Imagine the smell of perfectly blistered crust and bubbling cheese, wafting from your own backyard. That’s the magic of an outdoor pizza oven! But if you’ve ever looked into buying one, you know it’s not as simple as picking up a box of dough. So many choices! Do you want wood-fired or gas? Portable or built-in? It can feel overwhelming, and you just want to make amazing pizza without the headache.
Choosing the right outdoor pizza oven is a big decision. You want one that fits your space, your budget, and most importantly, your pizza dreams. Picking the wrong one can lead to disappointment, wasted money, and lots of soggy crusts. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you cut through the confusion.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand the different types of outdoor pizza ovens out there. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each, so you can feel confident about your choice. Get ready to say goodbye to confusing jargon and hello to delicious, homemade pizzas baked to perfection. Let’s dive in and find your perfect outdoor pizza oven!
Our Top 5 Outside Pizza Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Outside Pizza Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to become the star of your backyard with the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven! This amazing oven cooks delicious 12-inch pizzas in just 3 minutes, right in your own home. It’s not just for pizza, though. You can bake, broil, warm, and even proof dough in this versatile machine. Its electric heat gives you total control over the temperature, reaching up to 700°F for that perfect crispy crust. Plus, it’s built tough to handle being outdoors.
What We Like:
- Super fast 3-minute artisan pizzas with great leopard spotting and melted cheese.
- Five different pizza settings (Neapolitan, Thin Crust, Pan, New York, Custom) let you make any style you want.
- It’s a 5-in-1 oven: pizza, bake, broil, warm, and proof!
- You can cook other foods like burgers on the grill while your pizza bakes.
- Electric heat means no messy flames and easy temperature control from 90-700°F.
- The Chef’s View Window lets you watch your food cook.
- It’s weather-resistant, so you can leave it outside (though a cover is recommended).
- It’s big enough to feed a crowd, fitting a 12″ pizza, a 12″ bake pan, or even a large loaf of bread.
- The professional proofing function helps you make perfect bread and pizza dough.
- Comes with a pizza stone, bake pan, and recipe ideas to get you started.
What Could Be Improved:
- It takes about 18 minutes to preheat before you can start cooking.
This Ninja pizza oven makes outdoor cooking fun and easy. You’ll be making restaurant-quality pizzas and more in no time!
2. BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Ovens Wood Pellet 12” Pizza Oven Cooking Pizza Maker Portable Stainless Steel Pizza Grill
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to make amazing pizzas anywhere with the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12” Pizza Oven! This portable stainless steel oven uses wood pellets to cook delicious pizzas and more. It’s perfect for backyard parties or taking on your next outdoor adventure.
What We Like:
- It’s made of strong, safe stainless steel, so it’s built to last.
- You can cook Neapolitan-style pizzas super fast, in just 60-90 seconds, once it reaches its high temperature of 887°F (475°C).
- It heats up quickly, usually in 18-20 minutes.
- This oven is very portable because it’s lightweight (only 25lb) and has folding legs.
- Putting it together is easy and doesn’t require any tools.
- Cleaning is simple because it comes apart easily.
- It’s not just for pizza; you can also cook steaks, fish, burgers, and veggies.
- It cooks food evenly for great results every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The oven needs to be protected from rain and extreme cold to ensure it preheats properly.
- It’s important to use only all-natural hardwood pellets and store them in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption, which can affect how well they burn.
This BIG HORN OUTDOORS pizza oven makes outdoor cooking fun and easy. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy restaurant-quality pizza wherever you go.
3. Gozney Roccbox Outdoor Pizza Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
The Gozney Roccbox Outdoor Pizza Oven in Black is a game-changer for pizza lovers. This portable oven lets you make restaurant-quality pizza anywhere. It’s a versatile countertop oven that will seriously upgrade your pizza game.
What We Like:
- Cooks delicious pizza in just 60 seconds at a scorching 950 degrees Fahrenheit.
- It has amazing heat retention, so you can cook pizza after pizza quickly.
- You can also use it to sear steaks at high temperatures.
