How to Use Dome Wood for Authentic Wood-Fired Flavor

By Gozney | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to use Gozney Dome Wood to achieve authentic wood-fired flavor in your Dome XL. Step-by-step guide with common mistakes to avoid.

Quick Answer

To get authentic wood-fired flavor in your Gozney Dome XL, use Gozney Dome Wood—kiln-dried hardwood cut to fit—by building a small fire, letting it burn to embers, and cooking over the flames for that smoky, high-heat finish.

Why Wood Choice Matters

The type of wood you burn directly affects the flavor of your pizza and how well your Dome XL performs. Gozney Dome Wood is kiln-dried Appalachian hardwood, cut to roughly 6.25" x 1.87" x 1" pieces—sized to fit your Dome's firebox perfectly. Kiln drying removes excess moisture, so the wood ignites faster, burns hotter and cleaner, and produces less smoke and ash than green or seasoned wood. That means more consistent temperatures and a cleaner, more pronounced wood-fired taste.

Trade-Offs to Consider

Using wood in your Dome XL gives you that classic smoky flavor, but it requires more attention than gas. You'll need to manage the fire, wait for the right ember stage, and occasionally add more wood to maintain heat. If you're cooking multiple pizzas in a row, you'll also need to monitor the temperature more closely. However, the payoff is a crust with a subtle char and aroma that gas simply can't replicate.

Step-by-Step: Using Dome Wood

Build a small fire: Place a few pieces of Dome Wood in the center of the firebox, leaving space between them for airflow. Use a fire starter or kindling to ignite. Avoid overloading the firebox—too much wood at once can smother the flames and create excess smoke. Check that the fire has a steady flame before moving on.
Let the fire burn to embers: Wait 20–30 minutes until the wood has burned down to glowing embers and the oven reaches your target temperature (usually 700–900°F for pizza). The embers provide even, radiant heat. A common mistake is cooking too early while there are still large flames, which can scorch the crust. Use an infrared thermometer to confirm the floor temperature before launching your pizza.
Add wood to maintain heat: As you cook, add one or two small pieces of Dome Wood to the side of the fire to keep the temperature steady. Avoid placing wood directly under the pizza, and don't add too much at once—this can cause a flare-up or drop in temperature. Check the fire between pizzas. Keep a small stack of wood nearby, but only add as needed to avoid overfiring.

Product Facts

Dome Wood: Gozney Kiln Dried Hardwood is formulated for longer, hotter, and cleaner burning with your Dome, and is 100% all-natural Appalachian hardwood, sustainably sourced. This means you get a reliable, high-heat fire with less smoke and ash, making it easier to achieve that authentic wood-fired flavor without constant fiddling.
Dome Wood