The 7 Best Outdoor Pizza Oven To Throw the Ultimate Pizza Party

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Cooking homemade pizzas in an oven from the comfort of your home's backyard may seem like a pipe dream, but it's actually more attainable than you think.

The outdoor pizza oven space used to just contain traditional models made from brick and high-heat mortar that run between $1,500 and $4,500. Luckily, today's outdoor ovens are mostly countertop models that are much more portable, versatile, and affordable than their traditional wood-burning counterparts — but they still help you serve that deliciously crispy and charred Neapolitan pizza you crave.

If you're determined to learn how to create the perfect pizza at home, or you want to give the gift of the century, we've found the best outdoor pizza ovens that you can purchase today.

The Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens of 2023

What to Consider

Location

There are a lot of factors to consider before purchasing an outdoor pizza oven. First, you need to evaluate your setup and decide where you're going to put it. Most outdoor ovens do not come with a stand, so you might have to invest in a prep table, a moveable cart, or a folding table to place it on.

Fuel Source

The biggest difference between outdoor pizza ovens is their fuel source. Liquid propane is the most common fuel source, but there are models that run on wood, wood pellets, and charcoal. The latter gives your pizza more of a smoky flavor, but propane models typically heat up faster and are easier to use. We think most buyers should opt for a gas-powered pizza oven to avoid having to fuss with any wood or ash cleanup. Plus, the heat is constant and precise, they're much more compact, and you don't have to monitor them as much. Wood-burning ovens, on the other hand, have a steeper learning curve and aren't as easy to control. You'll want to invest in a pair of fire-resistant gloves and a few tools to place tinder in the fire and empty the hot ashtray after your bake.

Size + Power

Taking the size of the oven and its maximum temperature into account is a vital step in assessing which outdoor pizza oven is best for you. You'll want an oven that reaches at least 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Classic Neapolitan pizza requires an even steeper temperature of more than 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

As far as the oven size goes, some can only accommodate pizzas up to 10 or 12 inches, while others can fit 16-inch pies or even multiple pizzas. The more mouths you have to feed, the larger the size oven you should buy. It's worth a mention that the size also affects the weight and portability of the oven, so make note of how heavy the pizza oven is before making your purchase.

How We Selected and Tested

Rigorous Evaluation Process

When determining what models were worth calling in for testing, we made sure to include pizza ovens of multiple shapes and sizes to account for your space and how many mouths you need to feed. We also relied on in-depth research and analysis of customer reviews and ratings to find best-selling models that are reliable, relatively easy to use, and offer users a wide variety of accessories to ensure a better pizza-baking experience overall.

The product recommendations in this guide are derived from our Test Team’s extensive knowledge of outdoor (and kitchen) equipment. We had gear experts test more than a dozen pizza ovens across multiple state lines from a quartet of Hearst brands including Good Housekeeping, Popular Mechanics, and Gear Patrol. One of the test editors for this guide even constructed a propane-fired pizza oven made with brushed stainless steel he found a local salvage yard and a $20 pizza stone from Amazon. So you can trust me when I say we know how pizza ovens work.

We selected pizza ovens that use a variety of fuels, including gas, charcoal, and wood and we aimed to offer a wide variety of models that will fit any person’s unique needs and budget whether they’re a renter who needs an affordable and lightweight pizza oven or a homeowner who wants a large pizza oven to be the focal point of their backyard oasis.

Comprehensive Testing Approach

To test each outdoor pizza oven, we made a minimum of a half-dozen pies in each pizza oven over the course of several days. We meticulously examined the construction of the ovens, made note of the size of their stones, and paid close attention to how wide the mouth oven for each of them is. That way it’s easy to launch and rotate the pizzas.

Before I fired the ovens up, I took notes on how easy they were to assemble and set up and how much space they took up on my patio. I also compared the weight and overall dimensions of the ovens to consider how easy (or difficult) they are to move around, store, and find a reasonably-priced weatherproof cover to protect them against the elements if you decide to keep them out year-round.