- Its compact and low-profile design fits perfectly in any space, indoors or out.
- It’s super portable, making it great for camping trips or backyard parties.
- Trusted by professional chefs for consistent and reliable results.
- It’s easy for anyone to use, from beginners to experienced cooks.
- You can get that authentic wood-fire flavor with the optional wood burner attachment.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial investment can be a bit high.
- While portable, it does require a bit of space to set up and use safely.
- Learning the perfect timing for different toppings might take a few tries.
The Gozney Roccbox truly revolutionizes home pizza making. This oven delivers incredible results and unparalleled convenience, making it a must-have for any pizza enthusiast.
4. EDOSTORY Outdoor Pizza Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
Transform your backyard into a gourmet pizza paradise with the EDOSTORY Outdoor Pizza Oven. This wood-fired marvel isn’t just for pizza; it roasts meats, bakes bread, and cooks veggies to perfection. Get ready for delicious, crispy crusts every time thanks to the included 12-inch pizza stone.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile – cook more than just pizza!
- It heats up fast, ready in just 10 minutes.
- You can reach high temperatures (up to 550°F) for quick cooking.
- The built-in thermometer and adjustable chimney help you control the heat and smoke.
- Cleaning up is easy with the detachable ash catcher.
- Moving it is a breeze with the wheels and handle.
- It’s built tough with high-quality iron and a sturdy carbon steel shell for great heat retention.
- It comes with tons of awesome accessories, like a waterproof cover, pizza peel, and even gloves.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cooking surface is 12 inches, which might be a bit small for very large pizzas.
- It requires manual wood feeding to maintain temperature.
This oven makes outdoor cooking fun and easy. It’s a fantastic addition for anyone who loves great food and good times outside.
5. 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: 8.7/10
Get ready to bring the taste of Italy to your backyard with the Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven. This amazing oven lets you cook delicious 12-inch pizzas in just 60 seconds! You can use real wood or charcoal for that authentic smoky flavor, or easily switch to gas with a separate attachment. It heats up super fast, reaching a blazing hot 950°F, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality pizza without the wait. Plus, it’s lightweight and portable, making it perfect for camping trips or backyard parties.
What We Like:
- Cooks amazing 12-inch pizzas in only 60 seconds.
- Heats up to 950°F very quickly, in just 15 minutes.
- Works with wood, charcoal, or gas (gas burner sold separately).
- Super portable, weighing only 26.4lbs, with foldable legs and a removable chimney.
- Designed to make everyone’s pizza dreams come true.
- You can also cook steak, fish, and veggies in it!
What Could Be Improved:
- The gas burner attachment is sold separately, which adds to the cost.
The Ooni Karu 12 is a fantastic way to elevate your outdoor cooking. It’s easy to use, portable, and makes incredibly delicious pizza that everyone will love.
Your Guide to an Awesome Outside Pizza Oven
Want to make amazing pizza in your backyard? An outside pizza oven is your ticket to delicious, crispy crusts and perfectly melted cheese. Let’s explore what makes a great pizza oven and how to pick the best one for you.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an outside pizza oven, keep these important features in mind:
- Heat Retention: A good oven holds its heat well. This means your pizza cooks evenly and fast. Look for ovens with thick walls or good insulation.
- Temperature Range: Most pizza ovens get very hot, often over 700°F (370°C). This high heat is key for that classic Neapolitan-style pizza. Check the oven’s maximum temperature.
- Cooking Surface Size: How big of a pizza do you want to make? Make sure the cooking stone or surface is large enough for your needs. A standard 12-inch pizza stone is common.
- Ease of Use and Setup: Some ovens are ready to go right out of the box. Others might need a bit of assembly. Think about how much time you want to spend setting it up.
- Fuel Type: Pizza ovens can run on wood, gas, or even charcoal. Wood adds a smoky flavor, gas offers quick and easy heat control, and charcoal is a good middle ground.
Important Materials
The stuff your pizza oven is made of really matters. It affects how well it cooks and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: Many ovens use stainless steel for their shells. It’s strong and lasts a long time. It also looks pretty sleek.
