Outdoor kitchens are a growing trend, and as more and more outdoor kitchens pop up, more and more people are finding an interest in outdoor pizza ovens. These ovens are fast and make pizza cooking incredibly easy.
Outdoor pizza ovens can also be attractive pieces that make a spectacular addition to any outdoor kitchen. For pizza lovers especially, there’s no better-specialized appliance to invest in than a quality outdoor pizza oven!
What Makes the Best Outdoor Pizza Oven?
With choosing the best outdoor pizza oven, like with choosing any appliance, some of what makes a pizza oven the “best” is subjective. Some people may prefer one pizza oven over another. But no matter what, there are still some important factors to take into consideration.
Permanence/Portability
There’s a fair amount of variability when it comes to the portability of the outdoor pizza ovens currently on the market. Some are large, solid models that, once set up, stay permanently in one location, while others are smaller models that can even be taken on camping trips.
If you have a large enough space for a more permanent outdoor pizza oven, take measurements first and do your research to make sure you’re getting what you want. These solid ovens are for cooks who are looking for a statement piece that will last for years to come.
For cooks with minimal outdoor kitchen space or who prefer a more subtle, compact pizza oven solution, a more portable outdoor pizza oven model is best. Some pizza ovens can be easily put to the side, and others are built specifically as grill add-ons or for camping trips.
There are plenty of options.
Types of Foods the Pizza Oven Can Cook
Generally speaking, outdoor pizza ovens work best for cooking pizzas (of course). But some ovens can also cook other kinds of food as well. But keep in mind, this isn’t true of all models! Make sure to carefully read reviews and the manual so that you understand the oven’s uses.
Heat Settings
Different outdoor pizza ovens come with different heat settings. Some ovens are able to heat to higher temperatures than others. Usually, pizza ovens are able to reach temperatures of between 600 and 900 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooking Speed
The cooking speed is definitely something to consider, depending on how you plan to use the pizza oven. The speed depends almost entirely on the heat settings available, so it’s good to first take a look at how high the temperature settings reach on a particular oven.
As a general rule, pizza ovens that reach 900 degrees will cook a pizza in about 2 minutes, while those reaching 600 degrees can cook the pizza in about 6-7 minutes. There’s some variability on this, but this is the rule of thumb among outdoor pizza oven cook times.
Top 8 Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens 2022
1. Camp Chef Italia Artisan – Best Overall
The Camp Chef Italia pizza oven is a multifunctional, high functioning, stylish machine that’s perfect for pizza connoisseurs and simple pizza lovers alike. Although this compact outdoor pizza oven is a bit more pricey than other similar models, it’s worth the investment.
This portable outdoor pizza oven is made of stainless steel construction, which makes it lightweight. It’s a bit larger than other portable models, and its space saving, intelligent design makes it possible to cook two 10 inch or 12 inch pizzas at the same time!
A ventilation hole and domed cover ensure evenly cooked pizza toppings that are crisp and bursting with flavor. The superb heat distribution makes this compact size pizza oven by far one of the absolute best outdoor pizza ovens on the market for 2022.
Besides being an excellent all-around oven with a super sleek stainless steel appearance that will look glorious in your outdoor kitchen, the Camp Chef Italia is also super easy to clean. And, it can be used for multiple purposes, including baking breads and roasting meats!
Pros
- Stainless steel exterior
- Easy to clean
- Rectangular
- Larger size; can handle 2 10”-12” pizzas at the same time
- Ventilation hole
- Built-in valve-ignition/micro adjust valve allows full control over the flames while cooking
- Multifunctional
- 17,000 BTU
- Reaches 800 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cooks pizzas in 5 minutes
Cons
- More expensive than other models
- Some customers reported trouble with overcooking the pizza crust and undercooking the toppings
2. OPizzacraft Pizzeria Pronto – Best Value
This Pizzacraft outdoor pizza oven is compact, elegant, and one of the best equipped options on this list. A sleek black finish with all the basic necessities included (and then some) makes the Pizzeria Pronto one of the absolute best outdoor pizza ovens of 2022.
The Pizzacraft Pizzeria Pronto preheats in only 10 minutes, and because it heats to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s able to cook a pizza in only 5 minutes. Best of all, it’s ready to cook another pizza right away!
This outdoor pizza oven from Pizzacraft also comes with some nifty extras. Some of the items included are an eBook with over 100 pizza recipes, a stone brush, and a pizza peeler. The pizza peeler is rarely included with outdoor pizza ovens, so this is notable.
This outdoor pizza oven can cook pizzas up to 12” in diameter since the stone plate is approximately 14” in diameter. The unit runs only off of gas, so make sure you have a gas source available to get cooking!
Pros
- Includes extensive recipe eBook
- Pizza peeler and stone brush included
- Can cook 12” pizzas
- Gas operated
- Cooks a pizza in only 5 minutes
- 10 minutes preheat time
- Sleek exterior
- Extremely compact and portable
Cons
- Not good for large size pizzas
- More on the expensive side
3. Cuisinart CPO-600 Alfrescamore– Best for Budget
Cuisinart is a reliable brand name among indoor kitchen appliance pieces, and with its CPO-600 Alfrescamore outdoor pizza oven, it demonstrates that it stands up well in the outdoor kitchen appliance arena as well.
