CyberDawg, Most of what you say I will agree on. Even add that Sear does not equate the juicier. However, Typical wood fired pizza ovens are in excess of 500 degrees as this prevents the dough from sticking to the cooking surface. The only wear and tear is to the worthless gasket, not to the priceless ceramic. The ceramic is designed to withstand temps well above 550-600 degrees.