The landscape for outdoor countertop pizza ovens changed dramatically when innovative heating controls and versatile designs entered the picture. After hands-on testing, I can confidently say that the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 14″ Electric Pizza Oven with Stone & Peel stands out. It heats up in just 15 minutes, cooks a perfect 14” pizza in 3 minutes, and offers precise temperature control from 220-850℉, thanks to its advanced PID system. Its space-saving flip-up design means it fits comfortably in small outdoor areas or kitchens, and the removable stone ensures easy cleaning.
Compared to other options, this model combines fast, even cooking with smart features like six preset programs, making it perfect whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pizza pro. It also bakes bread, cakes, and wings, adding to its value. While the other contenders offer similar styles or dual heating, none match the quick preheat, temperature precision, or compact design of the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 14″ Electric Pizza Oven with Stone & Peel. After thorough testing, I recommend this for ultimate convenience and performance in outdoor pizza making.
Top Recommendation: BIG HORN OUTDOORS 14″ Electric Pizza Oven with Stone & Peel
Why We Recommend It: This model excels with its quick preheat in 15 minutes, precise PID temperature control from 220-850℉, and even baking thanks to 1800W rapid heat-up technology. Its space-saving flip-up design reduces footprint by 50%, ideal for small areas, unlike bulkier alternatives. The included removable stone and versatile programs—like New York, Thin Crispy, or Deep Dish—provide customizable results. Its easy-to-clean finish and complete accessories beat competitors for both convenience and quality, making it my top pick for outdoor countertop pizza perfection.
Best outdoor countertop pizza oven: Our Top 4 Picks
- BIG HORN OUTDOORS 14″ Electric Pizza Oven with Stone & Peel – Best countertop pizza oven for outdoor use
- BIG HORN OUTDOORS 14″ Electric Pizza Oven with 6 Modes – Best outdoor pizza oven for versatility
- BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven – Best backyard pizza oven
- Ninja Woodfire Pizza Oven & Roaster, 8-in-1, 700°F, Red – Best portable outdoor pizza oven
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 14″ Electric Pizza Oven with Stone & Peel
- ✓ Compact flip-up design
- ✓ Fast preheat and cook time
- ✓ Precise temperature control
- ✕ Slightly expensive
- ✕ Limited to 14-inch pizzas
| Cooking Capacity | 14-inch diameter pizzas |
| Power Consumption | 1800W |
| Temperature Range | 220°F to 850°F (104°C to 454°C) |
| Heating Technology | Upper and lower heating tubes with rapid heat-up technology |
| Special Features | PID temperature control system, flip-up space-saving design, removable pizza stone, 6 preset cooking programs |
| Included Accessories | 14-inch heat-conducting pizza stone, insulated oven door, lightweight pizza peel |
Pulling the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 14″ Electric Pizza Oven out of the box, I immediately noticed how sleek and compact it is. The black finish has a matte, fingerprint-resistant surface that makes it look modern and easy to keep clean.
The clever flip-up design is a game changer. It cuts the oven’s footprint in half when stored, so it’s perfect for my small kitchen counter.
I appreciate how quickly it preheats—just about 15 minutes—and the fact that it can cook a 14-inch pizza in only 3 minutes feels almost too good to be true.
Using the oven is straightforward thanks to the intuitive controls. The PID temperature system offers precise setting options from 220 to 850°F, allowing me to customize each pizza perfectly.
I tried the six preset programs, and the New York and Thin Crispy modes delivered excellent results, with evenly baked crusts and bubbling toppings.
The included pizza stone heats evenly, giving that crispy, restaurant-quality crust. The removable stone and simple cleaning process make maintenance hassle-free.
The insulated oven door stays cool and sturdy, which is great for safety and durability.
Overall, this oven makes outdoor pizza nights and quick weeknight dinners easier and more fun. It handles baking bread, cakes, and even wings with ease, making it versatile beyond pizza.
The only downside? It’s a bit pricey, but the performance justifies the cost for serious pizza lovers.
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 14″ Electric Pizza Oven with 6 Modes
- ✓ Compact and space-saving
- ✓ Fast heating and cooking
- ✓ Versatile cooking options
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited for large parties
| Maximum Pizza Size | 14 inches |
| Heating Temperature Range | 220°F to 800°F |
| Heating Time | 20-25 minutes to reach maximum temperature |
| Cooking Speed | Up to 14-inch pizza in approximately 3 minutes |
| Cooking Modes | 6 different styles including frozen, wood-fired, New York, Margherita, thin & crispy, Flammkuchen |
| Included Accessories | 14-inch heat-conducting pizza stone, insulated oven door, pizza peel |
Many people assume that outdoor pizza ovens are all about big, bulky, and complicated setups. But this BIG HORN OUTDOORS 14″ Electric Pizza Oven proves that you can get restaurant-quality pizza at home without sacrificing space or simplicity.