This portable outdoor pizza oven is made even more transportable with the inclusion of carrying handles and an ergonomic design. It weighs less than 40 pounds and has 15,000 BTU, allowing it to heat up to about 650 degrees Fahrenheit and to cook a pizza in 5 minutes.
One of the coolest and most stand-out features of the Cuisinart CPO-600 is the warming tray that’s included in the unit. You can be cooking a 13 inch pizza while warming a previously cooked pizza at the same time! Never worry about pizzas getting cold again.
Everything you need to get started making pizzas is included with the appliance itself. From the pizza peel, cordierite stone, and warming tray, to the integrated smoker cup and the complete instruction booklet and pizza making guide, it’s all there packed with the CPO-600 oven.
Pros
- Heats to 650 degrees Fahrenheit
- Includes all necessary add ons to get started
- Cooks pizza in 5 minutes
- Can make a full size pizza
- Warming tray
- Reliable brand name
- 15,000 CPU
- Lightweight and compact
- Built in handles for portability
Cons
- Doesn’t get as hot as other outdoor pizza ovens
- Slower cook time
4. Mont Alpi 3 in 1– Best Multifunctional
This compact Mont Alpi pizza oven is a stainless steel beauty just waiting to be showcased in the outdoor kitchens of adoring owners. This multifunctional cooking appliance is a fantastic addition to any outdoor kitchen.
The 3 uses that this appliance offers are a pizza oven (of course), a grill, and a cast iron griddle. All the necessary add ons and trinkets are included to make sure that the user is fully prepared and ready to go as soon as the oven arrives.
One of the most unique things about this already unique pizza oven is that it can be cleaned in a dishwasher! For busy cooks, or cooks who simply don’t enjoy the clean-up process, this feature of the Mont Alpi Outdoor Pizza Oven Grill will come as a welcome relief.
The pizza oven functionality of the Mont Alpi oven reaches up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a little bit lower than other models, but still plenty high enough to get the job done. Pizzas can be done in approximately 6-7 minutes!
Pros
- Includes pizza oven, cast iron griddle, and grill all in one appliance
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Stainless steel exterior
- Compact construction
- 12,000 BTU
- Heats quickly
- Good heat distribution
- Easy to hook up and get cooking
Cons
- Doesn’t reach as high of temperatures as other pizza ovens
- Must be careful not to burn hands; upper dome gets hot while cooking
5. Pizzacraft PizzaQue PC6500– Best for Toasty Toppings
Another super compact outdoor pizza oven, the PC6500 model from Pizzacraft is simple and highly effective at cooking all different kinds of pizzas. Besides being a smaller size, it’s also quite lightweight as well, making it easy to carry along on camping trips or outdoor adventures.
The clever design of the Pizzacraft PizzaQue PC6500 allows the toppings and crust to cook at the same pace to create a perfectly cooked pizza. Plus, an air ventilation hole on top of the domed lid allows air to escape during the cooking process, which makes for toasty toppings.
The PC6500 preheats to 700 degrees Fahrenheit in approximately 15 minutes, and pizzas can be cooked and ready to eat in only 6 minutes. The dome design of the lid makes it so the heat generated in the oven reflects down onto the top of the pizza, improving the overall results.
This outdoor pizza oven is quite easy to use besides being a product of exceptional quality. It comes already with a gas hose that hooks up to a regular 20lb propane tank, and with the easy to follow instructions, you can fire it up, preheat, and make a pizza right away!
Pros
- Heats up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit
- Lightweight steel construction
- Air ventilation hole diminishes sogginess (increases toastiness)
- Cooks pizza in 6 minutes or less
- 15 minutes preheat time
- Excellent heat distribution
- Built in thermometer included
- Intuitive domed lid design
Cons
- Smaller size; won’t be able to make large size pizzas
6. Ooni 3 Portable Wood Pellet– Fastest Oven
The Ooni 3 outdoor pizza oven stands out among the rest of the ovens on this list. This pizza oven works by using wood pellets rather than gas! For cooks who like a rich, smoky flavor undertone to their pizzas and a unique way of cooking the pizzas, this is ideal.
If you’re new to wood pellet cooking, be aware that there’s some learning involved before you can get started cooking. The Ooni 3 uses a live flame to cook pizza, so it will require more careful management. But it also preheats to 932 degrees Fahrenheit in only 10 minutes!
Aside from the wood pellets, almost everything you’ll need to start is already included with the Ooni 3: wood fired oven, wood pellet burner, cordierite stone baking sheet, stainless steel pizza peel, and of course, an easy to follow instruction/safety booklet (recommended reading).
The Ooni 3 outdoor pizza oven can easily handle pizzas of a size up to 13 inches in diameter. And, besides being able to cook only pizzas, this oven can also make meat, seafood, vegetables, and regular bread products. The possibilities are endless!
