking for that perfect crust. It does require a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate the level of control you have.

The wood chip tray is another great addition, particularly if you’re a fan of that authentic wood-fired flavor. It’s easy to fill and works well, producing a good amount of smoke without being overpowering. Just remember to keep an eye on it, as the wood chips can burn out quite quickly at high temperatures.

Cleaning the Bertello Grande is straightforward enough. The cooking stone can be removed, making it easy to brush off any burnt bits or excess flour. The stainless steel exterior wipes clean with a damp cloth. It’s not exactly a self-cleaning oven, but it doesn’t take too much elbow grease either.

As for how it stacks up against competitors like Ooni or Gozney, I would say it holds its own quite well. The Bertello Grande’s larger size gives it an edge, particularly if you’re cooking for a crowd. It also has the flexibility of using both gas and wood as fuel sources. That being said, ovens like the Ooni Koda 12/16 or Gozney might heat up a bit faster and be more portable, so it really comes down to what your specific needs are.

Overall, the Bertello Grande 16-inch pizza oven is a feature-packed machine that combines style, functionality, and flexibility. It certainly adds a new dimension to the art of pizza making at home.

Value for Money

Let’s tackle the big question—does the Bertello Grande provide bang for your buck? Well, the short answer is, absolutely yes. But let me break it down for you.

Firstly, the Bertello Grande is not just a pizza oven, but a versatile cooking tool that can handle a variety of other dishes. The robust build quality, the stainless steel exterior, the superb heat retention—all these factors speak to its durability. This isn’t a one-summer wonder. It’s designed to be part of your cooking routine for years to come.

The performance, as I’ve mentioned before, is top-notch. It heats up quickly, cooks evenly, and gives you that authentic, wood-fired pizza taste right at home. There’s a certain joy in being able to produce pizzeria-quality pizzas in your own backyard, and the Bertello Grande makes that possible.

Now, considering the price, it’s fair to say that the Bertello Grande is an investment. It’s not the cheapest outdoor pizza oven on the market. However, if you’re someone who’s serious about pizza making, or if you simply love hosting outdoor parties, I believe it’s an investment worth making.

When compared to other popular pizza ovens like the Ooni Koda or Gozney, the Bertello Grande holds its own in terms of performance and features. While those brands might be a bit more portable or heat up slightly faster, the Bertello Grande offers a larger cooking surface and the flexibility of using both gas and wood at the same time.

In conclusion, while the Bertello Grande might be a bit of a splurge, I believe that the price is justified by its quality, performance, and versatility. It’s an investment in delicious, homemade pizza, and to me, that’s priceless.

Accessories

if you’re planning to get the most out of your Bertello Grande 16 inch pizza oven, there are a few accessories that I’d highly recommend:

1. Infrared Thermometer: The Bertello Grande doesn’t have a built-in thermometer so I highly recommend one of these. An infrared thermometer can give you a more accurate reading of the stone’s temperature, which can be helpful for perfecting your cook.
2. Pizza Peel: This is a must-have for any pizza oven. A peel allows you to easily slide your pizza in and out of the oven without risking burns. There are both metal and wooden options available, and some people prefer to use a wooden peel for preparation and a metal one for handling the pizza in the oven due to its thinner edge.
3. Pizza Cutter Wheel or Rocker Blade: Once your delicious pizza is cooked to perfection, you’ll need a good quality pizza cutter to slice it up.
4. Oven Brush: This is particularly useful for cleaning out the ash after using wood as a fuel source. Some models even come with a scraper on the reverse side to help keep your stone clean.
5. Heat-Resistant Gloves: Safety first! A pair of these can protect your hands and arms from the high temperatures when you’re inserting or removing pizzas.
6. Pizza Turning Peel: This is smaller and rounder than a regular peel and is used for turning the pizza during cooking to ensure it’s evenly cooked.
7. Cover: If your oven will be living outdoors, it’s a good idea to get a weather-resistant cover to protect it from the elements when not in use.

Remember, while none of these accessories are strictly necessary, they can greatly enhance your pizza cooking experience and help you get the best out of your Bertello Grande 16-inch pizza oven.

Verdict

After spending ample time with the Bertello Grande, exploring its features, cooking with it, and enjoying countless delicious pizzas, I feel confident in giving this oven an 8.5 out of 10.

Sure, there’s a bit of a learning curve, and yes, it’s not the cheapest option out there. But the build quality, the versatility, the sheer joy of using it—these things make the Bertello Grande a standout in the world of outdoor pizza ovens.

It’s perfect for those who are serious about their homemade pizza game or for those who simply love entertaining and cooking outdoors. It’s a stylish, durable, and highly functional addition to any outdoor kitchen setup. Plus, the option to cook with gas, wood, or both gives it that extra versatility that many pizza enthusiasts will appreciate.

So, would I recommend the Bertello Grande 16-inch pizza oven? Absolutely. If you’re ready to take your homemade pizza to the next level and don’t mind investing a bit for quality, then the Bertello Grande could be the perfect fit for you. Happy pizza making!