Pizza ovens have become increasingly popular, offering a delicious and convenient way to enjoy homemade pizzas. However, not all pizza ovens are created equal. The market offers a wide range of options, from simple portable models to high-end, feature-rich appliances. This review focuses on a premium contender: the Witt Etna Rotante, a Danish-designed, gas-powered outdoor pizza oven. This substantial oven boasts a unique rotating pizza stone, promising perfectly cooked pizzas every time, a feature setting it apart from the competition. Its robust build, with double insulation, ensures efficiency and reduces running costs, while its powerful dual-burner system guarantees consistently high baking temperatures.
The Witt Etna Rotante isn't just about functionality; its striking design makes it a stylish addition to any outdoor kitchen. We'll explore its performance in detail, examining the impact of its rotating stone on cooking time and pizza quality. We'll also discuss its practicality, considering its size and weight, cleaning ease, and ease of use. Ultimately, this review aims to assess whether the Witt Etna Rotante's premium features justify its price point and whether it delivers on its promise of exceptional pizza-making capabilities.
Pros And Cons
- Large size and solid construction
- Double insulation for lower running costs and faster cooking
- Rotating pizza stone for even cooking
- Two burners (U-shaped and booster) maintain consistent temperature
- Pizzas cook in approximately 90 seconds
- Removable, two-part pizza stone for easy cleaning
- Produces pizzas with puffed-up, leopard-dotted crusts
- Allows viewing of pizza cooking through the open front
- Available in multiple finishes
- Very heavy (372 kg), requiring two people to move
- Requires significant storage space
- Supplied gas tube is too short
Read more: PIEZANO Crispy Crust Pizza Oven: A Comprehensive Review
Size and Weight: A Hefty Investment
The Witt Etna Rotante is substantial, a truly large oven weighing in at a hefty 372 kg. This is three times the weight of some competitors, making it a significant investment in terms of space and handling. However, this weight translates to a robust, well-insulated oven. The considerable mass contributes to consistent heat retention, minimizing running costs and cooking times.
Heating Elements and Rotating Stone: The Heart of the Oven
The oven boasts a unique U-shaped burner encircling the back, creating a visually stunning and efficient heating system. A second booster burner underneath the pizza stone maintains a consistent base temperature. But the star of the show is the rotating pizza stone. This innovative feature ensures even cooking, resulting in perfectly browned pizzas every time.
Cooking Performance and Cleaning
Pizzas cook remarkably fast, approximately 90 seconds each. The result is consistently perfect, with characteristic puffed-up, leopard-spotted crusts. The removable two-part pizza stone simplifies cleaning; however, remember to use only warm water to avoid damaging the stone. The darker the stone gets, the better it cooks.
Power and Accessories: Considerations for Use
The oven can be powered either via a mains cable or four AA batteries. A bamboo peel is highly recommended for handling the uncooked dough, preventing sticking. A metal peel is better suited for removing the cooked pizzas from the oven. The ability to watch the pizza cook through the open front adds to the experience.
Overall Performance and Downsides
The Witt Etna Rotante consistently delivers exceptional pizzas with crispy bases and fresh toppings. The speed and even heat provided by the booster burner allow for rapid cooking of multiple pizzas. However, the oven's significant size and weight require ample storage space and necessitate two people for easy movement. The gas supply tube may need to be extended for optimal usability and a cover is advisable for outdoor use.
Final Verdict
The Witt Etna Rotante is a top-tier pizza oven that delivers exceptional results. The rotating stone, dual burners, and fast cooking times produce consistently perfect pizzas. While the size and weight are significant drawbacks, the superior quality of the pizzas it creates makes it a worthwhile investment for serious pizza enthusiasts with adequate space. Consider the storage needs and the gas tube length before purchase.