Imagine the smell of smoky, perfectly cooked pizza wafting through your backyard. The thought alone can make your mouth water! But when it comes to actually bringing that dream to life, choosing an outdoor pizza oven can feel like a massive undertaking. You see all these different types – wood-fired, gas, portable – and wonder which one will actually give you that restaurant-quality crust and flavor without breaking the bank or becoming another backyard decoration.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of features, sizes, and price points. You want an oven that’s easy to use, heats up quickly, and most importantly, makes delicious pizza every time. The good news is, you don’t have to be a pizza expert to pick the perfect one. This guide is here to cut through the confusion and give you the clear answers you need.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the key differences between oven types, know what features really matter, and feel confident about finding an outdoor pizza oven that fits your space and your budget. Let’s dive in and get your pizza party started!
Our Top 5 Outdoor Pizza Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Outdoor Pizza Oven Detailed Reviews
1. BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Ovens Wood Pellet 12” Pizza Oven Cooking Pizza Maker Portable Stainless Steel Pizza Grill
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for delicious, homemade pizza anywhere with the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12” Pizza Oven. This portable stainless steel oven uses wood pellets to cook amazing pizzas, and so much more. It’s perfect for backyard parties or any outdoor adventure.
What We Like:
- It’s made of tough, safe stainless steel.
- It heats up fast, in about 18-20 minutes.
- It gets super hot, up to 887°F (475°C), cooking a pizza in just 60-90 seconds.
- It’s great for more than just pizza – try steaks, fish, and veggies!
- It’s super portable, weighing only 25lb, and easy to set up with folding legs.
- Assembly is simple, needing no tools.
- Cleaning is a breeze because it comes apart easily.
- Cooking with wood pellets is simple and fun.
- The pizza stone is a good size, 12” x 12”.
What Could Be Improved:
- It needs to be protected from rain and extreme cold to preheat properly.
- Only all-natural hardwood pellets should be used.
- Pellets must be stored in an airtight container to stay dry.
This pizza oven makes outdoor cooking exciting and easy. Enjoy restaurant-quality pizza and grilled foods wherever you go.
2. Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready for backyard pizza parties like never before with the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven! This electric oven lets you cook delicious 12-inch pizzas in just 3 minutes. It’s not just for pizza, though. You can also bake, broil, warm food, and even proof dough. With a maximum temperature of 700°F, it’s designed to handle all your outdoor cooking needs.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 oven: pizza, bake, broil, warm, and proof.
- You can make restaurant-quality pizzas with perfect crusts and melted cheese in only 3 minutes.
- It has 5 pizza settings: Neapolitan, Thin Crust, Pan, New York, and Custom.
- You can cook and warm side dishes at the same time as your main meal.
- It uses electric heat for easy temperature control from 90°F to 700°F, so no live flame is needed.
- The Chef’s View Window lets you see your food as it cooks.
- It’s built to withstand the weather, so you can store it outside.
- It’s big enough to feed a crowd, fitting a 12″ pizza, a 12″ bake pan, 6 chicken breasts, or a large loaf of sourdough.
- The proofing function is great for making perfect bread or pizza dough.
- It comes with a pizza stone, a bake pan, and recipe ideas.
What Could Be Improved:
- It requires an 18-minute preheat time before it’s ready to cook.
- While weather-resistant, an extra cover is recommended for long-term outdoor storage.
This Ninja pizza oven makes outdoor cooking fun and easy. It’s a fantastic addition for anyone who loves to entertain and enjoy delicious food outside.
3. Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven Outdoor
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for amazing pizza nights with the Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven Outdoor! This 12-inch portable oven lets you cook delicious pizzas quickly and easily, whether you use wood or gas. It heats up super hot, up to 1000°F, so your pizzas cook in just over a minute. Plus, it’s built tough with a carbon steel shell and keeps heat inside really well thanks to its special insulation. It even comes with a thermometer so you know exactly how hot it is.
What We Like:
- Cooks pizza in about 60-90 seconds for super fast meals.
- You can choose to use wood for smoky flavor or gas for easy control.
- The built-in thermometer helps you cook perfectly every time, even if you’re new to pizza making.
