Imagine the smell of perfectly baked pizza wafting through your backyard. The crust is crispy, the cheese is bubbly, and the toppings are just right. Sounds amazing, right? But getting that authentic taste at home can be tricky. Many people dream of making their own delicious pizzas outdoors, but they get stuck when it comes to picking the right pizza oven.
Choosing an outdoor natural gas pizza oven can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands and features to consider! You might wonder about things like how hot they get, how easy they are to use, and if they’re worth the cost. You want an oven that makes great pizza without a lot of hassle.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a good natural gas pizza oven. You’ll learn about the key things to look for and some popular choices. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident about picking an oven that will turn your backyard into your favorite pizza place.
Our Top 5 Outdoor Natural Gas Pizza Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Outdoor Natural Gas Pizza Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Ooni Koda 16 Natural Gas Pizza Oven – 28mbar Natural Gas Outdoor Oven
Rating: 9.5/10
The Ooni Koda 16 Natural Gas Pizza Oven is your ticket to amazing homemade pizzas right in your backyard. This oven is built for natural gas, so you can easily connect it to your outdoor gas line. It’s designed to make big, delicious 16-inch pizzas that will wow your friends and family.
What We Like:
- It’s a natural gas model, meaning you don’t have to worry about propane tanks.
- The oven heats up super fast, reaching hot temperatures for quick cooking.
- You can cook a pizza in just 60 seconds once it’s hot!
- It’s easy to set up and start using right away.
- It’s not just for pizza; you can roast meats and veggies too with Ooni’s cast iron tools.
- The powder-coated steel body helps keep the heat inside for great cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- This model is strictly for natural gas and cannot be changed to use propane.
If you love pizza and want to make restaurant-quality pies at home with ease, the Ooni Koda 16 is a fantastic choice. It brings outdoor cooking and delicious food together perfectly.
2. AMS Fireplace Summerset Pizza Oven – Large Capacity Natural Gas Outdoor Oven with Pizza Stone and Smoker Box
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to become the ultimate backyard chef with the AMS Fireplace Summerset Pizza Oven! This large natural gas oven is built tough with 304 stainless steel. It can handle pizzas up to 16 inches wide. Whether you’re building an outdoor kitchen or just need a countertop oven, this one fits right in. Plus, you get a free tabletop fire pit to set the mood.
What We Like:
- Built with strong 304 stainless steel for lasting use.
- Cooks pizzas up to 16 inches, so you can feed a crowd.
- Comes with a pizza stone that gets super hot for crispy crusts.
- Includes a smoker box to add delicious smoky flavor to your food.
- Has interior lighting so you can see what you’re cooking, even at night.
- Easy to start with an electric ignition.
- Comes with a convenient storage drawer for your pizza tools.
- Includes a free tabletop lantern and ice bucket to enhance your outdoor gatherings.
- Protective feet are included, making it easy to add to an outdoor island.
What Could Be Improved:
- The oven’s maximum temperature is 450°F, while the pizza stone can reach 700°F. This might mean you need to carefully manage cooking times for different items.
- The free tabletop fire pit fuel is not included.
This pizza oven is a fantastic addition to any outdoor cooking setup, offering versatility and excellent results. Its sturdy design and thoughtful features make it a joy to use for all your pizza-making adventures.
3. Summerset Grills SS-OVBI-NG The Built-in Outdoor Oven – NG
Rating: 9.4/10
The Summerset Grills SS-OVBI-NG is a fantastic addition to any outdoor kitchen. This built-in oven is designed for serious cooks who love to entertain. It uses natural gas and offers a powerful 16,000 BTU main burner. You can bake, roast, and even make delicious pizzas in this oven. Its durable stainless steel construction means it will last for years.
What We Like:
- It’s made from tough #304 stainless steel, so it’s built to last.
- The oven gets up to 450°F, and the pizza stone can reach a super hot 700°F, perfect for crispy crusts.
