Did you know a portable pizza oven could grow from $640,000 to $10 million in just four years? That’s what happened with the Bertello Pizza Oven after Shark Tank. It’s a hit for home cooking, making pizzeria-quality pies easy to make at home.
The Bertello Pizza Oven is not just any kitchen tool. It heats up to 900°F, cooking pizzas in under 90 seconds. It went from a Kickstarter hit to a Shark Tank favorite, drawing over 4 million viewers and landing a deal with Kevin O’Leary.
What makes the Bertello Pizza Oven special is its versatility and power. It’s not just easy to use; it brings real wood-fired pizza taste to your kitchen. Thanks to its SimulFIRE technology, it offers the best of both worlds: gas convenience and wood flavor.
Key Takeaways
- Bertello Pizza Oven grew from $640,000 to $10 million in sales in 4 years
- The oven reaches 900°F, cooking pizzas in under 90 seconds
- Appeared on Shark Tank, viewed by 4.2 million people
- Secured a deal with Kevin O’Leary on Shark Tank
- Features patented SimulFIRE technology for gas and wood cooking
- Expanded product line to include a 16-inch grande outdoor pizza oven
The Birth of Bertello: From Minnesota to Shark Tank
In 2017, two brothers from Woodbury, Minnesota, Eric and Andy Bert, started a journey. They wanted to make the perfect portable pizza oven. Their passion for pizza and innovative spirit led to a unique product that caught the eye of backyard chefs nationwide.
Eric and Andy Bert: The Brothers Behind Bertello
Eric Bert, a former structural engineer, used his technical skills to design the Bertello oven. His brother Andy, with a finance background, brought business savvy to the table. Together, they changed the game for at-home pizza making.
The Kickstarter Campaign That Started It All
In 2017, the Bertello founders launched a Kickstarter campaign. It showed there was a big market for an affordable, high-quality pizza oven. Before Shark Tank, Bertello had sold about $1 million worth of ovens, proving its potential.
Shark Tank Appearance: A Game-Changing Moment
The brothers’ appearance on Shark Tank in 2020 was a turning point for Bertello. They asked for $120,000 for 10% of their business. They impressed the Sharks with a 50-person backyard pizza party. The show’s huge viewership of 4.2 million made Bertello a national name.
| Milestone | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Pre-Shark Tank Sales | $640,000 |
| 24 Hours Post-Episode | $75,000 in Sales |
| 16 Months Post-Episode | $6.3 Million in Sales |
| Early 2023 Revenue | $10 Million+ |
The Shark Tank appearance was a game-changer for Bertello. Sales jumped from $640,000 to $6.3 million in 16 months. This growth made Bertello a big player in outdoor cooking and set the stage for more innovations.
Bertello Pizza Oven Shark Tank: The Pitch That Sizzled
The Bert brothers’ Shark Tank pitch was unforgettable. Eric and Andy added a theatrical touch, captivating everyone. Their presentation was a highlight among the 96 products in Season 8, which aired from September 2016 to May 2017.
Eric started with a funny Italian accent, setting a fun tone. The brothers showed off their oven’s features with energy. Andy even playfully hit Eric with a pizza, adding humor.
The Shark Tank set was chaotic, with Sharks talking over each other. But the brothers stayed calm, asking for $100,000 for a 10% stake.
After tough negotiations, they made a deal with Kevin O’Leary. They agreed to $100,000 for a 25% stake. This partnership was key to Bertello’s success, with sales growing from $1 million in 2020 to $10 million in 2022.
“We came into the Tank hoping to cook up a deal, and we left with a recipe for success!”
The Bertello pitch was a mix of emotions typical in Season 8. It was exciting, nervous, and ended in triumph. Their Shark Tank appearance was a turning point, leading to growth and innovation in the outdoor pizza oven market.
Unique Features of the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Bertello outdoor pizza oven brings professional pizza making to your backyard. It’s a portable oven with innovative features and a versatile design.
SimulFIRE Technology: Gas and Wood Combination
Bertello’s SimulFIRE technology is unique. It lets you use gas and wood together. This means you get the ease of gas heating and the real taste of wood-fired pizza.
Portable Design for Backyard Pizza Enthusiasts
The Bertello oven weighs 32.3 lbs and is perfect for outdoor cooking. It’s small (12.5″ wide x 13.5″ deep) and easy to move. It heats up fast, reaching over 900°F in under 20 minutes.
HeatTrap Circulating Design for Optimal Cooking
The HeatTrap design ensures efficient heat circulation. This keeps the oven hot, cooking a Neapolitan-style pizza in under 2 minutes. You can also cook steak, fish, and vegetables.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum Temperature | 930°F |
| Cooking Surface | 12.5″ x 13.5″ |
| Heating Time | <20 minutes to 900°F |
| Fuel Options | Wood, Charcoal, Gas |
| Pizza Cooking Time | <2 minutes |
The Shark Tank Deal: Kevin O’Leary’s Investment
The Bertello Pizza Oven caught Kevin O’Leary’s attention on Shark Tank. The Bert brothers wanted $120,000 for 10% equity. After some talks, they made a deal with Mr. Wonderful.
