Updated 9 May 2026 · All ovens · Guides
Bertello SimulFIRE 12 — Spec Profile
Brand: Bertello · MSRP: $449 · Fuel: Wood + Charcoal + Gas
Bertello's SimulFIRE design lets the gas burner and the wood/charcoal tray run simultaneously — a multi-fuel approach that stacks gas convenience with wood-fire flavour in the same cook. Launched after the brand's Shark Tank appearance and sized as the entry point into Bertello's lineup at $449 MSRP.
Spec sheet
| Max temperature | 900°F |
|---|---|
| Fuel options | Wood + Charcoal + Gas |
| Stone diameter | 12.4" |
| BTU output | 15,700 BTU |
| Preheat time | 20 minutes |
| Recovery between pies | — |
| Build material | stainless steel |
| Weight | 41.9 lbs |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 14x30.6x13.9" |
| Portable | Yes |
| Built-in capable | No |
| MSRP (USD) | $449 |
Specs sourced from the manufacturer's published documentation: Bertello product page.
What the specs mean for cooking
The Bertello SimulFIRE 12 reaches 900°F on the stone, which clears the practical Neapolitan threshold (the 850-900°F floor for the puffed cornicione that defines the style). The 12.4-inch stainless steel stone fits standard 11-12 inch Neapolitan rounds; bigger pies will overhang.
Fuel flexibility is a defining spec on this oven: Wood + Charcoal + Gas. Bertello's SimulFIRE design is unusual in the category because the gas burner and the wood/charcoal tray are designed to run simultaneously rather than as either/or — gas drives the bake while wood adds smoke aromatics in the same session.
Preheat time of 20 minutes is in line with the category average; plan for the burn-in before guests arrive rather than during dinner.
At 41.9 lbs, this oven is a two-person carry — set-it-and-leave-it on a patio rather than a take-anywhere unit. Dimensions of 14x30.6x13.9" mean it stores in a standard garage shelf or storage shed between sessions.
Best fit for
- Neapolitan pizzas (max temp covers it)
- New York-style pizzas (max temp covers it)
- Detroit-style pizzas (max temp covers it)
- Patio hosting, occasional moves
- Cooks who want gas + wood in the same session (SimulFIRE)
- Counter / stand setup
- Budget-conscious buyers — under $500 entry
Compared to similar ovens
| Oven | Max temp | Stone | Fuel | Weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bertello SimulFIRE 12 | 900°F | 12.4" | Wood + Charcoal + Gas | 41.9 lbs | $449 |
| Bertello Grande 16 | 900°F | 16" | Wood + Charcoal + Gas | 66 lbs | $749 |
| Ooni Karu 12 (1st Gen) | 950°F | 13" | Wood + Charcoal + Gas | 26.5 lbs | $349 |
| Gozney Roccbox | 950°F | 13.5" | Gas + Wood | 44 lbs | $499.99 |
Where this oven fits the buying decision
If you're cross-shopping the Bertello SimulFIRE 12 against the Bertello Grande 16 or the Ooni Karu 12 (1st Gen), the deciding factors are usually fuel flexibility, weight, and stone size — in that order. Run the Pizza Throughput Calculator for your target party size to see realistic pies-per-hour, and the Neapolitan Fit Checker to confirm the stone fits the dough size you actually want to make.
FAQ
Is the Bertello SimulFIRE 12 really portable?
Technically — at 41.9 lbs it's a two-person carry. Built-in handles help, but it's not realistically a one-person move.
Can it make true Neapolitan pizza?
Yes — the 900°F max temp clears the practical Neapolitan threshold. Pair the oven with cordierite-stone-ready dough at 60-65% hydration and 60-90 second cook times.
What does SimulFIRE actually mean?
Per Bertello's product page, the SimulFIRE design lets the gas burner and the wood/charcoal tray run at the same time — most multi-fuel ovens force you to pick one fuel per session.
Is the Bertello SimulFIRE 12 weather-resistant?
The stainless steel construction handles outdoor exposure when properly covered. Always store the cordierite stone indoors between sessions to prevent moisture absorption — a wet stone can crack on the next preheat.
More on this category
- Best Portable Pizza Ovens — 2026 Spec-Tier List
- Best Pizza Oven Under $500 — Spec Comparison
- Multi-Fuel vs Gas — Which Pizza Oven Suits You?
- Browse all 27 oven profiles
Sources:
- Bertello — official product site
- Spec database: /data/ovens.json