- It comes with a cover, two racks that can be placed in three different spots, and a smoker box for adding smoky flavor to your food.
- You can cook pizzas up to 16 inches wide.
- Bright halogen lights help you see inside, even at night.
- It has an easy electric starter and a window to watch your food cook.
- A handy storage drawer keeps your grilling tools neat.
- You can use it on a countertop or island with the included feet kit.
What Could Be Improved:
- The main burner is powerful, but some users might prefer additional burners for more cooking options.
- While it’s built-in ready, ensuring proper ventilation and gas line connection is crucial and might require professional help.
This oven brings serious cooking power and versatility to your backyard. Get ready to impress your friends and family with amazing outdoor meals.
4. Cuisinart Propel+ 4-Burner 3-in-1 Gas Grill
Rating: 9.1/10
The Cuisinart Propel+ 4-Burner 3-in-1 Gas Grill is a kitchen superhero for your backyard. It’s not just a grill; it’s a versatile cooking machine that lets you grill, sear, griddle, and even bake delicious pizzas. This stainless steel beauty is built for all your outdoor cooking adventures, from casual BBQs to gourmet feasts.
What We Like:
- Super versatile: grill, griddle, and pizza oven all in one.
- Big cooking space: 477 sq. in. for grilling and 176 sq. in. for the griddle.
- Comes with a 15″ pizza stone for perfect crusts.
- Fast pizza cooking: get a crispy pizza in under 6 minutes.
- Even heating: Thermo-Flo Technology makes sure everything cooks perfectly.
- Powerful heat: 44,000 BTUs on the main burners and 11,000 BTUs for the griddle.
- High searing temps: the cast iron griddle reaches 600°F for amazing sears.
- Smart features: EZ-Lift hinges, good insulation, and easy-to-use knobs.
- Handy storage: fits the griddle and pizza stone when not in use.
- Flexible fuel: can be changed from propane to natural gas (kit sold separately).
What Could Be Improved:
- The natural gas conversion kit is sold separately.
This Cuisinart grill is a fantastic addition to any outdoor kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options to satisfy any craving.
5. Gozney Roccbox Outdoor Pizza Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to make amazing pizzas at home with the Gozney Roccbox Outdoor Pizza Oven. This black, portable oven uses gas or wood to cook pizzas fast. It’s designed to give you restaurant-quality pizza right in your backyard or even on a camping trip.
What We Like:
- It cooks pizza super fast, in just 60 seconds at a blazing 950 degrees!
- Its stone floor helps cook the pizza perfectly every time.
- It’s small and easy to move, so you can take it anywhere.
- It’s built tough and trusted by professional chefs.
- You can switch between gas and wood fuel for different flavors.
- It heats up quickly and keeps its heat well.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might be a bit of an investment for some budgets.
- While portable, it still requires some setup.
The Gozney Roccbox is a game-changer for pizza lovers. It makes cooking delicious, authentic pizza easy and fun for everyone.
Your Guide to the Perfect Outdoor Natural Gas Pizza Oven
Dreaming of crispy, delicious pizzas baked in your own backyard? An outdoor natural gas pizza oven can make that dream a reality. These ovens use natural gas, a readily available fuel source, to create high temperatures perfect for pizza perfection. Let’s explore what makes a great oven and how to choose the right one for you.
Key Features to Look For
1. Temperature Range and Heating Speed
A good pizza oven needs to get hot, fast. Look for ovens that can reach 700°F (370°C) or higher. This high heat is crucial for that classic Neapolitan-style crust with a chewy interior and crispy exterior. The faster it heats up, the sooner you can start cooking!
2. Pizza Stone or Baking Surface
The pizza stone is where your pizza bakes. It absorbs and radiates heat, giving your pizza crust that perfect crisp. Look for a thick, durable pizza stone made from materials like cordierite or ceramic. Some ovens have a removable stone, which makes cleaning easier.
3. Burner Design and Heat Distribution
How the gas burns and distributes heat is important. A good design will ensure even cooking across the entire pizza. Some ovens have a U-shaped burner, while others have burners that wrap around the sides. Look for features that promise consistent heat.
