Do you love pizza? Do you want to make your pizza at home? If you answered yes to both questions, then you need a pizza oven.
A pizza oven is a special device that can cook pizza at high temperatures, usually above 500°F. This creates a crispy crust and melted cheese, just like in a restaurant. You can also use a pizza oven for other dishes, such as bread, meat, and vegetables.
But how do you choose the best pizza oven for your needs? There are many options available, with different sizes, shapes, and fuel types. Some are portable and can be used outdoors, while others are countertop models that can fit in your kitchen.
This article will review some of the best pizza ovens in 2024, based on expert tests and customer reviews. We will also give you some tips and advice on how to use and maintain your pizza oven, and what to look for when buying one.
What are the Benefits of Having a Pizza Oven?
Having a pizza oven has many benefits, such as:
- You can make your pizza at home, with any toppings you like. You can also experiment with different types of dough, cheese, sauce, and herbs. You can make a thin crust, a deep dish, or anything in between. You can also shape the pizza into a circle, a square, or any other shape you want.
- You can save money and time by making your pizza, instead of ordering or buying one. You can also control the quality and quantity of the ingredients, and avoid any additives or preservatives. You can also make healthier pizzas, with more vegetables and less fat and salt.
- You can have fun and enjoy the pizza-making process. You can involve your family, friends, or guests, and make it a social activity. You can also learn new skills and techniques, and improve your pizza-making abilities. You can also rate the pizza and give feedback on how it turned out, and what you liked or disliked about it.
- You can use the pizza oven for other dishes like bread, meat, and vegetables. You can also bake, roast, grill, or smoke your food, depending on the fuel type and the temperature of the oven. You can also create different flavors and aromas, by using wood, charcoal, or gas as fuel.
How to Choose the Best Pizza Oven for You
Before you buy a pizza oven, there are some factors you should consider, such as:
- Size and capacity: How big is the pizza oven and how much space do you have for it? How many pizzas can it cook at once and what size are they? You should choose a pizza oven that fits your available space and your desired pizza quantity and size.
- Fuel type: What kind of fuel do you want to use for your pizza oven? Wood, gas, electric, or multi-fuel? Each fuel type has its advantages and disadvantages, such as cost, availability, convenience, flavor, and environmental impact. You should choose a fuel type that suits your preference, budget, and location.
- Temperature and cooking time: How hot can the pizza oven get and how fast can it cook a pizza? Higher temperatures and shorter cooking times usually result in better pizza quality, as they create a crispy crust and melted cheese. However, higher temperatures and shorter cooking times also require more attention and skill to avoid burning or undercooking the pizza. You should choose a pizza oven that matches your desired temperature and cooking time, as well as your level of experience and confidence.
- Design and features: How does the pizza oven look and what features does it have? The design and features of the pizza oven can affect its performance, durability, ease of use, and aesthetics. Some features to look for are a thermometer, a timer, a window, a steam injector, a pizza peel, and a manual. You should choose a pizza oven that has a design and features that appeal to you and enhance your pizza-making experience.
The Best Pizza Ovens in 2024: Our Top Picks
We have reviewed some of the best pizza ovens in 2024, based on expert tests and customer reviews. We have also compared them based on their size, capacity, fuel type, temperature, cooking time, design, features, price, warranty, and customer satisfaction. Here are our top picks, a summary table, and a detailed review of each.
