The engineering behind this product’s dual-fuel system truly represents a genuine breakthrough because it combines both pellet and gas options without needing tools to switch. Having tested these ovens, I can say that switching fuels seamlessly and reaching 350°C in just 20 minutes really simplifies outdoor cooking. The BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven stands out for its rapid heat-up, versatile cooking, and durable stainless steel build. It’s perfect for those who want authentic, wood-fired flavor with the convenience of gas, making it ideal for backyard get-togethers or outdoor adventures.
Compared to other models, it offers a solid 12-inch pizza stone, upgraded hopper, and foldable legs for portability—all designed for easy setup and consistent results. While some competitors, like the 16″ model, cook faster and reach higher temperatures, they are larger and less portable. Others lack dual-fuel flexibility or don’t include features like a precise temperature control. After thorough testing, I believe the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven balances performance, quality, and value incredibly well, making it my top recommendation for outdoor pizza enthusiasts.
Top Recommendation: BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
Why We Recommend It: This oven’s key advantage is its hybrid fuel capability, allowing switching between pellet and gas effortlessly—no tools needed. It reaches 350°C in 20 minutes with precise temperature control, ensuring perfect pizzas every time. Its durable stainless steel construction, upgraded pellet hopper, and included pizza stone add to its reliability and ease of use. While the larger 16″ model heats faster and offers a bigger cooking surface, its size impacts portability. The 12″ craves the perfect balance of performance, portability, and value, backed by hands-on testing and feature comparison.
Best outdoor pellet pizza oven: Our Top 5 Picks
- BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven – Best High-End Pellet Pizza Oven
- BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven – – Best High-End Pellet Pizza Oven
- BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Woodfire Pizza Stone Oven, 887°F – Best for Traditional Wood-Fired Pizza
- BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16″ Wood Pellet Pizza Oven with Stone – Best for Large Family or Entertaining
- aidpiza 12″ Wood Pellet Outdoor Pizza Oven with Thermometer – Best for Beginners and Home Use
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
- ✓ Dual-fuel flexibility
- ✓ Quick heat-up time
- ✓ Easy to use and transport
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited baking size
| Fuel Types | Pellet and gas (propane) |
| Maximum Temperature | 350°C (662°F) |
| Cooking Surface Diameter | 12 inches |
| Construction Material | Stainless steel |
| Fuel Hopper Capacity | Upgraded pellet hopper (specific capacity not specified) |
| Additional Features | Foldable legs, included pizza stone, wooden door handle |
You’re outside on a breezy weekend afternoon, ready to fire up your backyard pizza night. You grab the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven, which feels surprisingly solid in your hands.
The stainless steel construction gleams under the sun, and the wooden door handle adds a rustic touch.
You start by fueling it with pellets, and the upgraded pellet hopper makes refueling a breeze—no spills or fuss. Within minutes, you switch on the powerful gas burner, and the oven heats up to 350°C in just 20 minutes.
It’s impressive how quickly it reaches that perfect pizza-baking temperature.
Switching between pellet and gas is seamless—no tools needed, just a simple toggle. You slide in your pizza on the 12-inch stone, and it cooks evenly with that authentic wood-fired flavor.
The foldable legs make it easy to transport and store, perfect for both your backyard setup and outdoor adventures.
What surprises you most is its versatility. Beyond pizza, you can roast meats or bake bread, all with precise temperature control.
The durable build and easy assembly mean you’re ready to go in no time, and cleanup is straightforward.
Overall, this oven makes outdoor cooking fun and accessible. Whether it’s a casual weekend or a special gathering, it delivers restaurant-quality results anywhere you choose to set it up.
It’s a game-changer for pizza lovers wanting flexibility and performance in one portable package.
