Imagine the smell of perfectly blistered crust, the bubbling cheese, and the smoky aroma of authentic Neapolitan pizza wafting from your own backyard. Sounds amazing, right? But when it comes to bringing that dream to life, choosing the right outdoor pizza oven can feel like navigating a maze. So many types exist, and figuring out which one fits your space, your budget, and your pizza-making ambitions can be a real headache.
You want that incredible outdoor pizza experience, but the overwhelm of options – wood-fired, gas, portable, built-in – can stop you in your tracks. Will it be easy to use? Will it actually cook pizza like a restaurant? These are the questions that keep us up at night when we’re dreaming of backyard feasts.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll break down the different kinds of outdoor pizza ovens, explain what makes them special, and help you find the perfect match for your outdoor kitchen. Get ready to discover how to pick an oven that will turn your patio into the hottest pizza spot in town!
Our Top 5 Outdoor Pizza Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Outdoor Pizza Oven Detailed Reviews
1. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Woodfire Pizza Stone Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to make amazing pizza right in your backyard with the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Woodfire Pizza Stone Oven. This outdoor oven is made of strong stainless steel and heats up super fast to cook delicious pizzas in no time. It’s also great for cooking other foods like steaks and veggies, making it perfect for parties and outdoor gatherings.
What We Like:
- Made from strong and safe stainless steel that holds heat well.
- Cooks Neapolitan-style pizza in just 90 seconds at up to 860°F.
- You can also cook steaks, fish, burgers, and vegetables.
- It’s very portable and easy to set up without tools.
- It’s lightweight at only 25lb, making it easy to move around.
- Cleaning is simple, and it comes apart easily for storage.
- Cooking with wood pellets outdoors is super easy.
- The large 12″x12″ pizza stone is included.
What Could Be Improved:
- It takes 18 minutes to preheat, so you need a little patience before cooking.
- The oven works best with minimal sauce and toppings for Neapolitan pizza.
This BIG HORN OUTDOORS pizza oven makes outdoor cooking fun and easy. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality pizza at your next party.
2. Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to become the ultimate backyard chef with the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven! This electric oven brings restaurant-quality pizza and so much more right to your patio. It’s designed for easy outdoor cooking and impressing your friends and family with delicious meals.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 wonder: You can make pizza, bake, broil, warm food, and even proof dough.
- Pizza perfection in 3 minutes: Enjoy perfectly cooked 12-inch pizzas with amazing crusts and melted cheese quickly.
- Five pizza styles to choose from: Whether you like Neapolitan, Thin Crust, Pan, New York, or a custom style, this oven has a setting for it.
- Cook full meals outside: You can cook your main dish in the oven while grilling sides, making outdoor entertaining a breeze.
- No flames, just control: Electric heat gives you precise temperature control from 90°F to 700°F.
- See your food cook: The Chef’s View Window lets you watch your pizza and other creations as they cook.
- Built tough for the outdoors: This oven is weather-resistant, so you can keep it outside.
- Feeds a crowd: It fits a 12-inch pizza, a 12-inch bake pan, or even a large loaf of bread.
- Professional-quality dough proofing: The 90°F proofing setting helps you make perfect bread and pizza dough.
- Comes with everything you need: It includes a pizza stone, a bake pan, and recipe inspiration.
What Could Be Improved:
- It requires an 18-minute preheat before cooking.
- While weather-resistant, an extra cover is recommended for best protection.
This Ninja pizza oven makes outdoor cooking fun and easy, offering great versatility for all your backyard meals.
3. 12-Inch Portable Gas Pizza Oven for Outdoor Cooking
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for amazing outdoor meals with the 12-Inch Portable Gas Pizza Oven. This oven heats up super fast, reaching 950°F in just 15 minutes. You can cook delicious pizzas in about a minute! It’s also great for cooking chicken, fish, and more. Take it to your backyard, the beach, or on camping trips. Everything you need is included, like a pizza stone, a waterproof cover, and a pizza peel. It even comes with a 12-month warranty. This oven is built to last and is safe to use with its sturdy legs and non-slip feet. It’s also lightweight and comes with a carry bag, making it easy to take anywhere. Enjoy tasty food and make great memories outdoors!
