Top 5 Best Pizza Ovens of 2024

Using the proper pizza utensils enhances the flavor of homemade pizza recipes. Pizza ovens are the ideal addition to any well-stocked outdoor kitchen and an effective way to make delicious pizza at home. Choose from a variety of styles, such as portable gas-powered pizza ovens, wood-fired units, and built-in brick ovens. High heat is essential for a decent pizza oven. You won’t get the proper bake for your dough if the frying surface isn’t heated to at least 700°F. In a pinch, traditional convection ovens work well for pizza, but excellent pizza ovens you can make at home can produce restaurant-quality pizza in your backyard.

Seek for a hot oven if you want to improve your pizza-making skills at home portable, and easy to assemble or set up. To help you find the best pizza oven available, we tested some leading models, comparing 22 outdoor pizza ovens and pizza oven attachments. We cooked up dozens of pizzas back-to-back to assess pre-heating time, temperature consistency, general convenience, and ease of use.

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Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Pizza Ovens of 2024

1.Ooni Koda 16 Pizza Oven

Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

After testing dozens of devices and hundreds of pizzas, the Ooni Koda 16 is the most dependable and user-friendly pizza oven available. It is now practically synonymous with tabletop pizza ovens. Simply take it out of the box and open the legs to make it one of the simplest versions we’ve ever used and assembled. We discovered that the heat was constant from the back to the front of the oven (a big order for most ovens) after it was connected to the gas and lit. The perfect temperature took roughly 25 minutes to reach, and we cooked our pizzas in a whopping 75 seconds — much faster than the 90 seconds that Ooni claims is the normal cook time.

One warning with this type is that the huge oven aperture makes it easier to handle the pies, but be careful while rotating the pizza—those flames are HOT. For added heat protection, we adore Ooni’s pizza gloves (which also function as grill gloves). Compared to all the other models we tested, the Ooni Koda gave us significantly more control over the final product—an essential feature for a high-quality pizza oven. Even though it’s a powerful device, one person can easily move it because to its lightweight design. It’s a great choice for pizza lovers searching for their next best device, and its everyday usage simplicity is indisputable. Nothing compares to the speed, heating power, crust consistency, and convenience of operation, all at a reasonably affordable price else quite compares to the Koda 16.

If you’ve attempted baking your own pies at home and are a true pizza enthusiast, you should give the Ooni Koda 16 careful consideration. It makes excellent pizzas and strikes almost the ideal mix of useful features, affordability, and use. If you enjoy making pizza at home, you should invest in a stand-alone pizza oven because your kitchen oven cannot provide the intense heat required to create a perfect Neapolitan pizza. The Koda is one of the few pizza ovens that can achieve the optimal crust-charring temperature of 750 or 800 degrees.

One of the most well-known brands of backyard pizza ovens is Ooni, which comes in a variety of models to suit whatever size or type of fuel source you may want. In my opinion, the Koda 16 is Ooni’s Goldilocks oven—it’s “just right” in terms of dimensions, complexity, and cost. Yes, there is a more capable model: the Karu, which, among other things, can burn wood or gas. However, that also makes it more difficult to maneuver (the Karu weighs more than 20 pounds more, in addition to being bigger and having a heavy chimney), and not everyone needs or desires all that.

Almost as soon as you open the package, the Koda 16 is ready to use. It is complete assembled, so you only need to unfold the three small legs and attach it to a propane tank (or gas line). Like pretty much every gas-powered pizza oven on the market, Ooni’s user guide recommends testing the gas connection for leaks with soapy water. If you’ve ever owned a gas grill, you know this drill. It only took a few minutes, and then I was ready to start making pizzas.

2.Ooni Karu 12G Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven

Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

With its compact size and ability to run on wood, charcoal, or gas (with a burner adapter), this clever pizza oven from Ooni allows you to personalize your cooking experience. The 12G is an improved model of the well-liked Ooni Karu 12, with a borosilicate glass door, rubber foot grips, a cool-touch door handle, and an integrated temperature indicator. The oven can attain and maintain temperatures of up to 950°F when the door is closed and the chimney is open, while opening the door lets heat escape. The burner tray has been altered to promote airflow for charcoal and wood.

We turned the pizzas every twenty to thirty seconds to prevent them from burning because the stone gets quite hot. Although it’s not a passive process, we found it to be simple Notwithstanding the compact size of the oven, since there is plenty space for a pizza peel to slide in thanks to the drop-down door. Even so, we found that handmade dough worked better than store-bought, which required additional heat to properly cook. Like us, you’ll undoubtedly experience some learning curves with the cook time and heat control, but other than that, it’s simple to operate. It can be lit similarly to a grill. Ooni advises against using lump charcoal or wood without firestarters. To light a spark and add propane to the gas line, simply turn a dial.