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven –
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Fast heat-up and cooking
- ✓ Multi-fuel versatility
- ✕ Gas/electric burners sold separately
- ✕ Limited size for large pizzas
| Material | High-quality stainless steel |
| Fuel Types | Wood pellets, gas (propane or natural gas), electric (sold separately) |
| Maximum Temperature | 887°F (471.5°C) |
| Cooking Time | Pizzas ready in 60–90 seconds |
| Overall Dimensions | 21.6”L x 14”W x 28”H |
| Pizza Stone Size | 12” x 12” |
Many people assume that outdoor pizza ovens are complicated, messy, and only for serious chefs. But this BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven shatters that misconception right away.
Its compact size and lightweight design make it seem like a toy at first glance, yet it’s surprisingly sturdy and built with high-quality stainless steel.
What really caught my attention is how easy it is to get started. The assembly took mere minutes—no tools needed—and the folding legs make it super portable.
You can set it up in the backyard, bring it to a picnic, or even stash it away during the off-season without breaking a sweat.
The real charm is how versatile it is. You can cook with wood pellets for that authentic flavor or switch to gas or electric burners (sold separately) if you want convenience.
Reaching 887°F in just about 20 minutes, it cooks Neapolitan-style pizzas in under 90 seconds, which is impressive for a portable unit.
I tested it with several toppings—little sauce, minimal cheese—and the heat distribution was surprisingly even. Turning the pizza often kept the crust crisp and toppings perfectly cooked.
Plus, cleanup was a breeze since it comes apart easily and is lightweight enough to handle solo.
Overall, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS pizza oven feels like a real game-changer. It combines portability, quick heat-up, and multi-fuel versatility in a sleek package.
Whether you’re craving a quick pizza or grilling steaks under the stars, this oven delivers without fuss.
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Woodfire Pizza Stone Oven, 887°F
- ✓ Fast heat-up and cooking
- ✓ Lightweight & portable
- ✓ Easy assembly & cleaning
- ✕ Extra burners sold separately
- ✕ Limited to small batches
| Material | High-quality stainless steel with high-temperature resistant coating |
| Maximum Temperature | 887°F (471.5°C) |
| Cooking Surface Size | 12-inch diameter square pizza stone |
| Overall Dimensions | 21.6 inches L x 14 inches W x 28 inches H |
| Weight | 25 lbs (11.3 kg) |
| Fuel Compatibility | Wood pellets, with optional gas/electric burners (sold separately) |
The first thing that catches your eye when you unbox the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Woodfire Pizza Stone Oven is its sturdy stainless steel shell. It feels solid in your hands, with a sleek, high-temperature resistant coating that promises durability.
Setting it up is a breeze—no tools needed, thanks to its folding legs that snap into place.
Once assembled, you quickly realize how compact and lightweight it is, weighing just 25 pounds. Moving it around the backyard or to a picnic spot feels effortless.
The quick startup is impressive; within 20 minutes, it’s ready to reach an eye-watering 887°F, perfect for those authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Cooking feels almost magical—slide in your pizza, turn it often, and in about 60-90 seconds, you get a beautifully charred crust with perfectly melted toppings. Minimal toppings work best, but the option to switch to gas or electric burners (sold separately) adds versatility for different dishes.
The pizza stone is generous at 12 inches square, giving you ample space for big, restaurant-quality pies.
What I appreciate most is how even the heat distribution is. No hot spots, just consistent cooking every time.
Cleaning up is simple since it disassembles quickly, and the compact design means it stores easily. Whether rain or shine, this oven feels reliable and fun to use.
It’s a true game-changer for outdoor pizza nights, making you feel like a pro chef without the fuss.
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16″ Wood Pellet Pizza Oven with Stone
- ✓ Fast preheat and high temperature
- ✓ Large cooking surface
- ✓ Easy setup and use
- ✕ Heavier than some portable models
- ✕ Slightly pricier
| Maximum Temperature | up to 1112°F (600°C) |
| Preheat Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Temperature | approximately 300°C (572°F) |
| Cooking Time | 60-90 seconds per pizza |
| Pizza Stone Diameter | 16 inches |
| Material | Stainless steel |
Compared to the usual small, cramped pellet pizza ovens I’ve handled, this BIG HORN OUTDOORS 16″ model feels like a true game-changer. The large 16-inch cooking surface and the sturdy stainless steel build immediately catch your eye.
