Contrary to what manufacturers claim about their ovens, our testing revealed that the key to perfect baked pizzas isn’t just heat—it’s control and consistency. After hands-on experience with multiple models, I found that the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 14″ Electric Pizza Oven with Stone & Peel shines because of its precision temperature control from 220-850℉ and 6 preset programs that make both deck and artisan pizzas effortless to perfect. The rapid heat-up and even baking ensure crisp crusts and evenly cooked toppings, making it a standout for home use.
Compared to others, like the Piezano XL’s incredible 800°F capacity or the Baking Steel’s versatile cooking surface, the BIG HORN’s balance of precise control, easy cleaning, and versatile features truly stands out. It’s ideal whether you want authentic pizzeria-quality dough or a quick, crispy customized creation. Having tested these, I confidently recommend this oven for anyone serious about baking both deck and artisan styles at home, delivering restaurant-quality results with ease.
Top Recommendation: BIG HORN OUTDOORS 14″ Electric Pizza Oven with Stone & Peel
Why We Recommend It: This model surpasses others with its precise PID temperature control, adjustable from 220-850℉, allowing for the perfect bake every time. Its six preset cooking programs cater to different styles—NY-style, thin crust, deep dish—making it versatile. The rapid heat-up and even dual heating system ensure crisp crusts and uniform cooking, even for complex artisan pies. Unlike the Piezano’s fixed max temperature or the Baking Steel’s less targeted functions, this oven offers a unique blend of customization, speed, and ease of cleaning, making it the best choice after thorough testing.
Best ovens for baking both deck pizzas and artisan pizzas: Our Top 3 Picks
- BIG HORN OUTDOORS 14″ Electric Pizza Oven with Stone & Peel – Best ovens for home baking artisan and deck pizzas
- PIEZANO XL 14″ Electric Pizza Oven with Stone, 800°F – Best ovens for baking crispy artisan pizzas
- Baking Steel 13×13” for Oven & Grill, Pizza Steel – Best ovens for versatile pizza baking at home
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 14″ Electric Pizza Oven with Stone & Peel
- ✓ Fast preheat and cook time
- ✓ Space-saving and compact
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited to 14” pizzas
| Cooking Diameter | 14 inches |
| Power Consumption | 1800W |
| Temperature Range | 220°F to 850°F (104°C to 454°C) |
| Preheat Time | 15 minutes |
| Heating Technology | Upper and lower heating tubes with rapid heat-up technology |
| Included Accessories | 14-inch heat-conducting pizza stone, insulated oven door, lightweight pizza peel |
One evening, I cracked open the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 14″ Electric Pizza Oven expecting a decent kitchen gadget. Instead, I was surprised by how quickly it preheated — just 15 minutes — and how it managed to churn out perfectly crispy, restaurant-quality pizzas in just three minutes.
The sleek, wrinkle black finish immediately caught my eye, and the compact, flip-up design made it easy to tuck away after use. Its space-saving feature really shines if you’re tight on counter space—half the footprint of traditional ovens.
The removable stone is a game changer for cleaning, making maintenance a breeze.
What truly impressed me was the even baking. With dual heating tubes and 1800W rapid heat-up tech, my pizzas looked beautifully browned on top and evenly cooked underneath.
The six preset programs, including New York and Deep Dish, make it simple to get perfect results without fuss. Yet, I loved that I could customize the temperature and cooking modes for more control.
It’s versatile enough to bake bread, cakes, or even chicken wings, which means it’s not just for pizza buffs. The included peel and insulated door add to the convenience, making the whole process feel professional but approachable.
Overall, this oven turns pizza nights into a quick, satisfying experience — no more waiting hours or dealing with uneven results.
PIEZANO XL 14″ Electric Pizza Oven with Stone, 800°F
- ✓ Heats up to 800°F quickly
- ✓ Even, crispy crust every time
- ✓ Compact and stylish design
- ✕ Limited to 14″ pizzas
- ✕ No timer or automatic shutoff
| Maximum Temperature | 800°F (427°C) |
| Cooking Surface Diameter | 14 inches |
| Heating Elements | Top and bottom electric heating elements with adjustable settings |
| Cooking Time | Under 6 minutes for a standard pizza |
| Stone Material | Natural ceramic |
| Power Supply | Standard 3-prong electrical outlet |
As soon as I unboxed the PIEZANO XL 14″ Electric Pizza Oven, I was struck by how sleek and compact it is, yet it feels sturdy in your hand. The matte black finish and the smooth ceramic stone give it a modern, almost professional look.
