Do you have an outdoor living space and you have been wondering what to do with it? Getting an outdoor oven can convert it into meaningful space and an integral part of your home, bringing the kitchen-y feeling from within the housing unit and giving a whole new meaning to outdoor cooking. Outdoor ovens are categorized according to the power source into wood-fired, gas-fired or electric.
Wood-fired ovens can reach very high temperatures quickly, gettings as high as 700 to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, which can bring a pizza to a crispy readiness in a matter of minutes depending on the dough thickness. The lesser cooking time has been said to lead to more nutrient retention, which is another advantage of the wood-fired oven. Thus, it saves time and energy and provides an enhanced flavor from the smoky feeling of the firewood. Most ovens in this category are heavy, and therefore suitable outdoors.
Gas-fired ovens on the other, are ideal for those who want to do a lot of bread baking as well as pizza because it is easier to control the temperature with gas. However, gas-ovens need to be pre-heat to get the desired temperature for pizzas.
One major thing the gas ovens however have is convenience. Apart from being more compact than the wood-fired ovens, they do not require constantly being tended to once, making it easier to use and freeing up time for bonding and other activities while the meal cooks.
Electric Pizza Ovens reduce the risk of carbon monoxide leaks and do not need to be preheated like the gas oven. They are advantageous for locations where gas lines are not easily accessible.
Other types of pizza ovens are the Conveyor Pizza Oven and the Brick-Lined Pizza Ovens.
Whatever category of outdoor pizza oven you decide to choose, you can be sure that it would be a worthwhile investment for quality outdoor gatherings. Below is a review of the best outdoor pizza ovens, which comes with a concise description, features as well as the pros and cons of each item on our list.
11 Outdoor Pizza Oven Reviews
#01. Ooni 3 Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Ooni 3 Outdoor Pizza Oven is an award-winning wood-fired pizza oven which is capable of cooking delicious pizzas in as little as 60 seconds. It heats up to 9320F in just 10 minutes and runs on sustainably sourced hardwood pellets which are energy-efficient. It is reasonably lightweight, and easy to move.
The product dimension is 23 x 17 x 28 inches, with an item weight of 27.9 pounds. The kit includes a wood-fired oven, wood pellet burner, cordierite stone baking board, door, chimney, and manual/safety guidelines.
#02. Rockbox Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven
This outdoor pizza oven is available in gas or wood, dual-fuel, fire, and stone for outdoor use. It reaches a high temperature of over 9320F in 60 seconds, with an inbuilt thermometer, retractable legs, and detachable dual-fuel burners which make it easy to store and move.
Its insulated body reduces the dangers of burns and scalds, with 86% heat retention. The product dimension is 23.8 x 22.5 x 17.5 inches, with a weight of 44 pounds.
#03. Tengchang Outdoor Wood-fired Pizza Oven
No products found.This product uses both firewood and charcoal, with a weight of 30.300kg packing weight and a size of 62.4” H x 19.6” W x 12.2” L. The package includes a barbeque grill, stainless steel net, black iron net, wheel cover, and installation manual.
It comes in a wheeled design that makes movement and storage easy, and a top and a bottom compartment that can be accessed from the front which makes it very user-friendly.
No products found.
#04. Ooni Pro Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Ooni Pro Outdoor Ovens are available in both the wood-fired and gas categories, which kinds of wood, charcoal, pellets, and gas. It heats up to 9320F in 20 minutes, having an adjustable dual airflow control. The product dimension is 32.3 x 23.2 x 14.6 inches, with a weight of 67.9 pounds.
#05. DayByDay Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven
The product is 23.9 pounds in weight, with a dimension of 21.7 x 17 x 12 inches. It uses twigs, firewood and other woody biomass for fuel. This oven is best suited for outdoor use, and its chimney has been specially built to remove smoke from the oven while maintaining the smoky taste to the pizza. The maximum diameter of pizza produce-able by this oven is 11”.