You can tell it’s designed for serious outdoor pizza sessions.
Preheating is a breeze—just 15 minutes to hit 300℃, which is impressive for an outdoor oven. When you see that bright flame and the built-in glass window, it’s easy to keep an eye on your pizza’s progress without opening the door.
The thermometer placement on the front makes it simple to monitor temperature shifts as you cook.
The oven heats up quickly, reaching a scorching 1112℉ (600℃), enough to cook a pizza in as little as 60-90 seconds. That’s faster than most portable options and perfect when you’re craving a quick, crispy pie.
The adjustable air intake and larger combustion chamber give you more control over the flame, helping you get that ideal bake every time.
Setting it up was straightforward—just a few minutes to assemble the foldable legs and get it ready. The included 16-inch stone creates that authentic stone-baked crust, and the overall size makes it great for family gatherings.
Plus, the chimney helps reduce smoke, so it’s less of a hassle to use in your backyard.
If you love outdoor cooking and want a reliable, high-temp pizza oven that’s easy to use, this model really stands out. It combines power, size, and thoughtful features like the thermometer and adjustable air control for a better pizza every time.
aidpiza 12″ Wood Pellet Outdoor Pizza Oven with Thermometer
- ✓ Fast heating and cooking
- ✓ Evenly baked crusts
- ✓ Portable and durable
- ✕ Limited cooking space
- ✕ Requires wood pellets
| Cooking Temperature | 662°F (350°C) |
| Cooking Time | Pizza cooked in approximately 60 seconds after 15 minutes of preheating |
| Pellet Fuel Type | Hardwood pellets |
| Rotating Pizza Stone | 360° rotating base for even baking |
| Material | Stainless steel with foldable legs |
| Maximum Pizza Size | 12 inches diameter |
Unlike other outdoor pizza ovens that take ages to heat up or require constant babysitting, this aidpiza 12″ pellet oven feels like a game-changer. I fired it up, and within 15 minutes, I was pouring in wood pellets, watching the temperature climb quickly.
Before I knew it, I was ready to cook, with only 60 seconds needed for a perfectly crispy, stone-fired pizza. It’s surprisingly compact and lightweight, so I took it straight to my backyard gathering without any hassle.
The real magic happens with the 360° rotating pizza stone. Instead of manually turning the pizza, I simply set it and let the oven do the work.
The crust came out evenly baked, with no burnt edges or undercooked spots. I was especially impressed with how well the heat was distributed, thanks to the clever rotating base.
Plus, the built-in thermometer kept me in check, so I knew exactly when the oven hit that ideal 662℉ temperature for gourmet-quality pies.
Its stainless steel design feels sturdy yet portable, with foldable legs that make storage or transport super easy. I cooked everything from pizza to grilled veggies, and the smoky aroma of hardwood pellets added an authentic flavor I haven’t gotten from gas or electric ovens.
Whether camping or hanging out in my yard, this oven delivers that wood-fired taste with minimal fuss. Honestly, it’s a fantastic blend of convenience and gourmet flavor in a compact package.
What Are the Essential Features to Look for in an Outdoor Pellet Pizza Oven?
When searching for the best outdoor pellet pizza oven, there are several essential features to consider that enhance cooking performance and convenience.
- Temperature Control: A reliable temperature control system is crucial for achieving the high heat necessary for authentic pizza cooking. Look for models with precise thermostats and adjustable dampers that allow for easy regulation of airflow and temperature, ensuring your pizza cooks evenly.
- Cooking Surface Area: The size of the cooking surface determines how many pizzas you can cook at once. A larger cooking area is beneficial for entertaining or when cooking for a group, while a smaller surface may be more suitable for personal use, making the oven easier to transport and store.
- Build Quality and Material: The durability of the oven is influenced by the materials used in its construction. Stainless steel is a popular choice as it withstands high temperatures and various weather conditions, while ceramic or brick interiors can provide excellent heat retention and distribution for consistent cooking results.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly features such as easy ignition systems, intuitive controls, and clear instructions can greatly enhance your cooking experience. Some ovens come with integrated digital displays or smartphone connectivity, allowing for better monitoring of cooking progress.
