Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, cheesy pizza, hot from your own backyard oven. Sounds amazing, right? But if you’ve started looking for a 12-inch pizza oven, you might feel a little overwhelmed. There are so many choices out there! Some are big, some are small, and they all promise delicious pizza. It can be tricky to know which one is best for you, your cooking space, and your budget.
Choosing the right 12-inch pizza oven can feel like a puzzle. You want that authentic taste, but you don’t want to waste money on something that won’t work well. Maybe you’re worried about how easy it is to use, or if it will fit on your patio. We get it. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the world of 12-inch pizza ovens.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel much more confident about picking the perfect oven. We’ll break down what makes a great 12-inch pizza oven, what features to look for, and even offer some top picks. Get ready to say goodbye to pizza-buying stress and hello to amazing homemade pies! Let’s dive in and find the pizza oven that will make your taste buds sing.
Our Top 5 12 Inch Pizza Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 12 Inch Pizza Oven Detailed Reviews
1. BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Ovens Wood Pellet 12” Pizza Oven Cooking Pizza Maker Portable Stainless Steel Pizza Grill
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for delicious, restaurant-quality pizza right in your backyard with the BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Oven. This portable, stainless steel oven uses wood pellets to cook amazing pizzas and so much more. It’s perfect for parties and outdoor adventures.
What We Like:
- Made from strong, safe stainless steel for cooking all your favorite foods.
- Cooks Neapolitan-style pizza fast, reaching up to 887°F.
- You can also roast steaks, fish, burgers, and veggies in it.
- Super portable and easy to set up with folding legs, no tools needed.
- Lightweight at only 25lb, making it great for taking anywhere.
- Simple to use – just preheat and cook your pizza.
- Cleans up easily and stores away neatly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Takes about 18-20 minutes to preheat, potentially longer in bad weather.
- Best results with minimal sauce and toppings for Neapolitan pizza.
- Requires using only all-natural hardwood pellets and storing them properly in an airtight container.
This BIG HORN OUTDOORS pizza oven makes outdoor cooking fun and easy. Enjoy perfectly cooked pizzas and grilled foods wherever you go.
2. PIEZANO Crispy Crust Pizza Oven by Granitestone – 12 Inch Electric Pizza Oven Indoor Countertop Maker with Ceramic Stone Heats up to 800˚F for Stone Baked Pizzeria Style at Home As Seen on TV Products
Rating: 8.8/10
Dreaming of that perfect, crispy crust pizza from your favorite pizzeria? The PIEZANO Crispy Crust Pizza Oven by Granitestone brings that dream right to your countertop! This 12-inch electric oven heats up to a scorching 800˚F, letting you bake delicious, stone-baked pizzas in your own kitchen in under 6 minutes. Forget your regular oven; the Piezano is designed for true pizza perfection.
What We Like:
- Achieve delicious, pizzeria-style pizza with a crispy crust at home.
- Heats up incredibly fast to a super-hot 800˚F for quick cooking.
- The natural ceramic stone ensures even baking and a fantastic crust.
- Removable stone makes cleaning up a breeze.
- Adjustable heat control for both the top and bottom elements allows for perfect baking.
- A built-in thermometer helps you keep an eye on your pizza.
- Electric powered and fits conveniently on your countertop.
- Suction cups on the bottom keep the oven stable.
- It makes a fantastic gift for any pizza lover.
What Could Be Improved:
- The oven uses a 3-prong plug, so make sure your outlet is compatible.
- While it’s designed for home use, the 800˚F temperature might require some practice to master for perfect results every time.
If you’re serious about homemade pizza, the Piezano is a game-changer. Get ready to impress your family and friends with incredible pizza nights!
3. Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for amazing outdoor cooking with the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven! This electric oven is your new best friend for backyard parties and family dinners. It can make delicious 12-inch pizzas in just 3 minutes, and it does so much more. You can bake, broil, proof dough, and keep food warm. It’s designed to be tough and weather-resistant, so you can keep it outside.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 oven, so you can make pizza, bake, broil, warm food, and proof dough all in one appliance.