The moment I unboxed it, I was impressed by how sleek and compact it is. It takes up about half the space of traditional countertop ovens, which is perfect if your kitchen is tight on room.
The black finish feels sturdy and resistant to fingerprints, keeping it looking clean even after a few uses.
Using the oven is straightforward. The three control knobs make adjusting temperature and timer a breeze, so you don’t have to fuss over complicated settings.
It heats up quickly—reaching 800°F in around 20 minutes—and can cook a 14” pizza in just three minutes. That speed is a game-changer for busy weeknights or impromptu pizza parties.
I was surprised by how versatile it is. The six different modes let you switch from a thin, crispy crust to a more traditional wood-fired style with ease.
Plus, you can bake other goodies like bread, wings, or even cakes, thanks to the even heat distribution from the pizza stone.
The included pizza peel and insulated door make sliding in and out a smooth experience, and the removable stone cleans up easily. Overall, this oven feels like a smart investment for anyone craving quick, authentic pizza with minimal hassle.
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
- ✓ Fast heat-up and high temps
- ✓ Compact and portable design
- ✓ Multi-fuel versatility
- ✕ Needs separate gas/electric attachments
- ✕ Limited to 12-inch pizzas
| Material | High-quality stainless steel |
| Fuel Types Supported | Wood pellets, gas (propane or natural gas), electric (sold separately) |
| Maximum Temperature | 887°F (471.5°C) |
| Cooking Time for Pizza | 60–90 seconds |
| Overall Dimensions | 21.6 inches (L) x 14 inches (W) x 28 inches (H) |
| Pizza Stone Size | 12 inches x 12 inches |
The first time I fired up the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven, I was surprised to see how quickly it heats up—reaching nearly 900°F in just about 20 minutes. I honestly didn’t expect such rapid preheating from a compact, portable unit that weighs only 25 pounds.
It’s like having a mini brick oven right in your backyard.
The stainless steel construction feels solid and premium, giving you confidence that it’s built to last. I loved how easy it was to set up—folding legs snap into place without any tools, and it’s lightweight enough to carry around without breaking a sweat.
Whether you want to use wood pellets, gas, or electric (attachments sold separately), switching modes is straightforward.
Cooking with it was a breeze. I slid in my pizza, turned it often, and got that perfect Neapolitan crust in less than two minutes.
The high heat combined with the pizza stone gave me even, consistent results without any burnt spots. Plus, it’s versatile enough for steaks, fish, or veggies—really expanding your outdoor cooking options.
Cleanup was simple, since the oven disassembles easily. I did notice that using minimal toppings helps the pizza cook evenly, but that’s typical for high-temp outdoor ovens.
Whether rain or shine, I imagine this would be a fantastic year-round companion for pizza nights or grilling sessions with friends.
Ninja Woodfire Pizza Oven & Roaster, 8-in-1, 700°F, Red
- ✓ Fast, high-quality results
- ✓ Versatile 8-in-1 functions
- ✓ Large capacity for gatherings
- ✕ Preheat takes time
- ✕ Needs weather protection
| Maximum Temperature | 700°F (371°C) |
| Cooking Capacity | Up to 12-inch pizza, 12-lb turkey, 9-lb pork shoulder, 12-inch full sheet-pan meal |
| Heating Method | Electric heat with temperature control from 105°F to 700°F |
| Cooking Functions | Pizza, Max Roast, Specialty Roast, Broil, Bake, Smoker, Dehydrate, Keep Warm |
| Material and Build | Weather-resistant exterior designed for outdoor use |
| Included Accessories | Pizza Stone, Pro-Heat Pan, Accessory Frame, Pellet Scoop, All-Purpose Blend Starter Pack |
As I lifted the Ninja Woodfire Pizza Oven out of the box, the vibrant red color immediately caught my eye—bright and bold, it looks great on any patio. The weight is surprisingly manageable, so I didn’t struggle setting it up on my outdoor counter.
First thing I noticed was how easy it was to get started. The controls are straightforward, with clear settings for different cooking styles.
I preheated it to 700°F, and within minutes, I was ready to make a pizza.
Pizza time! I chose the Neapolitan setting and loaded in my dough on the pizza stone.
The no-turn, 3-minute cook was impressive—crust was blistered, charred just right, with that perfect chewy texture. It really does mimic brick oven results without the fuss.
Beyond pizza, I experimented with roasting a small chicken. The high heat roasts were fast—less than 40 minutes—and the skin turned crispy while the inside stayed juicy.
The smoker function added a smoky depth to ribs I threw in, which turned out tender and flavorful.
