Pizza ovens are popular with home cooks. They help make restaurant-quality pizza in kitchens or backyards. You can choose from many options for pizza ovens. You might like a classic wood-fired oven, a modern gas oven, or a flexible electric oven. The market has more choices than ever.
This article reviews the best pizza ovens, covering performance, ease of use, and value. Our team tested each oven. We looked at how fast the pizza stone heats up and how crispy the crust is. This way, you can pick the best pizza oven for your needs.
How We Tested and Reviewed Pizza Ovens
We tested more than a dozen pizza ovens, firing over 100 pizzas in various conditions. Our evaluation focused on:
- Preheat times and maximum temperatures
- Heat distribution and retention
- Cooking performance for different pizza styles (Neapolitan, New York, Detroit)
- Ease of setup, use, and cleaning
- Portability and storage
- Value for money
We used consistent dough recipes and measured stone temperatures with infrared thermometers. Each oven was tested for its ability to produce a crispy crust and evenly cooked toppings. We noted how well each model handled back-to-back pizza bakes.
➡How We Pick Products and Services
Best Overall Pizza Oven: Ooni Koda 16 Gas Powered Pizza Oven
The Ooni Koda 16 is a propane-powered outdoor pizza oven designed for home cooks who want fast, high-heat performance with minimal fuss.
This oven has an L-shaped burner. It spreads heat evenly over its 16.5-inch square cooking surface. This helps you get a crisp, leopard-spotted crust in just 90 seconds. The wide 21-inch opening allows smooth pizza launching and turning, reducing the risk of burning or sticking.
Preheating takes about 20 minutes. The oven reaches a steady temperature of 850°F. This is perfect for Neapolitan-style and New York-style pizzas. The Koda 16 is versatile enough for roasting vegetables or meats in a cast iron pan.
Setup is straightforward: insert the stone, connect to a propane tank, and ignite with the side-mounted control knob. The removable stone simplifies deep cleaning. While it doesn’t include accessories like a peel or thermometer, its five-year warranty adds peace of mind.
The Koda 16’s spacious design makes it forgiving for beginners and capable of being used by enthusiasts. However, the lack of a built-in thermometer and side-placed ignition knob are minor drawbacks.
| Pros: Spacious cooking area, fast heat-up, even heat, easy to use |
| Cons: No included accessories, side ignition knob, no built-in thermometer |
| Overall Rating: 4.6/5 |
Best Budget Pizza Oven: Solo Stove Pi Prime Pizza Oven
The Solo Stove Pi Prime is a small pizza oven that uses propane. It performs well and is affordable, making it great for those on a budget. The oven heats up to 850°F in under 30 minutes, allowing for beautifully browned and bubbly pizzas in less than two minutes.
Its 12-inch baking surface is best suited for standard-sized pizzas, though the limited space can make turning pizzas a bit tricky. The Pi Prime’s round shape and 30-pound weight make it portable and suitable for small patios or balconies.
Setup is simple, with a front-located ignition knob that’s easy to use and red markers to help dial in the right temperature. The oven recovers heat quickly between bakes, maintaining consistent performance throughout a pizza session.
The removable stone aids in cleaning, and the included cover is a bonus rarely seen at this price. The oven has a small opening and cooking surface. This limits its use for larger pizzas or roasting. However, it is still of great value. It offers quality results without a high price.
| Pros: Affordable, heats quickly, portable, easy ignition |
| Cons: Small cooking surface, tight opening, limited versatility |
| Overall Rating: 4.5/5 |
Best Luxury Pizza Oven: Gozney Dome S1 Pizza Oven
The Gozney Dome is a top-quality pizza oven. It works with wood and gas. This oven is for serious fans who want real wood-fired taste and the ease of gas.
The Dome has a roomy interior that can hold a 16-inch pizza. It also has extra height for cast iron pans. This makes it great for cooking pizza and other high-heat dishes. The oven’s design allows for effortless switching between wood and gas: simply move a stone puck and insert or remove a burner guard.