- You can cook restaurant-quality pizzas with perfect crusts and melted cheese in only 3 minutes.
- It has 5 pizza settings for Neapolitan, Thin Crust, Pan, New York, and a custom option, so you can make pizza just how you like it.
- You can cook your main meal and sides at the same time, making outdoor cooking easier.
- It uses electric heat for easy temperature control, from 90°F to 700°F, without the hassle of flames.
- The Chef’s View Window lets you easily see your food as it cooks.
- It’s built to handle the weather, so you can store it outside.
- It’s big enough to fit a 12-inch pizza, a 12-inch bake pan, or even a loaf of sourdough bread.
- The proofing function helps you make perfect bread and pizza dough every time.
- It comes with a pizza stone and a bake pan to get you started.
What Could Be Improved:
- The oven needs 18 minutes to preheat before it’s ready to cook.
- While it’s weather-resistant, using a cover is recommended for extra protection.
This Ninja pizza oven makes outdoor entertaining simple and delicious. It’s a versatile and easy-to-use option for anyone who loves great food cooked outside.
4. Chefman Everything Maker & Pizza Oven – 1440W Countertop Electric Pizza Maker with 12” Nonstick Cooking Plates
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to cook up a storm with the Chefman Everything Maker & Pizza Oven! This handy appliance is more than just a pizza maker; it’s your new go-to for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Imagine making delicious pizzas, fluffy omelets, crispy quesadillas, and even giant cookies, all on your countertop. Its smart design and powerful heating make cooking a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s a true kitchen multitasker, making everything from pizza to pancakes.
- The high heat, up to 428°F, gives your food a perfect, crispy finish.
- Cleanup is super easy thanks to the nonstick cooking plates.
- You’ll know exactly when it’s ready to cook with the handy LED indicator lights.
- It saves space with its vertical storage design and has a sleek look.
- You get a digital cookbook with 15 tasty recipes to get you started.
- Chefman offers a 5-year warranty, showing their trust in the product’s quality and safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 12-inch cooking plates might be a bit small for very large pizzas or multiple servings at once.
- While it’s versatile, some specialized cooking tasks might still need other appliances.
This Chefman Everything Maker is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and versatility. It’s a smart buy for anyone who loves to cook and wants to simplify their meal prep.
5. aidpiza Pizza Oven Outdoor 12″ Wood Fired Pizza Ovens Pellet Pizza Stove for outside
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for amazing outdoor cooking with the aidpiza Pizza Oven Outdoor. This 12-inch wood-fired pizza oven is perfect for your backyard. It uses wood pellets to cook delicious 12-inch pizzas, big enough for everyone to share. Imagine family parties with smoky, wood-fired pizza!
What We Like:
- Cooks 12-inch pizzas, perfect for families and parties.
- Uses hardwood pellets for a great smoky flavor that gas grills can’t match.
- Comes with a built-in thermometer, so you know exactly when it’s hot enough (around 662℉ / 350℃) to cook. No need for extra gadgets!
- It’s portable! The folding legs make it easy to take your pizza-making fun anywhere.
- It’s not just for pizza! You can cook steaks, chicken wings, veggies, and more. Let your creativity run wild!
- The stainless steel design looks great and is built to last.
What Could Be Improved:
- While portable, it still requires assembly and setup.
- Wood pellet fuel needs to be purchased separately and stored.
This aidpiza pizza oven brings the authentic wood-fired taste right to your backyard. It’s a fun and versatile way to enjoy delicious meals outdoors.
Your Guide to the Perfect 12-Inch Pizza Oven
Having a pizza oven at home means you can make delicious, crispy pizzas anytime. A 12-inch pizza oven is a great size for many backyards and kitchens. It’s big enough for a good-sized pizza but not too bulky. Let’s explore what to look for when buying one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a 12-inch pizza oven, keep these important features in mind.