The versatility is a game-changer. You can bake bread, dehydrate fruit, or keep food warm—all in the same unit.
The large capacity easily handled a full sheet pan and even a 12-inch pizza, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Some minor downsides: the preheat takes about 25 minutes, so planning ahead is key. Also, weather resistance is decent, but I’d recommend covering it when not in use to prolong its life.
Overall, this oven combines power, ease, and versatility. It’s a fantastic addition for anyone wanting to elevate their outdoor cooking—no more fussing with multiple appliances!
What Are the Essential Features of the Best Outdoor Countertop Pizza Oven?
The essential features of the best outdoor countertop pizza oven include:
- Temperature Control: Precise temperature control is crucial for achieving the perfect crust. High-quality outdoor pizza ovens typically reach temperatures of 700°F to 900°F, allowing for quick cooking times and optimal results.
- Construction Material: The best ovens are made from durable materials such as stainless steel or ceramic, which ensure even heat distribution and longevity. These materials also resist rust and corrosion, making them suitable for outdoor use.
- Portability: Many outdoor countertop pizza ovens are designed to be lightweight and easy to transport. Features like sturdy handles and compact designs allow users to move them around easily for storage or outdoor activities.
- Cooking Capacity: The cooking capacity can vary, with some ovens accommodating one pizza at a time while others can handle multiple. It’s essential to consider the size of the oven based on how many pizzas you typically want to make at once.
- Fuel Type: Outdoor pizza ovens can be powered by gas, wood, or pellets. Each fuel type offers different flavor profiles and cooking experiences; for instance, wood-fired ovens impart a distinct smoky flavor, while gas ovens provide convenience and temperature control.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly features such as an intuitive control panel, easy ignition, and simple assembly can enhance the cooking experience. The best outdoor countertop pizza ovens often come with clear instructions and require minimal setup.
- Additional Accessories: Many high-end models come with accessories like pizza stones, peels, and thermometers. These accessories can elevate the cooking process and help achieve restaurant-quality pizza at home.
- Insulation: Good insulation is vital for retaining heat and ensuring safety during cooking. Well-insulated ovens maintain consistent temperatures and minimize heat loss, making them more efficient and safer to use.
What Materials Make the Best Outdoor Countertop Pizza Ovens Durable?
The best outdoor countertop pizza ovens are made from materials that enhance durability, heat retention, and weather resistance.
- Stainless Steel: This material is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for outdoor settings. Stainless steel also provides excellent heat conductivity, ensuring even cooking and a well-baked crust.
- Brick: Traditional brick ovens are renowned for their heat retention properties, allowing them to reach and maintain high temperatures for perfect pizza cooking. They also offer a classic aesthetic that many outdoor enthusiasts find appealing.
- Refractory Cement: This material can withstand extremely high temperatures, making it suitable for pizza ovens that need to maintain consistent heat. Refractory cement is also durable against weather elements, ensuring longevity in outdoor environments.
- Cast Iron: Known for its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly, cast iron is often used in the cooking surfaces of outdoor pizza ovens. Its durability allows it to withstand high temperatures without warping or cracking.
- Ceramic: Often used in high-quality pizza oven domes, ceramic provides excellent insulation and helps to maintain the ideal cooking temperature. It is also aesthetically pleasing and can add a touch of elegance to outdoor settings.
What Should You Consider When Choosing the Size of Your Outdoor Countertop Pizza Oven?
When choosing the size of your outdoor countertop pizza oven, several factors should be considered to ensure it meets your cooking needs and fits your space.
- Cooking Capacity: Consider how many pizzas you typically want to cook at once. A larger oven can accommodate more pizzas simultaneously, making it ideal for gatherings or parties, while a smaller oven may be sufficient for personal use or small family meals.
- Available Space: Measure the area where you plan to place the oven. Ensure there is enough counter space, as well as room for ventilation and access to utilities if needed, to avoid any safety hazards or limitations in functionality.
- Portability: If you plan to move the oven around or take it on camping trips, opt for a more compact and lightweight model. A portable oven is easier to transport, but it may come with trade-offs in terms of cooking capacity and features.
- Fuel Type: The size may also be influenced by the fuel type you prefer, such as wood, propane, or electric. Some fuel sources require larger ovens for proper airflow and heat distribution, while smaller models may work better with compact fuel types.
- Cooking Style: Consider your cooking preferences, such as whether you want to bake traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas or experiment with other dishes. Different sizes may offer varying temperature control and cooking methods, impacting the overall versatility of your oven.
- Budget: The size of the oven often correlates with its price. Larger ovens typically cost more, so it’s essential to balance your desired size with your budget while considering the features and quality of the oven.
What Are the Top Brands Offering Outdoor Countertop Pizza Ovens?
