Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp, bubbly pizza, kissed by smoky, wood-fired flavor. That dream can be a reality in your own backyard! But when you start looking for an outdoor pizza oven, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So many choices, so many features – where do you even begin? It’s tough to know which oven will give you those amazing restaurant-quality pizzas without breaking the bank or turning your yard into a construction zone.
Choosing the right outdoor pizza oven can feel like a big decision. You want an oven that cooks amazing pizza, is easy to use, and fits your space and budget. But with all the different types, sizes, and brands out there, it’s hard to know which one is best for you. That’s where this guide comes in! We’ll break down everything you need to know to find your perfect pizza-making companion.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the different kinds of outdoor pizza ovens, what to look for when you shop, and how to pick the one that will bring endless delicious pizza nights to your home. Get ready to ditch the delivery apps and start crafting your own incredible pizzas!
Our Top 5 Pizza Oven Outdoor Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Pizza Oven Outdoor Detailed Reviews
1. BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Ovens Wood Pellet 12” Pizza Oven Cooking Pizza Maker Portable Stainless Steel Pizza Grill
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready for amazing pizza nights with the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12” Pizza Oven! This portable oven is made of tough stainless steel, making it safe and sturdy for all your outdoor cooking adventures. It heats up fast and gets super hot, so you can cook delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas in no time. Plus, it’s easy to set up and take down, perfect for taking to parties or just using in your backyard.
What We Like:
- Made from premium, safe stainless steel for durability.
- Reaches up to 887°F (475°C) to cook pizza in just 60-90 seconds.
- Great for cooking more than just pizza, like steaks and veggies.
- Ultra-portable with folding legs and easy assembly – no tools needed!
- Lightweight at only 25lb, making it easy to move and store.
- Simple to use; just preheat and cook.
- Cooks food evenly for great results every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- Preheating takes about 18-20 minutes, which might be longer in cold or wet weather.
- Only uses all-natural hardwood pellets, and pellets need to be stored properly to avoid moisture.
This BIG HORN OUTDOORS pizza oven is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves homemade pizza and outdoor cooking. It brings the pizza parlor experience right to your backyard.
2. Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to become the ultimate backyard chef with the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven! This electric oven cooks delicious 12-inch pizzas in just 3 minutes, giving you restaurant-quality results right at home. It’s not just for pizza, though. You can bake, broil, warm food, and even proof dough, making it a versatile addition to your outdoor kitchen.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can do more than just make pizza.
- You can cook pizzas super fast, in just 3 minutes, with amazing crusts.
- It has 5 pizza settings for different styles like Neapolitan and New York.
- You can cook other foods at the same time as your pizza, like baking mac and cheese.
- It uses electric heat, so it’s easy to control the temperature without dealing with flames.
- The oven is built to be tough and can handle being outside.
- It’s great for feeding a crowd, fitting a 12-inch pizza or even a loaf of bread.
- The proofing function helps you make perfect bread or pizza dough.
What Could Be Improved:
- It needs an 18-minute preheat time before it’s ready to cook.
- While weather-resistant, an extra cover is recommended for long-term outdoor storage.
This Ninja oven makes outdoor cooking fun and easy. It’s a fantastic tool for anyone who loves pizza and wants to try new recipes outside.
3. Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven Outdoor
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for amazing outdoor meals with this 12″ Portable Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven. It’s made for your backyard or camping trips and cooks delicious pizzas fast. This oven is built tough and easy to use, giving you authentic wood-fired flavor or the convenience of gas.
What We Like:
- The tough carbon steel shell with a special coating keeps heat in and protects the oven from weather.
- It heats up super fast, reaching 1000°F, so you can cook pizzas in just 60-90 seconds!
- The built-in thermometer helps you easily check the temperature for perfect cooking every time.
- You can use either wood or gas, giving you choices for smoky flavor or easy heat control.
- It’s not just for pizza! You can also grill, bake, and roast other foods.
- Cleaning and storing is simple because it comes apart easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for portability, the exact weight isn’t specified, which might be important for some campers.
- The description mentions a pizza stone, but doesn’t detail its material or size.
This versatile pizza oven makes outdoor cooking exciting and simple. It’s a fantastic way to create memorable meals for 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: 8.6/10
Get ready to create amazing pizzas right in your backyard with the Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven. This oven lets you cook delicious 12-inch pizzas in just 60 seconds, making it super fast and fun. You can use wood or charcoal to fire it up, or even add a gas burner for more options. It’s designed to get super hot, reaching 950°F, so your pizzas get that perfect crispy crust.
What We Like:
- Cooks 12-inch pizzas in only 60 seconds.
- Reaches a scorching 950°F for authentic stone-baked pizza.
- Works with wood, charcoal, or even gas (with an attachment).
- It’s very portable, weighing only 26.4 lbs and has foldable legs.
- You can also cook other foods like steak, fish, and vegetables.
- The custom fuel tray helps it get really hot and keeps the ash down.
What Could Be Improved:
- The gas burner attachment is sold separately.
- It can be a bit tricky to get the temperature just right at first.
The Ooni Karu 12 is a fantastic way to enjoy restaurant-quality pizza at home. It’s easy to use, portable, and versatile, making it a top choice for any pizza lover.
5. Elevon QD740-ELPO-WSP1 Maker Portable Stainless Steel Grill Outdoors Peel and Pizza Stone
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for amazing outdoor cooking with the Elevon QD740-ELPO-WSP1 Maker Portable Stainless Steel Grill. This grill is made of strong stainless steel, so it’s safe for all your favorite foods. It’s also compact and easy to carry around.
What We Like:
- It cooks delicious pizza super fast! It gets really hot, up to 860°F, and cooks pizza in just 90 seconds.
- You can cook more than just pizza. Try steaks, fish, burgers, and veggies too!
