The History of Wood Fired Ovens

Wood fired ovens have been used in many civilizations around the world, particularly in Europe, throughout history. The best known use of the ovens would be in Pompeii, during ancient Roman civilisation. IN the preserved ancient ruins of Pompeii, more than 30 wood fired ovens have been discovered and show a remarkable level of engineering and many similarities to the way of life from ancient days to today.

Some of these wood fired ovens date back 3,000 years and are still in remarkable condition. They are a superlative example of the wonderful craftsmanship of the ancient Romans. The ovens that have been discovered are primarily constructed from an assortment of bricks and ceramic materials. Beautifully built, even these ancient wood fired ovens were well shaped, insulated and vented.

Throughout Europe it appears these ovens were used for different purposes. Large, oversized ovens have been found which were most likely built and owned by wealthy land owners who probably ‘rented’ out the oven to the local villagers. Wood fired ovens found in ancient Roman civilisations were however used for both commercial and residential purposes. These smaller ovens were most likely used to only feed one or two families at a time. The larger ovens were used for commercial purposes and have been discovered throughout ancient Italy in places people gathered to eat. These early restaurants, especially in Pompeii, have been wonderfully preserved due to the force and unexpectedness of the volcanic eruption, to reveal a surprisingly modern commercial centre with what looks like modern day pizzerias – with some even having granite bench tops.

Many Italians have continued to cook using wood fired ovens, even with the advent of electricity and gas. After World War II, the Italian Government commissioned Silvio Valoriani in the reconstruction efforts of Italy, by building wood fired ovens for Italian families.

Valoriani continues today to manufacture wood fired ovens, which are selling as Vesuvio wood fired ovens.Valoriani uses the superior craftsmanship handed down for centuries in building beautiful wood fired ovens, for the world to enjoy.

The History of Valoriani

Valoriani, is known all over the world as a great artisan.

Since 1890, the Valoriani family have been producing refractory products and are world leaders of woodfired ovens. They produce ovens for both professional and residential use. 

Many communal ovens were destroyed in Italian villages during World War II. Valoriani was on the front line to give strength to his country and his bricks were necessary during reconstruction, to building thousands of ovens, which were important for baking bread in the home. This was a turning point in oven history and the prefabricated wood burning oven was born. 

Silvio Valoriani, a specialist in refractory clay, by using all the century experience acquired from his family, the choice or raw materials and the structural design of the oven’s dome, perfect in all it’s proportions, to such a point that still nowdays the dome is unchanged. As a result we get family sized wood burning ovens from refractory clay quarried from the hills of Tuscany.

With commercial and economic growth, demand for these products increased. Commercial businesses needed ovens that would be able to bake a high number of quality pizzas with uniform baking, that were able to keep a constant temperature and had low wood consumption. This is when Valoriani created the "Vesuvio range."

Vesuvio has been recognised as the Original Wood burning Oven. They still remain the original, the first product in its class and one of the best products worldwide, chosen and used by some of the most important restaurants and caterings.

The company today, after more than 50 years on the market, in it’s 5th generation and with over 300,000 ovens delivered, Valoriani ovens are still made in Refrattari Reggello, high in the hills of Tuscany.

Vesuvio Wood Fired Ovens

Vesuvio Wood Fired Ovens, originated in Tuscany Italy, but now the finest quality wood fired pizza oven range has been brought to Australia. Vesuvio Wood Fired Ovens are now market leaders in not only residential sales of wood fire ovens but also commercial sales in Australia. 

Vesuvio have a dedicated team of professionals, passionate about the simplistic and wonderful way of cooking, with many years experience using wood fired ovens and knowledge of wood fired cooking.

The company has sold a large number of commerical and residential wood fired ovens, and have over 15 years experience in the food industry so you know you are getting quality service.