- Ceramic or Cordierite Pizza Stone: This is the surface where your pizza cooks. Cordierite is a popular choice because it gets very hot and doesn’t crack easily. It pulls moisture from the dough, giving you a crispy bottom.
- Refractory Bricks/Concrete: Some ovens have thick, heavy walls made of these materials. They are great at storing heat, which is important for consistent cooking.
- Insulation: Good insulation, like ceramic fiber, helps keep the heat inside the oven. This means you use less fuel and the oven stays hot longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make an oven better, while others can make it less ideal.
What Makes an Oven Great:
- Thick Walls: Thicker oven walls mean better heat retention. This helps cook your pizza evenly.
- Good Insulation: Proper insulation is crucial. It keeps the heat in, so you don’t lose energy.
- Efficient Design: Ovens designed to circulate heat well cook food faster and more evenly.
- Durable Materials: Ovens made from strong, long-lasting materials will serve you well for years.
What Can Make an Oven Less Ideal:
- Thin Walls: Thin walls let heat escape too easily. This makes cooking harder.
- Poor Insulation: If an oven doesn’t have good insulation, it will take longer to heat up and cool down faster.
- Cheap Materials: Using low-quality metal or stones can lead to cracks or warping over time.
- Difficult Assembly: If an oven is a pain to put together, it might discourage you from using it.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your pizza oven. This will help you choose the right one.
- For Quick Weeknight Meals: A gas-powered oven heats up fast. You can go from unboxing to pizza in minutes.
- For Backyard Parties: If you love entertaining, an oven that can cook multiple pizzas quickly is a winner. Wood-fired ovens add a special smoky flavor that guests will love.
- For the Pizza Purist: If you’re all about authentic taste, a wood-fired oven is the way to go. The intense heat and smoky aroma are unmatched.
- For Beginners: Some ovens are designed to be very user-friendly. They might have built-in thermometers or easy-to-manage fuel sources.
- For Small Spaces: Portable pizza ovens are perfect for apartments or small patios. They are compact and easy to move.
An outside pizza oven can transform your cooking. It’s an investment that brings delicious food and fun times right to your backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best fuel type for an outside pizza oven?
A: The best fuel type depends on what you like. Wood gives a smoky flavor. Gas is easy to control. Charcoal offers a good balance.
Q: How hot do outside pizza ovens get?
A: Most outside pizza ovens can reach temperatures of 700°F (370°C) or even higher. This high heat is needed for quick, crispy pizza.
Q: How long does it take to cook a pizza in an outside oven?
A: A pizza can cook in as little as 60 to 90 seconds in a very hot pizza oven! It usually takes only a few minutes.
Q: Do I need a special pizza peel?
A: Yes, a pizza peel is very helpful. It’s a tool with a flat surface that you use to slide your pizza into and out of the hot oven.
Q: How do I clean my outside pizza oven?
A: Most ovens clean themselves with heat. After cooking, let the oven cool down. Then, brush out any ash or debris from the cooking surface.
Q: Can I leave my pizza oven outside all year?
A: It’s best to cover your pizza oven or store it in a dry place during harsh weather, like heavy rain or snow. This helps it last longer.
Q: What is the difference between a pizza oven and a regular grill?
A: A pizza oven gets much hotter than a grill. It’s designed to cook pizza quickly at very high temperatures. A grill is usually used for slower cooking methods like grilling burgers or steaks.
Q: Are outside pizza ovens hard to assemble?
A: Assembly varies. Some ovens are ready to use right away. Others might take 30 minutes to an hour to put together. Check the product details.
Q: What kind of pizzas can I make in an outside oven?
A: You can make all kinds! Classic Neapolitan pizzas are perfect. You can also make New York style, flatbreads, and even bake other items like bread or roasted vegetables.
Q: Is an outside pizza oven worth the cost?
A: For many people, yes! The taste and experience of homemade pizza from a real pizza oven are amazing and can be worth the investment.
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!