Temperature Performance and Heating Time

Before launching my first pizzas in the ovens, I tested the ovens to see how easy they were to light and how quickly they heated. I measured their included pizza stones’ temperature with an infrared thermometer then made plenty of pies using the same Neapolitan dough recipe to ensure that any difference in how the pizzas cooked came from the ovens, not the dough itself. I also made note on if the ovens had any cold and hot spots.

During our evaluation, we paid attention to crust crispiness, how thoroughly the ovens cooked, and timed how long they took to bake (or seldom burn) pies. It’s worth mentioning that although manufacturers claim the ovens reach temperatures as steep as 950 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll likely achieve temperatures just above 800 degrees Fahrenheit — especially in colder regions or if you’re dealing with wind.

Ease of Use + Design

Not only were the ovens assessed on build quality and performance (heating time), we awarded bonus points to models that were easy to dismantle and clean up because we know that oftentimes convenience is key to a quality product. For example, the Ooni Koda 16 has a large pizza stone that is removable, so even if some burned remnants are on your oven after multiple uses, you can scrape it and get it smooth and clean again in practically no time. Or the Solo Stove Pi has a removable ashtray and is made of stainless steel which makes it easier to discard the ash and wipe down the soot from the oven.

Attention was given to the overall appearance of the outdoor pizza ovens, as well because aesthetics matter. Shout out to the handsome Gozney ovens that look like they could be displayed in a modern art museum!

Besides cooking pizzas, for models that were large enough to accommodate a 12-inch cast-iron skillet we cooked steak, salmon, and roasted broccoli to check their versatility. Lastly, we made note of how long the ovens take to cool down in case you need to clear out in case of a sudden rainstorm that’ll put an abrupt end to your pizza party.

Even if you’ve never used a pizza oven, we're confident you'll find one that suits your needs, budget, and outdoor space. So, shop one of our expert-approved picks below and make your neighbors jealous because as soon as you bake pizzas for your family and friends, trust me, they’ll want a pizza oven of their own.

Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven

The Ooni Karu 16 is one of the most versatile outdoor pizza ovens yet. It can run off of gas, pellets, charcoal, or wood, and cooks anything from pizza to bread, meat, and veggies. I was blown away by its performance. The oven reached peak temperatures quickly thanks to a glass-hinged door that offers improved insulation and helps it maintain consistent temperatures.

Its wood and charcoal holder didn't require as frequent refillings as other ovens, and this one will cook fresh pies in as little as 60 seconds. We found that the Karu delivered efficient airflow for evenly cooking pies (you can close the ceiling vent and open the chimney baffle to slow the heat escape if need be). The oven even has a large digital thermometer to help keep track of the temperature, and thanks to its wide opening you can bake large 16-inch pies and easily pivot them as they're cooking.

It's worth mentioning that although this Ooni oven supports the option of using charcoal or wood pellets as a heating source, the gas burner is sold separately. One more thing, this sleek-looking oven is the first and only pizza oven "Recommended for Domestic Use" by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, the international authority on true Neapolitan pizza. So you can ensure, you'll churn out consistently delicious pizzas with this oven almost any time. Really its only fault is that it's heavy and awkward to move around.

Pi Pizza Oven

As someone who is quite fond of Solo Stove’s fire pits, I had high hopes for the brand’s first standalone pizza oven and after spending a week using the Solo Stove Pi, reader, it didn’t disappoint. Unsurprisingly, the pizza oven is mostly made from stainless steel and is round just like the company’s trademark smokeless fire pits.

Assembly couldn’t be easier, just insert the stone and attach the hopper or gas burner (the latter is sold separately). During my tests, the Solo Stove oven heated quickly. In just 15 minutes. its stone’s temperature measured 775 degrees Fahrenheit, which resulted in a perfectly charred crust with a nice smoky flavor. I recommend investing in a long-handled peel to keep your distance from the Pi because it gives off some serious heat.

When cooking with wood, the Solo Stove burned through wood faster than the competition, but I was impressed at how well it maintained heat. If you don’t want to fuss with wood, the gas burner will run you an additional $130.

