Imagine the smell of smoky, perfectly cooked pizza wafting from your backyard. Doesn’t that sound amazing? Many people dream of making delicious, wood-fired pizzas right at home, but choosing the right outdoor pizza oven can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces.
It’s tough to know where to start. Should you go for gas or wood? What size do you need? Will it fit your budget? These questions can make the whole process feel a bit overwhelming, stopping you from enjoying that amazing pizza experience.
But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We’ll break down everything you need to know about outdoor pizza ovens. You’ll learn about the different types, what features to look for, and how to pick the one that’s perfect for your backyard and your pizza-making dreams. Get ready to become a pizza pro!
Our Top 5 Outside Pizza Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Outside Pizza Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to transform your backyard into a gourmet pizza paradise with the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven. This electric oven is designed for easy outdoor cooking and can make delicious 12-inch pizzas in just 3 minutes. It’s perfect for entertaining friends and family with a variety of delicious meals.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance: you can make pizza, bake, broil, warm, and proof dough.
- You can cook restaurant-quality pizzas with amazing crusts and melted cheese in only 3 minutes.
- It has 5 pizza settings for Neapolitan, Thin Crust, Pan, New York, and even custom pizzas.
- You can cook full meals, like baking mac and cheese while grilling burgers.
- It uses electric heat, giving you full control from 90°F to 700°F, without the hassle of flames.
- The Chef’s View Window lets you watch your food cook.
- It’s built to be weather-resistant for outdoor storage.
- It’s big enough to fit a 12-inch pizza, a 12-inch baking pan, 6 chicken breasts, or a large sourdough loaf.
- The proofing function at 90°F helps you make perfect bread and pizza dough.
- It comes with a pizza stone, a bake pan, and a recipe guide.
What Could Be Improved:
- It requires an 18-minute preheat time before it reaches its maximum temperature.
- While weather-resistant, using a cover is recommended for best protection from the elements.
This Ninja pizza oven makes outdoor cooking fun and easy, offering great versatility for all your culinary adventures. It’s a fantastic addition for anyone who loves delicious, home-cooked meals outdoors.
2. BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Ovens Wood Pellet 12” Pizza Oven Cooking Pizza Maker Portable Stainless Steel Pizza Grill
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for delicious, restaurant-quality pizza right in your backyard with the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12” Pizza Oven! This portable wood pellet oven makes pizza night a breeze. It’s made of tough stainless steel, so it’s safe and built to last. You can cook all sorts of yummy foods, not just pizza!
What We Like:
- It heats up fast, reaching super hot temperatures up to 660°F, perfect for Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in just 90 seconds.
- You can also roast steaks, fish, burgers, and veggies in it.
- It’s super easy to put together and take apart for cleaning and storage.
- It only weighs 25 pounds, making it easy to move around for parties or backyard fun.
- Using wood pellets is simple and gives your food a great smoky flavor.
What Could Be Improved:
- It needs about 18-20 minutes to preheat, which might be a little longer if it’s cold or wet outside.
- The instructions mention using only all-natural hardwood pellets and storing them in an airtight container.
This pizza oven is a fantastic way to bring outdoor cooking fun to your home. Enjoy amazing homemade pizzas and more with this easy-to-use, portable grill.
3. Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven – 28mbar Propane Outdoor Pizza Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for amazing pizza nights with the Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven! This portable oven is designed for your backyard. It brings the heat, cooking delicious stone-baked pizzas in just 60 seconds. It’s perfect for anyone who loves great food and fun times outdoors.
What We Like:
- Super Fast Cooking: Cooks pizzas in just 60 seconds! It reaches super high temperatures of 950°F, way hotter than your home oven.
- Easy Setup: It’s ready to use right out of the box. Just unfold the legs, add the pizza stone, connect the gas, and you’re good to go.
- Simple to Use: Starting it up is a breeze with instant gas ignition. No fuss, just great pizza.
- Efficient Design: The oven holds heat really well. Using gas is simple and efficient, making cooking easy with just a turn of a dial.