When using wood, the Dome creates a rolling flame. It keeps a stone temperature of about 750°F. Ambient temperatures can reach 900°F, which is perfect for Neapolitan pizza.
The built-in digital thermometer and included probe thermometers provide precise temperature monitoring. It’s a feature unique among premium ovens. The Dome’s thick insulation ensures excellent heat retention, and its sturdy 128-pound build makes it a permanent fixture for a dedicated outdoor cooking space.
However, the price is steep, and add-ons like a cover or stand are extra. The stone is not removable, but the oven’s high heat is self-cleaning. The Dome’s versatility, performance, and build quality justify the investment for those who want the best.
| Pros: Multi-fuel, spacious, excellent heat retention, built-in thermometer |
| Cons: Expensive, heavy, stone not removable, extra cost for accessories |
| Overall Rating: 4.6/5 |
Best Indoor Pizza Oven: Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo
The Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is a great indoor electric pizza oven. It is perfect for anyone wanting to make real pizza all year, even without outdoor space.
This countertop oven can reach a maximum temperature of 750°F. This is lower than the best outdoor models. However, it is still hot enough to make great Neapolitan and New York-style pizzas.
Preheating takes just 20 minutes. The oven holds heat well. It loses about 100°F after each bake but warms up quickly. The Pizzaiolo has settings for different pizza styles. These include frozen, pan, New York, thin and crispy, and wood-fired Neapolitan.
These presets are well-calibrated, making baking simple and reliable, even for beginners. A manual mode allows full control over deck and top temperatures, cooking time, and crust char level.
The oven’s compact size limits it to 12-inch pizzas and flatbreads, and it is less versatile for roasting or baking other foods. Included is a carbon-steel pan for deep-dish pizza and a high-quality metal peel.
However, the unique oven cavity shape restricts the use of standard peels. The Pizzaiolo is costly for a single-use appliance and has a two-year warranty. However, its even heat and reliable results make it popular for home pizza parties and professional chefs.
| Pros: Fast preheat, preset functions, even heat, consistent results |
| Cons: Pricey, small capacity, single-purpose |
| Overall Rating: 4.6/5 |
Most Versatile Pizza Oven: Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven
The Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven is a budget-friendly option for making pizza at home. It usually costs about $400. It is simple to use, featuring analog dials for temperature and time.
It includes a pizza peel, slicer, and deep dish pan, making it beginner-friendly and ready to use. The oven heats up to 700°F and fits pizzas up to 12 inches. While it is easy to operate, the Cuisinart struggles to match the performance of higher-end models.
Preheating takes longer, and the oven’s top burner is weaker, resulting in less color and char on Neapolitan-style crusts. Cooking times are slow, with pizzas often taking seven minutes or more, leading to drier crusts and less impressive results.
The oven is noisier than competitors and can be inconsistent when baking other foods, such as brownies. The included accessories and three-year warranty add value. However, the baking performance is similar to that of a standard kitchen oven.
It is a practical option for those on a tight budget or without outdoor space. Still, it is outperformed by pricier indoor ovens in both speed and pizza quality.
| Pros: Affordable, easy to use, includes accessories |
| Cons: Slow preheat, weak top burner, average pizza quality |
| Overall Rating: 4.4/5 |
Best Pizza Oven for Beginners: Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven
The Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven is a flexible electric pizza oven. It can also be used as a smoker, air fryer, and roaster. It can reach a maximum stone temperature of 700°F in about 30 minutes. This lets you bake Neapolitan-style pizzas in about two and a half minutes.
The oven can fit pizzas up to 12 inches. It has different cooking modes, making it a good choice for more than just pizza. The digital interface is simple, guiding you through preheating and cooking.
During tests, the Ninja produced pizzas with well-browned crusts and bubbling cheese, rivaling more expensive indoor models. The smoker setting adds a mild wood-fired flavor, though the small tray limits capacity for larger cuts of meat.
Ninja recommends making no more than four pizzas in a row to prevent heat loss, which may limit its use for parties. Some users have reported reliability issues and found the digital prompts unnecessary.