Even though the oven only weighs 30 pounds and is equipped with a 13-inch inch wide mouth, its cavity is surprisingly spacious. I was able to toss in a cast iron pan with salmon in it without issue. When you’re finished baking, the Pi has a convenient removable ashtray that you can quickly dump. Its stainless-steel exterior also wipes clean in a cinch. Overall, it’s an outstanding pizza oven that’s compact but efficient.

ROCCBOX Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven

The ROCCBOX is a 44-pound propane-powered pizza oven with a small footprint and retractable legs making it a bit more portable than other options.

During our tests, the Roccbox took just 15 minutes to reach a temperature of 900 degrees Fahrenheit. We like that the ROCCBOX comes with a pizza peel and a carry strap and has a thermometer on its side. It’s nice-looking, easy to assemble, accommodates pies up to 10 inches, and retains heat exceptionally well. Another plus is that its body stays cool to the touch, lowering the risk of accidental burns.

It comes with a propane burner, but you have the option of ordering a separate wood burner that connects to its base — which is appealing for folks who prefer smoky-flavored pies. Our biggest complaint about the ROCCBOX is that its pizza stone is attached, so if you accidentally drop it there isn't a way to easily replace it in the event it breaks. Regardless, it's a sharp-looking pizza oven that's a good choice for folks who are looking for something portable and powerful.

Koda 16 Outdoor Pizza Oven

The Ooni Koda 16 is a compact, propane-powered oven that cooks delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas in just seconds. It’s easy to use, has a cavity that accommodates pizzas up to 16 inches, and works wonderfully. With its igloo shape, three folding legs, and carbon-steel exterior, the Ooni Koda looks a little like a UFO. It’s small and light enough to put in the trunk of your car and take to a friend’s house, too.

During my tests, the oven reached temperatures over 900 Fahrenheit in about 20 minutes. Since the oven is so hot, it only will take you 60 to 90 seconds to bake a pizza. I was blown away at how well the Koda 16 baked pizzas and how delicious they tasted. I also appreciated that I could easily adjust the flame output with a knob on its side.

The Koda 16 is powered by propane, which offers an easier setup and cleanup. It’s a tad larger than its sibling, the Ooni Koda 12, and is slightly more expensive, but I think it’s worth spending the extra money for since it’s still plenty portable and can accommodate larger-sized pizzas. If you want the ability to cook with wood though, we recommend opting for the Karu 16, instead.

Read More: Our Full Review of the Ooni Koda 16

Koda 12 Outdoor Pizza Oven

The Ooni Koda 12 is almost identical the Ooni Koda 16 we previously mentioned, but it’s more affordable and limited to pizzas around 10-12 inches in diameter. For comparison's sake, a large Pizza Hut pizza is 14 inches in size with around 12 slices.

The Ooni Koda 16 offers more space for larger pizzas and is equipped with a better, more powerful burner. However, the Koda 12 is still a fantastic oven that’ll bake delicious pies in just 60 seconds. We appreciate its easy-to-use gas ignition and the fact that the oven only took 15 minutes to heat up.

"The Ooni Koda 12 was the perfect pizza oven for me, someone with no pizza-making experience," said Mitch Kwitek, a contributor at Best Products’ sister site Gear Patrol. "After six months with this oven, the novelty of cooking pizza at home still hasn't worn off, either."

The biggest advantages the 12 has over the 16 are price and portability. If you want to easily bake restaurant-quality pizzas at home for the lowest prices, it’s definitely worth considering. Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that the Ooni Koda 12 does not offer buyers the option of purchasing a converter that lets you hook the pizza oven up to a natural gas line. You can't use wood as a fuel source, either.

Fyra Outdoor Pizza Oven

If you're a fan of smoky-tasting food, the Ooni Fyra is the oven for you. It's one of the most affordable pizza ovens money can buy and delivers outstanding, delicious results. The Ooni Fyra uses wood pellets as its heating source and reaches temperatures as hot as 950 degrees Fahrenheit. There's a fire pan and chimney you load with pellets and set on fire to get it to the right temperature, which takes about 15 minutes.

The Fyra limits you to smaller 12-inch pies, while Ooni's Koda 16 and Karu 16 can accommodate pies as large as 16 inches. Fortunately, it still heats them quickly just as long as you can maintain a consistent flame. This oven weighs just 22 pounds, plus its legs fold down, and its chimney can be removed, which makes it easier to store and move.

