Let’s be real, everybody loves pizza! The smell of a cheesy, homemade pizza baking in the oven is hard to resist. And now, with outdoor pizza ovens, you can enjoy wood-fired pizza from the comfort of your own backyard!
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Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens
Have you always dreamed of making delicious pizzas while enjoying an evening outdoors? We sure have. Building your own pizzas sparks creativity. Plus, it means that everyone can add their favorite toppings!
Outdoor pizza ovens will take your pizza parties to the next level. You’ll be making yummy pizza in minutes and they’ll be the highlight of any gathering.
Outdoor pizza ovens are fun to use, need short prep time, and produce an unbeatable flavor. Wood-fired pizzas ovens also add a unique smoky flavor to your pizza. You can alter this smoky flavor with different types of wood too!
This versatile piece of equipment can cook and bake many more items as well. You can bake bread, roast chicken, and even grill vegetables!
In this guide, we will review the best outdoor pizza ovens on the market. You’ll be well on your way to making mouth-watering pizzas for you and your friends. All our recommendations reach high optimal temperatures for making the best homemade pizzas.
Our Picks: The Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens
- Editors Pick: Deco Chef Outdoor 2-in-1 Portable Pizza Oven
- Best Overall: Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven + Pizza Peel Combo
- Best Small Budget: Big Horn Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Best Luxury: Ooni Karu 16 Multi Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Best for Beginners: BakerStone Portable Gas Pizza Oven
/Editors Pick/
Deco Chef Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Deco Chef Outdoor 2-in-1 Portable Pizza Oven is the ultimate portable pizza oven. It brings real wood-fired pizza from your backyard to camping trips and even tailgating events!
It’s easy to use, portable and lets you cook more than just pizza using interchangeable grilling grates.
The enclosed stainless steel design reaches temperatures up to 950° Fahrenheit. This high heat means you can cook pizzas in under five minutes!
The 3-layer insulated design keeps all the ashes away from your food. Plus, it provides excellent heat retention. The heat source for this portable pizza oven is lump charcoal or hardwood pellets. These add unmatchable flavor to your cooking experience. Something you wouldn’t get with a conventional oven.
This wood-fired oven features bonus accessories too! It comes with a removable fuel tray, a pizza peel and pizza stone, a dough scraper, and a scoop. It also has a removable stainless steel slotted grill grate with a drip tray. Everything you need to cook the best wood-fired pizza along with steak and veggies. All in a high-temperature environment.
What we liked
- Solid, insulated structure
- Charcoal or wood pellets fuel source
- Easy assembly and minimal maintenance
- Includes many bonus accessories
What we didn’t like
- Must maintain fire source for temperature control
/Best Overall/
Bertello Wood Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven + Pizza Peel Combo is a great charcoal pizza oven. It offers the option to hook up to a propane tank or natural gas for effortless temperature control. This affordable, high-quality pizza oven is lightweight too. It’s easy to transport and small enough for convenient pizza-making almost anywhere.
Using wood chunks, charcoal, or wood pellets, this pizza oven reaches high temperatures of 930°Fahrenheit. This means you can cook a delicious wood-fired pizza in minutes. It includes a cordierite pizza stone, a pellet scoop, and a fuel tray to place wood chunks, charcoal, or wood pellets.
What we liked
- Gas compatible
- Portable
- Pizza stone included
What we didn’t like
- Gas hookup sold separately
/Best Small Budget/
Big Horn Wood Pellet Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Big Horn Outdoor Pizza Oven is a great budget-friendly option for an outdoor pizza oven. It’s made of high-quality stainless steel and reaches temperatures of 860°Fahrenheit. The construction is durable. And because of its small size and minimal assembly requirements, is completely portable. With small foldable legs, this is a great tabletop oven.
Cooking the best pizza has never been easier. Add your wood pellets to the top pellet hopper, ignite, let sit for 15-20 minutes, and slide your new pizza in! Be sure to keep a watchful eye on your pizza, as it only takes about 90 seconds to achieve the perfect pie.