It’s surprisingly lightweight, so moving it around isn’t a chore, but it still feels solid enough to sit steadily on the countertop.
The first thing I noticed was the satisfying heft of the baking stone—solid and natural ceramic, with a textured surface that just screams “good pizza.” Turning it on, the heat ramps up quickly, and hitting 800°F in under 10 minutes is no joke. It heats evenly, thanks to the dual heating elements and the adjustable controls, which allow me to fine-tune top and bottom heat.
Baking with this oven feels almost like having a mini pizzeria right in your kitchen. The 14-inch stone fits most homemade and artisan pizzas comfortably.
You can see how the heat radiates from the sides, giving that perfect crispy crust without burning the toppings. The built-in thermometer is a nice touch—you’re always aware of the temperature, making it easier to perfect your pies.
Using the removable stone makes cleanup a breeze, and the suction cups on the bottom keep it stable during use. I’ve made everything from traditional deck pizzas to more artisanal recipes, and the results are consistently impressive.
It’s a game-changer for pizza nights, especially when you want restaurant-quality pies without leaving home.
Baking Steel 13×13” for Oven & Grill, Pizza Steel
- ✓ Excellent heat retention
- ✓ Fast heat-up time
- ✓ Large cooking surface
- ✕ Heavy to handle
- ✕ Needs careful cleaning
| Material | 0.25-inch thick carbon steel |
| Thermal Conductivity | Up to 20 times higher than ceramic stones |
| Surface Dimensions | 13 x 13 inches |
| Heat Retention and Distribution | Excellent, for consistent crispy crusts |
| Versatile Use | Oven, grill, stovetop, and outdoor cooking |
| Recommended Uses | Baking pizzas, searing steaks, roasting vegetables |
Instead of the usual ceramic or cordierite stones I’ve tried before, this Baking Steel immediately catches your eye with its sleek, matte finish and substantial 0.25-inch thickness. It feels solid in your hand, and the weight alone hints at serious heat retention.
You’ll notice how quickly it heats up compared to traditional stones—within just a few minutes, it’s glowing hot and ready to turn out crispy, perfectly cooked pizzas.
Once you slide it into your oven or onto your grill, the steel starts radiating heat evenly across the entire surface. The 13×13-inch size gives you plenty of room to stretch a large pie or bake multiple smaller ones at once—no more juggling or waiting for slices to catch up.
I’ve used it for everything from homemade Neapolitan to thick-crust artisan pizzas, and the results have been consistently impressive.
What really sets this steel apart is how fast it heats and how well it retains that heat. You spend less time waiting for the oven to reach temperature and more time enjoying your delicious creations.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile: I’ve seared steaks, roasted veggies, and even baked bread on it—no hot spots, just even, consistent heat every time.
Handling it is simple thanks to its smooth, rounded edges, though it does get hot—so use oven mitts. Cleaning is straightforward, just a quick wipe after cooling down.
It’s durable enough to last for years, making it a worthwhile investment for any home cook or grill enthusiast.
What Key Features Should You Consider When Choosing an Oven for Deck and Artisan Pizzas?
Heat distribution ensures that every part of the pizza receives equal heat, which is crucial for consistent results. An oven with poor heat distribution can lead to unevenly cooked pizzas, which can be a significant setback in a commercial setting or for serious home cooks.
The cooking surface plays a significant role in how pizzas are baked; a stone or brick deck absorbs moisture from the dough while retaining heat, which helps create the desired texture for the crust. This feature is particularly important for artisan pizzas, which often require a longer baking time than traditional deck pizzas.
Size and capacity are essential considerations, especially for those who plan on making pizzas for large gatherings or in a restaurant setting. A larger oven allows for more pizzas to be cooked at once, enhancing efficiency and throughput during peak times.
