Pizza ovens have become increasingly popular for home use in recent years. A quality pizza oven allows you to make authentic wood-fired pizza with crispy crust and melted cheese right in your own backyard. With so many pizza oven options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which one is the best for your needs and budget. This comprehensive buyers guide reviews the top-rated pizza ovens to buy in 2023.
What to Look for in a Pizza Oven
When shopping for a pizza oven, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Fuel Type – Pizza ovens are typically powered by wood, gas, or electricity. Wood-fired ovens provide the most authentic flavor but require more effort. Gas ovens heat up quickly and are easier to use, while electric ovens are the most convenient but don’t get as hot.
- Temperature – The best pizza ovens can reach temperatures of 700°F or higher, which is ideal for getting that crispy, charred crust. Look for ovens that can reach at least 600°F.
- Size – How much space do you have for an oven? Smaller portable pizza ovens are better for limited space, while larger ovens allow you to cook more pizzas at once.
- Ease of Use – Consider factors like heat-up time, number of vents and dials, ease of temperature control, and simplicity of operation.
- Durability – Choose an oven made from quality materials like stainless steel that will hold up over time and frequent use.
- Extra Features – Some ovens include built-in thermometers, multiple cooking zones, storage space, and other convenient extras.
- Budget – Pizza ovens range greatly in price from $100 to $2,000+. Determine how much you want to spend before you start shopping.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to select the ideal pizza oven for your needs, space, and budget.
Top Gas Pizza Ovens
Gas fueled pizza ovens provide the convenience of quick heating times and easy temperature control. Here are the best gas pizza ovens to buy in 2023:
1. Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pizza Oven
- Price: $$$$
- Key Features: Dual fuel (propane and wood), reaches 700°F, built-in thermometer
The Camp Chef Italia is one of the most popular gas pizza ovens on the market, and for good reason. It can run entirely on propane or be used wood-fired once heated up. The internal temperatures get up to 700°F to cook authentic wood-fired pizza. This oven also comes with a built-in thermometer so you can easily monitor the temperature. The spacious interior can fit up to a 16” pizza. The Italia pizza oven is compact, easy to use, and lives up to the Camp Chef reputation for quality.
2. Ooni Koda Gas Powered Pizza Oven
- Price: $$
- Key Features: Portable and lightweight, 15-minute heat up time, reaches 950°F
Ooni is one of the leading brands when it comes to exceptional pizza ovens. The Ooni Koda runs on propane and can heat up to 950°F in just 15 minutes. The lightweight and portable design makes it easy to move and store when not in use. With the Koda, you can churn out a crisp Neapolitan-style pizza in about 60 seconds. It’s an excellent oven for the price.
3. Pizzacraft PizzaQue PC6500 Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Price: $$$
- Key Features: Large baking area, built-in thermometer, made from stainless steel
With a spacious 15.5” x 14.25” baking area, the Pizzacraft PizzaQue can handle several pizzas at once. It’s powered by a 20-lb propane tank and reaches temps up to 700°F for superbly crispy crust. The PizzaQue comes with a built-in thermometer for accurate temp readings and is constructed from durable stainless steel. This is a great oven for those who want to feed a crowd!
4. BakerStone Original Gas Pizza Oven Box
- Price: $$
- Key Features: Portable suitcase design, preheats in 10 minutes, quality pizza stone included
The unique suitcase design of the BakerStone Pizza Box makes it completely portable. This compact propane oven can preheat in just 10 minutes up to 700°F. It comes with an authentic pizza stone that replicates a brick oven cooking surface. For a portable gas pizza oven under $200, the BakerStone Pizza Box delivers excellent performance.
5. Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pizza Oven PRO
- Price: $$$$
- Key Features: Larger baking space, dual fuel, built-in thermometer, stainless steel construction
As an upgrade from the standard Italia model, the Camp Chef Italia PRO features a larger baking area that can accommodate pizzas up to 18”. It still provides the convenience of gas fueling but can also be used wood-fired. This professional-grade oven is made entirely from stainless steel and comes with a built-in thermometer. Expect fast heat-up times and crispy artisan pizza results!
Top Wood Pellet Pizza Ovens
Wood pellet pizza ovens combine the ease of gas ovens with the wood-fired flavors of traditional wood ovens. The following are top-rated options for 2023:
1. Zenvida Brisa Pellet Pizza Oven
- Price: $$$
- Key Features: Stainless steel body, precise digital temperature control, large interior
The Zenvida Brisa has an elegant stainless steel design and offers precise digital control over temperatures up to 800°F. It’s fueled by 100% natural hardwood pellets and provides exceptional pizza with a little crust char. The spacious interior can accommodate up to a 16” pizza. This is an exceptional wood pellet pizza oven.
2. Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pellet Pizza Oven
- Price: $$
- Key Features: Compact size, reaches 700°F, built-in thermometer, slide & lock hopper
Camp Chef’s Italia Pellet model provides the same high-performance as the propane version, but runs on food-grade wood pellets instead. It heats up quickly just like gas and cooks authentic pizza with some smoky flavor. The built-in thermometer and patented pellet purge system makes operation very easy.
3. Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill
- Price: $$
- Key Features: Portable tailgating size, precise temperature control, peaked lid for pizza
While primarily a pellet grill, the Davy Crockett from Green Mountain Grills can also bake excellent wood-fired pizza. The peaked lid design helps evenly distribute heat. With the ability to dial in temperatures ranging from 150°F to 550°F, this portable pellet oven excels at cooking pizza along with low and slow BBQ.
4. Zenvida Crux Wood Pellet Pizza Oven
- Price: $$$$
- Key Features: Elegant stainless steel body, double-walled insulation, 1,200°F maximum temperature
On the higher end of wood pellet pizza ovens, the Zenvida Crux features a gorgeous stainless steel housing and commercial grade features. The precision digital temperature control allows you to dial in the perfect temp up to 1,200°F. The Crux can cook a pizza in just 60 seconds!
5. Valoriani Piccolo Wood Pellet Pizza Oven
- Price: $
- Key Features: Budget-friendly price, portable tabletop design, quality stone cooking floor
For those looking for an inexpensive wood pellet pizza oven, the Valoriani Piccolo is a great option. At under $300, it can still reach temps over 700°F for crispy crust. The portable tabletop size and hopper make it easy to move and operate. Consider this oven if you want wood-fired pizza on a budget.
Top Electric Pizza Ovens
Electric pizza ovens require no venting and provide push-button convenience. Here are some of the best electric models for home pizza chefs:
1. Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo
- Price: $$
- Key Features: Innovative heating elements, preheat in under 2 minutes, makes 12” pizzas
This countertop electric oven from Breville is specially designed for pizza with innovative elements that recreate a wood-fired oven environment. It preheats incredibly fast and uses convection heat to bake crispy artisan pizzas up to 12” in diameter. The digital screen makes it easy to select different cook settings.
2. Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
- Price: $$$
- Key Features: Portable size, multi-fuel (wood, charcoal, gas), reaches 950°F
While Ooni specializes in gas-powered ovens, the Ooni Karu 12 is actually a multi-fuel oven that runs on wood, charcoal, or can be converted to use with gas. At just 32 lbs, it’s portable for life on the go. The Karu 12 uses wood and charcoal for flavor and easily reaches temps up to 950°F for perfect pizza crust with nice charring.
3. Presto 22-inch Electric Pizza Oven
- Price: $
- Key Features: Spacious 22” interior, built-in timer, heat-retaining cylindrical walls
For large family pizza night, the Presto 22” Electric Pizza Oven is a great affordable option. With cylindrical walls to retain and reflect heat, this oven bakes pizza evenly and prevents hot/cold spots. The interior fits extra large pizzas or multiple smaller ones. The included baking pan makes clean up a breeze too.
4. Gotham Steel Pizza Oven
- Price: $
- Key Features: 1500 watts of power, ready in 10 minutes, nonstick pizza pan included
This countertop pizza oven from Gotham Steel may be small in size, but it pumps out 1500 watts of power. In just 10 minutes, it’s ready to start cooking crispy, melty pizza. The nonstick baking pan provides even heat distribution and easy cleanup. For personal-sized pizza on the cheap, consider this Gotham Steel model.
5. NutriChef Electric Pizza Oven
- Price: $$
- Key Features: Triple cooking quartz elements, 12” max pizza size, stainless steel housing
NutriChef makes a fantastic electric oven perfect for pizza. It’s constructed with triple-layered cooking quartz heating for efficient heat distribution. The modern stainless steel design looks sleek in any kitchen. In just 15 minutes, you can be enjoying wood-fired style 12” pizzas from this quality oven.
Portable & Outdoor Pizza Ovens
Portable pizza ovens provide the flexibility to cook pizza anywhere from camping trips to backyard patios. Here are top-rated portable options for 2023:
1. Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven
- Price: $$
- Key Features: Heats up in 15 minutes, lightweight at 22 lbs, 950°F max temp
We’ve already covered the Ooni Koda for its speedy heat up time, powerful max temp, and ability to make Neapolitan pizza in 60 seconds. But its lightweight, portable design also makes it one of the best outdoor pizza ovens for life on the go. The Ooni Koda 12 is an awesome addition for camping trips, tailgates, and outdoor cooking.