Compared to the best-selling Big Horn Outdoors pizza oven, the Fyra didn't require us to add pellets as frequently, and it was faster to heat up. Despite its significantly lower price point, we think the Fyra is a much better option than the Big Horn because several customer reviewers say its door handle broke off after a couple of uses.

Given its low price point, the Ooni Fyra is certainly appealing to shoppers on a budget, but if you're feeding a large family, I recommend opting for something bigger and gas-powered to lessen the cooking time. Our tester said that it took 3 hours and a lot of pellets to bake eight medium-sized pizzas with the Fyra.

Dome Outdoor Pizza Oven

If you’re looking to make restaurant-style pizza right in the comfort of your own backyard, look no further than the Dome by Gozney. Deemed “the world’s most versatile outdoor oven,” this pizza oven is such a stand-out product that it even won a Time Best Inventions award.

It’s available in three fuel options: Wood, which is your best bet if you’re looking for a traditional live-fire cooking experience, Natural Gas, which gives you the option of using both gas and wood (plus, it’s a great option for outdoor kitchens if you have a natural gas outlet), and Dual-Fuel Propane which allows you to enjoy the convenience of gas or the tradition of wood-fired cooking.

Even though it’s a professional-grade oven, it’s ideal for all experience levels, from pizza novices to chefs. Throughout our testing, we particularly loved how easy the setup was (don’t let its large footprint fool you!) and the incredible taste both the gas and traditional wood fire methods gave to the 16-inch pizzas we fired up. We found the propane option better for entertaining since it heats faster. Given the Dome's enormous size (it weighs nearly 130 pounds) it still took close to an hour to heat up to 800 degrees using propane.

Beyond pizza, the Dome allows you to roast, smoke, steam, or bake other foods as well. Throughout our testing, we enjoyed using the unit to smoke cheeses, roast vegetables, and even bake bread. We also recommend checking out the wide array of accessories to make the most of the oven. There's a steam injector for bread baking, a door to turn it into a slow roaster, and a wheeled stand to make it much easier to move around.

Given its price point, the Gozney Dome is without a doubt a splurge — but if your budget allows for it, it’s a long-term investment that’s absolutely worth it, especially if you enjoy hosting. As an added bonus, Gozney backs the product with a 5-year warranty.

Original Series Portable Gas Pizza Oven Box

Key Features

• Pizza Size: 14-inch

• Fuel Source: Propane

• Weight: 40pounds

With the average cost of a large pizza in the States costing about $16, the $250 BakerStone pizza oven will pay for itself in less than a year for many people. Despite its lower price point, this oven doesn’t sacrifice quality. It reaches up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, has a spacious cavity that can bake pies up to 14 inches, and features convenient folding legs for easy storing. Our colleagues at Good Housekeeping said this small but mighty pizza oven takes just 20 minutes to preheat and cooks pizza in less than 5 minutes.

The oven is removable, making cleanup a tad easier, and Bakerstone sells a wide array of accessories to expand its functionality. Buyers have the option of purchasing cast iron cooking grates and a griddle. Overall, the BakerStone will give you the most bang for your buck and is a solid (and affordable) outdoor pizza oven.

Other Pizza Ovens We Considered

• Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven: We appreciate that the Bertello can make pizza using wood and propane as a fuel source and it comes at a relatively affordable pricing point. However, it has a narrow opening which makes it harder to pitch your pizzas into the oven, and over time the paint on its exterior starts to chip away.

• Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo: For this guide, we focused on recommending outdoor pizza ovens, and the Breville must be used indoors. Given the fact that it reaches an impressive 750 degrees Fahrenheit to deliver that wood-fired-style pizza you crave, it may be worth considering if you want to bake pizza from the comfort of your own kitchen. Just know that it takes around 20 minutes to bake a pizza, while outdoor ovens bake them in less than 2 minutes.

• Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pizza Oven: Although our test team found that this oven performed like a brick oven and was quick to preheat, it weighs a heavy 5o pounds, and a number of Amazon reviewers remarked that its regulator needed replacing after around a year of use.

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