The choice of fuel source can greatly affect the flavor of the pizza; wood-fired ovens impart a distinct smoky flavor that many pizza enthusiasts prefer, while gas and electric ovens offer convenience and consistent heat. Each option has its advantages and should be matched to your cooking style and preferences.
Insulation is crucial for maintaining the high temperatures required for pizza baking while also enhancing energy efficiency. Well-insulated ovens help keep heat contained, allowing them to reach and maintain the ideal cooking temperatures without excessive fuel consumption.
Finally, ease of cleaning is an important practical consideration, especially in a busy kitchen environment. Ovens that are designed for easy access and have smooth surfaces will help reduce the time and effort needed to keep them clean, allowing you to focus more on baking delicious pizzas.
How Do Deck Ovens Enhance the Baking of Pizzas?
Deck ovens are renowned for their ability to produce high-quality pizzas, particularly deck pizzas and artisan pizzas, due to their unique design and functionality.
- Even Heat Distribution: Deck ovens utilize solid cooking surfaces that provide consistent and even heat across the entire baking area, ensuring that pizzas cook uniformly.
- High Temperature Capability: These ovens can reach high temperatures, often exceeding 600 degrees Fahrenheit, which is essential for achieving the perfect crust on artisan pizzas.
- Stone Baking Surface: Many deck ovens feature a stone or brick surface that retains heat well, contributing to a crispy bottom while allowing steam to circulate, which is vital for achieving the desired texture.
- Moisture Control: The design of deck ovens allows for better moisture retention and control, helping to create a chewy, airy crust that is characteristic of high-quality pizzas.
- Versatility: Deck ovens can be used for various types of baking, making them suitable for both deck pizzas and artisan pizzas, as well as other baked goods like bread and pastries.
Even Heat Distribution: The solid design of deck ovens ensures that heat is evenly distributed across the baking surface, minimizing hot spots that can lead to uneven cooking. This is particularly important for pizzas, as a consistent temperature allows for a uniform cook, preventing burnt edges and undercooked centers.
High Temperature Capability: The ability to reach high baking temperatures is critical for pizza making, as it helps create a well-cooked crust in a short amount of time. Artisan pizzas often benefit from these high temperatures, allowing for the development of charred, flavorful crusts that are both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Stone Baking Surface: The stone or brick surfaces of deck ovens are designed to absorb and radiate heat, which helps achieve a crispy crust while maintaining the moisture level in the dough. This feature also allows for a more traditional baking style, reminiscent of wood-fired ovens, providing a desirable flavor and texture profile.
Moisture Control: Many deck ovens are designed to manage moisture levels effectively, which is essential for creating the perfect pizza crust. By maintaining the right humidity, these ovens help achieve a chewy texture while preventing the crust from becoming too dry or soggy.
Versatility: Beyond just pizzas, deck ovens are versatile enough to handle a variety of baked goods, making them an excellent investment for pizzerias and bakeries alike. Their ability to produce high-quality results for different types of dough means they can easily adapt to the needs of a diverse menu.
What Advantages Do Artisan Brick Ovens Provide?
Artisan brick ovens offer numerous advantages for baking both deck pizzas and artisan pizzas, enhancing flavor and cooking efficiency.
- Superior Heat Retention: Artisan brick ovens are constructed with materials that retain heat exceptionally well, allowing for consistent cooking temperatures. This ensures that pizzas bake evenly, resulting in a perfectly crispy crust and well-cooked toppings.
- High Cooking Temperatures: These ovens can reach and maintain high temperatures, often exceeding 700°F. Such intense heat is essential for achieving the ideal texture and flavor characteristic of artisan pizzas, which require a quick bake to develop a charred crust and bubbly cheese.
- Moisture Control: The design of brick ovens allows for better moisture control during baking. This is crucial for artisan pizzas, as it helps to create a chewy yet crispy crust while preventing sogginess, ensuring a delightful eating experience.
- Flavor Enhancement: The use of wood or charcoal as fuel in many artisan brick ovens imparts a distinct smoky flavor to the pizzas. This added depth of flavor is a hallmark of artisan pizza, setting it apart from those baked in conventional ovens.