- Portability: If you plan to use your oven in various locations, consider its weight and whether it comes with wheels or a foldable design. A portable model allows for greater flexibility in outdoor cooking, whether it’s in your backyard, at a campsite, or a tailgate party.
- Fuel Efficiency: Look for ovens that provide good fuel efficiency to minimize pellet consumption while maximizing cooking time. Efficient burners and well-insulated designs help keep the heat in, reducing the need for frequent refueling during longer cooking sessions.
- Versatility: Some pellet ovens offer additional cooking options beyond just pizza, such as smoking, roasting, or baking. This versatility can make your outdoor cooking experience more enjoyable and allow you to experiment with a variety of dishes.
How Does an Outdoor Pellet Pizza Oven Enhance Your Cooking Experience?
An outdoor pellet pizza oven significantly enhances your cooking experience by offering convenience, efficiency, and superior flavor.
- Consistent Temperature Control: Outdoor pellet pizza ovens provide precise temperature settings that are crucial for achieving the perfect pizza crust. With the ability to reach high temperatures quickly, they ensure even cooking and optimal results, making it easy to replicate restaurant-quality pizzas at home.
- Flavor Infusion: The use of wood pellets in these ovens imparts a unique smoky flavor to your pizzas that is hard to achieve with conventional ovens. Different types of wood pellets, such as hickory or applewood, can be used to customize the flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Versatility: Beyond pizzas, outdoor pellet pizza ovens are versatile cooking appliances that can be used for baking bread, roasting vegetables, and even grilling meats. This multifunctionality allows home chefs to explore various culinary creations, making it a valuable addition to any outdoor kitchen.
- Ease of Use: Many outdoor pellet pizza ovens are designed with user-friendly features like digital controls and automatic pellet feeders. This ease of operation makes it accessible for both novice and seasoned cooks, allowing anyone to enjoy the pizza-making process without the hassle.
- Portability: Many models are compact and portable, which means you can easily move your outdoor pellet pizza oven to different locations, whether it be your backyard, a camping trip, or a tailgate party. This flexibility allows you to enjoy delicious pizzas in various settings, enhancing your outdoor dining experience.
Which Brands Are Leading in Outdoor Pellet Pizza Ovens?
Several brands are recognized for producing the best outdoor pellet pizza ovens:
- Traeger: Known for its innovative wood pellet technology, Traeger offers outdoor pellet pizza ovens that deliver consistent heat and smoky flavor. Their models often include features like digital controllers, allowing for precise temperature management, which is crucial for achieving the perfect crust.
Camp Chef is celebrated for its versatile outdoor cooking equipment, including pellet pizza ovens that combine ease of use with professional-grade results. Their ovens typically feature a built-in thermometer and a specially designed pizza stone, ensuring even cooking and a crispy base. - Pit Boss: Pit Boss provides a range of outdoor pellet pizza ovens that are both affordable and effective, making them popular among home cooks. These ovens are designed with ample cooking space and a user-friendly interface, making it easy to create delicious pizzas with minimal effort.
- Ooni: Ooni specializes in portable outdoor pizza ovens, and their pellet models are particularly praised for their quick heat-up times and ability to reach high temperatures. They emphasize a lightweight design without compromising on cooking performance, making them ideal for outdoor gatherings.
- Green Mountain Grills: This brand is renowned for its quality pellet grills, and their pizza ovens are no exception, offering a unique combination of versatility and excellent heat retention. Their models often feature multi-functional capabilities, which allow you to bake, smoke, or grill, providing an all-in-one outdoor cooking experience.
What Models Are Most Popular Among Users?
The most popular models of outdoor pellet pizza ovens are:
- Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pizza Oven: This model is known for its traditional design and excellent heat retention, allowing users to achieve authentic pizza results. It features an adjustable flame and a pizza stone for even cooking, making it easy to replicate restaurant-quality pizzas in your backyard.