- It heats up to 1000°F, just like professional pizza ovens.
- The durable carbon steel shell is built to last and resist weather.
- It’s easy to take apart for cleaning and storing.
- This oven can do more than just pizza – try BBQ, baking, and roasting too!
What Could Be Improved:
- The 12-inch size might be a bit small for very large pizzas or cooking for a huge crowd.
- While it’s portable, it still requires some effort to move around.
This oven makes outdoor cooking fun and easy. You’ll love the delicious results and the versatility it offers for all your backyard adventures.
4. PIZZELLO Pizzello Outdoor Pizza Oven 16” Large Wood Fired 2-Layer Pizza Ovens with Pizza Stone
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to bring the authentic taste of wood-fired pizza to your backyard with the PIZZELLO Pizzello Outdoor Pizza Oven 16” Grande. This isn’t just a pizza maker; it’s a versatile outdoor cooking station that lets you create delicious meals for family and friends, whether you’re camping or having a BBQ.
What We Like:
- The 16-inch size offers a large cooking area, bigger than smaller ovens.
- You can cook a 16-inch pizza and grill other foods like steak or fish at the same time thanks to the 2-layer design.
- The removable middle rack lets you cook even bigger items, like a whole turkey!
- It uses wood, charcoal, or pellets, which adds amazing smoky flavor to your food.
- Special vents help air move around, making your pizzas cook perfectly and taste like they came from a pizzeria.
- The oven legs adjust, making it comfortable to use at different heights.
- It has handles, so you can easily move it to your garden, patio, or any outdoor spot.
- Assembly is super simple.
- It comes with everything you need: grill grates, a pizza peel, a pizza stone, and a waterproof cover.
- The company offers great support if you have any issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- While portable, it’s still a substantial piece of equipment.
- The highest heat is on the lower level, so you need to remember that when cooking different items.
This Pizzello oven makes outdoor cooking fun and delicious. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy homemade pizzas and more.
5. EDOSTORY Outdoor Pizza Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to become the ultimate backyard chef? The EDOSTORY Outdoor Pizza Oven is here to transform your patio into a pizzeria and so much more. This wood-fired marvel isn’t just for pizza; it can roast meats, bake bread, and cook your favorite veggies to perfection. Imagine that perfect, crispy pizza crust, thanks to the included 12-inch pizza stone.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile – cook pizza, roast meat, bake bread, and more!
- Heats up fast, reaching 550°F in just 10 minutes.
- Cooks a delicious pizza in only 6-7 minutes.
- Easy to control the heat and smoke with the adjustable chimney and air outlet.
- Built-in thermometer helps you keep an eye on the temperature.
- The ash catcher is easy to remove for cleanup.
- It has wheels and a handle, making it easy to move around.
- There’s a handy shelf to store your wood.
- Made of strong iron for stability and even heating.
- The powder-coated shell keeps the heat inside.
- It comes with tons of useful accessories: a waterproof cover, pizza stone, peel, cutter, brush, glove, stands, and baking trays.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the oven is practical, it might take a little practice to master the wood-firing technique for perfect results every time.
This oven is packed with features and accessories, making it a fantastic value for anyone who loves outdoor cooking. Get ready for some seriously delicious backyard meals!
Your Guide to an Amazing Outdoor Pizza Oven
Imagine the smell of freshly baked pizza wafting through your backyard. With an outdoor pizza oven, you can make that dream a reality! These ovens cook pizzas much hotter and faster than your indoor oven. This creates that perfect crispy crust and bubbly cheese everyone loves. Let’s dive into what makes a great outdoor pizza oven.
Key Features to Look For
1. Heat Output and Temperature Range
Pizza ovens need to get super hot, usually between 700-900°F (370-480°C). This high heat cooks a pizza in just 60-90 seconds. Look for ovens that reach these temperatures quickly. Some ovens have adjustable heat settings, which is great for cooking other foods too.
2. Fuel Type
Outdoor pizza ovens come in a few types:
- Wood-fired: These use wood as fuel. They give pizza a smoky flavor and are very traditional. They take longer to heat up.
- Gas-fired: These use propane or natural gas. They heat up fast and are easy to control. They don’t give that smoky flavor.
