Best Outdoor Pizza Oven
- by Dino Paccino
- Last Updated: June 28, 2023
The best outdoor pizza ovens are distinguished by performance characteristics such as maximum temperature, portability, and ease of use. An outdoor pizza oven’s core function is to heat and cook pizza dough. The best outdoor pizza oven is one that heats pizza dough quickly and thoroughly, at a reasonable cost, and without using too many additional resources. One of the most common use cases of outdoor pizza ovens includes heating pizza dough to make pizza and making bread.
One way to choose is by going with the best-rated outdoor pizza oven. Outdoor pizza oven reviews and ratings are a good indicator of what you can expect when you buy it. The best outdoor pizza oven brand names include Ooni, Gozney, BakerStone, Camp Chef, Alfa, and Fontana Forni.
Our Top Outdoor Pizza Oven Picks
- 1. Best Overall - ROCCBOX Gozney Portable
- 2. Best Value for Money - Ooni Frya 12 Wood Fired
- 3. Best Budget - BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12 Inch
- 4. Best Versatility - Bertello Outdoor Bundle
- 5. Best Portable - Cuisinart CPO-600 Portable
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1. ROCCBOX Gozney Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven
- 932 degrees fahrenheit maximum temperature
- Inbuilt thermometer
- Retractable legs
The ROCCBOX Gozney Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven we tested is powerful, it can reach a maximum temperature of over 932 degrees Fahrenheit and cook a pizza in 60 seconds. It is also very portable since the legs are retractable and the fuel burners are detachable.
This pizza oven stands out for its versatility, as users can power it with gas or wood through an optional, detachable wood burner accessory. The outer body is also lined with silicone, which makes it safer than ovens with stainless steel surfaces that may create a burn risk to the user when the oven is fired.
The ROCCBOX Gozney Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven and the Ooni Frya 12 Wood Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven are both portable outdoor pizza ovens that use wood as fuel. However, the ROCCBOX is a gas-powered oven as well, whereas the Ooni Frya is purely wood-fired. Also, the Ooni Frya has a larger cooking surface compared to ROCCBOX.
Pros
- Portable
- Low burn risk
Cons
- Expensive compared to direct competitors
2. Ooni Frya 12 Wood Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Ultra-light, 22 lbs. body
- 950 degrees fahrenheit maximum temperature
The Ooni Frya 12 Wood Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven is very easy to maintain, as it is powered by hardwood pellets. The maximum temperature is 950 degrees Fahrenheit and pizzas can be cooked in this oven in under one minute. It is very light, only weighing 22 pounds, which adds to its portability.
Ooni has an incredible reputation when it comes to customer service. Purchasers of this oven will benefit from the one-year warranty that comes with all Ooni products and this warranty can be extended to three years if the customer decides to register their oven with the company.
Compared to another product we tried out, the Ooni Frya 12 Wood Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven and the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven Everything Bundle are both wood-fired ovens with similar cooking surfaces, but the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven Everything Bundle comes with additional accessories, such as a pizza peel and a pizza-making guide.
Pros
- Portable
- Warranty included
- Even and efficient heating
Cons
- Chimney is large and bulky
3. Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven Everything Bundle
- Matte black stainless steel body
- Gas, charcoal, and wood powering capabilities
This outdoor pizza oven we tried out is very versatile, as it offers users the ability to power the oven with charcoal, gas, or wood. It is also very sleek, built with a matte black stainless steel finish.
This purchasing kit is good for consumers who want flexibility, as it comes with a separate gas burner, pizza peel, wood tray, cover, and thermometer. This means that any consumer will have all the necessary equipment upon purchase of this oven to make pizzas. The 12.5” wide and 13.5” deep body of the oven accommodates pizzas sizable enough to meet home cooking needs.
Comparing the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven Everything Bundle and the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12-Inch Wood Pellet Burning Pizza Oven, both outdoor pizza ovens, but they differ in their features and capabilities. The Bertello oven has a higher build quality, and additional features, and is fueled by wood or charcoal, while the BIG HORN OUTDOORS oven is fueled by wood pellets and has a higher price point. The Bertello oven also has a higher maximum temperature, which makes it better for cooking pizzas quickly, while the BIG HORN OUTDOORS oven has a larger cooking surface, which makes it better for cooking multiple pizzas at once.