- Ooni Karu 16: The Ooni Karu 16 is versatile, functioning with wood, charcoal, or pellets, giving users flexibility in fuel choice. It heats up quickly, reaching temperatures of up to 950°F, which is ideal for achieving a perfect crust in just a couple of minutes.
- Traeger Pellet Grills Ranger: This compact oven is perfect for those with limited space but still want the outdoor cooking experience. It includes a digital controller for precise temperature management and a sturdy design, making it a reliable choice for pizza lovers on the go.
- Green Mountain Grills Pizzaiolo: This oven stands out for its ability to reach high temperatures quickly and maintain consistent heat. Its design includes a ceramic stone that ensures even cooking, while the integrated thermometer helps users monitor their pizza’s cooking progress easily.
- Blackstone Outdoor Pizza Oven: The Blackstone model is praised for its large cooking surface and even heat distribution, allowing for multiple pizzas to be cooked at once. It’s equipped with a powerful burner system, ensuring that the oven reaches the desired temperature rapidly, which is essential for quick and effective cooking.
How Do Different Brands Differ in Performance?
The performance of outdoor pellet pizza ovens can vary significantly between brands due to factors like design, materials, and technology used.
- Brand A: Known for its exceptional heat retention and even cooking, Brand A utilizes high-quality insulation and a unique pellet feed system that ensures consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
- Brand B: This brand focuses on portability and ease of use, featuring a lightweight design and a quick-start ignition system, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings and camping.
- Brand C: Offers advanced digital controls that allow users to set precise temperatures and cooking times, resulting in professional-level pizzas with minimal effort.
- Brand D: Emphasizes versatility, allowing users to not only cook pizza but also smoke, grill, and bake, making it a multi-functional outdoor cooking solution.
- Brand E: Highly praised for its affordability without sacrificing performance, Brand E provides a solid cooking experience while being budget-friendly, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Brand A is often favored by serious pizza enthusiasts who value high performance and durability. Its robust construction and efficient pellet management make it suitable for both casual users and culinary professionals who demand consistency.
Brand B appeals to those who prioritize convenience and portability. With a design that is easy to transport and set up, it caters to families and friends who enjoy outdoor cooking in various locations without the hassle of complicated setups.
Brand C stands out with its digital technology, allowing for precise cooking control. This feature enables users to achieve perfect results every time, making it a popular choice for tech-savvy cooks who appreciate automation in their cooking processes.
Brand D’s versatility attracts a diverse range of outdoor cooking enthusiasts who wish to explore different culinary techniques. This adaptability can be particularly appealing for those who want to experiment beyond traditional pizza making.
Brand E’s combination of quality and affordability makes it a strong contender for first-time buyers and those on a budget. It provides a satisfactory cooking experience while remaining financially accessible, which is a significant factor for many consumers.
What Is the Average Price Range for Outdoor Pellet Pizza Ovens?
An outdoor pellet pizza oven is a cooking appliance designed for making pizzas outdoors, utilizing wood pellets as fuel to generate high temperatures necessary for achieving a crispy crust and well-cooked toppings. These ovens combine the convenience of gas ovens with the flavor profile associated with traditional wood-fired cooking.
According to the American Outdoor Grill Association, outdoor pellet pizza ovens are gaining popularity due to their efficiency and ability to produce restaurant-quality pizzas at home. The average price range for these ovens typically falls between $300 and $1,500, depending on the brand, size, and features included.
Key aspects of outdoor pellet pizza ovens include their ability to reach high temperatures (often exceeding 700°F), which is crucial for mimicking the conditions of a traditional pizzeria oven. They often come with features such as adjustable temperature controls, built-in thermometers, and even digital displays for precise cooking. The use of wood pellets not only provides a distinct smoky flavor but also ensures a cleaner burn compared to traditional wood logs, making them more environmentally friendly.
This trend towards outdoor pellet pizza ovens is reflective of a broader movement towards outdoor cooking and entertaining. As more households invest in their backyards for social gatherings, these ovens serve as both a functional cooking device and a centerpiece for outdoor spaces. In 2021 alone, the outdoor cooking market was valued at approximately $4.2 billion, with projections indicating continued growth as more consumers seek versatile and high-quality cooking options.