2. Cuisinart Alfrescamobile Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Price: $$
- Key Features: Gas powered, built-in thermometer, brush to spread crust, onboard storage
The sleek suitcase-style design of the Alfrescamobile conceals an entire pizza oven with storage space. It includes a pizza stone, built-in thermometer, and integrated areas to store tools. Running on a 20-lb propane tank, this oven reaches 700°F in just 15 minutes for crispy artisan pizza even when camping off-grid.
3. Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pizza Oven
- Price: $$$
- Key Features: Dual fuel capability, built-in ignition, sturdy stainless steel
We’ve already covered the exceptional performance of the Camp Chef Italia, but its portable design also makes it one of the best outdoor pizza ovens. At just 58 lbs, it’s easy to move outside and runs off a 20-lb propane tank. Enjoy access to 700°F+ temperatures for authentic pizza literally anywhere.
4. Betty Bossi Mobile Pizza Oven
- Price: $
- Key Features: Unique vertical design, wheels for mobility, wood pellet fueled
This creative pizza oven uses a vertical barrel-style design to optimize heat while remaining compact. The steel frame has built-in wheels so you can easily move it anywhere. Wood pellets allow you to bake pizza with smoky flavor that still gets crispy on the outside. Despite the low price, it performs very well!
5. ilFornino Basic Wood Fired Pizza Oven
- Price: $$
- Key Features: Portable tabletop design, preheats in 20 minutes, included pizza peel
For wood-fired pizza on the go, check out this tabletop model from ilFornino. At just 60 lbs including the base stand, it’s easy to set up anywhere you have space to build a small fire inside. Once heated up, you can cook authentic 12” pizzas in 2-3 minutes with the bundled pizza peel. It’s an inexpensive wood-fired option to consider.
High-End Luxury Pizza Ovens
If you want a showstopper pizza oven as the ultimate backyard cooking centerpiece, these luxury models take pizza night to a whole new level:
1. ilFornino Professional Plus Wood Fired Oven
- Price: $$$$
- Key Features: Commercial grade quality, powder coated steel, included stainless kit
The ilFornino Professional Plus is commercial-level oven ideal for restaurants or devoted home pizza chefs. The thick clay bricks retain heat for consistent baking temperatures up to 1000°F. Every oven comes with a matching stainless steel kit including prep table, utensils, and more. Expect restaurant quality pizza you’d pay big bucks for!
2. Presto 03430 Pizzazz Pizza Oven
- Price: $$$
- Key Features: Custom ceramic bricks, digital cooking menus, dual heating zones
For the ultimate outdoor cooking centerpiece, the Presto Pizzazz has it all. The black powder-coated steel exterior houses custom-made ceramic baking bricks designed for optimal heat retention and distribution. Users can select different digital cooking modes for convenience. Expect incredible brick oven pizza results!
3. FibraMent Wood Fired Pizza Oven
- Price: $$$$
- Key Features: Hand-made clay dome, custom brick floor, included essential accessories
Constructed start to finish by hand, the FibraMent wood fired pizza oven oozes old Italian charm. Every oven takes up to three months to create. The clay dome provides efficient heat circulation while the interior floor bricks absorb, retain, and radiate heat. You even get a package of accessories like a pizza peel and thermal gloves.
4. ilFornino Premium Wood Fired Pizza Oven
- Price: $$$
- Key Features: Commercial stainless steel kit included, easy assembly, high-temp powder coated exterior
This upgraded wood fired oven from ilFornino comes with their full commercial stainless steel accessory kit including prep tables, utensils, and more. The quality powder coated steel exterior and fire bricks inside provide exceptional heat retention for perfect crust every time. For the price, you simply won’t find a better wood fired pizza oven package.
5. Alfresco Prestige PRO PID Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Price: $$$$
- Key Features: Commercial double insulation, built-in PID temp control, high-quality refractory bricks
On the luxury end of outdoor pizza ovens, the Alfresco Prestige PRO PID features commercial-grade construction with serious insulation to maintain high temperatures. The integrated digital control panel lets you set exact temperatures for perfect pizza every time. Durable stainless steel and quality refractory bricks combine for unbeatable performance.
Best Pizza Oven Brands
When shopping for pizza ovens, certain brands stand out for their quality, performance, and reliability. Here are some of the top pizza oven manufacturers to know:
- Ooni – Specialized in gas and multi-fuel ovens that reach extremely high temps for Neapolitan pizza
- Camp Chef – Offers a great selection of affordable gas, pellet, and multi-fuel pizza ovens
- Breville – Known for countertop electric ovens with innovative heating designs
- Pizzacraft – Makes a wide variety of indoor and outdoor pizza ovens fueled by gas, wood, or electricity
- Presto – Leading brand for countertop electric pizza ovens as well as high-end outdoor models
- FibraMent – Handcrafts luxurious wood-fired clay pizza ovens for discerning buyers
- ilFornino – Company specializing in authentic wood-fired pizza ovens and accessories
- Alfresco – Major player in luxury outdoor pizza ovens for residential and commercial use
Focus your search on pizza ovens from these top brands, and you really can’t go wrong. They consistently deliver high-performance pizza ovens known for quality construction.