This deal was a big win for Bertello. Sales soared to $75,000 in just 24 hours after the episode aired. By 2022, Bertello made $6.3 million in sales.
O’Leary did more than just invest money. As a chef, he saw the value in the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven. He started using it and promoting it online and on QVC.
This helped Bertello a lot. It made the company more visible and credible.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial Investment Sought | $120,000 for 10% equity |
| Final Deal | $120,000 for 25% equity |
| Sales Day After Shark Tank | $75,000 |
| Total Sales by 2022 | $6.3 million |
Kevin O’Leary’s investment did more than just give money. It opened new markets and chances for Bertello. This partnership was key to the company’s fast growth and wider reach.
Post-Shark Tank Success: Bertello’s Explosive Growth
Bertello’s journey after Shark Tank has been truly remarkable. The company’s growth shows the power of being on national TV and having a great product. Let’s explore what made Bertello’s success story so compelling.
Pandemic-Driven Demand for At-Home Cooking Solutions
The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly boosted Bertello’s sales. People wanted new ways to have fun at home, and cooking became a big hit. Bertello’s portable pizza oven was perfect for this, offering a fun and tasty cooking experience for families.
Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges
Despite supply chain issues, Bertello thrived. The company quickly adapted to meet the surge in demand, showing its resilience in the face of global challenges.
Sales Figures and Market Expansion
Bertello’s sales figures are truly impressive:
- $75,000 in oven sales within 24 hours of the Shark Tank episode
- $6.3 million in sales over 16 months post-Shark Tank
- $3 million generated from a single QVC show in November 2022
| Time Period | Sales Milestone |
|---|---|
| 24 hours post-Shark Tank | $75,000 |
| 16 months post-Shark Tank | $6.3 million |
| Single QVC show (Nov 2022) | $3 million |
These numbers show Bertello’s explosive growth and successful market expansion. The company’s smart use of different sales channels, from direct sales to TV shopping, has been crucial to its success.
Product Evolution: Beyond the Pizza Oven
Bertello started as a pizza oven maker and now offers more. In February 2023, they introduced frozen pizza dough, which became a hit. This move helps customers make pizzas at home easily.
The launch of frozen pizza dough changed Bertello for the better. It added variety to their products and helped home pizza makers. Now, customers can focus on making their pizzas great without worrying about the dough.
Bertello is growing beyond just making products. They’re now in Australia and Europe, reaching more people. This lets them share their love for pizza-making with even more people.
Bertello is doing well, with $4 million in earnings and over $6.1 million in sales by November 2021. They keep innovating, offering different oven sizes and accessories online and on Amazon. This meets the needs of many customers.
Looking ahead, Bertello plans to work with physical stores. This could bring their ovens and dough to even more people. Bertello’s goal is to make real pizza-making easy for everyone.
Customer Experience: Making Neapolitan-Style Pizza at Home
Bertello’s outdoor pizza oven brings authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to your backyard. It’s light, weighing just 36 pounds. It can reach over 930°F, perfect for making restaurant-quality pies in under 2 minutes.
Achieving Authentic Pizza with High Heat
The Bertello oven’s high heat is key to making great pizza at home. After a 30-minute preheat, the stone gets hot. It reaches 781°F at the back and 450°F at the front, ideal for a crispy crust.
Fuel Options for Every Pizza Maker
Bertello offers different fuel options. The wood-only version, priced at $289, gives that classic smoky flavor. The “Everything Bundle” at $489.99 includes a gas burner insert for quick preheating and consistent temperatures.
User-Friendly Features for Home Chefs
Bertello’s design is perfect for home chefs of all levels. It can cook 12″ pizzas, but 10-11″ pies are easier to manage. Its compact size (22″ L x 14″ W x 11″ H) is great for outdoor cooking, whether in your backyard or at a campsite.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum Temperature | 930°F+ |
| Cooking Time | Less than 2 minutes |
| Fuel Options | Wood, Charcoal, Gas |
| Weight | 36 pounds |
With SimulFIRE technology and HeatTrap design, Bertello offers an unmatched home pizza making experience. It brings the art of Neapolitan-style pizza to your outdoor kitchen.
Future Plans and Innovations for Bertello
Bertello’s journey from a Kickstarter campaign to a multi-million dollar company is truly remarkable. They are now aiming for even greater heights. With projected sales of $10 million in 2022, Bertello plans to expand its retail presence.
The company’s success is evident. Sales jumped from $1 million in 2020 to over $5 million in 2021. Their appearance on Shark Tank led to $75,000 in sales in just 24 hours. The pandemic also boosted sales, reaching $6.3 million in 16 months after their TV debut.
Bertello is not slowing down. They’ve introduced a new 16-inch model, expanding their product line. They’ve also started selling pizza-making accessories and frozen pizza dough balls. These moves aim to improve the home pizza-making experience.
As part of their growth, Bertello is looking into partnerships with brick-and-mortar stores. This move is to reach customers who prefer shopping in person. They also plan to enter new markets in Australia and Europe. Bertello is set to continue its rapid growth in the outdoor cooking industry.