4. Size and Portability
Consider how much space you have and how many pizzas you plan to cook at once. Ovens come in different sizes. If you plan to move your oven around, check for wheels or a lighter design.
5. Ignition System
An easy-to-use ignition system is a must. Piezo igniters or electronic ignition make starting the oven simple and safe. You don’t want to fuss with matches when you’re excited to cook.
Important Materials
The materials used in your pizza oven affect its durability, heat retention, and performance.
- Stainless Steel: Many ovens use stainless steel for their bodies and components. It’s strong, rust-resistant, and looks great.
- Cordierite or Ceramic Stone: These are the best materials for pizza stones. They handle high heat well and provide excellent heat retention for crispy crusts.
- Insulation: Good insulation helps the oven heat up quickly and maintain its temperature. This often comes in the form of ceramic fiber or other heat-resistant materials.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a pizza oven great or not so great.
Quality Improvements:
- Thick Gauge Materials: Thicker stainless steel or a thicker pizza stone generally means better durability and heat retention.
- Well-Designed Burners: Burners that spread heat evenly are key to perfect pizzas every time.
- Effective Insulation: Ovens with good insulation heat up faster and use less gas.
- Sturdy Construction: A well-built oven will last longer and perform better.
Quality Reducers:
- Thin, Flimsy Materials: These can warp or rust quickly.
- Poorly Designed Burners: Uneven heating leads to burnt spots and undercooked areas.
- Lack of Insulation: The oven will take longer to heat and struggle to maintain temperature.
- Cheap Components: Low-quality igniters or gas valves can be frustrating and unsafe.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a natural gas pizza oven is an enjoyable experience. It’s perfect for backyard parties, family dinners, or just a fun weekend activity. You can cook pizzas in just a few minutes, much faster than a conventional oven.
Beyond pizza, these ovens can also cook other foods that benefit from high heat, like roasted vegetables, steaks, or even bread. Imagine making your own calzones or flatbreads!
The convenience of natural gas means you don’t have to worry about running out of propane or constantly refilling tanks. Just connect it to your existing natural gas line, and you’re ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How hot do natural gas pizza ovens get?
A: Most high-quality natural gas pizza ovens can reach temperatures of 700°F (370°C) and often go higher, up to 900°F (480°C) or more.
Q: How long does it take to preheat a natural gas pizza oven?
A: Preheat times vary, but many ovens can reach cooking temperature in 15-30 minutes.
Q: Can I cook more than just pizza in a natural gas pizza oven?
A: Yes! You can cook a variety of items that benefit from high heat, such as roasted vegetables, steaks, fish, and bread.
Q: What kind of pizza stone is best?
A: Cordierite or ceramic pizza stones are highly recommended for their ability to withstand high heat and provide excellent crisping.
Q: Do I need a special gas line for a natural gas pizza oven?
A: You will need to connect the oven to your home’s existing natural gas supply. This may require a professional to install or extend a line if one isn’t conveniently located.
Q: How do I clean my natural gas pizza oven?
A: Let the oven cool completely. Brush off any food debris from the pizza stone. The exterior can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Some models have removable parts for easier cleaning.
Q: Are natural gas pizza ovens safe?
A: Yes, when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, they are safe. Always ensure connections are secure and operate the oven in a well-ventilated area.
Q: How much space do I need for a natural gas pizza oven?
A: Consider the oven’s footprint and ensure there is adequate clearance around it for safety and ventilation, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Q: What is the difference between natural gas and propane pizza ovens?
A: Natural gas is delivered to your home via a pipeline, offering a continuous supply. Propane comes in tanks that need refilling. Natural gas burns a bit cleaner and often has a slightly lower BTU output compared to propane.
Q: Can I use my natural gas pizza oven in the rain?
A: It’s generally not recommended to use any outdoor appliance in heavy rain. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance on weather resistance.
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.