Weighing slightly over 34 pounds, the Karu 12G is the lightest pizza oven we tested. Although its legs can be folded down, it cannot be compacted due to the height of the chimney you may need to detach it for storage or traveling. Compared to the portable Roccbox, we preferred its overall design and chimney damper for heat control. While the propane burner attachment ups the initial cost, it’s worth buying if you want a quicker option.

With its modification, the Karu 12 is now essentially a scaled-down version of the multifuel Karu 16. My best-rated pizza oven is the Karu 16, and the new little version has some amazing features that the original Karu 12 did not have. The difference between the two models is significantly reduced by this upgrade. The solid door on the original Karu 12 made it difficult to watch the process of cooking, thus I wasn’t a big admirer. This meant that you had to cook with the door totally off, which let too much heat escape. Furthermore, unlike the modern variants, the door was detachable rather than hinged. All things considered, I’m happy with this remodel and believe it might become one of Ooni’s best sellers.

3.Gozney Dome Dual-Fuel Pizza Oven

Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Your greatest option if you want to make Neapolitan-style pizza at home is the beginner-friendly Gozney Dome. We adore having enough room in this large oven to bake several pies. More room allows you to shift the pizza to a somewhat cooler area of the oven or keep it closer to the fire, giving you more control over direct heat exposure. Although it takes a while to heat up, it does a good job at holding its temperature throughout cooking. It yielded crisp crusts and melting toppings for every pizza. Naturally, using gas is still the fastest way to make pizza, and the dual-fuel Dome provides you with the choice between a standard and gas burner. Gozney manufactures a version for propane that we tested, however natural gas as well.

Throughout cooking, the Dome’s digital thermometer provides accurate temperature readings and controls air flow to provide enough ventilation. Its ceramic-bonded outer covering, which is UV stable and water resistant, is strong enough for outdoor use in any kind of weather. Remember that this is not a choice that is portable. You will need to buy the stand separately if you want it to be mobile. However, we found it to be simple to construct and operate despite its size. It’s a real upgrade if you’re serious about your pizzas and outdoor kitchen, but the price is as high.

Gozney offers two at-home outdoor ovens: the Gozney Roccbox and the higher-tier Dome. It has two ceramic coating colors, olive and bone, and you can choose between a wood-burning oven and a dual-fuel model that uses both wood and gas for heating. (I chose the dual fuel option.) It’s rather large, measuring 26″H x 24.8″D x 28.8″W, yet it still fits on my porch with ease. Due to the second layer of stone on the cooking surface, which promotes better heat retention and even cooking, it weighs 128 pounds.

With the correct accessories—the majority of which are available separately—you may steam bread, smoke salmon, slow-roast brisket, and cook a variety of other foods in the oven, including robust vegetables and proteins. The oven can achieve an interior temperature of 950 degrees Fahrenheit.

There is a dual-fuel oven model that can connect to a natural gas hookup, but mine attaches to a conventional propane tank (which is not included). The gas burner has an easy-to-use dial for turning it on, and the flame comes from the left side. To the right is the detachable ashtray that is placed beneath the section where you construct your wood fire. Thus, the heat source you have is either wood-fired or gas-fueled, coming from the left side of the oven heat from the right. Because of the dome shape, the flames rise up the side and cook your pizza from above, while simultaneously the hot stone heats from the bottom.

4.Gozney Arc

Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Gozney reduced the Dome’s size and eliminated its wood burner and flue in favor of a more compact design with the Arc. The primary benefit of a gas pizza oven is faster cooking; the Arc’s convenience is further enhanced with controls for gas flames and igniting. Compared to the brand’s Roccbox, which we rated as a serious rival, we found it to be easier to operate. The temperature is clearly indicated by the digital thermometer at the front, and heat and smoke are released through an open damper.

In just 24 minutes, the stone reached 750°F, and pizzas cooked in no more than 4 minutes. The flame sits on the left side of the oven, so we turned the pizza every 20 seconds in our tests.Gozney reduced the Dome’s size and eliminated its wood burner and flue in favor of a more compact design with the Arc. The primary benefit of a gas pizza oven is faster cooking; the Arc’s convenience is further enhanced with controls for gas flames and igniting. Compared to the brand’s Roccbox, which we rated as a serious rival, we found it to be easier to operate. The temperature is clearly indicated by the digital thermometer at the front, and heat and smoke are released through an open damper.