This oven doesn’t only cook pizza though. You can also cook a variety of meats and vegetables, making this a versatile tool that you’ll get tons of use out of.
One downside is that the opening is quite small. Figuring out the best way to rotate the pizza may take a learning curve. Furthermore, users have noticed that the flames do escape from the oven’s top. It’s important to set up away from trees, tents, or flammable objects.
What we liked
- Budget-friendly
- Durable material
- Quick assembly
What we didn’t like
- Small opening
- Pizza peel not included
/Best Luxury/
Ooni Karu 16 – Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Ooni Karu 16 Multi Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven is from a well-known brand. They’re known for making some of the best outdoor pizza ovens on the market. This model features some of the brand’s newest technology. It’s worlds better than the traditional pizza oven!
It has optimized airflow engineering and a well-insulated carbon steel body. This provides excellent temperature control and fuel efficiency. Plus, a digital thermometer displays the internal temperature of the oven. You’ll be very impressed with the temperature control on this unit.
This unit uses either wood or charcoal for optimal wood-fired taste. But it also has the option to hook up to a propane tank for hassle-free cooking. The cooking area reaches super-hot temperatures of 950°F in only 15 minutes. You can cook the perfect Neapolitan-style pizza in less than a minute! Our favorite part is the glass door that lets you pay close attention while you cook dinner.
What we liked
- Optimized airflow technology
- Fuel efficient
- Digital thermometer
- Glass door to watch the magic happen
What we didn’t like
- Not very portable
- Gas burner sold separately
/Best for Beginners/
BakerStone Portable Gas Pizza Oven
The BakerStone Portable Gas Pizza Oven is a little different from the others on our list because it is completely gas-powered. This makes it the best pizza oven for beginners! You don’t have to worry about the trouble that burning wood chips can cause. No stoking the flame or controlling airflow for temperature control.
This pizza oven uses 20 lb cylinder propane tanks for fuel. It has a 25,000 BTU burner system that reaches high temperatures of 800˚ Fahrenheit. This is quite high despite being a gas-burning unit. The unique 5-sided stone baking chamber removes the need for pizza stones. The radiant heat gives a beautifully charred crust every time. Plus. all parts are removable for easy clean-up. It’s compact and lightweight enough to take with you anywhere you go.
What we liked
- Easy to use
- 5-sided baking chamber reaches high temperatures
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
What we didn’t like
- Less stable than higher-end models
- Temperature gauge isn’t very precise
Our Results for the Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens
Well, there you have it! These are our top picks for the best outdoor pizza ovens for your backyard or camping trips. Here’s a recap:
- Editors Pick: Deco Chef Outdoor 2-in-1 Portable Pizza Oven
“easy to use, completely portable and allows you to switch between pizzas and anything else using the interchangeable grilling grates” - Best Overall: Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven + Pizza Peel Combo
“also offers the option to hook up to gas for effortless temperature control” - Best Small Budget: Big Horn Outdoor Pizza Oven
“because of its small size and minimal assembly requirements, is completely portable” - Best Luxury: Ooni Karu 16 Multi Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven
“optimized airflow engineering paired with a highly insulted carbon steel body provides excellent temperature control and fuel efficiency” - Best for Beginners: BakerStone Portable Gas Pizza Oven
” 5-sided stone baking chamber removes the need for additional pizza stone”
Things to consider when buying an Outdoor Pizza Oven
Here are a few important factors to consider before you decide on the best outdoor pizza oven for your backyard.
Stationary vs. Portable
Lucky for you, there are both stationary and portable outdoor pizza ovens available. Each unit does a great job of preparing a homemade pizza for small to large gatherings. But how do you know which type of outdoor oven is best for you?
