Imagine biting into a slice of pizza so perfect, the crust is crisp on the outside and wonderfully chewy within, with toppings that are beautifully charred and bursting with flavor. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the magic a natural gas pizza oven can bring to your backyard. But with so many models out there, how do you pick the one that will truly elevate your pizza game?
Choosing the right natural gas pizza oven can feel like navigating a maze. You want that authentic, wood-fired taste, but without the fuss of wood. You might be worried about fuel costs, ease of use, or if the oven will even fit your space. It’s a big decision, and you want to make sure you invest in an oven that brings joy, not frustration.
This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a natural gas pizza oven a fantastic choice, break down the key features to look for, and help you understand the pros and cons. By the end, you’ll feel confident in finding an oven that’s perfect for your family and your delicious pizza nights.
Our Top 5 Natural Gas Pizza Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Natural Gas Pizza Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Ooni Koda 16 Natural Gas Pizza Oven – 28mbar Natural Gas Outdoor Oven
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready for amazing pizza nights with the Ooni Koda 16 Natural Gas Pizza Oven! This oven is designed for outdoor cooking and can make 16-inch pizzas. It runs on natural gas, so you don’t have to worry about propane tanks.
What We Like:
- It’s a natural gas model, so it’s ready to go with your existing gas line.
- The oven heats up super fast, reaching 950°F.
- You can cook a delicious stone-baked pizza in just 60 seconds!
- It’s easy to set up right out of the box – just unfold the legs and connect the gas.
- The powder-coated steel shell keeps the heat inside for great cooking.
- It’s not just for pizza; you can roast meats, fish, and veggies with cast iron accessories.
- The turn of a dial makes it simple to control the heat.
What Could Be Improved:
- This model is exclusively for natural gas and cannot be changed to use propane.
The Ooni Koda 16 is a fantastic way to enjoy restaurant-quality pizza in your backyard. Its speed and ease of use make it a winner for any pizza lover.
2. Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven – 28mbar Propane Outdoor Pizza Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven is your ticket to amazing, restaurant-quality pizzas right in your backyard. This portable oven heats up incredibly fast and cooks pizzas in just 60 seconds, so you can spend more time enjoying them with friends and family.
What We Like:
- 60 SECOND PIZZA: Cooks authentic stone-baked pizza in just 60 seconds! It reaches a scorching 950°F, much hotter than a regular oven.
- ULTRA EFFICIENT: The steel shell keeps heat in really well. It’s super easy to use with gas – just turn a dial. It comes with a gas hose and regulator, so you’re ready to go.
- EASY TO USE: Unfold the legs, add the pizza stone, connect the gas, and you’re cooking! It has instant ignition.
- VERSATILE: It’s not just for pizza! You can also roast meat, fish, and veggies with Ooni’s cast iron cooking tools.
- OONI 5 YEAR WARRANTY: Ooni stands behind their product. Register it within 60 days, and your 1-year warranty becomes a 5-year one.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the oven is portable, it still requires a propane tank, which adds to the overall setup.
- The intense heat means you need to be very quick and careful when launching and turning your pizzas to avoid burning.
The Ooni Koda 16 makes backyard pizza parties a breeze. It’s a fantastic addition for anyone who loves great pizza and easy outdoor cooking.
3. Summerset Grills SS-OVBI-NG The Built-in Outdoor Oven – NG
Rating: 8.5/10
The Summerset Grills SS-OVBI-NG Built-in Outdoor Oven is a fantastic addition to any backyard kitchen. It’s designed for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want more than just grilling. This oven lets you bake, roast, and even smoke, all in one stylish unit. Made from strong stainless steel, it’s built to last through many seasons of delicious meals.
What We Like:
- It’s made of tough #304 stainless steel, so it won’t rust easily.
- The main burner is powerful at 16,000 BTU/Hr, heating things up fast.
- It can reach a high oven temperature of 450°F, perfect for roasting.
- The pizza stone gets super hot, up to 700°F, for amazing homemade pizzas.
- It comes with a cover to keep it clean and protected.
- You get two cooking racks that you can move to three different spots.
- A smoker box is included to add smoky flavor to your food.
- A flame tamer helps cook food evenly without flare-ups.
- It has a grease tray to catch drips and a big pizza stone that fits 16-inch pizzas.