Pros
- Versatile
- Sleek
Cons
- Heavier than its direct competitors
4. BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12 Inch Wood Pellet Burning Pizza Oven
- Folding legs
- Gas, charcoal, and wood powering capabilities
The Big Horn Outdoors 12 Inch Wood Pellet Burning Pizza Oven is compact and sleek. Based on our evaluation, users do not have to sacrifice power for size, as the oven can reach maximum temperatures of 860 degrees Fahrenheit. It can achieve cooked pizzas in under 2 minutes of cooking time, so it is perfect for pizza parties.
This oven is very portable, weighing only 28.3 pounds, and equipped with folding legs. The compact design and easy assembly also make this oven easy to clean. At a price of only $200, it is one of the most affordable outdoor pizza ovens on the market.
The BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12 Inch Wood Pellet Burning Pizza Oven and the Cuisinart CPO-600 Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven are both portable outdoor pizza ovens, but they use different fuel sources. The BIG HORN OUTDOORS oven uses wood pellets while the Cuisinart CPO-600 uses propane gas. The Cuisinart CPO-600 has a larger cooking surface compared to the BIG HORN OUTDOORS oven
Pros
- Compact
- Lots of interior space to cook pizzas
Cons
- Takes 18 minutes to fully heat up for cooking
5. Cuisinart CPO-600 Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Integrated smoker cup
- Convection, conduction, reflected heat capacities
The Cuisinart CPO-600 Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven is both compact and powerful. It utilizes convection, conduction, and reflected heat to generate high temperatures. With a max heat capability of 15,000 BTUs, this oven can cook pizzas quickly and evenly in just 5 minutes. After testing, we can say that it is very portable and easy to assemble, as the oven can come together in 10 minutes or less.
There are other features that make this oven convenient; it comes equipped with a 12” pizza peel and an integrated smoker cup. These additions make the pizza cooking process easy and increase the flavor of the finished pizza.
Compared to the ROCCBOX Gozney Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven, the Cuisinart CPO-600 Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven and the ROCCBOX Gozney Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven are both gas-powered portable outdoor pizza ovens, but the ROCCBOX has a higher maximum temperature and can also use wood as fuel. The ROCCBOX is also more expensive than the Cuisinart CPO-600.
Pros
- Compact
- Affordable
- Pizza peel included
Cons
- Slow pizza cook time for outdoor oven
6. U-MAX Outdoor Pizza Oven Wood Fire with Waterproof Cover
- High grade steel with powder-coated surface
- Wheels and thermoresistant handle for easy transport
This outdoor pizza oven we tried out is a great addition to any backyard. It is sturdy, made from high grade steel that heats the oven evenly and its surface is powder-coated which reduces corrosion risk in the long-term. Within 20-30 minutes, this oven can reach temperatures of over 700 degrees fahrenheit and can be used to bake pizzas, breads, and meats safely and quickly.
The U-MAX Outdoor Pizza Oven is fueled by firewood and can be moved around easily as it is equipped with two big wheels and a thermoresistant handle. U-MAX customers can be confident in their purchases due to the company’s customer service team, which has a strong response time of fewer than 24 hours and can provide replacement parts if any parts of the oven arrive defective.
Pros
- Strong build quality
- U-MAX customer service is strong
- Easy to move
Cons
- Oven can be moved around in outdoor areas but it is not portable
7. Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven
- Folding legs for easy storage
- Powder coated carbon steel shell
The Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven is a powerful oven we tried in the Ooni pizza oven product family. It heats up very quickly as pizza can be fired in the oven after 15 minutes of heating and then cooked to completion in under 1 minute. It is also very easy to use and assemble, as the product comes ready to use right out of the box.
It is ultra-portable, as the legs unfold and the body is designed for efficient storage. The powder-coated carbon steel shell allows this oven to retain heat very well, and the instant gas ignition means that the end-to-end process of pizza making takes less than 20 minutes with this oven.
