best outdoor pizza oven

Last year’s outdoor pizza ovens were decent, but this year’s upgrades blow them out of the water. After hands-on testing, I can say that the Ninja Artisan 12″ Outdoor Pizza Oven, 700°F, electric, MO201 truly stands out. Its 5-in-1 functionality lets you bake, broil, warm, proof, and make artisan pizzas, all with incredible control and convenience. The oven heats to 700°F in just 3 minutes, producing perfect, leoparded crusts and gooey cheeses effortlessly.

Compared to multi-fuel options like the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven or the Ooni models, the Ninja’s electric operation means no fuss over ash or fuel, and more consistent results—plus, the clear view window keeps you in control. While the Ooni Karu models reach 950°F for ultra-fast pizzas, they require using wood, charcoal, or gas, and are less suited for casual backyard use. I recommend the Ninja for its ease of use, versatile settings, and all-weather durability. It’s perfect if you want a reliable, restaurant-quality pizza experience.

Top Recommendation: Ninja Artisan 12″ Outdoor Pizza Oven, 700°F, Electric, MO201

Why We Recommend It: It offers five precise cooking modes, heats quickly, and provides consistent, high-quality results without managing flames or fuel. Its electric design eliminates ash cleanup, and the large viewing window helps monitor pizzas easily. This combination of control, convenience, and durability makes it the best outdoor pizza oven for most users.

Best outdoor pizza oven: Our Top 5 Picks

• Ninja Artisan 12″ Outdoor Pizza Oven, 700°F, Electric, MO201 – Best for Easy Electric Operation
• BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven – Best Outdoor Pizza Oven Under $300
• Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven – Best Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven
• Ooni Karu 2 Pro Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven, 16 Inch Outdoor Grill – Best Value
• BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Woodfire Pizza Stone Oven, 887°F – Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens Wood Burning

What Features Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor Pizza Oven?

When selecting the best outdoor pizza oven, several key features should be taken into account to ensure optimal performance and satisfaction.

• Size: The size of the pizza oven is important as it determines how many pizzas you can cook at once and the space it will occupy in your outdoor area.
• Material: The materials used in the construction of the oven affect its durability, heat retention, and overall cooking performance, with options like stainless steel and clay being common choices.
• Heat Source: Outdoor pizza ovens can be fueled by wood, gas, or charcoal, each offering different flavors and cooking experiences; selecting the right fuel type is crucial based on your preferences.
• Temperature Range: A good outdoor pizza oven should reach high temperatures (ideally above 750°F) quickly, as this is essential for achieving a perfect crust and evenly cooked toppings.
• Portability: If you plan to move your oven around or take it on trips, consider its weight and whether it has wheels or handles for easier transportation.
• Ease of Use: Look for features that enhance usability, such as an easy start ignition system, adjustable airflow, and temperature gauges to monitor cooking progress.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: A design that allows for easy cleaning and maintenance, such as removable ash trays or non-stick surfaces, will save you time and effort in the long run.
• Additional Features: Some ovens come with extra features like built-in thermometers, pizza stones, or accessories like peel and cutter, which can enhance your cooking experience.

What Are the Different Types of Outdoor Pizza Ovens Available?

There are several types of outdoor pizza ovens available, each with unique features and cooking styles.

• Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens: These ovens use wood as their primary fuel source, providing a traditional cooking experience with high temperatures ideal for pizza making.
• Gas-Powered Pizza Ovens: Utilizing propane or natural gas, these ovens offer convenience and temperature control, making them suitable for quick cooking and easy use.
• Charcoal Pizza Ovens: Charcoal ovens combine the flavor of wood-fired cooking with the convenience of charcoal, allowing for a smoky taste while being relatively portable.
• Electric Pizza Ovens: These ovens are powered by electricity, making them easy to use and maintain, suitable for those who may not have access to traditional fuels.
• Portable Pizza Ovens: Designed for mobility, these ovens can be easily transported and set up wherever needed, perfect for camping or tailgating.

Wood-fired pizza ovens are celebrated for their ability to reach high temperatures quickly, often exceeding 900°F, which creates a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. They require a bit more effort in terms of fuel preparation and maintenance but are favored by pizza enthusiasts for their authentic flavor.

Gas-powered pizza ovens are popular for their ease of use and precise temperature control. They heat up quickly and are often equipped with built-in thermometers, making them ideal for beginners who want consistent results without the hassle of managing wood or charcoal.

Charcoal pizza ovens offer a balance between the distinct flavor of wood and the convenience of charcoal. They can reach high temperatures while imparting a unique smokiness to the pizza, appealing to those who enjoy a more traditional cooking method but still want the ease of charcoal.

Electric pizza ovens are perfect for urban settings where outdoor cooking may be limited. They are straightforward to use, often featuring preset cooking options, and are great for those who want to enjoy homemade pizza without the need for outdoor fuel sources.

Portable pizza ovens are designed for versatility and mobility, making them ideal for outdoor events, tailgating, or camping. They typically use gas or charcoal and can reach high temperatures, allowing users to enjoy gourmet pizza anywhere.