Despite these quirks, the Ninja Woodfire stands out for its multi-functionality and affordable price. It is a strong entry-level choice for outdoor cooks who want variety in a single appliance.
| Pros: Multi-function, easy to use, good pizza results, affordable |
| Cons: Limited batch size, small smoker tray, some reliability concerns |
| Overall Rating: 4.4/5 |
Most Affordable Pizza Oven: Presto Pizzazz Plus Rotating Oven
The Presto Pizzazz Plus Rotating Oven is an affordable, electric pizza maker designed for indoor use. Its unique open design has a rotating nonstick tray. It also has separate top and bottom heating elements. This lets you cook a 12-inch pizza without preheating.
The rotation helps cook food evenly. The dial controls let you change the heat from the top and bottom. This is useful for different pizza styles or frozen foods.
In tests, the Pizzazz Plus cooked frozen pizzas and snacks quickly, often finishing before a conventional oven could even preheat.
Homemade pizzas came with evenly melted cheese and a crisp, somewhat less developed, bottom crust. The open design makes it easy to monitor progress.
Still, it also means the oven is less efficient at retaining heat and can pose a burn risk, especially for children. The lack of temperature precision and limited capacity make it less suitable for artisan-style pizzas.
If you want a budget-friendly and quick way to make pizza and snacks, the Presto Pizzazz Plus is a good choice. It gives reliable results for the price.
| Pros: Very affordable, fast cooking, easy to use, versatile for snacks |
| Cons: Exposed heating elements, limited temperature control, not ideal for artisan pizza |
| Overall Rating: 4.6/5 |
Best Electric Pizza Oven: Ooni Volt 12 Electric Pizza Oven
The Ooni Volt 12 is a high-performance electric pizza oven that stands out for its ability to be used indoors and outdoors. It reaches a maximum temperature of 885°F, higher than most indoor competitors.
It can bake a Neapolitan pizza in under two minutes. The oven has a boost function. This feature keeps the stone hot between pizzas. It is great for cooking several pizzas in a row.
The adjustable controls allow you to fine-tune the power between the top and bottom burners, ensuring even cooking for different pizza styles. The Volt 12 accommodates pizzas up to 13 inches and can fit Detroit-style pans, adding to its versatility.
Its thick insulation ensures excellent heat retention, and the oven recovers quickly after each bake. However, the Volt 12 is bulky, takes up significant counter space, and weighs 39 pounds, making moving it challenging.
It does not include accessories like a pizza peel or thermometer, and the price can reach $1,000 with add-ons. It may not have preset functions, but it performs well. Its flexibility and ability to cook pizzas all year make it a great choice for serious home pizza makers.
| Pros: High heat, indoor/outdoor use, fast recovery, precise controls |
| Cons: Bulky, expensive, no included accessories |
| Overall Rating: 4.7/5 |
Best Countertop Pizza Oven: NutriChef 12 Inch Countertop Electric Pizza Oven
The NutriChef Electric Pizza Oven is a small appliance for your countertop. It is made for home cooks who want to make pizza quickly and easily at home.
It has a 12-inch non-stick pizza stone that heats up to 800°F. This helps users get a crisp, well-cooked crust like the ones from a restaurant oven.
The built-in temperature control and thermometer allow for precise adjustments. This makes it easier to bake various pizza styles, from thin crust to deep dish. The big viewing window lets you check your pizza without opening the oven. This helps keep the heat even and stops overcooking.
The non-stick stone simplifies cleanup, and the compact oven suits small kitchens or apartments. While the NutriChef excels at pizza, it can also handle flatbreads and reheating leftovers, adding versatility.
However, the smaller size limits it to 12-inch pizzas, and it may take longer to preheat than larger, more powerful outdoor ovens. The oven is best for those who want a straightforward, user-friendly electric pizza oven for regular home use.
| Pros: High max temperature, precise controls, easy to clean, compact |
| Cons: Limited to 12-inch pizzas, slower preheat, less suitable for large gatherings |
| Overall Rating: 4.6/5 |
Best Portable Pizza Oven: Gozney Roccbox Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Gozney Roccbox is a portable outdoor pizza oven. It can cook with gas or wood, making it a great choice for pizza lovers.