Stationary pizza ovens, like brick ovens, are large, heavy, and designed to stay in place. But, with larger ovens, you get the option of cooking large pizzas or many small pizzas at once. This is great for large gatherings and pizza parties. Stationary pizza ovens are usually built into a backyard outdoor kitchen and are designed to last a very long time.
Small and portable pizza ovens are great for on-the-go activities. They’re perfect for camping, tailgating events, or bringing to a friend’s house. Though the cooking surface is small, you can still make some of the best pizzas in a few minutes. Portable pizza ovens are small, lightweight, and easy to store.
Fuel Source
An outdoor pizza oven will either run on charcoal, wood pellets or chunks, or propane gas. Using wood as your primary fuel source will give an unmatchable and authentic flavor. This is sure to amaze your guests.
Yet, stoking the fire and holding an even temperature can be difficult. It will take a bit of a learning curve.
A propane fuelled pizza oven will be easier to control. Plus, the cleanup will be a breeze. For some, easy temperature maintenance outweighs the need for a smoky flavor. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference.
Design
The design of the pizza oven will affect how the pizza cooks. For example, the presence of air vents will ensure the most air circulation. More air circulation means greater temperature control and distribution.
Another great design feature would be removable parts for easy cleaning at the end of the night. By disassembling your pizza oven, you can ensure a deep clean every time. Remove the build-up of ash or burnt pizza spillage after every use.
Maintenance
Caring for your pizza oven ensures years and years of use. To maintain your pizza oven, it’s important to clean it after every use. By cleaning it often, you can avoid build-up and keep it looking brand new for years.
Make sure to brush away the ashes after every use to avoid ashy pizza. Even if you choose wood fired pizza oven with a chimney, make sure to clean any built-up ashe at least once a year. Every unit, big or small demands maintenance, so pick one that will be easy to manage.
Pizza Accessories
Some outdoor pizza ovens come with free pizza accessories which is always an added bonus! Having accessories included can justify the price you’re paying. Otherwise, you would have to spend a lot of extra money to get the full setup.
A great accessory to look for is a pizza peel. A pizza peel is a tool that sort of looks like a pizza shovel and helps to insert, rotate, and remove your pizza with ease. For the best wood-fired pizza oven experience, you need a pizza peel! Look for a unit that already comes with one! Ps. The Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven comes with a pizza peel!
Pizza stones are also great accessories to look for. They can be made of metal, stone, or ceramic (cordierite). Pizza stones absorb heat and distribute it throughout its entire surface area. This gives you an evenly cooked pizza every time.
It is possible that your pizza oven already comes with a built-in pizza stone! The BakerStone Portable Gas Pizza Oven has a unique 5-side stone chamber. This chamber creates an evenly distributed environment to cook your pizza.
Other important accessories to look for include barbecue gloves and a fire starter to light your fuel of choice. A built-in thermometer like the one found on the Ooni Karu 16. If your chosen package includes a number of these items, it’s safe to assume it’s a great choice.
Other essential accessories include barbecue gloves to keep you safe from any burns. A fire starter,(preferably electric) is also necessary to light your wood or charcoal.
Brand and Price
Finally, while selecting the best outdoor pizza ovens, you should always look at the brand. Choose a reliable brand that has years of experience making successful pizza ovens. Look at reviews, return policies, warranties, and customer support before investing in such a product.
It’s also worth considering your budget before making an investment like this one. Our list ranges from small-budget pizza ovens like the Big Horn Outdoor Pizza Oven to luxury, high-end models like the Ooni Karu 16 Multi Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven. Both perform well, the only difference being added bonus features.
BBQ Hero Cooking Tips: Always keep a watchful eye on your pizza while it’s in the pizza oven. Since we’re cooking at such high temperatures, it only takes 60-90 seconds for your pizza to be cooked perfectly. Any longer, and you risk a severely burnt crust.
Features to consider when choosing an Outdoor Pizza Oven
There are a few more features to think about while searching for the best pizza oven for you.