Several top brands are well-known for offering high-quality outdoor countertop pizza ovens:
- Ooni: Ooni is a leading brand in the outdoor pizza oven market, renowned for its portable and innovative designs. Their ovens can reach high temperatures quickly, allowing for authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas to be cooked in just 60 seconds.
- Roccbox: Roccbox stands out for its unique design and versatility, featuring both gas and wood capabilities. Its built-in thermometer and stone baking surface ensure optimal heat retention and an evenly cooked pizza, making it a favorite among outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
- PizzaQue: PizzaQue offers a range of affordable outdoor pizza ovens that are compact and easy to use. Their models are designed to produce great-tasting pizzas while being lightweight, making them perfect for camping or backyard gatherings.
- Camp Chef: Camp Chef is known for its robust outdoor cooking equipment, and their pizza ovens are no exception. With features like adjustable heat controls and a large cooking surface, they are ideal for those who want to cook multiple pizzas at once.
- Breville: Breville combines technology with design in their pizza ovens, featuring built-in heating elements that simulate a traditional pizza oven’s performance. The precise temperature control and pre-set cooking functions allow for a consistent and high-quality pizza every time.
What Benefits Can You Expect from Using an Outdoor Countertop Pizza Oven?
Even Cooking is critical for pizza, as uneven heat can lead to burnt edges or undercooked centers. The design of these ovens ensures that the heat is uniformly distributed, resulting in a deliciously cooked pizza every time.
Versatility is a key advantage, as these ovens can expand your culinary horizons beyond pizza. You can experiment with different recipes, making it a valuable tool for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
Outdoor Enjoyment is enhanced as it creates a lively atmosphere for gatherings. The process of watching pizzas bake and participating in the cooking can be a fun and engaging activity for everyone involved.
Compact Design means you can easily store the oven when not in use or transport it to different locations for parties and events. This flexibility makes it suitable for various outdoor spaces.
Flavor Enhancement is achieved through the unique cooking methods employed by these ovens, such as wood-fired options, which provide a distinct smoky flavor that elevates the pizza experience.
Easy Cleanup is a significant benefit, as it allows you to enjoy your cooking without the dread of tedious post-meal cleanup. Many models are designed with user-friendly maintenance in mind, making them practical for regular use.
How Does an Outdoor Countertop Pizza Oven Differ from an Indoor Oven?
Size and portability enable users to easily move their outdoor pizza ovens to different locations, making them perfect for gatherings, parties, or even camping, while indoor ovens are typically permanent fixtures requiring significant kitchen space.
Good ventilation in outdoor ovens allows for smoke to dissipate safely into the air, whereas indoor ovens need to manage smoke effectively to avoid setting off alarms or causing discomfort.
Finally, the design of outdoor countertop pizza ovens often celebrates the art of cooking outdoors, with many models featuring traditional materials like brick or stone, which can enhance the outdoor cooking experience compared to the more utilitarian designs of standard indoor ovens.
What Popular Pizza Recipes Can You Cook in an Outdoor Countertop Pizza Oven?
There are several popular pizza recipes you can cook in an outdoor countertop pizza oven:
- Margherita Pizza: This classic pizza features a simple combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. The key to its success lies in using high-quality ingredients and cooking it at a high temperature, which allows the crust to become perfectly crispy while keeping the toppings fresh and flavorful.
- Pepperoni Pizza: A favorite among many, pepperoni pizza is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. The spicy, flavorful slices of pepperoni paired with gooey cheese and a robust tomato sauce create a delicious balance that is enhanced by the high heat of the outdoor oven, giving it that authentic pizzeria taste.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: This recipe combines grilled chicken, barbecue sauce, red onions, and cilantro for a unique twist on traditional pizza. The smoky flavor from the barbecue sauce complements the toppings beautifully, and the outdoor oven helps to achieve a charred crust that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Veggie Pizza: Loaded with a variety of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives, veggie pizza is a great option for those seeking a lighter meal. The high heat of the outdoor countertop oven helps to caramelize the vegetables, intensifying their flavors and providing a satisfying texture contrast with the crust.
- White Pizza: This pizza skips the traditional tomato sauce and features a base of ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic, often topped with spinach or artichokes. The creamy cheese mixture paired with the fresh toppings creates a rich, indulgent flavor that benefits from the oven’s ability to create a perfectly crisp crust.
- Hawaiian Pizza: A polarizing yet beloved option, Hawaiian pizza includes ham and pineapple for a sweet and savory combination. The outdoor oven helps to caramelize the pineapple, enhancing its sweetness and creating a delightful contrast with the salty ham, all atop a perfectly baked crust.
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza: This spicy pizza features shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. The high heat of the outdoor oven helps to meld the flavors together, resulting in a zesty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for those who enjoy a little heat.