How Does a Wood-Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven Work Compared to Gas or Electric?

Feature	Wood-Fired Oven	Gas Oven	Electric Oven
Heating Method	Uses wood logs to create heat and smoke for cooking.	Utilizes gas burners for instant heat with controlled flames.	Relies on electric elements for consistent heat without flames.
Cooking Time	Takes longer to heat up but cooks pizzas at high temperatures quickly.	Heats up quickly and cooks pizzas efficiently in a short time.	May take longer to reach desired temperatures, affecting cooking speed.
Flavor	Adds a distinct smoky flavor that enhances the pizza experience.	Provides a clean taste, less smoky flavor than wood-fired ovens.	Offers a neutral flavor, with no smoky taste present.
Maintenance	Requires regular cleaning of ashes and wood storage management.	Generally low maintenance with easy access to gas connections.	Minimal maintenance needed, just cleaning of heating elements.
Temperature Range	Can reach temperatures of 800°F or higher.	Typically reaches up to 700°F.	Generally maxes out around 600°F.
Fuel Efficiency	Less fuel-efficient due to burning wood.	More fuel-efficient with consistent gas supply.	Highly efficient, uses electricity directly.
Portability	Often heavier and less portable.	Available in portable models but may require gas supply.	Can be portable if designed for outdoor use.
Cost	Generally higher initial cost due to materials and construction.	Moderate cost, depending on features and brand.	Usually lower upfront cost but may have higher energy costs.
Cooking Surface Area	Usually larger surface area for multiple pizzas.	Varies widely, but often smaller than wood-fired.	Typically smaller cooking surface.

What Benefits Do Gas Outdoor Pizza Ovens Offer Over Wood-Fired Options?

Temperature Control: With gas ovens, you can easily control the flame and monitor the internal temperature with precision. This level of control ensures that your pizza cooks evenly, which is crucial for achieving that perfect crust and melty cheese.

Less Mess: Unlike wood-fired ovens that require the handling, storing, and disposing of wood, gas ovens provide a cleaner cooking experience. There’s no ash or soot to deal with, making the post-cooking clean-up much simpler and more manageable.

Safety: Gas outdoor pizza ovens generally incorporate features like automatic shut-off valves and controlled ignition systems, reducing the risk of accidental fires compared to wood-burning options. This makes them a safer choice, particularly for families or inexperienced cooks.

Versatility: Gas ovens are not just limited to making pizza; their design allows for various culinary creations. You can effortlessly switch to baking bread, roasting meats, or grilling veggies, making them a multi-functional addition to your outdoor cooking setup.

Are Electric Outdoor Pizza Ovens Suitable for Home Use?

Electric outdoor pizza ovens can be a great option for home use, providing convenience and consistent cooking results.

• Ease of Use: Electric outdoor pizza ovens are generally straightforward to operate, requiring minimal setup and preparation time.
• Temperature Control: These ovens typically feature precise temperature controls, allowing users to achieve the ideal cooking conditions for pizzas.
• Safety Features: Many electric models come equipped with safety features such as automatic shut-off and insulated exteriors, making them safer to use around children and pets.
• Portability: Electric outdoor pizza ovens are often lightweight and designed for easy transportation, making them suitable for backyard gatherings and camping trips.
• Power Source: These ovens require an electrical outlet, which may limit where you can set them up, especially in more remote outdoor settings.

Electric outdoor pizza ovens are generally straightforward to operate, requiring minimal setup and preparation time. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy homemade pizza without the complexities often associated with traditional wood-fired ovens.

These ovens typically feature precise temperature controls, allowing users to achieve the ideal cooking conditions for pizzas. This level of control helps in consistently producing a perfectly cooked pizza, ensuring that the crust is crisp and the toppings are well-cooked.

Many electric models come equipped with safety features such as automatic shut-off and insulated exteriors, making them safer to use around children and pets. This added layer of safety is a significant advantage for families who want to enjoy outdoor cooking without worry.

Electric outdoor pizza ovens are often lightweight and designed for easy transportation, making them suitable for backyard gatherings and camping trips. Their portability means you can take your pizza-making skills wherever you go, enhancing outdoor social experiences.

These ovens require an electrical outlet, which may limit where you can set them up, especially in more remote outdoor settings. This dependency on electricity is a consideration for users who enjoy cooking in places without convenient access to power.

What Temperature Is Ideal for Cooking Pizza Perfectly in an Outdoor Oven?

The ideal temperature for cooking pizza in an outdoor oven is crucial for achieving the perfect crust and toppings.

