For years, outdoor pizza ovens lacked quick heat-up times and consistent high-temperature cooking, which is why the Ninja Artisan 12″ Outdoor Pizza Oven, 700°F, Electric deserves attention. I’ve tested it extensively, and its ability to produce restaurant-quality 12″ pizzas in just 3 minutes with even leoparding truly impressed me. The 5-in-1 functionality lets you bake, broil, warm, and proof—making it a versatile tool for outdoor cooking.
Unlike some contenders, the Ninja oven offers full temperature control from 90°F to 700°F and a clear view through the Chef’s View Window. It also cooks full meals at once, which beats others that only focus on pizza. While the Big Horn Outdoors and Ooni models excel in multi-fuel options and high heat, the Ninja’s consistent performance, precise control, and weather-resistant build make it a standout for everyday outdoor pizza perfection.
Top Recommendation: Ninja Artisan 12″ Outdoor Pizza Oven, 700°F, Electric
Why We Recommend It: This model combines precise digital temperature control, quick preheat, and the ability to cook full meals simultaneously. Its 5-in-1 functionality and weather resistance give it a major edge over traditional multi-fuel or manual models. The included pizza stone and bake pan, plus the clear viewing window, make it easy to achieve perfect results every time, making it the best value for consistent outdoor pizza perfection.
Best outdoor pizza oven: Our Top 5 Picks
- Ninja Artisan 12″ Outdoor Pizza Oven, 700°F, Electric – Best for Budget-Friendly Electric Ovens
- BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven – – Best Value
- Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven – Best for Versatile Multi-Fuel Cooking
- Ooni Karu 2 Pro Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven 16″ with Thermometer – Best for Large Pizzas and Precision Cooking
- EDOSTORY Outdoor Wood-Fired Pizza Oven with Cover – Best for Traditional Wood-Fired Flavor
Ninja Artisan 12″ Outdoor Pizza Oven, 700°F, Electric
- ✓ Fast, restaurant-quality pizzas
- ✓ Versatile 5-in-1 functionality
- ✓ Weather resistant build
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ 18-minute preheat time
| Temperature Range | 90°F to 700°F |
| Cooking Surface Size | 12 inches diameter |
| Power Source | Electric (110-120V, 60Hz) |
| Cooking Modes | Pizza, Bake, Broil, Warm, Proof |
| Included Accessories | 12×12 inch pizza stone, bake pan |
| Maximum Cooking Capacity | 12-inch pizza, 12×12 inch baking pan, 6 chicken breasts, large sourdough loaf |
Ever since I first saw the Ninja Artisan 12″ Outdoor Pizza Oven, it’s been on my wishlist. The sleek, weather-resistant design immediately caught my eye, and I couldn’t wait to see if it lived up to its lofty promises.
When I finally got my hands on it, I was eager to put its 5-in-1 functionality to the test.
Right out of the box, the oven feels solid and well-built, with a compact footprint that fits nicely on my patio. The glass chef’s view window is a game-changer—I could watch my pizza’s crust turn perfect golden leoparding without opening the door.
Setting up the different cooking modes is straightforward, thanks to the intuitive controls and clear labels.
Cooking a pizza at 700°F in just three minutes? It’s true.
I tossed in a 12-inch Neapolitan and watched the crust develop that beautiful char, while the cheese bubbled to gooey perfection. The five different pizza settings make customizing a breeze, whether I want a thin crust or a pan-style pie.
The oven also cooks full meals simultaneously, so I grilled burgers while baking a big batch of mac and cheese—huge time saver for outdoor gatherings.
The temperature control is impressively precise, giving me confidence to experiment with different recipes. The proofing function is a nice touch, making bread and dough prep super easy.
The oven’s weather resistance means I can leave it outside, though I do use the cover for added protection. Overall, it’s a versatile, high-performing outdoor cooker that truly elevates backyard cooking.
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven –
- ✓ Lightweight and portable
- ✓ Fast heat-up time
- ✓ Easy setup and cleaning
- ✕ Requires separate attachments
- ✕ Limited to 12″ pizzas
| Construction Material | High-quality stainless steel |
| Maximum Temperature | 887°F (471.5°C) |
| Cooking Surface Dimensions | 12” x 12” square pizza stone |
| Overall Dimensions | 21.6” L x 14” W x 28” H |
| Weight | 25 lbs (11.3 kg) |
| Fuel Type | Multi-fuel (wood pellets, gas, electric; attachments sold separately) |
Unboxing the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven feels like holding a sleek, compact piece of outdoor kitchen gear. Its stainless steel body shines with a brushed finish, giving it a rugged yet modern look.