Name | Size | Capacity | Fuel Type | Temperature | Cooking Time | Design | Features | Price | Warranty | Customer Satisfaction |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven | 31.1 x 19.3 x 31.1 inches | 16-inch pizza | Wood, charcoal, or gas | Up to 950°F | 60 seconds | Stainless steel body, ceramic fiber-insulated shell, cordierite stone baking board, detachable chimney, foldable legs | Patented Flame Keeper technology, gas burner attachment, pizza peel, manual | $799 at Ooni and $800 at Williams Sonoma | Three-year warranty and 60-day money-back guarantee | 4.8 out of 5 stars on Ooni and 4.9 out of 5 stars on Williams Sonoma |
Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo | 18.5 x 18.3 x 10.7 inches | 12-inch pizza | Electric | Up to 750°F | 2 minutes | Stainless steel body, ceramic stone baking board, digital display, three dials | Smart heating system, seven pre-programmed settings, custom mode, pizza peel, deep-dish pan, manual | $1,000 at Amazon, Williams Sonoma, and Breville | Two-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee | 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, 4.7 out of 5 stars on Williams Sonoma, and 4.8 out of 5 stars on Breville |
Ooni Koda 16 Gas-Powered Pizza Oven | 23.2 x 15.5 x 28.4 inches | 16-inch pizza | Gas | Up to 932°F | 60 seconds | Powder-coated carbon steel body, ceramic fiber-insulated shell, cordierite stone baking board, built-in gas ignition, dial for flame control, retractable chimney, foldable legs | Gas regulator, hose, pizza peel, manual | $599 at Ooni and $600 at Williams Sonoma | Three-year warranty and 60-day money-back guarantee | 4.9 out of 5 stars on Ooni and 4.8 out of 5 stars on Williams Sonoma |
Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven | 22.6 x 15.7 x 28.6 inches | 12-inch pizza | Wood pellets or charcoal | Up to 950°F | 60 seconds | Stainless steel body, ceramic fiber-insulated shell, cordierite stone baking board, detachable chimney, foldable legs | Gravity-fed pellet hopper, patented Flame Keeper technology, pizza peel, scoop, manual | $299 at Ooni and $300 at Williams Sonoma | Three-year warranty and 60-day money-back guarantee | 4.7 out of 5 stars on Ooni and 4.6 out of 5 stars on Williams Sonoma |
Gozney Dome Outdoor Oven | 29.5 x 29.5 x 25.6 inches | 12-inch pizza | Wood or gas | Up to 950°F | 90 seconds | Cast iron body, ceramic fiber-insulated shell, refractory stone baking board, digital thermometer, steam injector, viewing window, detachable chimney, modular design | Gas burner attachment, pizza peel, steam injector bottle, manual | $1,499 at Gozney | Five-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee | 4.9 out of 5 stars on Gozney |
Best Overall: Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
The Ooni Karu 16 is our best overall pick, as it is a versatile and powerful pizza oven that can use wood, charcoal, or gas as fuel. It can reach temperatures of up to 950°F and cook a 16-inch pizza in just 60 seconds. It has a stainless steel body, a ceramic fiber-insulated shell, and a cordierite stone baking board that ensures even heat distribution and retention. It also has a patented Flame Keeper technology that maximizes the airflow and flame in the oven, resulting in a perfect crust and toppings.
The Ooni Karu 16 is easy to use and switch between fuel types. It has a detachable chimney and foldable legs for portability and storage. It also comes with a gas burner attachment, a pizza peel, and a manual. The Ooni Karu 16 is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy authentic wood-fired pizza, as well as the convenience and control of gas. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and can cook a variety of dishes besides pizza.
The Ooni Karu 16 has received rave reviews from customers and experts alike. It has been praised for its fast heating, consistent performance, and delicious results. It has also been rated as the best multi-fuel pizza oven by several sources, such as CNN Underscored, Food Network, and Popular Science.
The Ooni Karu 16 costs $799 at Ooni and $800 at Williams Sonoma.
Best Indoor/Electric: Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo
The Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is the only electric pizza oven we tested that can replicate the taste and texture of a traditional wood-fired pizza. It can reach temperatures of up to 750°F and cook a 12-inch pizza in just two minutes. It has a smart heating system that adjusts the top and bottom heating elements to create the optimal balance of heat and airflow. It also has a pizza stone that absorbs moisture and transfers heat evenly to the crust.
The Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is simple and intuitive to use. It has a digital display and three dials that let you select from seven pre-programmed settings, such as New York, Thin & Crispy, or Wood Fired. You can also customize the temperature, time, and darkness of your pizza. It also has a manual mode that gives you full control over the oven settings. It comes with a pizza peel, a deep-dish pan, and a manual.
The Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo has impressed customers and experts with its predictable, consistent, and even cooking. It has also been lauded for its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and easy cleaning. It has been named the best pizza oven overall and the best electric pizza oven by CNN Underscored, Food Network, and Homes & Gardens.
The Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo costs $1,000 at Amazon, Williams Sonoma, and Breville.
Best Gas: Ooni Koda 16 Gas-Powered Pizza Oven
The Ooni Koda 16 is a gas-powered pizza oven that can cook a 16-inch pizza in just one minute. It can reach temperatures of up to 932°F and has a built-in gas ignition and a dial for flame control. It has a powder-coated carbon steel body, a ceramic fiber-insulated shell, and a cordierite stone baking board that delivers high heat and a crispy crust. It also has a large cooking surface that can accommodate multiple pizzas or other dishes.
The Ooni Koda 16 is very easy to use and operate. It has a retractable chimney and foldable legs for portability and storage. It also comes with a gas regulator, a hose, a pizza peel, and a manual. The Ooni Koda 16 is perfect for anyone who wants a hassle-free and reliable pizza oven that can produce great results every time. It is suitable for outdoor use only and can run on propane or natural gas.
The Ooni Koda 16 has received glowing reviews from customers and experts. It has been commended for its fast heating, even heat distribution, and superb pizza quality. It has also been ranked as the best gas pizza oven by CNN Underscored, Food Network, and The Telegraph.
The Ooni Koda 16 costs $599 at Ooni and $600 at Williams Sonoma.
Best Wood-Fired: Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven
The Ooni Fyra 12 is a wood pellet pizza oven that can cook a 12-inch pizza in just 60 seconds. It can reach temperatures of up to 950°F and has a gravity-fed pellet hopper that automatically feeds the fire. It has a stainless steel body, a ceramic fiber-insulated shell, and a cordierite stone baking board that ensures high heat and a crunchy crust. It also has a patented Flame Keeper technology that keeps the flames rolling over the pizza, creating a smoky flavor and charred spots.
The Ooni Fyra 12 is easy to use and maintain. It has a detachable chimney and foldable legs for portability and storage. It also comes with a pizza peel, a scoop, and a manual. The Ooni Fyra 12 is ideal for anyone who loves the authentic taste and aroma of wood-fired pizza. It is suitable for outdoor use only and can run on hardwood pellets or charcoal.
The Ooni Fyra 12 has received positive feedback from customers and experts. It has been praised for its quick heating, efficient fuel consumption, and excellent pizza results. It has also been rated as the best wood-fired pizza oven by Food Network, The Telegraph, and Homes & Gardens.
The Ooni Fyra 12 costs $299 at Ooni and $300 at Williams Sonoma.
Best Professional Grade: Gozney Dome Outdoor Oven
The Gozney Dome is a professional-grade pizza oven that can use wood or gas as fuel. It can reach temperatures of up to 950°F and cook a 12-inch pizza in just 90 seconds. It has a cast iron body, a ceramic fiber-insulated shell, and a refractory stone baking board that delivers high heat and a crispy crust. It also has a digital thermometer, a steam injector, and a viewing window that allows you to monitor and control the cooking process.
The Gozney Dome is easy to use and switch between fuel types. It has a detachable chimney and a modular design that makes it easy to assemble and disassemble. It also comes with a gas burner attachment, a pizza peel, a steam injector bottle, and a manual. The Gozney Dome is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the performance and quality of a professional pizza oven at home. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and can cook a wide range of dishes besides pizza.
The Gozney Dome has received rave reviews from customers and experts. It has been lauded for its fast heating, precise temperature control, and versatile cooking options. It has also been named the best professional-grade pizza oven by Food Network and Homes & Gardens.
The Gozney Dome costs $1,499 at Gozney.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you find the best pizza oven for your needs and that you will enjoy making and eating delicious pizza at home. Whether you choose a wood, gas, electric, or multi-fuel pizza oven, you can create your pizza with any toppings you like, and have fun and satisfaction in the process. Pizza ovens are not only a great way to make pizza, but also a great way to express your creativity and personality. Happy pizza making!
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