It’s small, restaurant-quality design lets you reach temperatures over 900°F. This makes real Neapolitan-style pizzas in less than 90 seconds. The Roccbox features a thick, insulated body and a dense cordierite stone, providing excellent heat retention and even baking.
The oven’s SafeTouch silicone jacket keeps the exterior cool, reducing burn risk during use. The gas burner includes convenience and consistent heat.
In contrast, the optional wood burner attachment adds a smoky flavor for those seeking traditional results. The oven accommodates 12-inch pizzas and is easy to transport, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings, camping, or tailgating.
The smaller opening can make it harder to turn pizzas. Also, the wood burner might not reach high temperatures in cold weather.
The stone is not removable, which can complicate cleaning. Overall, the Roccbox is a top pick for portability and authentic results without sacrificing build quality.
| Pros: Dual fuel options, portable, high heat, safe exterior |
| Cons: Small opening, wood burner less effective in cold, non-removable stone |
| Overall Rating: 4.6/5 |
Best Artisan Pizza Oven: Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven is a flexible electric oven for outdoor cooking. It can make many types of pizza, such as Neapolitan, thin crust, New York, Chicago, and special recipes.
It reaches a maximum temperature of 700°F, allowing users to cook a 12-inch pizza in just three minutes. The oven features multiple cooking modes- bake, broil, proof, and warm- making it useful for more than just pizza.
The digital controls are straightforward, letting you select specific pizza styles and adjust temperatures for custom recipes. The oven’s insulated design retains heat well and ensures even cooking across the pizza stone.
Its small size and electric power make it great for patios or balconies. Gas or wood ovens may not work well there. The Ninja Artisan cooks quickly and reliably. However, its 12-inch size may not be big enough for those who want larger pizzas. It is also less portable than some gas models because it needs an electrical outlet.
The oven’s versatility and ease of use make it a strong option for families or anyone seeking consistent, high-quality pizza at home.
| Pros: Fast cooking, multiple modes, easy controls, consistent results |
| Cons: Limited to 12-inch pizzas, requires outlet, less portable than gas models |
| Overall Rating: 4.6/5 |
Best Rotating Stone Pizza Oven: Halo Versa 16 Propane Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Halo Versa 16 is a propane outdoor pizza oven. It is made for people who want restaurant-style pizza at home. Enjoy the convenience in your backyard or outdoor kitchen.
Its standout feature is the rotating 16-inch pizza stone, which ensures even cooking without manually turning your pizza. The oven heats up fast, reaching temperatures of 950°F. This is perfect for Neapolitan-style pizzas. They have a crisp crust and bubbly, well-cooked toppings.
The spacious cooking surface accommodates large pizzas, making it suitable for family gatherings or parties.
The Versa 16’s push-button ignition and adjustable flame control make it easy to operate, even for beginners. Its portable design, with folding legs and a manageable weight, allows easy transport and storage. The oven is also versatile, capable of roasting vegetables or baking bread in addition to pizza.
Cleanup is straightforward, thanks to the removable stone and accessible interior. However, the high temperatures require attention to avoid burning, and the oven’s size may be bulky for smaller patios. The rotating mechanism is a unique advantage but adds complexity that may require occasional maintenance.
| Pros: Rotating stone for even cooking, high heat, large capacity, easy ignition |
| Cons: Bulky for small spaces, requires propane, rotating mechanism may need upkeep |
| Overall Rating: 4.6/5 |
Best Smart Indoor Pizza Oven: CHEFMAN Indoor Pizza Oven
The CHEFMAN Indoor Pizza Oven is a countertop electric appliance designed to bring pizzeria-quality pizza into your home.
It features a robust heating system that reaches up to 800°F, allowing for quick cooking times and a crispy, well-browned crust. The oven accommodates up to 12 inches of pizzas, making it suitable for most homemade or store-bought doughs.
The touchscreen interface offers five preset cooking modes, simplifying the process for various pizza styles, from thin crust to deep dish. Included accessories such as a pizza stone and peel add convenience and help achieve authentic results.