What We Like:
- Heats up incredibly fast, so you can eat sooner.
- Cooks pizza in just one minute once it’s hot.
- Works for more than just pizza – cook other foods too!
- Comes with all the accessories you need to start cooking right away.
- It’s safe to use with its stable design and durable materials.
- Very easy to carry around thanks to its light weight and included bag.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 12-inch size might be small for very large families or parties.
- While portable, it still requires a propane tank to operate, which isn’t included.
This pizza oven is a fantastic addition to any outdoor adventure or backyard gathering. It brings delicious, fast-cooked food and fun to any occasion.
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: 8.8/10
Get ready to be the star of 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. Imagine making perfect, stone-baked pizzas right at home. It’s super easy to use and takes your outdoor cooking to a whole new level.
What We Like:
- HOT NEW FEATURES: The custom fuel tray makes a powerful flame, helping the oven reach super high temperatures. You can use wood or charcoal, and cleanup is a breeze because there’s no extra ash.
- 12 INCH PIZZA IN 60 SECONDS: Get your pizza oven ready in just 15 minutes! It heats up to a scorching 950°F, cooking a real stone-baked pizza in only a minute. Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your pizza party.
- ULTRA PORTABLE: Weighing only 26.4 pounds, this oven is easy to carry. Fold down the legs and remove the chimney, and you can take it on camping trips or any outdoor adventure.
- GREAT PIZZA: Ooni’s goal is to make great pizza accessible to everyone. The Karu 12 is designed to help you achieve just that.
- VERSATILE: This oven isn’t just for pizza! You can also cook steak, fish, or vegetables using Ooni’s cast iron cookware.
What Could Be Improved:
- Gas Burner Sold Separately: To use gas, you need to buy the Ooni Gas Burner attachment, which is an extra cost.
The Ooni Karu 12 makes amazing pizza possible for everyone. It’s a fantastic addition to any outdoor kitchen, offering speed, portability, and delicious results.
5. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Woodfire Pizza Stone Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to bring the taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza right to your backyard with the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Woodfire Pizza Stone Oven. This outdoor pizza cooker is designed for serious flavor and serious fun, heating up to a scorching 887°F to deliver perfectly cooked pizzas in under 90 seconds. It’s not just for pizza either; this versatile oven can roast steaks, fish, and veggies too!
What We Like:
- It heats up super fast, about 18-20 minutes, so you can start cooking quickly.
- It gets really hot, up to 887°F, which is perfect for making crispy, delicious pizza.
- You can cook more than just pizza, like steaks, fish, and vegetables.
- It’s made of strong stainless steel, making it safe and durable for outdoor use.
- It’s lightweight (only 25lb) and has folding legs, so you can easily take it to parties or store it away.
- Putting it together is simple and doesn’t need any tools.
- Cleaning it up is also easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s best to use only all-natural hardwood pellets.
- You need to store your pellets in a sealed container to keep them dry.
This pizza oven makes outdoor cooking simple and delicious. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy amazing food with friends and family.
Your Guide to the Perfect Outdoor Pizza Oven
Imagine the smell of wood smoke and perfectly cooked pizza wafting through your backyard. An outdoor pizza oven makes this dream a reality! It’s more than just a cooking appliance; it’s a centerpiece for gatherings and a gateway to delicious, authentic pizzas. This guide will help you choose the right oven for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
Size and Capacity
Think about how many people you usually cook for. Some ovens can fit one pizza at a time, while others can handle two or even three. A smaller oven is great for couples, but a larger one is better for family parties.