In just 24 minutes, the stone reached 750°F, and pizzas cooked in no more than 4 minutes. We rotated the pizza in our experiments every 20 seconds because the flame is located on the left side of the oven. This is possible since the mouth is over 1.3 inches wider than the Dome’s. Throughout our tests, the Arc’s outcomes were among the most reliable. The vegetables roasted perfectly, the pepperoni crisped without burning, and the mozzarella and ricotta both browned equally. The bottom of each pizza appeared pale, but the crust got golden and produced dots on top. Store-bought dough did not cook as well as homemade dough.

Although the Arc is small, its 47.5-pound weight (which makes it heavier than the typical portable barbecue, for example) and the requirement for a propane tank prevent us from using it as a conveniently portable choice. We tested it using the Arc Pizza Oven Stand from Gozney, which allowed us to move it with ease. We appreciate how high the stand is to access the oven, and a lower shelf keeps the propane tank out of the way of children and pets.

Gozney reduced the Dome’s size and eliminated its wood burner and flue in favor of a more compact design with the Arc. The primary benefit of a gas pizza oven is faster cooking; the Arc’s convenience is further enhanced with controls for gas flames and igniting. Compared to the brand’s Roccbox, which we rated as a serious rival, we found it to be easier to operate. The temperature is clearly indicated by the digital thermometer at the front, and heat and smoke are released through an open damper.

In just 24 minutes, the stone reached 750°F, and pizzas cooked in no more than 4 minutes. We rotated the pizza in our experiments every 20 seconds because the flame is located on the left side of the oven. The Arc pizza oven is the ideal mid-sized option. Even while Gozney is well-known for its incredibly compact Roccbox and the expensive but worthwhile Dome, it required something that was just a little bit more powerful than a little, portable oven without taking up your entire lawn.

The Arc has a little more permanence than the Roccbox and is not as big or expensive as the Dome. The oven weighs about fifty pounds and is 14.8 inches wide by 18.1 inches deep by 6.8 inches tall. Though far more compact, it shares the Dome’s large opening and rounded shape—both of which are fashioned after a typical pizza oven. It doesn’t take up much room, looks great on my balcony, and is still capable of producing pizzas as wide as 14-inches. It’s fitted with a nearly 1-inch thick removable stone floor, which helps to evenly cook the bottom of the pie.

5.Everdure KILN S Series Oven

Last update on 2024-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Gozney reduced the Dome’s size and eliminated its wood burner and flue in favor of a more compact design with the Arc. The primary benefit of a gas pizza oven is faster cooking; the Arc’s convenience is further enhanced with controls for gas flames and igniting. Compared to the brand’s Roccbox, which we rated as a serious rival, we found it to be easier to operate. The temperature is clearly indicated by the digital thermometer at the front, and heat and smoke are released through an open damper.

In just 24 minutes, the stone reached 750°F, and pizzas cooked in no more than 4 minutes. We rotated the pizza in our experiments every 20 seconds because the flame is located on the left side of the oven. Everdure produces some of the most stylish outdoor appliances available, and we’ve been watching for new models ever since we tested their portable charcoal barbecue. The futuristic-looking Kiln, the brand’s first pizza oven, is ready to use right out of the box. It took some trial and error to find the ideal flame adjustment, but the settings are simple to operate. The Kiln is more than half as expensive as the Gozney Dome, despite having a similar shape and size. We’re not shocked that Gozney ovens provided us with superior results overall, considering the price differential. Nevertheless, the design of this newcomer and its generally reliable performance make it a good option.

We wish there was a temperature gauge to read the stone integrated into the Kiln. Rather, we employed an infrared thermometer to determine when to load the pizzas. While we planned to pre-heat it to 750°F, we cut it at 693°F at the 30-minute mark, per the manufacturer’s instructions to lower the heat after 30 minutes on high. With the flames lowered, the pizzas took between 3 minutes 56 seconds and 6 minutes 8 seconds to cook, making it one of the slower gas ovens. The crust turned out doughier than we’d like, cooking the most around the edges and the least right below the sauce. We were pleased with how well the ricotta browned, the pepperonis cupped, and the vegetables charred.

Gozney reduced the Dome’s size and eliminated its wood burner and flue in favor of a more compact design with the Arc. The primary benefit of a gas pizza oven is faster cooking; the Arc’s convenience is further enhanced with controls for gas flames and igniting. Compared to the brand’s Roccbox, which we rated as a serious rival, we found it to be easier to operate. The temperature is clearly indicated by the digital thermometer at the front, and heat and smoke are released through an open damper.

In just 24 minutes, the stone reached 750°F, and pizzas cooked in no more than 4 minutes. We rotated the pizza in our experiments every 20 seconds because the flame is located on the left side of the oven. The stone is packaged inside the oven body, in line with what most manufacturers now offer. Although the outside of the box appeared a little rough, there was no issue within when it was delivered by UPS.

