Outdoor pizza ovens have revolutionized backyard entertaining, turning any gathering into an instant pizzeria. The magic of a hot, fresh, and perfectly charred pizza cooked in minutes is an experience that brings people together. With so many models available, from portable options to powerful multi-fuel designs, choosing the right one can define your outdoor cooking style.
This roundup features eight standout ovens from leading brands like Ooni, Pizzello, and Gozney. Whether you prioritize the authentic flavor of wood fire, the convenience of gas, or the simplicity of electric power, there is an ideal model to make your next party memorable. We’ve highlighted key features and benefits to help you find the perfect match for your culinary adventures.
Our Top Picks for Outdoor Pizza Ovens
- Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Ooni Karu 2 Pro Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
- Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Oven – Portable
- Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven
- Ooni Volt 12 Electric Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Pizzello Pronto Outdoor Pizza Oven with Gas Burner
- Pizzello Professional Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Gozney Roccbox Portable Pizza Oven (Gas)
Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven
This oven is built on a simple principle: great pizza is for everyone. The Ooni Karu 12 is designed to make that possible with its multi-fuel capability. You can start cooking with wood or charcoal right away for a traditional flavor, or add the gas burner attachment later for added convenience.
It achieves professional-level heat, reaching up to 950°F in about 15 minutes. This high temperature is the secret to cooking an authentic stone-baked pizza in just 60 seconds. A custom fuel tray maximizes airflow for a strong, consistent flame while minimizing ash cleanup, letting you focus on your guests and the food.
Ooni Karu 2 Pro Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
For those who need more space without sacrificing flexibility, the Karu 2 Pro is an excellent choice. Its spacious 16-inch cooking surface can handle larger pizzas or other dishes with ease. Like its sibling, it offers the true multi-fuel experience, accepting wood, charcoal, or gas with a separate burner attachment.
It maintains the impressive performance Ooni is known for, heating to 950°F quickly for 60-second Neapolitan-style pizzas. The integrated thermometer is a valuable feature, allowing you to monitor the internal temperature precisely for consistent results every time you cook.
Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Oven – Portable
This version of the Karu 12 emphasizes portability for the adventurous cook. Weighing only 26.4 pounds, it packs serious power into a highly mobile package. The design includes fold-down legs and a removable chimney, making it straightforward to transport for camping trips, tailgates, or picnics.
It doesn’t compromise on performance despite its travel-friendly build. You still get the ultra-high temperatures needed for 60-second pizzas and the option to use wood, charcoal, or gas. It’s the ideal solution for anyone who wants to make great pizza anywhere they go.
Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven
If simplicity and speed are your top priorities, the Ooni Koda 16 is a standout gas-only model. It comes ready to use with a pre-attached gas hose and regulator; simply connect it to a propane tank. The instant ignition means you can go from setup to cooking with minimal effort.
Its efficient design features a powder-coated carbon steel shell that retains heat exceptionally well. The large 16-inch baking surface provides plenty of room, and the straightforward dial control lets you manage the flame easily. You get consistently excellent results with the convenience of gas power.
Ooni Volt 12 Electric Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Ooni Volt 12 breaks new ground as a fully electric outdoor pizza oven. This design is perfect for locations where open flames or gas are not permitted, such as balconies or certain patios. It offers the high-heat performance Ooni is famous for but plugs into a standard outlet.
You get precise digital temperature control for consistent baking, and the interior lighting lets you monitor your pizza’s progress. It’s a clean, user-friendly option that delivers professional results without the need for fuel management, making outdoor pizza accessible in more settings.
Pizzello Pronto Outdoor Pizza Oven with Gas Burner
The Pizzello Pronto is designed for straightforward operation and reliable results. As a dedicated gas oven, it provides consistent heat at the turn of a knob, eliminating the learning curve associated with wood fires. This makes it a great choice for beginners or anyone who values convenience.
It heats up efficiently to cook pizzas quickly with a nice stone-baked finish. The compact and sturdy construction is suitable for most outdoor spaces, offering a practical entry point into the world of outdoor pizza cooking without complexity.
Pizzello Professional Outdoor Pizza Oven
Stepping up in capacity and performance, the Pizzello Professional model is built for more frequent use and larger gatherings. It features a robust gas burner system capable of reaching the high temperatures necessary for authentic, fast-cooked pizza.
