As a restaurant chef with over 10 years of experience at my restaurant, Dequte Restaurant LironBoylston, I’ve had the opportunity to work with various pizza ovens. Today, I’ll be comparing the Gozney Roccbox and the Member’s Mark Pizza Oven. Having used both extensively in my kitchen, I’ve assessed them based on several factors: quality and materials, temperature control, shape, first-time usage impressions, power source, size, ease of cleaning, and a real pizza cooking test to determine how quickly they deliver that perfect, crispy crust.
For a deeper dive into the details of my testing process, you can check out my separate article where I go into the thorough steps of how I evaluate each oven.
Let’s dive into each oven briefly:
- Gozney Roccbox: A high-end, versatile pizza oven known for its precision and professional-level results.
- Member’s Mark Pizza Oven: A more budget-friendly option that promises good performance for home cooks and enthusiasts.
This article offers a comprehensive comparison of the Gozney Roccbox vs. Member’s Mark, based on my own testing experience.
And before we get started, a quick note: If you decide to purchase one of these ovens, I’d greatly appreciate it if you used my referral links below. It helps support my blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
Gozney Roccbox VS Member’s Mark: Quality and Materials
| The Roccbox boasts premium stainless steel construction with thick insulation, making it incredibly durable and perfect for high-heat cooking. Every component feels meticulously crafted, suitable for frequent use in a professional setting. |
The Member’s Mark Pizza Oven, while not as heavy-duty, still offers good quality for its price. The included pizza peel is a nice touch, though the thinner steel and stone might wear down with heavy use. It’s great for home cooks looking for an affordable entry into pizza making.
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Gozney Roccbox VS Member’s Mark: Temperature Control
| The well-designed dome shape of the Roccbox enhances heat circulation, resulting in evenly cooked pizzas every time. The compact yet efficient design makes it easy to get consistently crispy crusts. |
The Member’s Mark also features a rounded top that aids heat distribution. It performed surprisingly well in producing evenly cooked pizzas, especially considering its lower price point. However, it does require more attention to achieve consistent results.
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Gozney Roccbox VS Member’s Mark: Shape
| The Roccbox reaches 950°F in under 15 minutes and maintains that heat with precision, making it ideal for quick, Neapolitan-style pizzas. The rolling flame and thick stone floor allow for precise temperature adjustments. |
The Member’s Mark Pizza Oven is slower to heat up, taking around 30-35 minutes to reach a max of about 750-800°F. However, it still delivers decent results, especially if you’re not in a rush. Its built-in thermometer is helpful but requires careful monitoring for best results.
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Gozney Roccbox VS Member’s Mark: First-Time Usage Impressions
| Using the Roccbox was intuitive and smooth. From unboxing to firing up the oven, it was user-friendly. The learning curve was minimal, making it perfect for beginners and pros alike. |
The Member’s Mark required a bit more trial and error to get the temperature right, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a solid performer for home use. The included accessories make it a good value for those just starting out.
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Gozney Roccbox VS Member’s Mark: Power Source
| The Roccbox excels in versatility, offering both gas and wood options, which I loved for adding authentic wood-fired flavors. Switching between fuel types was seamless. |
The Member’s Mark uses propane only, which makes it simple to operate. While it lacks the versatility of wood, the gas burner is reliable and straightforward for consistent cooking.
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Gozney Roccbox VS Member’s Mark: Size
| Weighing just under 50 lbs, the Roccbox is sturdy but still portable enough to take to outdoor gatherings. It’s a bit heavier but feels stable and durable. |
At a lighter weight and with a smaller footprint, the Member’s Mark is easier to transport, making it a good option for casual outdoor events. However, its smaller cooking space can be limiting for larger gatherings.
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Gozney Roccbox VS Member’s Mark: Ease of Cleaning
| The Roccbox is easy to maintain with its smooth stainless-steel surfaces and removable stone. A quick wipe-down keeps it in pristine condition. |
The Member’s Mark is also relatively easy to clean, though its thinner materials require gentler handling. The stone cools down quickly, making it easy to clean after each use.
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Pizza Cooking Test
When we tested both ovens with a classic Margherita pizza, the Gozney Roccbox preheated quickly, reaching optimal cooking temperatures in just 15 minutes. It cooked the pizza in a swift 60 seconds, producing a perfectly crisp crust and evenly melted cheese. The results were consistently impressive.
In contrast, the Member’s Mark Pizza Oven took significantly longer to preheat, struggling to reach the desired 900°F even after 30 minutes. Our Margherita pizza took over 5 minutes to cook, and despite adjusting the position, the crust lacked the signature crispiness we achieved with the Roccbox.
How We Tested
For a fair evaluation, we conducted side-by-side tests in my restaurant kitchen at Dequte Restaurant LironBoylston. We used the same homemade dough and fresh ingredients for consistency. Both ovens were allowed to preheat according to their manuals, and we monitored their performance using infrared thermometers. We paid close attention to heat distribution, cooking time, and overall pizza quality.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Gozney Roccbox and the Member’s Mark Pizza Oven depends on your needs. If you prioritize precision, durability, and versatility, the Roccbox is a standout choice, especially for pizza enthusiasts looking for high-performance results. However, if you are new to outdoor pizza ovens or have a limited budget, the Member’s Mark oven provides decent performance at an accessible price.
If you decide to buy one, I would greatly appreciate it if you used my referral links below. It helps support my blog at no extra cost to you:
Thank you for your support!