#06. BBQSTAR Outdoor Wood Fired
The product is an insulated double-walled structure with a weight of 19.4 pounds. it reaches 7520F by 25minutes. The product dimension is 30.7 x 14.2 x 29.5 inches. This model is very cost effective among the wood fired pizza oven range of products available in the market, though it is a reasonably new brand.
#07. illFornino Basic Wood Pizza Oven
The product has a stand dimension of 43 ¾ “ L x 31” W x 30” H. It has built-in ash catching tray at the back of the dome to catch all the ashes. It is made from stainless steel with good oxidation that prevents rust. It is insulated well enough to maintain temperature up to 900 degrees plus. Set up can take up to 45 minutes.
The firebricks used in place of the stone boards are more durable and long-lasting, while the extra insulation makes it a great choice for outdoor use. It takes about 30 minutes to heat-up and cooks pizza in about 70 seconds once the temperature is up.
#08. Ooni Koda Gas Fired Pizza Oven
This brand of the oven gets up to 900 degrees, with a 10mm cordierite baking board and a commercial-grade cold-rolled, high-temperature resistant carbon steel shell.
It is portable equipment, with a convenient carry-case to encourage you to make your favorite meals, anytime, anywhere. It also comes ready to be connected to the propane tank, reducing the need to purchase separate burners. It weighs 36 pounds.
#09. Pizzacraft PC6000 Pizzeria Pronto Outdoor Pizza Oven
No products found.This one, unlike some other pizza oven, pre-heats up to only 7000F in 10 minutes, and cooks pizza in about 5 minutes. It is built to avoid the common pizza-making problem of water retention in the centre of the pizza, by putting a vent that reflects heat and releases moisture, leading to more crispy finishing. It is portable and easy to carry, and safe on virtually any solid surface.
The product dimension is 18.3/5” L x18” W x 15” H and weighs 26 pounds. It is also a great appliance for camping trips because it does not require any extra bags for charcoal or pellets as it is basically powered by propane gas. The free e-book in the package makes it a great choice for beginners.
No products found.
#10. Bartello Wood Fire and gas Outdoor Pizza Oven
This pizza oven is an affordable and portable outdoor oven that is powered by wood fire, pellet, and gas. Whichever power source you choose to use, the oven will reach as high as 900 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the best temperature to cook your pizza.
Any hardwood can be used as firewood, including oak wood, cherry wood, applewood, etc. The convenience of taking it with you anywhere you need to makes it a prized possession that cannot be under-rated in the household.
The product specification is 22 x 14 x 10.5 inches and 29.2 pounds. The stone board is easy to clean.
#11. Thor’s 32.5” Wood Fired Stainless Steel Artisan Pizza Oven
This oven is a portable, polished steel construction that comes with some accessories not commonly packaged or supplied by other brands. Its overall dimension is 32.5” x 30” x 15”, and it has a maximum pizza size of 20.75” diameter.
It stands at 30” to the top of the oven, and about 78” to the top of the chimney cap. It is strictly a wood oven, with an ash grate that aids ventilation and eases clean up. The pizza diameter is comfortably around 10”.
Important Things To Note Before Buying An Outdoor Pizza Oven
Before you make the final decision on which model to invest in, there are some important specifications that you must put into consideration.
Size of the Oven: The size of your family, guests or people you would feed regularly is a major factor. Whereas most models make pizzas within the range of 10” and 12”, there are some models that make larger pizza which will be appropriate for feeding a larger number of people.
Maximum Temperature of the Oven: To achieve that nice, crispy crust that makes pizza sensational, a very high temperature is required. Therefore, look for models that have a high maximum temperature if you intend to make lots of pizzas. If you want to invest in the oven to cook other things more than you cook pizzas, however, then this might be a moot point.
Portability: If you have sufficient outdoor space, larger permanent models are a good choice. But if you need to move it around for picnics or camping trips, then portability is key.
Random Information
A wood-fired oven requires more work after each use compared to other ovens.
Oven prices are determined by many factors, but electric ovens generally cost less than the wood-fired oven.