Construction Material
An outdoor pizza oven should have quality insulation. Since a wood-fired pizza needs high temperatures, ensure your oven can hold these high temperatures well. Your chosen unit should have a well-insulated dome and hearth.
If you’re searching for a stationary pizza oven, there are more materials to consider. Specifically, brick or steel. A brick pizza oven will absorb heat throughout the entire dome. It will then evenly distribute that heat throughout the interior.
One downside of a brick pizza oven is that it takes a lot longer to preheat. Moreover, they must be “cured” almost the same way you season a cast iron skillet. You must season and cure the entire structure of the pizza oven before use.
Steel pizza ovens heat up much quicker and cool quickly as well. Furthermore, steel pizza ovens will be a lot easier to move from place to place. As opposed to brick ovens, which are more than likely to remain in one location forever.
Dimensions
The size of your pizza oven will determine the size of the pizza you’re making. If you choose a small and portable pizza oven, it’s likely that the size of your pizzas will be small. This forces the grillmaster to spend a lot of time in front of the oven on pizza nights. Leading to a lengthy cooking process.
If you have a large family (or a large appetite) it might be worth investing in a larger oven to feed more people at once.
If you have limited space or you’re looking for a pizza oven to bring camping, smaller is better! A small pizza oven will be easy to pack up and bring along wherever the adventure takes you. Small pizza ovens also demand less fuel and heat up more quickly than large ones.
Warranty
When you make a big purchase like this one, it’s important to consider what kind of warranty you’re protected by. Even when properly maintained, things can go wrong and you might have no control over the outcome. There may be faulty parts, or you might not be happy with your decision. This is where a warranty comes in handy.
Also, when a company offers a free lifetime warranty you know it’s a good product. The company trusts will do its job.
Tips For Maintaining Outdoor Pizza Ovens
Here’s a bonus How-To Guide for the best way to get the most out of your outdoor pizza oven. Follow these steps to ensure your pizza oven lasts for years to come.
- Read the manual. Every oven is different. Make sure you read the user’s manual carefully before using starting it up for the first time.
- Initial Burn. Before using your pizza oven for the first time, perform an extra-long pre-heat. Letting your pizza oven run for at least 30 minutes will eliminate any impurities from the factory. This will ensure a nice clean cooking environment.
- Clean often. The manual’s instructions will guide you on your oven’s regular maintenance. Make sure you follow all these steps to prevent any damage to your unit.
- Use warm water. Clean your pizza stone by using a brush and hot water. Avoid chemicals at every cost. Chemicals might get absorbed in the stone and alter the flavour of your pizza.
- Protect from the elements. Consider investing in a weatherproof cover to protect your pizza oven against harsh weather climates.
Safety Tips for Outdoor Pizza Ovens
It’s important to handle ovens of any kind with care and caution. This is especially true for pizza ovens because they reach such high temperatures. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when handling your new outdoor pizza oven.
Use Oven Mitts
Pizza ovens reach very high temperatures. Quickly. Cooking pizza needs constant attention and occasional rotations. Expect to be up close and personal with your oven quite frequently. It’s important to protect your hands while reaching in to adjust your pizza, even if you’re using a pizza peel!
Sturdy Surface
Many pizza ovens are portable and can be transported from place to place. If you have a portable pizza oven, it’s important to test the surface you’re placing it on. Ensure that it’s sturdy enough to handle the weight of the unit, and won’t be at risk of falling over if bumped. Check the sturdiness of the surface before you ignite your oven.
Clean Once Cooled
Pizza ovens reach very high temperatures. It might take them a while to cool completely once finished. Wait until your pizza oven has cooled before disassembling and cleaning it.
BBQ Hero Tip: Don’t skip the preheat! The best wood-fired pizzas need to be cooked at very high temperatures. This is how you get that beautifully charred crust. Don’t place your pizza inside the oven until you’re sure it has reached its maximum temperature.