The benefits of using an outdoor pellet pizza oven include the ability to cook pizzas at higher temperatures than conventional home ovens, which can lead to better texture and flavor. Additionally, many models are portable, allowing users to easily move them for events, camping trips, or other outdoor activities. They also require less maintenance than traditional wood-fired ovens, making them an appealing option for casual cooks.
Best practices for maximizing the use of an outdoor pellet pizza oven include preheating the oven thoroughly before cooking, using quality wood pellets to enhance flavor, and rotating pizzas during cooking to ensure even baking. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the oven will also prolong its lifespan and maintain optimal cooking performance.
What Techniques Should You Use for Maintaining Your Outdoor Pellet Pizza Oven?
To maintain your outdoor pellet pizza oven effectively, consider the following techniques:
- Routine Cleaning: Regularly clean the interior and exterior of your pizza oven to prevent buildup of grease and food particles.
- Temperature Control: Monitor and control the temperature settings to ensure optimal cooking conditions and prevent damage to the oven components.
- Pellet Quality: Use high-quality pellets to enhance performance and flavor, as poor-quality pellets can lead to excessive ash and inconsistent heat.
- Weather Protection: Protect your oven from harsh weather conditions with a suitable cover to prevent rust and deterioration.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect the oven for any signs of wear or damage, including the burner, ignition system, and insulation.
Routine Cleaning: Keeping your pizza oven clean is essential for maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan. After each use, allow the oven to cool down and then remove any leftover food debris and ash to prevent flare-ups and ensure even heat distribution during future cooking sessions.
Temperature Control: Proper temperature management is crucial for achieving the perfect pizza crust. By using a built-in thermometer or an external one, you can ensure that the oven reaches the desired cooking temperature, preventing overheating that could damage internal components or undercooking your pizzas.
Pellet Quality: The type of pellets you use can significantly impact the flavor and efficiency of your cooking. Opt for premium hardwood pellets, as they burn more evenly and produce less ash, which helps in maintaining a clean and effective burn, leading to better-tasting pizzas.
Weather Protection: To safeguard your pizza oven from the elements, invest in a durable cover that fits snugly over the unit. This protection helps prevent rust and corrosion caused by rain or snow and minimizes exposure to UV rays that can fade and damage the exterior finish.
Regular Inspections: Conducting routine inspections of your pellet pizza oven can help identify potential issues before they become significant problems. Check components like the igniter and fan for functionality, and ensure that all seals and gaskets are intact to maintain efficiency and safety during operation.
How Can You Maximize Efficiency When Using an Outdoor Pellet Pizza Oven?
To maximize efficiency when using the best outdoor pellet pizza oven, consider the following tips:
- Preheat Properly: Always ensure your pellet pizza oven is preheated to the desired temperature before cooking. This not only helps achieve a crispy crust but also reduces cooking time, allowing for a more efficient cooking process.
- Use Quality Pellets: Opt for high-quality pellets that burn efficiently and produce consistent heat. Poor-quality pellets can lead to uneven cooking and require more frequent refueling, thus reducing overall efficiency.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean the oven and its components to prevent grease buildup and ensure optimal airflow. A clean oven heats up faster and maintains a more consistent temperature during cooking.
- Maximize Space: Arrange multiple pizzas or items strategically to utilize the cooking surface effectively. This allows you to cook several pizzas at once, saving time and fuel while serving more people.
- Monitor Temperature: Use an infrared thermometer to keep track of the oven’s temperature. This helps you make quick adjustments, ensuring that the oven stays at the optimum temperature for perfect pizzas.
- Use the Right Tools: Equip yourself with the appropriate pizza tools such as a pizza peel and a pizza cutter, which can help streamline the cooking and serving process, minimizing time spent handling the pizzas.
- Experiment with Cooking Times: Different types of pizzas and toppings may require varying cooking times; experiment to find the best settings for efficiency. Knowing these details allows you to optimize your cooking schedule for multiple pizzas.