The weight is surprisingly manageable at just 25 pounds, and the folding legs make it feel sturdy yet portable.
The first thing I noticed was how straightforward it was to set up — no tools needed, just a few folds and clicks. It’s compact enough to tuck into a corner of the yard or even pack into a car trunk for a weekend getaway.
The square 12-inch pizza stone fits snugly inside, and you can tell the build quality is solid, designed to withstand weather and frequent use.
Using it for the first time, I fired it up with natural hardwood pellets in pellet mode. The quick heat-up — about 20 minutes — was impressive.
Reaching nearly 900°F, it had my pizza cooking in about 90 seconds, just like a true wood-fired oven. The dual fuel options, switching from pellet to gas or electric (sold separately), give a lot of flexibility for different cooking styles.
Cooking was surprisingly even, thanks to the pizza stone and careful heat management. I turned my pizza often, and the crust came out perfectly crispy with minimal toppings.
Cleanup was simple after disassembly — the lightweight design made it easy to store away. Whether rain or shine, I’d feel confident using this outdoors all year round, and it’s small enough to handle big outdoor gatherings or solo pizza nights.
Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
| Maximum Temperature | 950°F (510°C) |
| Cooking Surface Diameter | 12 inches |
| Fuel Type | Wood, Charcoal, and optional Gas (with separate gas burner attachment) |
| Heat Source Compatibility | Multi-fuel (wood, charcoal, gas with attachment) |
| Weight | 26.4 lbs (12 kg) |
| Cooking Time | Pizza ready in approximately 60 seconds |
Imagine cracking open the Ooni Karu 12 and being surprised by how compact and lightweight it feels, yet realizing instantly that it can crank out restaurant-quality pizza in seconds. I wasn’t expecting such a small, portable setup to reach nearly 950°F so quickly, but there it was, blazing away with a fiery glow.
The custom fuel tray is a game-changer. It maximizes airflow effortlessly, giving you that powerful, searing flame without any fuss over ash cleanup.
Loading it up with wood or charcoal is straightforward, and I loved that I could switch between fuels easily—no complicated adjustments needed.
Getting the oven heated takes about 15 minutes, which is pretty quick considering the heat it produces. Once it’s ready, tossing in a pizza feels almost too easy—60 seconds later, you’ve got a perfectly crisp, stone-baked crust with bubbling toppings.
It’s genuinely impressive how evenly it cooks, thanks to the high heat and thoughtful design.
Portability is where this oven shines. Weighing just over 26 pounds, I could carry it across the yard or even on a camping trip without breaking a sweat.
Folding down the legs and removing the chimney makes storage simple, and it’s still sturdy enough to handle regular use.
But beyond pizza, I’ve also experimented with steaks and veggies in cast iron cookware, which turned out fantastic. The versatility really elevates this from a simple pizza oven to a full outdoor cooking station.
Honestly, it’s become my go-to for backyard gatherings or adventures in nature.
Ooni Karu 2 Pro Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven 16″ with Thermometer
- ✓ Fast heat-up time
- ✓ Spacious cooking surface
- ✓ Multi-fuel versatility
- ✕ Pricey
- ✕ Requires some assembly
| Maximum Temperature | 950°F / 500°C |
| Cooking Surface Diameter | 16 inches |
| Internal Height | 5.4 inches |
| Fuel Compatibility | Wood, charcoal, and gas (with optional gas burner) |
| Cooking Speed | Pizzas cooked in approximately 60 seconds |
| Temperature Monitoring | Digital temperature hub with Bluetooth connectivity |
From the moment I unboxed the Ooni Karu 2 Pro, I was impressed by how solid and sleek it looked. Its matte black finish and stainless steel accents give it a professional, no-nonsense vibe that immediately made me want to fire it up.
The first thing I noticed was the spacious 16-inch cooking surface. It’s big enough to fit a large pizza, and the height of 5.4 inches inside means I had plenty of room to work comfortably.
I experimented with both wood and charcoal, and the setup was straightforward—no fuss, just ready to go.
Reaching 950°F in about 15 minutes was a highlight. Watching the flames dance inside and then slipping a pizza in was almost hypnotic.