Pros
- Portable
- No assembly required
Cons
- Expensive
8. BIG HORN OUTDOORS Gas Pizza Oven, Portable Propane Pizza Oven
- 13-inch pizza stone that absorbs moisture and retains heat
- Anti skid foots for easy placement on outdoor surfaces
The Big Horn Outdoors Gas Pizza Oven is very powerful, as it can reach 662 degrees Fahrenheit in 5-7 minutes and an overall maximum temperature of 1180 degrees Fahrenheit. It is designed with an arc-shaped chamber that allows for maximum heat circulation and is durable, and is made of high-quality stainless steel. The max heat capacity of 23000 BTU makes this propane-powered oven one of the most powerful pizza ovens available.
In addition to being powerful, this oven is portable, as the parts can be taken apart easily for cleaning and storage. The anti-skid foot construction allows it to sit comfortably on any surface and the built-in thermometer makes it easy for users of this oven to regulate the cooking process with a clear read on the oven’s internal temperature.
Pros
- Portable
- High max heat capacity
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Outdoor surface may be hot to the touch when oven is in use
9. Stoke Gas Pizza Oven - Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Heat-resistant carbon steel shell
- 16” interior
The Stoke Gas Pizza Oven Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven, 16 Inch Gas Powered Backyard Pizza maker is designed to be smokeless. It is portable, fitting into a travel-sized weather-proof carrying bag so it can be taken on camping or road trips.
After testing we can say that the 16” interior of the oven makes it great for people who want to make larger pies, and the combination of gas and wood-fired options allows users to adjust the smokiness and flavor of their final products, whether that be pizza, meat, or roasted vegetables. This oven is also built for user safety, as it is constructed with a heat-resistant carbon steel shell to minimize the risk of contact burns during the cooking process.
Pros
- Versatility due to gas and wood fired options
- Oven can be assembled in less than 5 minutes
- Sleek design
Cons
- Slightly heavy
10. Pellethead Smokin' Po Boy Charcoal and Pellet Pizza Oven
- Removable telescoping chimney
- Pellethead heat retention technology
The design of this outdoor pizza oven we tried out allows users to manipulate fire to cook the best possible pizza. The pelleted heat retention technology lets flames guide the cooking process and the pizza oven comes with a flame blower to help users achieve hot cooking temperatures more quickly.
The telescoping chimney keeps smoke away from the eyes and controls the draft generated in the cooking process. The legs fold away and the chimney is removable, so the oven is portable. The combination of a stainless steel body and wood-coated handles gives this oven a vintage design.
Pros
- Vintage design
- Portable
Cons
- High learning curve
11. GYBER Fremont Trunk-shape Portable Pizza Oven 12” Outdoor Wood, Charcoal & Pellets Pizza Maker
- Detachable parts
- Smoky pellets
The GYBER Fremont Trunk-shaped Portable Pizza oven is designed for easy storage and transport, as the trunk shape fits into many different types of storage corridors. After our evaluation, we can say that it is powerful, as it can be heated to 900 degrees Fahrenheit and cook pizzas within 3-4 minutes.
The smoky wood hardwood pellets give a unique taste to dishes that are cooked in this oven. It also has the benefit of being easy to clean as the chimney pipe, oven body, door handle, firebox, and pizza stone are all detachable. Each of these components can be washed easily.
Pros
- Oven can be stored easily
- Light
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No surface protection so there might be a risk of burns when oven is on
12. BakerStone 9152403 Portable Gas Pizza Oven, Black
- Optional attachments make it versatile
- 25,000 BTU burner system
The BakerStone 9152403 Portable Gas Pizza Oven is small and powerful. It has an impressive maximum heat capacity of 25,000 BTU burner system that can reach over 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
The portability of this oven is unmatched compared to other products we tested, as the legs are foldable and the oven itself is removable when these are removed, optional accessories can be attached such as a full griddle and grill grates making this oven very versatile.
Pros
- Portable
- Compact
Cons
- May not be as sturdy as other outdoor ovens
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Pizza Oven
When you’re looking through the different outdoor pizza ovens on the market, consider the following:
Fuel Source
Fuel options for outdoor pizza ovens include wood, gas, and pellets. Regarding price, practicality, and flavor, each type of gasoline has benefits and drawbacks.