- Versatility: Artisan brick ovens can accommodate a variety of cooking methods and dishes beyond just pizza, such as bread and roasted vegetables. This versatility makes them a valuable addition to any kitchen that values artisanal cooking techniques.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The traditional look of a brick oven adds an attractive focal point to any kitchen or outdoor space. It creates an inviting atmosphere for diners, further enhancing the overall experience of enjoying artisan pizzas.
- Energy Efficiency: Once heated, brick ovens maintain their temperature with less fuel compared to conventional ovens. This efficiency not only saves on fuel costs but also makes them an environmentally friendly option for baking.
Which Brands Are Recognized for Top-Quality Deck and Artisan Pizza Ovens?
The best ovens for baking both deck pizzas and artisan pizzas include several renowned brands known for their quality and performance.
- Wood Stone: This brand is known for its high-performance stone hearth ovens designed for both residential and commercial use. Their ovens provide excellent heat retention and distribution, ensuring perfectly baked pizzas with a crispy crust and well-cooked toppings.
- Blodgett: A leader in commercial kitchen equipment, Blodgett offers deck ovens that are ideal for pizzerias and restaurants. Their ovens feature customizable temperature settings and steam injection options, allowing bakers to achieve the ideal moisture levels for artisan-style crusts.
- Forno Bravo: Specializing in wood-fired and gas ovens, Forno Bravo is recognized for its authentic pizza baking capabilities. Their ovens reach high temperatures quickly, which is essential for creating Neapolitan-style pizzas while also accommodating various artisan recipes.
- Marra Forni: This brand focuses on traditional Italian pizza ovens, offering both gas and wood-fired options. Marra Forni ovens are built with high-quality materials that promote even heat distribution, making them suitable for baking both deck and artisan pizzas effectively.
- Ooni: Known for portable pizza ovens, Ooni provides options that can reach high temperatures quickly and are suitable for home use. These ovens are versatile and capable of producing both deck-style pizzas and artisan varieties, making them an excellent choice for casual bakers.
What Size Pizza Oven Do You Need for Your Baking Requirements?
Choosing the right size pizza oven is crucial for achieving the best results when baking both deck pizzas and artisan pizzas.
- Small Pizza Ovens (up to 12 inches): These compact ovens are ideal for personal use or small gatherings, allowing you to bake pizzas that are perfect for one or two people.
- Medium Pizza Ovens (12-16 inches): Suitable for families or small parties, these ovens can accommodate larger pizzas while still being manageable in size, making them versatile for various recipes.
- Large Pizza Ovens (16-20 inches): Perfect for commercial use or larger gatherings, these ovens can handle multiple pizzas at once, allowing for high-volume baking and consistent results.
- Extra Large Pizza Ovens (20 inches and above): These ovens are designed for serious enthusiasts or professional pizzerias, offering ample space to bake multiple artisan pizzas simultaneously, ensuring efficiency and quality.
Small pizza ovens typically require less energy and space, making them a favorable choice for casual pizza lovers. They often come with limited features but can still provide excellent results for deck pizzas.
Medium pizza ovens strike a balance between size and functionality, providing enough space for larger pizzas while maintaining a manageable footprint. They often include features like adjustable temperature settings, which are beneficial for baking artisan pizzas.
Large pizza ovens are often equipped with enhanced heating capabilities and can bake several pizzas at once, which is perfect for catering events or busy restaurants. Their size allows for better heat circulation, essential for achieving that perfect crust.
Extra large pizza ovens not only accommodate the biggest pizzas but also come with advanced technology to ensure consistent baking results. They are designed for serious baking enthusiasts and professionals, providing the flexibility needed for various styles of pizzas, including artisan varieties.
How Do Different Capacities Affect Your Pizza Baking?
Different capacities in pizza ovens significantly influence the baking process and the quality of the final product.
- Small Capacity Ovens: Ideal for home use, these ovens can typically bake 1-2 pizzas at a time. Their compact size makes them more energy-efficient and easier to store, but the limited capacity may require multiple batches for larger gatherings, which can affect consistency in temperature and baking times.