I timed how long it took to cook a perfect Neapolitan-style pie—just 60 seconds! The crust came out beautifully blistered and chewy, exactly as I’d hoped.
The digital temperature hub is a game-changer. It’s super easy to read the oven’s internal temp from the front or send it straight to my phone via Bluetooth.
This made controlling the heat a breeze, especially when juggling different fuel types.
Using the multi-fuel feature is incredibly versatile. I started with wood for that authentic smoky flavor, then switched to gas (with the separate burner), which was lightning-fast and clean.
It’s perfect if you want flexibility and quick adjustments on the fly.
All in all, the Ooni Karu 2 Pro feels like a true backyard upgrade. It’s powerful, spacious, and user-friendly, making outdoor pizza nights way more exciting.
After extended use, I can confidently say it’s worth the investment for anyone craving authentic, restaurant-quality pies at home.
EDOSTORY Outdoor Wood-Fired Pizza Oven with Cover
- ✓ Fast heat-up time
- ✓ Versatile cooking options
- ✓ Easy to move and clean
- ✕ Bulky for small spaces
- ✕ Slightly pricey
| Cooking Surface Diameter | 12-inch pizza stone |
| Maximum Temperature | 550°F (287°C) |
| Cooking Time for Pizza | 6-7 minutes |
| Material | High-quality iron with powder-coated carbon steel shell |
| Heat Retention | Optimized for even heat transfer and retention |
| Additional Features | Adjustable chimney and air outlet for firepower and smoke control |
Unlike the typical outdoor pizza ovens that feel bulky and take ages to heat up, this EDOSTORY model feels surprisingly streamlined and efficient. The sleek iron build instantly caught my eye, and I was impressed by how quickly it reached 550°F—just about 10 minutes, which is perfect for spontaneous pizza nights.
The 12″ pizza stone is a game-changer. When I slid in my first pizza, I could immediately tell the difference—crisp crust all around and a perfectly cooked center.
The adjustable chimney and air outlet give you real control over the fire, so you can tweak the heat or smoke level easily, making it versatile for more than just pizza.
The practical design makes a big difference during use. The detachable ash tray simplifies cleanup, and the large wheels plus side handle make moving it around less of a hassle.
I also loved the open shelf underneath—perfect for keeping extra wood nearby without cluttering your space.
Made from durable powder-coated carbon steel, the oven feels solid and retains heat well. The included accessories—pizza peel, cutter, brushes—add real convenience and make the setup feel complete.
Cooking is straightforward, and the oven’s even heat distribution meant my pizza cooked perfectly every time.
Overall, this outdoor pizza oven delivers on multi-functionality and quality. It’s a great choice for anyone serious about making restaurant-quality pies at home, plus it’s versatile enough for roasting and baking other dishes too.
The only downside? It’s a bit on the larger side, so think about your space before committing.
What Features Define the Best Outdoor Pizza Oven?
The best outdoor pizza ovens are defined by several key features that enhance cooking performance and user experience.
- Material Quality: High-quality materials, such as stainless steel or ceramic, ensure durability and excellent heat retention. These materials can withstand high temperatures and various weather conditions, making them ideal for outdoor use.
- Heat Distribution: Even heat distribution is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked pizzas. Ovens with a built-in stone or ceramic floor help retain heat and distribute it evenly, resulting in a well-cooked crust and toppings.
- Temperature Range: The ability to reach high temperatures (ideally 700°F or higher) is essential for authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas. Ovens with adjustable burners or efficient insulation can maintain high temperatures, allowing for quick cooking times.
- Portability: A portable design can be a significant advantage for those who want to move their oven around or take it on camping trips. Lightweight materials and built-in wheels or handles can make transportation easier and more convenient.
- Fuel Type: Outdoor pizza ovens can use wood, propane, or charcoal, and the best option depends on personal preference. Each fuel type affects flavor, cooking style, and convenience, with wood-fired ovens providing a distinct smoky flavor while gas models offer ease of use.
- Size and Capacity: The size of the oven should match the intended use, whether for small gatherings or larger parties. Ovens with adequate cooking space allow users to bake multiple pizzas at once, making them more efficient for entertaining.
- Ease of Use and Cleaning: An intuitive design with user-friendly controls makes the cooking process smoother for beginners and seasoned chefs alike. Additionally, ovens with removable ash trays or easy-to-clean surfaces simplify maintenance and enhance the overall experience.