The oven preheats in about 20–25 minutes and cooks pizzas in as little as four minutes, delivering consistent results with minimal effort. The stainless steel construction is durable and easy to clean, and the glass door allows you to monitor your pizza as it bakes.
The CHEFMAN is great for New York-style and thin crust pizzas. However, its top heating element might not char Neapolitan crusts or more expensive models. The oven’s compact size fits most countertops, but the 12-inch limit may not suit those wanting larger pizzas.
| Pros: Fast cooking, high heat, user-friendly presets, accessories included |
| Cons: Limited to 12-inch pizzas, less effective for Neapolitan style, small interior |
| Overall Rating: 4.4/5 |
Buying Guide: How to choose the Best Pizza Oven
Indoor vs. Outdoor Pizza Ovens
Outdoor ovens reach higher temperatures and cook pizzas faster, but require outdoor space and are weather-dependent. Indoor ovens are more convenient for year-round use but have lower maximum temperatures and longer cooking times.
Fuel Types
- Propane Gas: Quick, reliable, and easy to control.
- Wood/Charcoal: Provides authentic smoky flavor but requires more skill and cleanup.
- Electric: Simple to use, consistent, and suitable for indoor use.
- Multi-Fuel: Offers flexibility but is more expensive.
Size and Capacity
- Large (16”): Best for entertaining and larger pizzas.
- Medium (12–14”): Good balance for families.
- Small (10–12”): Most portable and affordable.
Essential Accessories
When budgeting for your pizza oven, remember to account for these essential accessories:
- Pizza Peels: You’ll need a wooden peel for launching and a metal peel for retrieving pizzas
- Infrared Thermometer: Critical for measuring stone temperature
- Pizza Cutter: Wheel or rocker style for clean cuts
- Oven Cover: Protects your investment from the weather
- Heat-Resistant Gloves: Essential safety item, especially for wood-fired ovens
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance will extend the life of your pizza oven and ensure optimal performance:
Cleaning Tips
- Allow the oven to cool completely before cleaning
- Brush away excess flour and debris from the stone
- For most ovens, high heat will naturally clean the interior
- Wipe the exterior with a dry cloth
- Never use water on hot stones as they may crack
Storage Best Practices
- Store outdoor ovens in a covered area when not in use
- Always use a weatherproof cover for outdoor models
- Ensure the oven is completely cool before covering
- Remove the stone if possible for indoor storage during extreme weather
- Protect from moisture to prevent rust and damage
Pizza Oven FAQs
How hot do pizza ovens get?
Home pizza ovens reach 650–950°F. Indoor electric ovens usually max out at 700–800°F.
How long does it take to cook a pizza?
Neapolitan pizzas cook in 60–90 seconds at 850–950°F. New York-style pizzas take 3–5 minutes at 600–700°F.
Can I use a pizza oven indoors?
Only electric pizza ovens designed for indoor use are safe inside. Gas, wood, and charcoal ovens must be used outdoors.
What’s the difference between Neapolitan and New York-style pizza?
Neapolitan pizza has a thin, puffy, charred crust and cooks quickly at high heat. New York-style pizza has a thicker, crispier crust and cooks at lower temperatures.
Are pizza ovens worth the investment?
Pizza ovens create results that are hard to replicate in a home oven, especially for authentic crusts and flavors.
Conclusion
The Ooni Koda 16 is the best pizza oven for home cooks. It offers great performance, is easy to use, and is versatile.
The Solo Stove Pi Prime is a great budget choice. At the same time, the Gozney Dome is ideal for those seeking luxury and flexibility. The Breville Pizzaiolo and Ooni Volt 12 are top options for indoor use.
No matter what you choose, a good pizza oven will improve your homemade pizza. It will give you crisp crusts and real flavors every time.
Engr. Hm Jamal is the creator of Kitchen Depot, a Kitchen Appliances expert and water treatment specialist. An electrical engineer by trade, he's a thinker, problem solver, and innovation enthusiast.