- **Heating Method:** Some ovens use wood. Others use gas. Electric ovens are also an option. Wood-fired ovens give a smoky flavor. Gas ovens heat up fast and are easy to control. Electric ovens are good for indoor use and simple to operate.
- **Temperature Range:** A good oven can reach high temperatures, like 750°F (400°C) or more. This is needed to cook pizza quickly and get that crispy crust.
- **Preheat Time:** How long does it take for the oven to get hot enough? Shorter preheat times mean you can start cooking sooner.
- **Portability:** Do you want to move your oven around? Some are lightweight and have legs or wheels.
- **Included Accessories:** Does it come with a pizza peel (a tool for putting pizza in and taking it out)? Other useful tools might be included too.
Important Materials
The materials used in a pizza oven affect how well it cooks and how long it lasts.
- **Oven Body:** Stainless steel is common. It’s strong and resists rust. Some ovens have a powder-coated finish for extra protection and looks.
- **Pizza Stone:** This is the surface where you cook your pizza. Cordierite is a popular material for pizza stones. It holds heat well and helps make the crust crispy.
- **Insulation:** Good insulation keeps the heat inside the oven. This makes it cook faster and use less fuel. Ceramic fiber insulation is very effective.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make a pizza oven better, while others can make it less ideal.
- **High Temperatures:** Ovens that get very hot cook pizza faster and create a better crust.
- **Even Heating:** A quality oven heats evenly all around. This means your pizza cooks without burning in one spot and staying raw in another.
- **Durability:** Well-made ovens use strong materials. They should last for many years with proper care.
- **Ease of Cleaning:** Some ovens are easier to clean than others. Removable parts can help.
- **Draft Control:** For wood-fired ovens, good control over the airflow helps manage the fire and temperature.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your pizza oven.
- **Backyard Parties:** A pizza oven is perfect for gatherings. Guests can even build their own pizzas!
- **Quick Weeknight Meals:** For families, a pizza oven can turn dinner into a fun and fast event.
- **Outdoor Cooking:** Beyond pizza, you can cook other foods like bread, vegetables, and even steaks in a pizza oven.
- **Beginner Friendly:** Some ovens are designed to be easy for beginners to use. Others might require more practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the main advantage of a 12-inch pizza oven?
A: A 12-inch pizza oven is a great size. It fits many spaces and cooks a good-sized pizza for a few people.
Q: Do I need a special place to put a pizza oven?
A: Yes, most pizza ovens need to be placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface outdoors. Check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: How long does it take to cook a pizza in a pizza oven?
A: In a hot pizza oven, a pizza usually cooks in just 1-3 minutes.
Q: Can I use a pizza oven in the rain?
A: It’s best to protect your pizza oven from rain. Many have covers available. Wood-fired ovens should definitely be kept dry.
Q: Is a wood-fired or gas pizza oven better?
A: It depends on what you like. Wood gives a smoky flavor. Gas is easier to control and heats up faster.
Q: How do I clean my pizza oven?
A: After it cools down, brush out any ash or food bits. For pizza stones, often you can just scrape them clean. Some parts might be removable for easier cleaning.
Q: What kind of wood should I use for a wood-fired pizza oven?
A: Hardwoods like oak, maple, or fruitwoods are good. Avoid treated wood or softwoods like pine, which can produce too much smoke and creosote.
Q: Can I cook more than just pizza in a pizza oven?
A: Absolutely! You can bake bread, roast vegetables, cook meats like chicken or steak, and even make desserts.
Q: How hot do these ovens get?
A: Most 12-inch pizza ovens can reach temperatures of 750°F (400°C) to over 900°F (480°C).
Q: Are 12-inch pizza ovens hard to assemble?
A: Many come pre-assembled or require only simple assembly, like attaching legs. Check the product description for details.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!