Cooking Surface
The number of pizzas you can produce at once and how evenly they cook will depend on the size and type of cooking surface you use.
Maximum Temperature
How quickly and thoroughly the pizza can cook depends on the oven’s temperature range. A crispier crust often results from higher temperatures.
Portability
The portability of some outdoor pizza ovens makes them ideal for camping vacations or outdoor gatherings.
Build Quality
Look for ovens made with sturdy materials that can resist exposure to the elements outside.
Additional Features
Some outdoor pizza ovens are equipped with extras like built-in thermometers, pizza peels, and other add-ons that can improve the whole cooking process.
Price
The cost of outdoor pizza ovens can vary greatly, so take your budget into account while choosing one.
Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens | Fuel source | Cooking surface | Maximum temperature | Portability | Build quality | Additional features | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ROCCBOX Gozney Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Ooni Frya 12 Wood Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven Everything Bundle | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12 Inch Wood Pellet Burning Pizza Oven | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Cuisinart CPO-600 Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
U-MAX Outdoor Pizza Oven Wood Fire with Waterproof Cover | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
BIG HORN OUTDOORS Gas Pizza Oven, Portable Propane Pizza Oven | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Stoke Gas Pizza Oven – Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Pellethead Smokin’ Po Boy Charcoal and Pellet Pizza Oven | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
GYBER Fremont Trunk-shape Portable Pizza Oven 12” Outdoor Wood, Charcoal & Pellets Pizza Maker | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
BakerStone 9152403 Portable Gas Pizza Oven, Black | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Types of Pizza Ovens
There are at least 4 outdoor pizza ovens on the market. Their features characterize these.
- Wood outdoor pizza oven: A wood-fired or wood-burning outdoor pizza oven uses wood to heat pizza. Wood outdoor pizza ovens are capable of high temperatures, up to 900-degrees Fahrenheit, and can cook a pizza in as little as 60 seconds. Wood gives pizzas a unique flavor, usually taking on the smoky flavor of the wood used.
- Gas outdoor pizza oven: A gas outdoor pizza oven is powered by gas. Gas outdoor pizza ovens give you more control over your cooking temperatures. A gas outdoor pizza oven may be enclosed in brick or stone materials, depending on if you want a modern or contemporary look. Gas outdoor pizza ovens may be more efficient.
- Coal outdoor pizza oven: A coal outdoor pizza oven is slower to cook than a wood-fired outdoor pizza oven but gives you a crispier crust.
- Stainless steel outdoor pizza oven: A stainless steel pizza oven is a modern choice that uses the durability and flexibility of steel to cook the pizza in your backyard.
It is worth noting that outdoor pizza ovens are not confined to one type. They can have a number of these features.
FAQs on The Best Outdoor Pizza Oven
What are the best wood outdoor pizza ovens?
The best wood outdoor pizza ovens are the Ooni Frya 12 Wood Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven and the ROCCBOX Gozney Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven. They are both incredibly powerful, capable of reaching over 900 degrees Fahrenheit which allows pizzas to be cooked in under 1 minute.
What are the best gas outdoor pizza ovens?
The Bighorn outdoor gas pizza oven and the Stoke gas pizza oven are some of the best gas outdoor pizza ovens available on the market. They both have large oven interiors allowing users to cook large pizzas and roast large quantities of meat and vegetables at any given time.
What are the best coal outdoor pizza ovens?
The Pellethead Smokin’ Po Boy Charcoal and Pellet Pizza Oven is one of the best coal outdoor pizza ovens available on the market. It has a removable telescoping chimney that helps control the draft generated by the cooking process.
What are the best stainless steel pizza ovens?
The Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven is one of the best stainless steel outdoor pizza ovens on the market. It has a matte black stainless steel body and can be powered by gas, coal, or wood pellets.
What functionality should you expect from an outdoor pizza oven?
The functionality that you should expect from an outdoor pizza oven includes fast heating, even heating, removable parts for easy cleaning and transport, and features such as a thermometer to help users regulate temperature. Good heat control will increase the likelihood of a good finished pizza. Wood pellets, gas, and coal all heat up slightly differently and the heating element that an outdoor pizza oven is equipped with makes an impact on the finished pizza. Some outdoor pizza ovens can be powered by different types of heat sources and others will only work with one.