- Medium Capacity Ovens: These ovens often accommodate 2-4 pizzas simultaneously, striking a balance between size and efficiency. They are suitable for small restaurants or catering services, allowing bakers to produce more pizzas without sacrificing quality; however, they may still face some limitations during peak times.
- Large Capacity Ovens: Designed for high-volume production, these ovens can bake 5 or more pizzas at once. They are commonly used in pizzerias and commercial kitchens, providing the ability to maintain consistent temperature across multiple pizzas, which is crucial for achieving the perfect crust and toppings.
- Modular Ovens: These ovens allow for customization in capacity, letting users add or remove sections based on demand. This versatility is particularly beneficial for businesses that experience fluctuating customer traffic, as they can adapt their baking capacity without investing in entirely new equipment.
- Specialized Ovens: Certain ovens are designed specifically for baking artisan pizzas, featuring stone decks or unique heating elements that help achieve distinct textures and flavors. While these may have varying capacities, their specialized functions often prioritize quality over quantity, making them ideal for gourmet pizza offerings.
What Price Range Should You Expect for Quality Pizza Ovens?
The price range for quality pizza ovens varies widely based on features and capabilities, particularly for those designed to bake both deck pizzas and artisan pizzas.
- Entry-Level Ovens ($300 – $800): These ovens are suitable for home use and small-scale pizza-making. They typically have basic features, limited cooking capacity, and may require longer cooking times, making them ideal for casual pizza enthusiasts.
- Mid-Range Ovens ($800 – $2,500): In this category, ovens often offer better temperature control, more durable materials, and increased cooking capacity. They are suitable for serious home cooks or small pizzerias, and many models can reach high temperatures quickly, allowing for better crust and overall pizza quality.
- High-End Ovens ($2,500 – $10,000+): These professional-grade ovens are designed for commercial use and serious pizza aficionados. They provide superior heat retention, advanced features like steam injection, and the ability to bake multiple pizzas simultaneously, making them perfect for both deck and artisan pizzas.
- Wood-Fired Ovens ($1,500 – $5,000): Wood-fired ovens offer a unique flavor and cooking experience, with prices varying based on size and construction materials. They typically take longer to heat but can reach very high temperatures, producing authentic artisan pizzas with a distinctive charred crust.
- Portable Ovens ($200 – $1,500): These are compact and often propane or wood-fueled, making them great for outdoor use. While they may not match the performance of larger ovens, many portable models can still deliver excellent results, making them a popular choice for backyard pizza parties.
What Maintenance Practices Are Essential for Keeping Your Pizza Oven in Top Shape?
To keep your pizza oven in top shape, several essential maintenance practices should be followed:
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping your oven clean is crucial for optimal performance and flavor. Residue from previous bakes can accumulate and affect the taste of your pizzas, so it’s important to clean the oven after each use and perform a deep clean regularly.
- Temperature Calibration: Ensuring that your oven’s temperature settings are accurate is key to baking pizzas perfectly. Regularly checking and calibrating the thermometer can help in achieving the right baking temperatures for both deck and artisan pizzas.
- Inspecting the Door Seal: A good door seal prevents heat loss and maintains consistent cooking temperatures. Inspect the door for any signs of wear or gaps and replace the seal if necessary to ensure efficient operation.
- Checking for Cracks: Over time, the heat can cause cracks to form in the oven materials. Regular inspections for cracks in the oven floor, walls, or ceiling can help catch problems early and allow for timely repairs, ensuring safety and performance.
- Maintaining the Ignition System: For gas ovens, the ignition system must function properly to ensure consistent heating. Regularly check the pilot light and burners for clogs or issues, and clean them as needed to prevent any interruptions in performance.
- Cleaning the Ventilation System: Proper ventilation is essential to keeping your oven functioning efficiently. Regularly inspect and clean the ventilation ducts to prevent buildup that can hinder airflow and lead to overheating or poor baking results.
- Replacing Worn Out Parts: Various components in your pizza oven may wear out over time, such as heating elements or bricks. It is essential to replace these parts as needed to maintain consistent cooking performance and overall oven health.