- Bright halogen lights inside let you see your food while cooking in the dark.
- An electric starter makes lighting the oven super easy.
- The glass viewing window lets you peek inside without losing heat.
- A handy storage drawer holds all your cooking tools and accessories.
- It includes a protective feet kit, so you can use it on a countertop or island.
What Could Be Improved:
- It runs on natural gas, so you need a natural gas line nearby.
- The high price point might be a barrier for some home cooks.
This built-in oven offers a lot of cooking versatility. It’s a great way to expand your outdoor cooking options beyond the grill.
4. Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready for amazing outdoor meals with the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven! This versatile oven lets you make delicious 12-inch pizzas in just 3 minutes. It’s perfect for parties and family gatherings. You can also bake, broil, warm, and even proof dough. This oven is electric, so it’s easy to control the temperature.
What We Like:
- It has 5 functions: pizza, bake, broil, warm, and proof.
- You can cook restaurant-quality pizzas fast, in just 3 minutes.
- It has 5 pizza settings for Neapolitan, thin crust, pan, New York, and custom styles.
- You can cook side dishes at the same time as your main course.
- It uses electric heat for easy temperature control, from 90°F to 700°F.
- The Chef’s View Window lets you watch your food cook.
- It’s built to handle the weather outside.
- It’s big enough to fit a 12-inch pizza, a 12-inch bake pan, chicken breasts, or a sourdough loaf.
- It has a special proofing function for perfect bread and pizza dough.
- It comes with a pizza stone, a bake pan, and recipe ideas.
What Could Be Improved:
- It needs an 18-minute preheat time before cooking.
- While weather-resistant, an outdoor cover is recommended for extra protection.
This oven makes outdoor cooking fun and easy. Enjoy delicious pizzas and more with your friends and family!
5. 5369 Propane to Natural Gas Conversion Kit
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of running out of propane mid-BBQ? This 5369 Propane to Natural Gas Conversion Kit is your solution! It lets you easily switch your favorite outdoor appliances, like your Weber grill or patio heater, to a constant natural gas supply. No more messy propane tank refills!
What We Like:
- Convenient Natural Gas Supply: Connects directly to your home’s natural gas line, so you never run out of fuel for your grill, pizza oven, or patio heater.
- Durable and Safe Materials: The 12-foot hose is made of solid brass and upgraded rubber for high safety, airtightness, and a long lifespan.
- Versatile Compatibility: Comes with multiple adapter fittings and couplings, making it work with a wide range of natural gas appliances with 3/8″ ID interfaces.
- Easy Installation: The flexible hose and included accessories make setup straightforward. It even comes with a Velcro strap and dust plugs for easy storage and transport.
- Cost Savings: Eliminates the need to buy and refill propane tanks, saving you money in the long run.
- Extra Parts Included: You get 16 natural gas orifices, thread check gauges, an orifice wrench, and sealing tape, so you have everything you need.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific Weber Compatibility Note: Be aware that this kit follows Weber’s metric standards, not English standards, so double-check your appliance’s connections.
- Not for All Blackstone Griddles: While it works with many Blackstone models, it’s specifically noted as not working with the Blackstone AirFryer Griddle Combo.
- Nozzle Size Verification Needed: You must confirm the size of your burner’s nozzle and thread to ensure compatibility with the included orifices.
This conversion kit offers a fantastic way to enjoy uninterrupted outdoor cooking and heating. Just make sure to check your appliance’s specifications before purchasing.
Choosing Your Dream Natural Gas Pizza Oven
Making delicious pizza at home just got easier! A natural gas pizza oven brings the authentic taste of a pizzeria right to your backyard. This guide will help you find the perfect oven for your pizza-making adventures.
1. Key Features to Look For
High Heat Capability
Pizza ovens need to get super hot, usually between 700°F and 900°F (370°C – 480°C). This high heat cooks your pizza quickly, creating a crispy crust and perfectly melted toppings. Look for ovens that can reach these temperatures reliably.
Fast Heat-Up Time
Nobody wants to wait forever for their oven to be ready. Good natural gas pizza ovens heat up quickly, often in 15-30 minutes. This means you can go from wanting pizza to enjoying it in no time.
Even Heat Distribution
An oven that heats evenly is crucial for cooking pizza perfectly. You don’t want one side burnt and the other undercooked. Features like a well-designed burner system and a thick pizza stone help spread the heat evenly.