Gas vs Wood vs Electric Pizza Ovens
The three main pizza oven fuel types all come with their own pros and cons:
Gas ovens provide the ultimate in convenience. They heat up the fastest, from 10-15 minutes on average. Temperature control is typically very easy via a simple dial or digital panel. Gas ovens like propane are less portable however since they require a fuel tank.
Wood fired ovens offer the most authentic pizza taste since the wood smoke imparts delicious flavor. However, they take longer to preheat, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. You also have to stock up on plenty of wood fuel.
Electric pizza ovens deliver push-button convenience and rapid preheating. However, they don’t get as hot as gas and wood ovens, typically maxing out around 500-700°F. This limits their ability to create Neapolitan-style pizza with charred crust. Electric ovens are also less portable since they must be plugged into an outlet.
When choosing pizza oven fuel type, consider factors like convenience, portability needs, desired pizza style, heat output, and your budget.
For most home chefs, gas strikes the ideal balance of convenience and authentic pizza results. Wood fired ovens require more effort but provide classic flavor. Electric works well for indoor countertop ovens where portability is not a concern.
Features to Look for
- Temperature range – The best pizza ovens can hit at least 600°F, ideally 700°F+ for Neapolitan pizza
- Built-in thermometer – Takes the guesswork out and helps dial in optimal temps
- Multiple fuel capability – Choose from gas, wood, charcoal, or electric as desired
- Portability – Compact size and wheels provide mobility for outdoor use
- Rapid preheat – Reaches cooking temp fast, between 10-20 minutes typically
- Durable housing – Withstands high heat, often stainless steel or powder coated steel
- Spacious interior – Allows you to cook multiple pizzas at once
- Easy cleanup – Removable parts, interior coating protection, and accessories like baking pans
- Warranty – At least a 1 year warranty protects against defects
Focus on ovens that possess these helpful features to enjoy the ultimate convenience and results.
Accessories to Enhance Your Pizza Oven
The right accessories help you get the most out of your pizza oven:
- Infrared thermometer – Monitor exact cooking surface temp from a distance
- Pizza peel – For safely placing and removing pizzas
- Cutting board – Serves as a prep station next to your oven
- Pizza cutter – Roller cutter for slicing pizza neatly
- Insulated gloves – Protect hands from heat when managing oven
- Metal brush – For cleaning oven floor and removing food debris
- Spray bottle – Misting dough helps create a crispier crust
- Stainless kit – Prep table, utensils, warmer & more for full outdoor kitchen
- Wood fuel – High heat pellets or cords for fueling wood ovens
- Cover – Protect your oven from elements when not in use
Outfit your pizza oven with accessories that make the experience more convenient and the results even better.
The Verdict: Our Choice for the Best Pizza Oven
Choosing the right pizza oven ultimately depends on your needs, budget, and desired features. However, based on performance, versatility, and overall value, we recommend the Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pizza Oven.
Here’s a recap why it stands out as the best pizza oven for most people:
- Dual fuel system – Can use propane for convenience or run wood-fired
- Built-in thermometer – Takes the guesswork out of temperature control
- Heats quickly – Reaches 700°F+ in around 15-20 minutes
- Spacious interior – Cooks up to a 16” pizza with room to spare
- Portability – Weighs under 60 lbs for easy transport
- Trusted brand – Camp Chef makes quality grills and ovens
The Italia gives you the flexibility to cook conveniently with gas or use wood for flavor. It delivers authentic brick oven-style pizza results anywhere with fast heat up times.
While not the cheapest option, Camp Chef ovens provide serious value. For most home pizza chefs, the Italia Artisan model hits the sweet spot of performance, versatility, and price.
The Takeaway
Cooking pizza at home lets you enjoy delicious wood-fired or Neapolitan-style pizza anytime. With so many great pizza ovens to choose from, focus on your fuel type preference, budget, and desired features. Top brands like Ooni, Camp Chef, and Pizzacraft offer quality performance across different price points.
Remember key factors like temperature range, ease of use, and portability based on your needs. And don’t forget accessories like an infrared thermometer, pizza peel, and insulated gloves to complete your pizza setup.
With this detailed buyer’s guide highlighting the top-rated pizza ovens to buy in 2023, you have all the information to pick the perfect pizza oven for your home cooking needs. The options have never been better for making incredible brick oven-quality pizza from the comfort of your own backyard. Get ready to enjoy the authentic pizza restaurant experience at home any night of the week!
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