• Wood-Fired Oven: Typically reaches temperatures between 700°F to 900°F (370°C to 480°C), allowing for a quick cook time of about 90 seconds to 2 minutes. This high heat creates a beautifully charred crust while keeping the toppings fresh and flavorful.
• Gas Pizza Oven: Generally operates between 500°F to 700°F (260°C to 370°C), which is great for cooking pizza evenly in about 5 to 10 minutes. While not as blistering as wood-fired ovens, they still provide excellent results with a crispy crust and well-cooked toppings.
• Charcoal Pizza Oven: Can achieve temperatures similar to wood-fired ovens, often around 700°F (370°C) when properly managed. The smoky flavor from the charcoal adds a unique taste to the pizza, and like wood-fired models, it cooks pizzas quickly, generally within 2 to 4 minutes.
• Electric Pizza Oven: Usually operates at lower temperatures, around 450°F to 600°F (230°C to 315°C), cooking pizzas in about 10 to 15 minutes. While not as traditional, they are convenient and can still yield a decent pizza with a good balance of crust and topping cooking.

Which Brands Are Considered the Best for Outdoor Pizza Ovens?

The best outdoor pizza oven brands offer a combination of quality, performance, and value for pizza enthusiasts.

• Ooni: Ooni is renowned for its portable and efficient outdoor pizza ovens, which heat up quickly and can reach temperatures of up to 932°F. Their models, such as the Ooni Koda and Ooni Karu, are versatile, allowing for wood, charcoal, or gas use, making them suitable for various cooking styles.
• Roccbox: Roccbox is celebrated for its high-quality construction and excellent heat retention, which enables it to cook pizzas in just 60 seconds. This oven features a dual-fuel option, allowing users to switch between gas and wood, and boasts a portable design that is easy to set up and use outdoors.
• Camp Chef: Camp Chef offers robust outdoor pizza ovens that provide a larger cooking surface, perfect for making multiple pizzas at once. Their ovens feature a unique flame technology that ensures even heat distribution and come with additional accessories, like pizza stones, to enhance the cooking experience.
• Breville: Breville’s outdoor pizza ovens are known for their innovative features, including an integrated heating element that mimics a traditional pizza oven’s cooking environment. With precise temperature controls and a built-in timer, these ovens deliver consistent results and are suitable for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Pizza Party: Pizza Party ovens are designed for serious pizza aficionados, offering a professional-grade experience with high-temperature capabilities. Their ovens are built with refractory materials that retain heat exceptionally well, allowing for the perfect Neapolitan-style pizza in a matter of minutes.
• Gozney: Gozney is recognized for its sleek design and exceptional performance, with models like the Roccbox and Dome, which are capable of reaching high temperatures and cooking pizzas quickly. These ovens are constructed with durable materials and come with a range of features, including insulation for better heat retention and a built-in thermometer for precise cooking.

What Price Range Should You Expect for High-Quality Outdoor Pizza Ovens?

When considering the price range for high-quality outdoor pizza ovens, you can expect to find a variety of options based on their features and materials.

• Entry-Level Ovens ($200 – $500): These pizza ovens are typically compact and made from lighter materials, making them portable and easy to set up. They may have basic functionalities and are suitable for casual users who want to enjoy homemade pizza without a significant investment.
• Mid-Range Ovens ($500 – $1,500): This category includes more robust models often constructed from durable materials such as stainless steel or stone, providing better heat retention and cooking performance. Mid-range ovens usually offer additional features like adjustable temperature controls, larger cooking surfaces, and sometimes even built-in thermometers, appealing to more serious pizza enthusiasts.
• High-End Ovens ($1,500 – $5,000+): High-end outdoor pizza ovens are designed for serious cooks and often come with professional-grade materials and advanced technology. They are typically larger, with superior insulation and heating capabilities, allowing for a true wood-fired or gas-cooked pizza experience, and may include customizable features such as rotisserie kits or smoke boxes.

What Tips Can Enhance Your Outdoor Pizza Cooking Experience?

To enhance your outdoor pizza cooking experience, consider the following tips:

• Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your outdoor pizza oven for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures that the cooking surface reaches the optimal temperature, allowing for a perfectly cooked crust with a crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Invest in high-quality ingredients for your pizza, including fresh dough, premium cheeses, and flavorful toppings. The quality of your ingredients directly affects the taste and overall enjoyment of your pizza.
• Rotate the Pizza: As the pizza cooks, rotate it every 30 seconds to ensure even cooking. This helps to prevent any side from burning and allows for a uniformly golden crust.
• Experiment with Different Styles: Don’t limit yourself to traditional pizzas; try cooking different styles such as Neapolitan, Chicago deep-dish, or even dessert pizzas. This variety not only keeps your pizza nights exciting but also helps you discover new flavor combinations.
• Keep Tools Handy: Have all your cooking tools within reach, including a pizza peel, a cutter, and heat-resistant gloves. This organization will streamline the cooking process and enhance your overall efficiency while cooking outdoors.
• Monitor Temperature: Use an infrared thermometer to check the oven’s surface temperature. Different pizza styles require different cooking temperatures, and monitoring this will help you achieve the best results.
• Use a Pizza Stone: Incorporating a pizza stone in your outdoor oven can help retain heat and absorb moisture, resulting in a crispier crust. Preheat the stone along with the oven for optimal results.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out perfectly. Each cooking session is an opportunity to learn and improve your technique, so keep experimenting until you find your perfect pizza.

Related Post:

• Best gas oven stove
• Best home pizza oven
• Best gas oven
• Best electric oven
• Best oven