Portability and Size
Consider where you’ll use your oven. Some are small and portable, perfect for balconies or small patios. Others are larger and more permanent. Think about how much space you have and if you need to move it.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
A good oven should be simple to start and control. Look for easy-to-use knobs for the gas and a simple ignition system. Cleaning should also be straightforward. Removable parts and smooth surfaces make this much easier.
2. Important Materials
Stainless Steel
Many pizza ovens use stainless steel for their bodies. This material is strong, looks good, and can handle outdoor weather. It also helps retain heat.
Pizza Stone or Baking Steel
The surface where you cook your pizza is very important. Pizza stones, often made of cordierite or ceramic, absorb and radiate heat. This gives your pizza crust that signature crispy texture. Baking steels offer even faster cooking and a crispier bottom.
Insulation
Good insulation is key to keeping the oven hot and using less gas. Ovens with robust insulation will maintain their temperature better, even on cooler days.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Burner Design
A well-designed burner system ensures consistent flame and heat distribution. This directly impacts how evenly your pizza cooks. Poor burner design can lead to hot spots and uneven cooking.
Build Quality
The overall sturdiness and craftsmanship of the oven matter. A well-built oven will last longer and perform better. Cheaply made ovens might have flimsy parts that break easily or don’t hold heat well.
Thermostat Control
Some ovens have precise temperature controls, allowing you to dial in the exact heat you need. This level of control greatly improves the consistency of your pizza-making. Ovens without good temperature regulation can be harder to manage.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Backyard Parties
Natural gas pizza ovens are fantastic for entertaining. Imagine making fresh pizzas for friends and family right in your backyard. They cook so fast, everyone can have their own custom pizza.
Quick Weeknight Meals
Don’t have much time after work? A natural gas oven heats up quickly. You can have a delicious, homemade pizza on the table in under an hour from start to finish. This is much faster than many conventional ovens.
Outdoor Kitchen Addition
For those who love outdoor cooking, a pizza oven can be a central piece of an outdoor kitchen. It’s a fun and impressive appliance that adds a lot to your outdoor living space.
Experimenting with Recipes
Beyond classic Margherita, these ovens are great for trying new pizza toppings and styles. You can also use them to cook other items like flatbreads, roasted vegetables, or even some desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How hot do natural gas pizza ovens get?
A: Most natural gas pizza ovens can reach temperatures between 700°F and 900°F (370°C – 480°C). This high heat is what makes pizza cook so fast and get a crispy crust.
Q: How long does it take to preheat a natural gas pizza oven?
A: Typically, they take about 15 to 30 minutes to preheat to their cooking temperature. Some might take a little longer, depending on the model and outside temperature.
Q: Can I cook more than just pizza in a natural gas pizza oven?
A: Yes! You can cook flatbreads, calzones, roasted vegetables, and even some desserts like cookies or brownies. The high heat works well for many foods.
Q: Are natural gas pizza ovens difficult to use?
A: No, they are generally very easy to use. You connect them to a natural gas line, turn a knob to start the gas flow, and use an igniter to light it. Temperature control is usually straightforward.
Q: Do I need a special pizza peel?
A: While not strictly required, a pizza peel is highly recommended. It helps you slide the pizza into and out of the hot oven easily and safely.
Q: How do I clean a natural gas pizza oven?
A: After it cools down, you can brush off any food bits from the pizza stone. The exterior can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Some ovens have removable parts that can be cleaned more easily.
Q: What is the difference between a pizza stone and a baking steel?
A: A pizza stone is porous and absorbs moisture, creating a crispy crust. A baking steel is denser and conducts heat faster, leading to an even crispier crust and quicker cooking times.
Q: Are natural gas pizza ovens safe for outdoor use?
A: Yes, they are designed for outdoor use. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions, ensure proper ventilation, and keep them away from flammable materials.
Q: How much space do I need for a natural gas pizza oven?
A: Check the oven’s specifications, but generally, you’ll need enough space for the oven itself, plus some clearance around it for safe operation and to easily use your pizza peel.
Q: Can I use a natural gas pizza oven in the rain?
A: It’s best to avoid using them in heavy rain. While they are designed for outdoors, prolonged exposure to rain can affect performance and longevity. Many have optional covers for protection.
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 Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!