Pros
- Heats to 932 degrees Fahrenheit
- 10 minutes preheat time
- Can make large pizzas (up to 13”)
- More environmentally friendly (uses wood pellets instead of fossil fuels)
- Multifunctional
- Stable design
- Lightweight construction
- Cooks pizzas in only 60 seconds
Cons
- Not as easy to move as other portable pizza oven models
- More expensive
- Requires some learning
7. ilFornino Professional Series– Best for Maker
This outdoor pizza oven from ilFornino is indeed professional and extremely high quality. It is a permanent style oven, so it’s important that you make sure you have the space necessary to for the oven. If you’re looking for the absolute best and price isn’t a concern, this is a great choice.
Elegant and sleek, the ilFornino Professional Series Outdoor Pizza Oven cooks pizzas to perfection. The oven heats up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, the hottest on this list, and can cook a pizza in 2 minutes or less! The preheat time is only 22-30 minutes.
The heat retention abilities of this oven are superb. Because it’s a wood fired stove, this is important because it ensures that the least possible amount of wood is used during each cooking cycle. The wood fired aspect also makes this oven more environmentally friendly.
The size of this outdoor pizza oven allows for 3 full size pizzas or 6 smaller size pizzas with its 1007 square inches of space. Wheels on the bottom and a handy wood carrying rack make it possible to move the oven from place to place on your porch when necessary.
Pros
- Professional quality
- Heats to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cooks pizza in 2 minutes
- Large cook space (1007 square inches)
- Wheels for moving
- Double wall stainless steel dome with ceramic insulation (excellent heat retention)
- Environmentally friendly
- Multifunctional (use it for breads, bagels, cakes, roast meats, etc.)
- Can also be placed on a countertop
Cons
- Expensive
- Not portable; very heavy and large
8. Bakerstone Outdoor Pizza Oven Box– Best Add-On Oven
This clever outdoor pizza oven box from Bakerstone is a convenient accessory item that works with grill tops to function exactly the same as a regular pizza oven. Thus, it’s easy to store and easy to travel with. It’s best for people who plan to use their pizza oven only from time to time.
The Bakerstone Outdoor Pizza Oven Box sits easily on top of any 3 burner (or larger) gas grill and heats up to 600-800 degrees Fahrenheit through intelligent engineering and design. It takes about 20 minutes to preheat, and only 4-5 minutes to cook the pizza after preheating.
With this Bakerstone oven, you can even roast meats and fish, cook vegetables, and even bake breads and cookies! Such a versatile, compact, affordable, and stylish appliance deserves a place in any outdoor kitchen or grilling space.
There are pizza stones places on all sides of the inside area of the pizza oven box. This makes it so the pizza is sure to get evenly cooked on all sides with a perfectly finished crust and a well-done, toasty topping.
Pros
- Slim and compact
- Works with all 3 burner (or larger) gas grills
- Multifunctional
- Excellent heat distribution
- Heats to 600-800 degrees
- 20 minutes preheat time
- 4-5 minutes to cook a pizza
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as easy to clean as some other models
- Not a standalone pizza oven; you must have a grill to make this unit work
Frequently Asked Question’s About Outdoor Pizza Oven
If you’re new to using an outdoor pizza oven, chances are you probably have a lot of questions about how they work! Here are a few answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions that newbie outdoor pizza oven users ask.
Q: Will the weather conditions affect the way that my pizza cooks?
Yes, the outside weather will affect cooking times and the final pizza results. For example, if it’s a cooler day, opening the pizza oven to turn the pizza will release cool air into the oven, thus increasing cooking times.
Outside temperature alterations or humidity conditions play a role in the texture of the pizza (and sometimes even the flavor). If you live somewhere with constantly changing weather, it’s best to start experimenting right away and writing down the results for future reference.
Q: Do pizza ovens need to be preheated?
Yes, definitely! Preheating an outdoor pizza oven is one of the absolute most important things to do before putting in the pizza to be cooked. Just like with a regular oven, you must preheat an outdoor pizza oven.
You will need to allow the oven to preheat for at least 15 minutes in order to make sure that it’s getting nice and toasty. This is a longer wait time than with a regular oven, but outdoor pizza ovens also get a lot hotter, which accounts for the extra preheat time.
Q: What kinds of pizza can I cook in my new outdoor pizza oven?
Any kind! If it’s a pizza, you can cook it in your pizza oven. Of course, the number of toppings, amount of sauce, and the thickness of the crust are all variables that can affect the cooking times, but when it comes right down to it, you can cook any kind of pizza.
Some people believe that thin crust pizzas with fewer toppings are the easiest to make in an outdoor pizza oven. Pizzas with thicker crusts and more “wet” toppings and sauce may take a bit more effort and finessing, but don’t let that deter you, because it can definitely be done.
Conclusion
Outdoor pizza ovens are pretty cool appliances, and for anyone who loves a perfectly cooked pizza, they’re well worth the investment. Though they require a bit of learning to use properly, your pizzas will taste absolutely amazing!
An outdoor pizza oven (and the yummy pizzas that emerge) will surely impress your guests time and time again. Don’t be afraid to look up recipes and experiment to find your favorite recipes. There are lots of pizzas just waiting to be made!