- More Than Just Pizza: You can cook other things too, like meat, fish, and veggies, especially with Ooni’s cast iron accessories.
- World Famous: Ooni ovens are popular all over the world. They are portable and easy to store, fitting nicely in any outdoor kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Propane Tank Needed: You need to have your own propane tank to use it.
- Outdoor Use Only: This oven is made for outdoor cooking.
The Ooni Koda 16 makes cooking restaurant-quality pizza at home easy and fun. Join the pizza party and enjoy incredible pizzas with family and friends!
4. Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven – 12 Inch Pizzas in 60 Seconds – Portable Wood and Gas Fired Pizza Oven with Pizza Stone
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready for restaurant-quality pizza right in your backyard with the Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven. This amazing oven lets you make delicious 12-inch pizzas in just 60 seconds! It’s super easy to use and can be powered by wood, charcoal, or even gas with an extra attachment.
What We Like:
- Cooks a perfect 12-inch pizza in only 60 seconds.
- It reaches super high temperatures of 950°F, just like professional ovens.
- You can use real wood or charcoal for that authentic smoky flavor.
- It’s very portable; weighing only 26.4lbs, you can take it on camping trips or to parties.
- The custom fuel tray makes it easy to get a powerful flame and clean up is a breeze.
- It’s not just for pizza! You can also cook steak, fish, and veggies in it.
What Could Be Improved:
- The gas burner attachment is sold separately, so that’s an extra cost.
- Some users might find the initial learning curve a bit steep to master perfect pizza.
The Ooni Karu 12 is a fantastic way to bring the joy of homemade pizza to any outdoor gathering. You’ll be making pizzas everyone will love in no time.
5. Ooni Karu 2 Pro Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven – Wood and Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven with Pizza Stone & Integrated Thermometer
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to become the ultimate pizza chef with the Ooni Karu 2 Pro Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven. This amazing outdoor oven lets you cook delicious, authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas right in your backyard. It’s designed for ease of use and offers fantastic flavor.
What We Like:
- MULTI-FUEL: You can use wood or charcoal for a smoky taste, or add a gas burner (sold separately) for even more cooking options.
- FAST COOKING: It gets super hot, reaching 950°F (500°C) in just 15 minutes. This means you can cook a 16-inch pizza in only 60 seconds!
- SPACIOUS DESIGN: The oven has a wide 17-inch cooking surface and enough height inside to handle bigger pizzas.
- INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY: A special Digital Temperature Hub shows you the oven’s temperature on a screen or sends it to your phone through the Ooni Connect App.
- 5-YEAR WARRANTY: Ooni believes in its products. Register your oven within 60 days, and your 1-year warranty becomes a 5-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The gas burner is sold separately, which is an extra cost to consider.
- Learning to manage the heat perfectly might take a little practice at first.
The Ooni Karu 2 Pro is a fantastic investment for anyone who loves homemade pizza. Its speed, versatility, and smart features make outdoor pizza making a breeze.
Your Guide to Picking the Best Outdoor Pizza Oven
Dreaming of crispy, wood-fired pizzas in your own backyard? An outdoor pizza oven can make that dream a reality! These amazing ovens cook pizzas faster and at higher temperatures than your indoor oven. This means you get that perfect char and chewy crust every time. Choosing the right one is important. This guide will help you find the best outdoor pizza oven for your needs.
What to Look for in an Outdoor Pizza Oven
Key Features to Consider
- Heating Type: Most outdoor pizza ovens use wood, gas, or pellets. Wood-fired ovens give the most authentic smoky flavor. Gas ovens are easy to use and control the temperature. Pellet ovens offer a good balance of flavor and convenience.
- Size and Portability: Think about how much space you have and if you want to move the oven. Some are large and stay put, while others are smaller and can be taken to parties or camping.
- Cooking Surface: Look for a pizza stone or steel. These materials get very hot and help create a crispy pizza bottom.
- Heat Retention: A good oven holds its heat well. This means less fuel is needed and the oven cooks more evenly.