Heating Type
Most outdoor ovens use wood or gas. Wood-fired ovens give you that classic smoky flavor and high heat. Gas ovens are easier to control and heat up quickly. Some ovens offer both options!
Portability
Do you plan to move your oven around your patio or take it camping? Look for models with sturdy wheels or a lighter design if portability is important.
Temperature Range
Authentic Neapolitan pizzas cook at very high temperatures, often over 800°F (425°C). Make sure the oven you choose can reach these temperatures for that crispy, chewy crust.
Included Accessories
Some ovens come with useful extras like pizza peels (for sliding pizzas in and out), oven covers, or thermometers. Check what’s included to avoid buying them separately.
2. Important Materials
Stainless Steel
This is a popular choice because it’s strong, rust-resistant, and looks great. It’s good for both the inside and outside of the oven.
Refractory Materials (Fire Bricks/Ceramic)
The inside of the oven, especially the cooking surface, should be made of heat-retaining materials like fire bricks or ceramic. These materials absorb and radiate heat evenly, helping to cook your pizza perfectly.
Cast Iron
Some ovens use cast iron for their doors or grates. Cast iron holds heat well, which helps maintain a consistent oven temperature.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Insulation
Good insulation is key! It keeps the heat inside the oven where it belongs. This means your oven heats up faster, stays hotter longer, and uses less fuel. Ovens with thick layers of insulation are generally higher quality.
Durability and Build Quality
A well-built oven will last for years. Look for sturdy welds, solid construction, and materials that can withstand outdoor weather. Cheaply made ovens might rust or warp quickly.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
A great oven should be simple to light, maintain temperature, and clean. Some ovens have removable ash catchers, which makes cleaning much easier. If the oven is too complicated to use, you might not use it as often.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Pizza Nights with Family and Friends
This is the most common use! Outdoor pizza ovens create a fun, interactive cooking experience. Everyone can help make their own pizza.
Outdoor Entertaining
An oven can be a fantastic addition to your patio or backyard parties. It’s a unique way to feed a crowd and impress your guests.
Cooking More Than Just Pizza
Don’t limit yourself! You can roast vegetables, cook steaks, bake bread, or even smoke meats in many outdoor pizza ovens. They are very versatile.
Camping and Tailgating
Portable pizza ovens are perfect for taking your culinary adventures on the road. Enjoy delicious, freshly cooked meals wherever you go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How hot do outdoor pizza ovens get?
A: Most outdoor pizza ovens can reach temperatures between 500°F and 900°F (260°C to 480°C). High-end ovens can go even hotter.
Q: How long does it take to cook a pizza?
A: At high temperatures (around 800°F or 425°C), a pizza usually cooks in just 60 to 90 seconds!
Q: Is a wood-fired or gas oven better?
A: Wood-fired ovens give a smoky flavor and authentic experience. Gas ovens offer convenience and easy temperature control.
Q: Do I need a special pizza peel?
A: Yes, a pizza peel is essential for safely sliding your pizza into and out of the hot oven.
Q: How do I clean my outdoor pizza oven?
A: After the oven cools, brush out ash and debris. Some ovens have removable ash catchers. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
Q: Can I leave my pizza oven outside all year?
A: It’s best to cover your oven or store it in a shed or garage during harsh weather to protect it from rust and damage.
Q: What kind of wood should I use for a wood-fired oven?
A: Hardwoods like oak, maple, or fruitwoods are best. Avoid softwoods like pine, which can create too much smoke and creosote.
Q: Are outdoor pizza ovens hard to assemble?
A: Assembly varies. Some are ready to go out of the box, while others require some simple assembly. Check product descriptions.
Q: Can I use my pizza oven in the rain?
A: It’s generally not recommended to use a wood-fired oven in the rain, as it can affect the fire. Gas ovens might be usable with caution, but it’s best to check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: What are the benefits of an outdoor pizza oven?
A: They cook pizzas faster, create a unique smoky flavor, and make outdoor cooking and entertaining more fun!
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.