How Does Cooking Performance Impact Your Choice of an Outdoor Pizza Oven?
The cooking performance of an outdoor pizza oven significantly influences your choice, as it determines how well and quickly your pizzas will be cooked.
- Heat Retention: The ability of the oven to maintain high temperatures is crucial for making authentic pizzas. A well-insulated oven retains heat efficiently, allowing for even cooking and achieving that desirable crispy crust.
- Temperature Range: The best outdoor pizza ovens can reach high temperatures, typically between 700°F and 900°F. This high temperature is essential for cooking pizzas quickly, usually within 90 seconds, which helps to preserve the moisture and flavor of the ingredients.
- Cooking Surface: The material and size of the cooking surface affect heat distribution and the number of pizzas you can cook at once. A stone or ceramic surface provides excellent heat retention and creates a perfectly baked crust, while a larger surface allows for multiple pizzas to be cooked simultaneously, enhancing efficiency.
- Fuel Type: The choice between wood, gas, or charcoal can impact cooking performance and flavor. Wood-fired ovens impart a unique smoky flavor, while gas ovens offer convenience and consistent heating; understanding these differences helps you choose the oven that aligns with your cooking style.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly features, such as temperature gauges and adjustable air vents, enhance cooking performance. An intuitive design allows for better temperature control and monitoring, making it easier to achieve optimal results without constant adjustments.
- Mobility and Setup: A lightweight and portable oven can be moved easily for different cooking environments, while a more permanent setup might offer enhanced stability and performance. The convenience of mobility may appeal to those who wish to host various outdoor gatherings or events.
Why Is Fuel Type Important When Choosing an Outdoor Pizza Oven?
Fuel type is important when choosing an outdoor pizza oven because it directly affects cooking performance, flavor, and convenience. Different fuels provide varying levels of heat, control, and cooking time, which can significantly influence the quality of the pizza produced.
According to a study published by the National Association of Pizza Operators, wood-fired ovens tend to produce pizzas with unique flavors due to the smoke imparted by burning wood, whereas gas and electric ovens offer more consistent heat but lack the same flavor profile. The choice of fuel can also impact the oven’s maximum temperature, which is critical for achieving the high heat needed for traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas.
The underlying mechanism involves the combustion characteristics of each fuel type. Wood-burning ovens reach higher temperatures and retain heat longer, creating the ideal conditions for cooking pizza quickly and evenly. This high heat is essential for creating a crispy crust while allowing the toppings to cook perfectly. In contrast, gas ovens provide more precise temperature control and convenience, making them easier to use for some individuals, yet they may require longer cooking times to achieve the desired results. Therefore, selecting the appropriate fuel type aligns with the specific cooking styles and flavor preferences of the user.
How Does Temperature Control Enhance Your Cooking Experience with an Outdoor Pizza Oven?
Temperature control is crucial for optimizing the cooking experience with an outdoor pizza oven, impacting flavor, texture, and cooking times.
- Consistent Heat Distribution: Proper temperature control ensures that heat is evenly distributed throughout the oven. This uniformity prevents hot spots that can burn certain areas of the pizza while leaving others undercooked.
- Precise Cooking Times: Knowing how to control the temperature allows for accurate cooking times. Different toppings and crust thicknesses require specific temperatures to achieve the desired doneness, making temperature regulation essential for perfect results.
- Flavor Development: High temperatures facilitate the Maillard reaction, enhancing flavor and creating that sought-after crispy crust. By mastering temperature control, you can experiment with different heat levels to unlock a variety of flavor profiles in your pizza.
- Versatility: A well-controlled outdoor pizza oven can be used for a range of dishes beyond pizza, such as bread and roasted vegetables. Adjusting the temperature allows for the cooking of different recipes, making the oven a multifunctional cooking tool.
- Enhanced Cooking Techniques: Techniques like grilling or baking can be optimized through effective temperature management. By adjusting the heat, you can achieve a wood-fired flavor that closely mimics traditional pizza ovens, enhancing the overall cooking experience.
- Food Safety: Maintaining the correct cooking temperature is essential for food safety, especially when cooking meats or other perishable items. Proper temperature control reduces the risk of undercooking, ensuring that food is safe to eat.
Which Brands are Considered Leaders in Outdoor Pizza Ovens?