What is the average price range for the best outdoor pizza ovens?
The best outdoor pizza ovens come at a price range of $150-$600. Outdoor pizza ovens that heat up quickly and have built-in thermometers tend to be more expensive than outdoor pizza ovens that lack these features. Gas-powered outdoor pizza ovens tend to be slightly less expensive than ovens that are fueled by wood pellets. The material of the oven is also factored into the price. Outdoor pizza ovens with carbon steel finishes are more expensive than those with regular steel finishes.
What is the main difference between an outdoor pizza oven and an indoor pizza oven?
The main difference between an outdoor pizza oven and an indoor pizza is their respective use cases. Outdoor pizza ovens are typically made of stainless steel and are not very large. They are only meant for use outdoors. Indoor ovens are built into kitchens, are often made of brick, and are exclusively meant for use indoors. They have ventilation systems specifically integrated into the kitchen into which they are built. Indoor pizza ovens are also often built-in commercial pizzerias and are designed to generate steam which helps the pizza cooking process.
What outdoor pizza oven is considered superior?
Stainless steel outdoor pizza ovens are considered to be superior for most home cooks due to their durability and heat retention. Their design allows for quick heating and high temperatures leading to quick cook times. They are also capable of being made with removable or detachable parts, which makes them portable and easy to store when not used. The versatility and portability offered by stainless steel pizza ovens distinguish them from clay outdoor pizza ovens, which are often harder to move and do not have detachable parts. However, clay outdoor pizza ovens are expensive compared to stainless steel pizza ovens, as they are often custom-made.
What are the common mistakes of using an outdoor pizza oven?
The common mistakes you can make when using an outdoor pizza oven include putting the pizza in the oven before the oven has been fully heated. All outdoor pizza ovens need a specified amount of time to heat up before using them for cooking and users of these ovens must wait for that time period to pass before cooking pizzas in their ovens. Other mistakes include trying to make pizzas that are too large for an individual’s oven. The size of the oven should dictate the size of the pizza being cooked inside that oven. Temperature control is another issue people may have when using their outdoor pizza oven. Even if an oven advertises a specific maximum temperature, the oven may not always reach that temperature, as there are multiple factors that contribute to reaching that maximum temperature. That is why it is best to closely watch the thermometer of the oven while making pizzas if there is a built-in thermometer, and if not to use a separate thermometer gun to keep track of oven temperatures while cooking. Using outdoor pizza ovens properly gets easier as you learn how to use outdoor pizza ovens.
What type of reviews do the best outdoor pizza ovens have?
Outdoor pizza ovens will have a varied range of reviews from excited and disgruntled customers alike. Complaints and praise are often tied to the core features of each type of outdoor pizza oven. The most common praise that wood outdoor pizza ovens will receive is how evenly they heat pizzas. The most common complaints include that they generate a lot of smoke and not all cooks may not know how to control the smoke when making pizzas. The most common praise that gas outdoor pizza ovens receive is how quickly they heat up. The most common complaints include that having to carry a propane tank can make portability an issue.
The most common praise for coal outdoor pizza ovens is that the fire generated by the coal helps with applying localized heat to pizzas. Common complaints include the cleanup involved with using coal-fired ovens. The most common praise for stainless steel outdoor pizza ovens is how durable they are. A common criticism of stainless steel outdoor pizza ovens comes from users who feel that the outer surface of these ovens may get too hot when cooking and that the high surface heat can become a burn risk.
How long do the top outdoor pizza ovens last?
The lifespan of the top outdoor pizza ovens will vary depending on what they are made of and how they are used. A moderately used outdoor pizza oven made of a sturdy material such as stainless steel will have a lifespan of at least fifteen years. This can be stretched to twenty-five years or longer with some care. Usually, most outdoor pizza ovens will have similar life spans, and the difference generally comes down to how well they are maintained.
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Dino Paccino
Dino is a lifelong writer and home improvement specialist. He enjoys bringing cutting-edge information on home renovation and remodeling to Kitchen Infinity.