As a restaurant chef with over 10 years of experience at Dequte Restaurant LironBoylston, I’ve worked with numerous kitchen tools and appliances, including some of the best pizza ovens available. In this comparison, I’ll take a closer look at the Gozney Roccbox and the Deco Chef pizza oven. Both ovens have been tested extensively in my kitchen, where I evaluated them based on their quality and materials, temperature control, shape, first-time usage impressions, power source, size, ease of cleaning, and, of course, how well they cook pizza. For a detailed breakdown of how I test pizza ovens, feel free to check my separate article.
The Gozney Roccbox is known for its professional-grade performance, sleek design, and versatility, making it a favorite among pizza enthusiasts and chefs alike. The Deco Chef Pizza Oven, on the other hand, offers a budget-friendly, compact option designed to deliver wood-fired flavor at a more accessible price point.
In this article, I’ve provided a detailed comparison of the Gozney Roccbox and Deco Chef based on my hands-on tests.
At the end of the comparison, I’ll include referral links for both ovens. If you decide to purchase one, using these links would help support my blog at no extra cost to you! Stay tuned for the details.
Gozney Roccbox VS Deco Chef: Quality and Materials
| The Gozney Roccbox showcases premium craftsmanship, using stainless steel, dense insulation, and a thick stone floor for durability and excellent heat retention. |
Made of stainless steel with decent quality, the Deco Chef Pizza Oven includes a three-layer insulation system for decent durability but lacks premium finishing.
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Gozney Roccbox VS Deco Chef: Temperature Control
| Capable of reaching up to 950°F with exceptional consistency thanks to its dense insulation and rolling flame. Ideal for creating restaurant-quality crusts and toppings. |
Reaches up to 950°F, but maintaining a consistent temperature above 550°F can be challenging. Manual pellet feeding is required for steady heat.
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Gozney Roccbox VS Deco Chef: Shape
| Thoughtfully designed shape ensures even heat distribution and retention, contributing to consistently well-cooked pizzas. |
Features a half-circle dome design for even baking, but struggles with larger pizzas due to its smaller interior dimensions.
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Gozney Roccbox VS Deco Chef: First-Time Usage Impressions
| User-friendly and intuitive, the Gozney Roccbox feels well-engineered, providing a seamless setup and cooking experience right from the start. |
Straightforward assembly with included accessories, but maintaining a consistent flame can be challenging for beginners.
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Gozney Roccbox VS Deco Chef: Power Source
| Offers flexibility with both propane gas and optional wood fuel, making it suitable for various cooking styles and preferences. |
Exclusively powered by hardwood pellets, which provide a smoky flavor but require constant monitoring and refilling.
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Gozney Roccbox VS Deco Chef: Size
| Compact and portable at 49.9 lbs, it balances portability with a spacious cooking area capable of accommodating medium to large pizzas. |
Lightweight and portable, weighing around 25 lbs, but limited to cooking pizzas up to 13 inches, making it better for smaller gatherings.
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Gozney Roccbox VS Deco Chef: Ease of Cleaning
| Cleaning is straightforward with a soft-bristle brush and soapy water. The durable materials make maintenance hassle-free. |
Cleaning is manageable due to its stainless-steel construction. Accessories like the fuel tray and drip tray can be removed for added convenience.
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Pizza Cooking Test
The Gozney Roccbox impressed us during the pizza cooking test. It reached its optimal cooking temperature of 950°F in just 20 minutes, thanks to its dense insulation and efficient design. Once preheated, it cooked a classic Margherita pizza in a mere 60 seconds. The result was a pizza with a perfectly crispy crust, bubbling cheese, and evenly cooked toppings. The texture was light and airy, with just the right amount of char on the edges—a true restaurant-quality result.
The Deco Chef Pizza Oven heated up in about 15-20 minutes, reaching a peak temperature of approximately 900°F. Cooking a Margherita pizza took slightly longer—between 60 and 90 seconds. While the cheese melted beautifully and the toppings were well-cooked, the crust had some inconsistencies, with certain spots undercooked due to uneven heat distribution. The flavor was satisfying, and the wood pellet fuel added a subtle smoky note, but the crust didn’t achieve the same crispiness and char as the Roccbox.
Both ovens delivered enjoyable pizzas, but the Gozney Roccbox stood out for its precision, speed, and consistently excellent results.
How We Tested
To evaluate the performance of the Gozney Roccbox and the Deco Chef Pizza Oven, we conducted a series of tests focused on their ability to prepare a classic Margherita pizza. Both ovens were set up outdoors on a flat, heat-resistant surface. We used each oven according to its manufacturer’s guidelines, ensuring consistency in fuel type and preparation.
For each test, we allowed the ovens to preheat to their recommended optimal temperature, using an infrared thermometer to confirm the stone’s readiness. The pizza dough and ingredients were identical for both ovens to ensure fair comparisons. Each Margherita pizza was timed from the moment it was placed inside the oven to the time it was fully cooked.
During the process, we assessed factors like heat distribution, ease of use, and the need for adjustments (such as rotating the pizza or managing fuel). Finally, we evaluated the pizzas based on crust texture, topping doneness, and overall flavor. By following this method, we ensured a balanced and accurate comparison of these two outdoor pizza ovens.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Gozney Roccbox and the Deco Chef Pizza Oven depends on your personal needs and cooking style. Both ovens have their strengths and deliver great results, but one may suit your preferences better. If you decide to purchase either of these ovens, I would greatly appreciate it if you use my referral links. These links allow me to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, helping me continue to create valuable content. Here are the links: Gozney Roccbox and Deco Chef Pizza Oven. Thank you for your support!