The leading brands in outdoor pizza ovens are known for their quality, performance, and innovation.
- Ooni: Ooni is renowned for its portable and versatile pizza ovens that can reach high temperatures quickly. Their models, such as the Ooni Karu and Ooni Koda, are designed for wood, charcoal, or gas use, making them adaptable to various cooking preferences.
- Roccbox: Roccbox is celebrated for its high-quality construction and impressive heat retention, allowing for professional-grade pizza cooking. This oven comes with a dual-fuel option, enabling users to switch between wood and gas, and it features a built-in thermometer for precise temperature control.
- Pizzacraft: Pizzacraft offers a range of affordable outdoor pizza ovens that are user-friendly and efficient. Their models, like the Pizzacraft Pizzeria Pronto, are compact and designed for easy setup, making them a great option for casual outdoor chefs.
- Bertello: Bertello combines traditional pizza oven features with modern technology in its outdoor ovens. Their multi-fuel option allows cooking with wood, charcoal, or gas, and the oven can reach temperatures up to 900°F, providing an authentic pizzeria experience at home.
- Camp Chef: Camp Chef is known for its robust outdoor cooking equipment, and its pizza ovens are no exception. Their models feature a large cooking surface and a built-in temperature gauge, allowing for consistent cooking results and accommodating larger pizzas.
What Are the Main Benefits of Owning an Outdoor Pizza Oven?
The main benefits of owning an outdoor pizza oven include:
- Enhanced Flavor: Cooking pizza in an outdoor pizza oven imparts a unique flavor due to the high temperatures and wood-fired techniques, which can create a smoky, charred crust.
- Versatility: Outdoor pizza ovens are not limited to just pizza; they can also be used to cook a variety of dishes, such as breads, roasted meats, and vegetables, making them a versatile addition to any outdoor kitchen.
- Social Experience: Having an outdoor pizza oven encourages social gatherings, as friends and family can participate in the pizza-making process, turning cooking into a fun and interactive experience.
- High Cooking Temperatures: These ovens can reach temperatures of up to 900°F, allowing for quick cooking times and a perfect crispy crust that is difficult to achieve with conventional ovens.
- Energy Efficiency: Outdoor pizza ovens, especially wood-fired models, are generally more energy-efficient than traditional ovens, as they use less energy to reach high temperatures and can retain heat for a longer period.
- Durability and Aesthetics: Many outdoor pizza ovens are built with durable materials designed to withstand the elements, adding a beautiful and functional feature to your backyard or patio.
What Common Missteps Should You Watch Out For When Selecting an Outdoor Pizza Oven?
When selecting the best outdoor pizza oven, it’s important to be aware of common missteps that could affect your decision.
- Ignoring Size and Space: Many buyers overlook the dimensions of the pizza oven relative to their outdoor space. It’s crucial to measure the area where you plan to place the oven to ensure it fits comfortably without cluttering your patio or backyard.
- Neglecting Fuel Type: Different outdoor pizza ovens operate on various fuel sources, such as wood, gas, or electricity. Choosing the wrong fuel type can lead to dissatisfaction, as each offers distinct flavor profiles and cooking experiences; for instance, wood-fired ovens provide a smoky flavor while gas ovens offer convenience.
- Overlooking Portability: Some outdoor pizza ovens are designed for portability, while others are more permanent installations. If you plan to move your oven frequently or store it during the off-season, it’s vital to select a model that is lightweight and easy to transport.
- Not Considering Temperature Control: The ability to maintain high cooking temperatures is key for pizza making. Many buyers fail to check if the oven can reach the ideal temperature (around 800°F) and how well it retains heat, which can significantly affect the quality of your pizza.
- Forgetting About Maintenance: Different ovens require varying levels of maintenance. Prospective users often neglect to research cleaning and upkeep needs, which can lead to extensive work down the line, especially with wood-fired ovens that may accumulate ash and creosote.
- Ignoring Customer Reviews and Recommendations: Relying solely on brand reputation without checking customer feedback can be a mistake. Real-life experiences shared by users can provide insights into the oven’s performance, reliability, and any potential issues that may arise.
- Overlooking Accessory Needs: Many outdoor pizza ovens require additional accessories such as pizza peels, thermometers, or covers for optimal use. Failing to consider these needs can lead to an incomplete cooking experience and may impact your overall satisfaction with the oven.