- Pellet-fired: These use wood pellets. They are a good mix of convenience and flavor.
- Electric: These plug into an outlet. They are the easiest to use and control. They might not get as hot as other types.
3. Size and Portability
Think about how much space you have and if you want to move the oven. Some are small and lightweight, perfect for balconies. Others are larger and heavier, meant to stay in one spot. Make sure it fits your patio or yard.
4. Pizza Stone or Steel
A good pizza stone or steel is important. It absorbs heat and transfers it directly to the pizza dough. This helps create a crispy bottom crust. Look for thick, high-quality stones or steels.
Important Materials
The materials used in an oven affect how well it heats and how long it lasts. Good materials mean a better pizza and a longer-lasting oven.
1. Oven Body Material
- Stainless Steel: It’s strong, rust-resistant, and heats up well. It’s a popular choice.
- Ceramic or Refractory Materials: These materials hold heat very well. They can make pizzas cook evenly.
- Cast Iron: It’s very durable and retains heat. It can be heavy.
2. Insulation
Good insulation keeps the heat inside the oven. This means it heats up faster and stays hotter with less fuel. Look for ovens with thick insulation layers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
1. Heat Retention
An oven that holds heat well will cook pizzas faster and more evenly. This is thanks to good materials and insulation.
2. Ease of Use and Cleaning
Some ovens are simpler to start and manage. Cleaning ash or grease should also be easy. A good oven won’t be a chore to use.
3. Durability
A well-built oven will last for many years. Check reviews for comments on how the oven holds up over time.
4. Fuel Efficiency
How much fuel does the oven use to reach and maintain its temperature? More efficient ovens save you money and effort.
User Experience and Use Cases
Outdoor pizza ovens are not just for pizza! They can cook many things.
1. Pizza Perfection
The main use is, of course, pizza! You can make Neapolitan-style pizzas with a chewy crust and charred spots. You can also make your favorite types of pizza with all your favorite toppings.
2. Beyond Pizza
You can roast vegetables, cook steaks, bake bread, and even make desserts like cookies or brownies. The high heat is great for searing meats and getting a good crust on bread.
3. Backyard Entertaining
An outdoor pizza oven is a fantastic centerpiece for parties. Guests can watch their pizzas cook, and everyone gets to enjoy delicious, fresh food. It makes gatherings special and fun.
4. Family Fun
Making pizza together can be a great activity for families. Kids love adding toppings and seeing their pizzas come out of the hot oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How hot do outdoor pizza ovens get?
A: Most outdoor pizza ovens get very hot, often between 700°F and 900°F (370°C to 480°C). This high heat is what cooks pizza so quickly.
Q: What is the best fuel type for an outdoor pizza oven?
A: The best fuel type depends on what you like. Wood gives a smoky flavor, gas is easy to control, pellets offer a good balance, and electric is the simplest to use.
Q: Can I cook things other than pizza in an outdoor pizza oven?
A: Yes! You can roast vegetables, cook meats like steaks and chicken, bake bread, and even make desserts.
Q: How long does it take to cook a pizza in an outdoor oven?
A: A pizza typically cooks in just 60 to 90 seconds once the oven is at the right temperature.
Q: Do I need a special pizza stone for my oven?
A: Yes, a pizza stone or steel is highly recommended. It helps the crust cook evenly and become crispy.
Q: How do I clean an outdoor pizza oven?
A: Cleaning varies by oven type. For wood-fired ovens, you’ll need to remove ash. For others, you might scrape off residue. Always let the oven cool down first.
Q: Are outdoor pizza ovens difficult to assemble?
A: Many ovens come pre-assembled or require minimal assembly. Check the product description for details.
Q: Can I use my pizza oven in the rain?
A: It’s best to protect your oven from the rain when not in use. Some ovens are more weather-resistant than others, but prolonged exposure can cause damage.
Q: How much space do I need for an outdoor pizza oven?
A: You need enough space for the oven itself and some clearance around it for safety and easy access.
Q: Are outdoor pizza ovens expensive?
A: Prices can vary widely. You can find smaller, simpler models for a few hundred dollars, while larger, more advanced ovens can cost over a thousand dollars.
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!