- Ease of Use and Cleaning: Some ovens are simpler to start and maintain than others. Easy cleaning means more time enjoying pizza and less time scrubbing.
Important Materials
The materials used in an outdoor pizza oven greatly affect its performance and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: Many ovens use stainless steel. It’s strong, resists rust, and looks good. High-quality stainless steel is better.
- Cordierite Pizza Stone: This is a common material for the cooking surface. It absorbs moisture and gets very hot, helping your pizza cook perfectly.
- Insulation: Good insulation, often made of ceramic fiber, keeps the heat inside the oven. This makes it cook faster and use less fuel.
- Cast Iron: Some parts, like doors or grates, might be made of cast iron. It’s durable and holds heat well.
Factors That Affect Oven Quality
Not all outdoor pizza ovens are created equal. Here’s what makes some better than others.
- Build Quality: A well-built oven will last longer. Check for sturdy construction and good welds.
- Insulation Thickness: Thicker insulation means better heat retention. This is a big factor in cooking performance.
- Material Gauge: For stainless steel, a thicker gauge (lower number) is usually stronger and more durable.
- Temperature Range: Higher maximum temperatures allow for faster cooking and better crust development.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an outdoor pizza oven is a fun experience. It’s not just about the pizza; it’s about the whole process.
What to Expect
Starting up a wood-fired oven takes time to heat up. Gas ovens are quick to start. Once hot, they cook pizzas in just a few minutes. You’ll need to learn how to manage the heat and turn the pizza for even cooking. Cleaning is usually simple: brush off ash or wipe down surfaces.
Great Ways to Use Your Oven
- Pizza Parties: This is the most popular use! Invite friends and family for a fun pizza-making event.
- Roasting Vegetables: The high heat is perfect for roasting vegetables like peppers, onions, and zucchini.
- Cooking Meats: You can cook steaks, chicken, or fish for a delicious smoky flavor.
- Baking Bread: Some ovens can even bake bread with a wonderful crust.
- Outdoor Cooking: It’s a great addition to any backyard kitchen or patio.
An outdoor pizza oven can transform your backyard cooking. By understanding these key features, materials, and what to look for, you can find an oven that brings delicious, restaurant-quality pizza right to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions about Outdoor Pizza Ovens
Q: How long does it take to heat up an outdoor pizza oven?
A: Wood-fired ovens can take 30-60 minutes to reach cooking temperature. Gas and pellet ovens are much faster, often ready in 10-20 minutes.
Q: What kind of fuel do I need?
A: It depends on the oven. Wood-fired ovens need dry hardwood. Gas ovens connect to a propane tank. Pellet ovens use compressed wood pellets.
Q: Can I cook more than just pizza?
A: Yes! You can roast vegetables, cook meats like chicken and steak, and even bake bread or desserts.
Q: How do I clean my outdoor pizza oven?
A: For wood-fired ovens, let them cool and brush out the ash. For gas ovens, you might need to clean the burners and interior. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Are outdoor pizza ovens difficult to use?
A: There can be a learning curve, especially with wood-fired ovens, to manage the heat. Gas ovens are generally simpler to operate.
Q: What is the best material for a pizza stone?
A: Cordierite is a popular and effective material because it gets very hot and absorbs moisture, leading to a crispier crust.
Q: How much space do I need for an outdoor pizza oven?
A: This varies by oven size. Check the product dimensions. You’ll also need space around the oven for safe operation and ventilation.
Q: Can I leave my outdoor pizza oven outside in bad weather?
A: It’s best to cover your oven or store it in a dry place when not in use to protect it from rain, snow, and rust.
Q: What temperature should my pizza oven reach?
A: For authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, temperatures between 750°F and 900°F (400°C – 480°C) are ideal. Many ovens can reach these temps.
Q: Are outdoor pizza ovens worth the cost?
A: If you love pizza and enjoy cooking outdoors, they are definitely worth it! They provide a unique cooking experience and delicious results that are hard to match.
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!