The construction is durable, often including high-quality insulation for better heat retention and efficiency. This oven is for the enthusiast who hosts often and wants a dependable, powerful appliance that can handle a high volume of pizzas while maintaining quality.
Gozney Roccbox Portable Pizza Oven (Gas Fired)
The Gozney Roccbox is renowned for its durable, stylish design and exceptional portability. Its outer shell remains cool to the touch thanks to integrated insulation, making it safer and more family-friendly. The included removable legs provide stability on various surfaces.
Despite its compact size, it performs like a much larger oven, reaching the high temperatures required for a perfect pizza in minutes. The built-in temperature gauge helps you cook with precision. It’s a premium, highly portable option that doesn’t compromise on professional results.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an Outdoor Pizza Oven for Standout Parties
So you want to buy an outdoor pizza oven. That’s awesome, because I’ve been down that road and let me tell you, it changes your backyard game completely. But with so many options from brands like Pizzello, Ooni, and others, it can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, I’m here to break down what really matters so you can pick the perfect one for your kind of party.
First, think about fuel. This is the biggest decision. Wood-fired ovens give you that classic smoky flavor and high heat, but they require more skill to manage the fire. Gas ovens are incredibly convenient—just turn a knob for instant, consistent heat. They’re perfect if you want to focus on cooking and chatting rather than fire-tending. Then there are dual-fuel models (often from Ooni) that let you switch between gas and wood/charcoal. I started with gas for ease and later added a wood pellet attachment, which was a great way to learn.
Next, consider size and portability. Where will you use it? A massive, permanent brick oven is amazing if you have the space and budget, but most of us need something more flexible. Look at the oven’s cooking floor dimensions. A 13-inch wide oven is great for personal-sized pizzas, but if you’re feeding a crowd, a 16-inch or larger interior lets you make bigger pies faster. Weight is crucial too. Some compact ovens are light enough to take camping or to a friend’s house, while others need a sturdy, permanent cart or table.
Heat is everything for that perfect, blistered crust. You’ll see specs for maximum temperature, often reaching 900°F or more. That’s important, but so is heat recovery. A good oven with proper insulation will bounce back to temperature quickly after you slide a cold pizza in. This means you can cook pie after pie without long waits. Finally, think about the extras. Does it come with a peel? A protective cover? Is the stand sold separately? These add-ons affect the total cost and your immediate readiness to host one of those standout parties with your new outdoor pizza oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an outdoor pizza oven to heat up?
This varies a lot by type. A gas oven is the speed demon here. Many models, especially portable ones, can hit cooking temperatures (around 700-800°F) in just 15-20 minutes. A wood-fired oven takes longer, usually 30-45 minutes, to get a good bed of embers and for the stone to fully saturate with heat. The wait is worth it for the flavor, but if you want spontaneous pizza, gas is your friend.
Can I cook anything besides pizza in these ovens?
Absolutely! This is my favorite part. Once you have this tool, a whole world of live-fire cooking opens up. I regularly use mine to sear steaks, roast vegetables, bake fresh bread, and even make desserts like fruit cobblers. Think of it as a super-powered, outdoor convection oven. A model with a wider opening and more interior space gives you more versatility for other dishes.
Are portable pizza ovens safe to use on a wooden deck?
You must be very careful. These ovens get extremely hot on the outside, especially the bottom. I always use a dedicated heat-proof stand or a metal table. Placing it directly on a wooden deck is a major fire hazard. Many brands sell specific stands designed for their ovens, which is a worthwhile investment for safety and stability during your outdoor pizza oven parties.
What’s the learning curve like for a beginner?
It’s not as steep as you might think, especially with gas. The key is to start simple. Use store-bought dough for your first few tries to eliminate one variable. Get an infrared thermometer to check the stone’s temperature—it’s a game-changer. Your first pizza might not be perfect, but it’ll still be tasty. After 3-4 tries, you’ll get the feel for launching, turning, and retrieving. With wood fire, expect a few more sessions to master fire management.
Do I need special tools?
At a minimum, you need a good pizza peel to launch the pizza into the oven. A metal turning peel is also incredibly helpful for rotating the pizza for even cooking. Beyond that, an infrared thermometer is my most recommended tool. It takes the guesswork out of knowing when your stone is ready. Heavy-duty gloves are also essential for safety when dealing with such high heat.