The best Neopolitan pizzas are those made with dough made of “tipo 0 or 00” wheat flour, 70% hydration, salt, yeast and hand-kneaded and left to rise for 8 hours before baking for 90 seconds.
Cooking outdoors makes your home environment more welcoming with the smell of spices and the warmth of the oven creating a cozy feeling.
If well maintained and properly stored after each use, outdoor pizza ovens can last for years.
The reviewed models above are eco-friendly, which do not add to the global carbon footprint.
Outdoor pizza ovens promote interpersonal relations as it encourages interaction at a level that is not easy to achieve across the table- laid back and easy.
A big rectangular pizza stone is a winner, anytime, every time. Be very intention and research extensively before you commit to any pizza stone.
How To Use Your Outdoor Oven
Find the perfect spot for your oven that allows it to retain its heat, and at the same time does not pose a danger to anyone. If you have the bigger models, you might want to provide adequate coverage after use to protect it against the elements. Storage is just as important as use.
Light up your oven: This also varies per model. For models requiring propane gas, placement of the fuel tank at a reasonable distance from the oven is key. Charcoal, wood and other fueling methods are more flexible.
Assemble your pizza: Are you hosting an evening pizza party for colleagues or just a low-key evening hangout with the boys? Whatever the occasion is, do not forget that the pizza dough has to be left to rise for about 8 hours before cooking. Don’t let that dampen your spontaneity, though. You can try different flavors and toppings to add a spark to your homemade pizza-making experience.
Your Outdoor Pizza Oven is ready for use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dishes can I use in my oven?
You would require dishes that can withstand high temperatures, as your oven will get very hot. Cast iron dishes and casserole dishes are also good.
How soon can I use the oven after installation?
For most ovens, especially the wood-fired ones, you can build some fire into it for a while to cure it before you start using it. Other power sources might not require curing, though.
Can a pizza oven too hot?
Some ovens have a maximum temperature of over 900 degrees Fahrenheit, which can lead to a common problem of the underneath of the pizza being burnt due to an extremely hot oven floor.
How do I clean my wood fired oven?
Easy peasy! All you need to do is to wait till the oven cools down to sweep out the ashes and vacuum, and viola! Ready for the next use.
How long does it take an oven to heat up?
It depends on the model specification and the power source. Please consult your model to see what the pre-heat period is, but I would recommend nothing less than 10 minutes for whatever model.
What additional items do I need to buy?
Some pizza ovens come with stones, but you might have to buy the pizza peels yourself. Most ovens come with their own accessories.
Can I use parchment paper under my pizza to stop it from sticking to the pizza peel?
No. most parchment papers can not withstand heat above 450 degrees Fahrenheit, while pizzas cook at higher temperatures sometimes up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.
What kind of pizza peel works best?
The expert opinion is that you have two different pizza peels, wood for preparation and insertion and metal for turning and removal.
How do I care for my pizza stone?
Clean the excess food off with a duster. Do not use soap on it as it will strip any oils or seasoning and can transfer a soapy taste on the pizza. Allow the stone to cool gradually so it does not crack.
Do not be worried if it appears your stone is getting blacker, as this only shows that it is getting more seasoned.
Does a pizza oven have to be dome-shaped?
The oven floor is usually rectangular in shape, so for even heat distribution, a lot of models come in half-spherical shapes. However, there are a few barrels shaped models too.
Do weather conditions affect my outdoor pizza oven?
The perfect condition is a mildly warm temperature. You might need to adjust your temperature on cold days to make allowance for drafts that can make its way through lids underneath the oven.
My door is rusting. What do I do?
Some models use decorative aluminum paint that rusts over time. You can scrub it with a steel wool pad, and thereafter paint with high-temperature black paint which must be able to withstand heat over 4000F.
By And Large
We have been able to shed light on outdoor pizza ovens, as an essential product for your culinary completeness. More importantly, we made a careful selection of great outdoor pizza ovens and provided a brief review of each. But we have abstained from doing is tell you which one of them to pick. That is because the choice is always yours and we respect it.
Last update on 2023-05-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