- It’s easy to put together and take apart. This makes cleaning and storing it a breeze.
- It’s lightweight, weighing only 35 lbs, making it easy to take to the park or backyard parties.
- The package includes a pizza stone and a pizza peel, so you have everything you need to start making pizzas.
- It’s perfect for family fun or when you have friends over.
What Could Be Improved:
- It takes 18 minutes to preheat. You need to wait a bit before you can start cooking.
- The dimensions are 19.9’’L x 15.7”W x 32.7’’H, which might be a little large for very small spaces.
This grill makes outdoor pizza nights easy and fun. You’ll be making delicious food in no time!
Your Guide to the Best Outdoor Pizza Oven
Dreaming of crispy, delicious pizzas cooked outdoors? An outdoor pizza oven can make that dream a reality! It’s more than just a cooking appliance; it’s a way to gather friends and family for a fun, flavorful experience. This guide will help you pick the perfect pizza oven for your backyard.
What to Look For: Key Features
1. Heat Output and Temperature Range
The best pizza ovens get very hot, very fast. Look for ovens that can reach at least 750°F (400°C). This high heat is crucial for cooking Neapolitan-style pizzas in 60-90 seconds, giving them that signature crispy crust and chewy interior. A wider temperature range also lets you cook other foods like roasted vegetables or seared meats.
2. Fuel Type
Outdoor pizza ovens come in a few main fuel types:
- Wood-fired: These ovens use wood as fuel. They provide the most authentic smoky flavor and the highest heat. They require more skill to manage the fire and temperature.
- Gas (Propane): Gas ovens are easy to use and control. They heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature. They offer convenience but might lack the smoky flavor of wood.
- Pellet: These use compressed wood pellets. They offer a good balance of wood-fired flavor and ease of use. You’ll need to keep the hopper filled.
- Electric: Electric ovens are the easiest to use, plug and play. They are great for smaller spaces or if you don’t want to deal with flames. They might not reach the same high temperatures as wood or gas ovens.
3. Size and Portability
Consider how much space you have and if you plan to move the oven. Some are large and stationary, while others are smaller and can be placed on a table or cart. Think about how many pizzas you want to cook at once.
4. Cooking Surface and Insulation
A good pizza stone or cordierite deck is important. This material absorbs and radiates heat evenly, helping to cook the pizza crust perfectly. Good insulation is also key. It keeps the heat inside the oven, meaning it heats up faster and uses less fuel.
Important Materials
The materials used in a pizza oven significantly impact its performance and durability. Common materials include:
- Stainless Steel: Often used for the outer casing and internal components. It’s durable, rust-resistant, and looks good.
- Cordierite or Pizza Stone: This ceramic material is excellent for the cooking surface. It absorbs moisture from the dough and provides a crispy bottom crust.
- Cast Iron: Some ovens use cast iron for certain parts, which holds heat well.
- Refractory Cement or Fire Bricks: These are used in high-quality, insulated ovens to retain and distribute heat effectively.
Factors That Affect Quality
What Makes a Pizza Oven Great?
Excellent insulation is a big factor. It traps heat, allowing the oven to reach and maintain high temperatures. A well-designed chimney or vent system also helps with airflow, which is needed for a good fire and even cooking. The thickness of the materials also matters; thicker walls and bases usually mean better heat retention.
What Can Reduce Quality?
Thin, flimsy materials can lose heat quickly. Poor insulation means you’ll use more fuel and it will take longer to cook. Ovens with uneven heat distribution can lead to burnt spots on your pizza. Also, some cheaper models might rust or degrade faster if not made with quality materials.
User Experience and Use Cases
Bringing the Pizzeria Home
Using an outdoor pizza oven is a fantastic experience! It’s perfect for backyard parties, family dinners, or just a fun weekend activity. Imagine creating your own pizzas with fresh toppings and cooking them in minutes to perfection. These ovens are also versatile. You can roast vegetables, cook fish, or even bake bread.
For beginners, gas or pellet ovens are often easier to manage. Wood-fired ovens offer a rewarding challenge for those who enjoy mastering a craft. No matter the type, the result is a delicious, restaurant-quality pizza cooked right in your own home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of outdoor pizza oven?
A: The “best” type depends on your needs. Wood-fired ovens give authentic flavor but need practice. Gas ovens are convenient and easy to control. Pellet ovens offer a good mix of flavor and ease. Electric ovens are the simplest.
Q: How hot do outdoor pizza ovens get?
A: Most good outdoor pizza ovens can reach 750°F (400°C) or higher. This high heat is needed for quick pizza cooking.
Q: Can I cook more than just pizza in an outdoor pizza oven?
A: Yes! You can roast vegetables, cook fish, bake bread, and even grill meats in many outdoor pizza ovens.
Q: How long does it take to cook a pizza in an outdoor pizza oven?
A: In a properly heated oven, a pizza can cook in as little as 60-90 seconds.
Q: Do I need a special pizza peel?
A: A pizza peel is highly recommended. It’s used to slide the pizza into and out of the hot oven.
Q: How do I clean my outdoor pizza oven?
A: Most ovens can be cleaned by brushing out ashes after they cool. Some have removable parts for easier cleaning.
Q: Are outdoor pizza ovens worth the cost?
A: For many, the joy of making delicious, homemade pizzas and the experience of outdoor cooking make them well worth the investment.
Q: What are the main fuel sources for outdoor pizza ovens?
A: The main fuel sources are wood, gas (propane), pellets, and electricity.
Q: What material is best for the pizza cooking surface?
A: Cordierite or a good quality pizza stone is best. It helps create a crispy crust.
Q: How important is insulation for a pizza oven?
A: Insulation is very important. It helps the oven heat up faster, stay hotter, and use less fuel.
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.