This weighs 63 pounds, so you’ll definitely need two individuals to carefully lift it out. Not to add, a solid table. While many like to use a plastic fold-up table for their portable pizza ovens, this one would be overkill. For some robust stainless steel possibilities, see my guide on pizza oven tables.

One 16″ round stone for the turntable and another specially fitted up front to serve as a shelf/mantle for simpler launching are the two elements that make up the stone(s). 5 Double A batteries power the spark ignitor and rotation feature, and that’s about it for setup.

How We Tested Pizza Ovens

In just 24 minutes, the stone reached 750°F, and pizzas cooked in no more than 4 minutes. We rotated the pizza in our experiments every 20 seconds because the flame is located on the left side of the oven. We have tested twenty-two outdoor pizza ovens since 2022. We can’t wait to bring new models—including upgraded iterations of pizza ovens we’ve tested—to our outdoor lab so we can contrast them with our longtime favorites. The results of our original testing of 17 outdoor pizza ovens are combined with the latest releases from Gozney, Ooni, Everdure, Alfa, and Empava to create this list of the greatest pizza ovens.

Each one has been scored based on how well it cooks, how well it is designed, and how simple it is for us to build, operate, and clean. This time, we utilized store-bought and handmade dough instead of the standard and whole-wheat dough we used in our initial tests. We found that homemade dough worked best in all five of the pizza ovens we tested. This is how we divided our testing rounds.

Assembly and Pre-Burn: We started by evaluating how simple or complex it was for one person to assemble the pizza ovens. The second test involved moving the pizza ovens, and for the two extra-large ones, we made sure to have assistance. We followed the manufacturer’s recommendations to pre-burn the seasoning or to operate the pizza ovens at their highest temperature for approximately half an hour after moving the ovens outside.
Pre-heating: Using an infrared thermometer, we next began a pre-heating test and general temperature assessment to see how long it took for each oven to reach the suggested pre-heat temperature. In order to identify hot spots, cold patches, and other heating irregularities, we were also able to monitor the temperature of each oven from front to rear and side to side. A few examples have built-in temperature gauges, so we compared their readings to the infrared thermometer’s.

Neapolitan-Style: Next, we stretched out pre-made pizza dough and cooked it over high heat. We noted how long each pizza took to cook as well as if it possessed the characteristics of a Neapolitan-style pizza, such as crisp bottom crust and leopard browning. We also observed how the pepperonis cupped and the cheese melted. We loaded, turned, and unloaded pizzas using pizza peels, noting if the oven’s design made this simple. Three pizzas were cooked consecutively in each oven to test for consistency, and we noted any changes from the beginning to the end.

Factors to Consider

Fuel

Home-use pizza ovens are widely available and can be classified into four types: wood-fired, pellet-fired, propane or gas-fired, and dual-fuel. How you want to utilize it will determine which one is best for you. Your best option is to choose an oven that can hold wood or pellets if you want the flavor of wood-fired cooking. The results will be as close to professional as you can get, but they take longer to heat up and need some effort to get the idea of feeding the fire and keeping the heat. Remember that both pellet and wood ovens require cleanup in order to safely remove the ashes, and that they take longer to cool down after using.

Heaters that run on gas or propane faster, provide constant heat, clean up less, and cool down more rapidly after use. Because they can be packed up more quickly, they can be useful if you are not expecting to use them permanently. They won’t have the same smoke or taste from a wood fire as the others, but they will still cook your food to perfection and leave you with a nice char. Choose a dual-fuel model where you can burn wood, gas, or a combination of the two if you’re searching for versatility. When using wood, a hybrid model like as the Ooni Karu will be simpler to light and keep warm, but it will also provide quick and simple results when you don’t have time to tend to coals and a fire.

Size

Size is a crucial aspect in determining which pizza oven is ideal for you. Depending on the number of pizzas you want to produce, and your expertise as a pizzaiolo, it can be advisable to opt for a larger oven like the Gozney Dome or the Ooni Koda 16. Larger ovens have larger apertures, which is good for novices because they might be easier to maneuver. Larger pies can also be accommodated, which is excellent for feeding a large gathering. Larger ovens can be an excellent investment if you have the space and the money, even though they are usually more expensive and require more fuel. Typically, smaller ovens can only fit a 12-inch pizza, which is perfect for small families or couples and will take up a smaller footprint and use slightly less fuel.

Portability

Certain pizza ovens for home use can be placed in one location and left there permanently, while others, like the Gozney Roccbox, are made to be readily transported. Consider your storage choices and how often you’ll use the pizza oven before making a purchase. Consider portable units, which can be great to have when on vacation or for weekend breaks, or a smaller inside pizza oven that can transport easily if you have a vacation home or enjoy traveling.